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[WP] For the past six months, people have been dying in their sleep the first night after the happiest moment in their lives.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"I have heard stories of people dying the night of their wedding. People being so happy at their marriage, then the next morning, they’re dead. Luckily, I’m not getting married, I’m going to be a religious sister, so this same fate shouldn’t befall me. \n\nAs I enter the convent, progress through my novitiate, I continue to pray for those who have befallen this unfortunate fate, as well as for my own well being. \n\n7 years later I’m taking my final vows, putting on the proper habit, and being accepted as a sister at last. Taking the new name of Sister Mary Rose, I enter into my new life happily. Living that day like any of the other sisters in the convent, I continue to pray for all those who die, and for my own protection. \n\nAs night falls I tuck myself in for bed, and next thing I know I wake up sitting before St. Peter letting me in through the pearly gates, and all I can think is: “OH COME ON! WAS I TOO HAPPY YESTERDAY?!?!” He chuckles a bit, before I pass through those gates, completely and utterly confused.",
"His name was Charles Gibson, but Abraham had been calling him Charlie. It was a cruel thing, to name a poor little defenseless baby Charles, but leave it to Janice to do so. Charles was an old man's name, it didn’t pair well with onesies and drool. Well, maybe the drool would come back around when the little one grew into his name. \n\nAbraham was an old man's name as well, they ran in the family. But at least as Abe rose from the sofa, the pain in his lower back reminded him that he had grown into it a long time ago. Charlie sat on the ottoman just in front of him, tucked comfortably into a portable car seat, Abe hadn’t yet had the chance to go out and get anything else. Everything had happened so fast. The baby was asleep now, thankfully, asleep and quiet. Abraham pushed the screen door open as quietly as he could, and slipped outside. He needed some fresh air to clear his head, and more than that he needed a smoke. He couldn’t even smoke in his own home anymore,as if everything else wasn’t enough, it was almost enough to make a man laugh. Abe had never shied away from a little gallows humor, though somehow for the past six month he had been avoiding those gallows. \n\n\nRaising the cigarette to his lips was almost as comforting as the actual drag to Abe. He could get lost in that motion, raising, lowering, raising, lowering. The world seemed a hell of a lot more simple in that stretch. \n\n“Janice is dead.” He said aloud, not for the first time. Saying it aloud hadn’t helped so far, and this time wasn’t any different. It was as if he had said” the sky is blue.” Just another fact of life. There was a feeling of detachment there, like he had one day just woken up to a sign saying \n*you’re sisters dead, Abe my boy, here’s a baby.*\n\n\nEveryone was dying, countless people found dead in their sleep for no reason at all. Or at least not a reason anyone could figure out. Children, the elderly, men, women, fat, slim, rich, poor. Everyone. But somehow not Abraham Taylor. Not miserable Abraham fucking Taylor. Not for the first time, he pictured his brains splattered on his bedroom wall. Something he would never see, whether or not he ever dug up the courage to stick a barrel in his mouth. This time he did laugh, it came out as more of a cough than anything. \n\nJanice was dead, her pissant husband was dead, and not a day after Charles’ birth.How could such a tragedy flow from such a moment of pure happiness? That was a pattern apparently,one of many, new parents newly dead. They still hadn’t figured out just what was killing people. Abe reckoned most of the world had stopped trying. \n\n\nLeaning over the railing of his front porch, Abe watched the sun set over the evergreens that surrounded his property. In the morning he would find a better place for the boy, finding better than him wouldn’t be very hard. Charlie deserved a better life than Abraham could give. A little spot of guilt blossomed in the back of Abe’s head, the boy was his blood. His last connection to Janice, they hadn’t spoken in over a decade, but he still thought of her as a wild little tomboy in overalls three sizes too big. Back when times had been happier, if not happy. Leaving town was the best thing Janice had ever done, she got away from it all, Abe never had. Was it right to push Charlie, that last connection, off on strangers? Abe smothered that spot of guilt, and pushed it back into whatever corner of his mind it had sprouted from. He would find a better home for the boy, he could do that much and not fuck it up. \n\n\nCharlie was awake and crying when Abe shouldered back through the front door. Abe picked him up as gently as he knew how, careful to support his head, he had seen that in a movie once. You were supposed to support a baby's head. He carried him as carefully as possible to the kitchen, where he had been keeping the formula. Once the bottle’s nipple was in his mouth, Charlie drank the formula eagerly. Abe held him until he was finished, thinking over what to do with him come morning. \n\n \nAbraham was sitting Charlie down back into his carrier when the baby grabbed hold of his thumb. Abe looked at him for the first time then, truly looked at him. There was such innocence in those round dark eyes, such a total reliance on another. Anyone with half a brain had given up relying on Abraham a long time ago. There was an unconditional love in those eyes, he couldn’t be imagining it could he? Despite himself, a smile broke across Abraham’s face. He felt tears well up in the corners of his eyes. Abraham felt a profound sadness rise from the pit of his stomach, but beyond that there was something else. A happiness, such an intense burning that he couldn’t remember feeling even once before. \n\n \n\nAbraham drifted to sleep on the sofa, with Charlie in his arms. Whatever came by morning, whatever decision was made, they would have tonight."
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[WP] This world is actually another world’s hell. One day, a group of occultists from the living world summon you.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 sputter out of reality. \n\nI say sputter because that's how it felt. Like my atoms, all spat a raspberry at the same time. One moment I am taking a cold shower, not by choice, but because the whole building uses the same water heater and I decided to get ready for the day after nine. I am taking my cold shower and cleaning myself with the collected mass of eight different bars of soap, used to slivers, and then sputter, completely soaped down and with shampoo in my hair. \n\nOne moment showering and then off to what, I can't say. A nothing. A calm bliss of zero. It might have been a moment, or eternity, but eventually, my atoms reversed the sputter, and it was not so gentle. It felt like being slammed together with the force of falling down a flight of stairs, and when it was done I was here.\n\nHere is in a glass jar with a cork on top being stared at by a giant thing with red tentacles flowing from his face like a glorious beard. \n\nHe wears a red robe. \n\nHis purple face breaks up into a beaming smile, showing a mouth black and ugly that reminds me of something I saw accidentally once and would prefer never to be reminded of. \n\nVaguely shaped like a human man, he holds my jar up, and a crowd of similarly dressed creatures cheer.\n\n\"Hello, hello, is this thing even on?\" it's a sudden voice, loud and clear in my head. It quivers my brain. \"hello?\"\n\nI scream, \"stop,\" despite completely doubting my sanity. \n\nAs the crowd roars in celebration for my completed unsputtering, the voice continues, \"So you can hear me?\"\n\n\"God, please, yes, stop talking,\" I beg, feeling my skull crack in response to the noise.\n\n\"Fantastic, and I see introductions are done as well. When they are ready to listen, you and I have much work to do. Hello? Hello? Oh fuck, Dave, I think another one has died. You gotta turn this shit down. I think it might be too loud.\"",
"Have you ever had that nightmare about showing up to school naked? Pretty unsettling, right?\n\nOkay, now imagine that the class was excited to see you in the buff. \n\nYeah. \n\nI was literal moments from reaching the ultimate moment with my latest Tinder date when, in the blink of an eye, I found myself atop an altar in a place I did not recognise. \n\n“It worked!” a man excitedly shouted. “The demon is summoned!”\n\nI looked around as cries of joy filled the room and saw about a dozen people in dark robes all very joyously cheering my name. \n\n“Hail, Jeremy, the Angel Slayer! Glory to his power!”\n\nThe immediate weirdness made me temporarily forget my nakedness; but when I stood up, I became keenly aware of it. But in trying to afford myself some modesty, I noticed that my skin had become blood red, my hands replaced with talons, and my legs were goat-like right down to the hooves in place of my feet. \n\nI was generously enhanced in other ways, too, but we don’t need to talk about that. \n\nI screamed, but it came out as a roar; and rather than scaring the apparent cult, they cheered my name louder. \n\n“Stop!” I begged. “Stop! Why am I here?!”\n\nA man in a particularly ornate robe stepped forward into the circle on the floor around the altar. “We have summoned you, Lord Jeremy, to bring judgment to this world! To reshape it according to prophesy!”\n\n“Behold! Behold!” the others chanted. \n\nHis obvious seriousness took me aback. “I... Wow. What?”\n\nThe chief priest continued. “It has been written that you, Mighty Jeremy, Angelsbane, will purge humanity of weakness and help us usher in the eternal...”\n\n“Okay, stop,” I insisted. “Just, stop right there. I don’t know who’s been writing what, but I’m not any ‘Angelsbane,’ okay? I’m an independent realtor. I sell houses in upscale markets.”\n\nThe priest looked confused. “But, you are Jeremy, yes? Son of U’uthra, Commander of the Fallen Legions?”\n\nThat weirded me out. “Uh, my last name is Luther, and my dad was a general in the Marine Corps, sure?”\n\n“The insatiable defiler of immoral women?” another said. \n\n“Okay, that’s out of line,” I snapped. “I mean, yeah, I like sex. Who doesn’t?” \n\n“He demands his sacrifice!” the chief priest shouted. “Bring her to the altar!”\n\nI felt a massive wave of anxiety, affirmed moments later when two cultists dragged a bound woman out of a side room and tossed her at the base of the altar. She looked up at me and screamed as loud as I’ve ever heard from someone. \n\n“Okay, guys, this isn’t cool. No. I’m not into... This, whatever this is. No.”\n\n“But she is a whore,” the chief priest implored. \n\n“Not cool!” I barked, thrusting a talon towards him. As I did, it burst into flames, causing him to step out of the circle. \n\nThe cultists started chanting. The ‘sacrifice’ screamed again.\n\n“Shut up!” I shouted. “Everybody just shut the fuck up!” I felt my body burst into flames; and, obediently, the room fell silent. \n\nI took a few deep breaths, which caused the flames to subside, and then stepped down from the altar. I approached the bound woman and helped her to her feet before snapping her bonds. \n\n“Go on,” I said. “Get out of here.”\n\nShe didn’t need to be told twice. She bolted for a door as the disappointed cultists looked on. \n\n“You are... Displeased?” the chief priest asked. \n\n“Yeah, I’m pretty fucking displeased right now,” I growled.\n\nThe cultists dropped to the floor in supplication. “We are your servants, Jeremy!” they chanted. “Let us please you!”\n\nBefore I could say anything else, the ground began to shake. By the cultists’ reactions, I could that wasn’t their doing. Then the roof caved in, letting in a bright beam of light, down from which an armoured, sword-bearing angel descended. \n\nIt approached me, fury on its face. “Jeremy! Wretched demon! You are forbidden from this world! Go back.”\n\nI put my hands up. “Hey, man, I would love to go back. Just show me the way, and I’m gone.”\n\n“Fight him, Angelsbane!” the chief priest implored. “Fight him, and realise your dest...”\n\nThe angel sliced him in half and spat, “Sinner.”\n\nI just about threw up. “What the fuck, man?! What the fucking fuck?!” \n\nWhile gesticulating my horror, fireballs shot from my hands and struck the angel, sending him flying across the room. I felt my stomach drop. \n\n“Oh, man. My bad.”\n\nThe angel recovered, raised his sword and charged at me. I tried to send another fireball his way, but couldn’t figure it out. I screamed before he landed a blow - a blow which never came. \n\nA trumpet sounded, and an impossibly bright light filled my vision. When it cleared, I was back in my house, in my bedroom ensuite, staring into the mirror. Same as when I was summoned. \n\n“C’mon, stud,” my date coyly called from the bedroom. “What’s taking so long.”\n\nI sighed in relief and replied, “I’m here, babe. Just gettin’ ready for ya.”\n\nBut when I stepped into the bedroom, in place of my had-been human date, was what I would best describe as a humanoid she-wolf with bright red eyes. I looked down at myself, and saw my human body once again replaced by demonic form. \n\n“Well, c’mon, Angelsbane,” she growled. “Give this bad girl her punishment.”\n\nI wanted to scream. I laughed instead, and heard the pleasant wailing of eternally damned souls."
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[WP] People see and hear things and assume ghosts are responsible. It is actually a parallel universe interacting with our own through "thin" places between them. We can traverse the thin places. We just have to figure out how, and don't know what we'll find on the other side.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 entered the abandoned building with my four closest friends Jenny, Alan, Richard, and Todd. It was an old hospital that stood on the outskirts of our town. Many popular ghost stories were whispered about the hospital. Daring teenagers with nothing better to do entered the building, coming back with stories of terror.\n\nThough I believe they were all greatly exaggerated. So I dragged my friends to explore with me.\n\nTodd trembled, taking small steps, hesitant to enter. \"Why did I agree to this?\" He cursed himself.\n\nJenny chuckled. \"It's okay Todd. It's just an old ghost story, right Alan?\"\n\n\"I believe so. There are many inconsistencies with the stories.\" He said, unbothered by the hospital.\n\nRichard just nodded. Quiet as always.\n\nWe went down hall after hall, never seeing or hearing anything unusual. There was the usual graffiti, broken bottles of alcohol, and cigarettes. We travelled up each floor, exploring every corner. When we got to the fourth floor, we discovered the fifth floor was blocked by police tape. It looked to be new.\n\n\"Okay. I think we're done here.\" Said Todd nervously.\n\n\"Yeah, I don't want to break the law today. The tape looks almost brand new.\" Alan said.\n\nI nodded. I didn't want to get in trouble with the police today. I wanted to keep my sneaky clean record.\n\nWe turned to go back when a noise came from upstairs. It was the laughter of a girl. Not a child, but not an adult. Then there was a bang and a crash and the laughing stopped. \n\nI looked at the others. Todd looked scared shitless.\n\n\"Okay! Time to go!\" He said quickly, turning to sprint towards the exit.\n\nRichard held him, shaking his head as Todd struggled.\n\n\"Now we HAVE to check it out!\" Jenny said excitedly. \n\n\"I don't know...\" Alan said, thinking hard.\n\n\"C'mon Alan.\" I said, grabbing his shoulders. \"Who's gonna know?\"\n\nHe shook his head, but smiled. \"I guess we could check it out.\"\n\nTodd's shoulders shrugged and he begrudgingly followed us up the stairs. We carefully lifted the tape, careful not to tear it. We tried to be quiet in case the police came to check out this area again.\n\nWe reached the top to see a dark single bedroom. A bed was flipped over in the corner. A shelf stood filled with ancient books and dolls. A cabinet stood on the side, closed. The window had bars on it. It was like a scene straight from a horror movie. \n\nI turned my flashlight and scanned the room. Jenny went towards the bed to figure out how it was turned over. Alan scanned the books. Richard held a shaking Todd, making sure he didn't run or shit himself.\n\nSuddenly there was a shadow in the corner. Todd shrieked. We all turned. It moved from wall to wall, giggling as it went by. It stopped, right in front of me.\n\nIt WAS me. Except, it looked tired and ragged. It had long black hair filled with dirt and tangles. The hair was long, all the way down to the waist. It's skin was ashy and grayish and it wore torn and dirtied jeans and a ruined blue shirt. It was a bit transparent.\n\nI took a step back, but it continued to put it's face in mine, studying me curiously. We were all too scared to make a sound, except for Todd, who let out little whimpers.\n\nThe clone of me leaned back, smiled, and disappeared. It suddenly reappeared in front of the cabinet. It put it's hand inside and disappeared. It didn't return.\n\nI took a step toward the cabinet and opened the heavy doors. The hinges creaked and dust fell from the doors. Inside was a regular closet. I didn't know how deep it was, as old and torn clothes and jackets blocked my view. I motioned for the others to join me. They were hesitant, but trusted me. Richard made sure Todd was following.\n\nI closed the doors and Todd screamed. We all shushed him and listened closely. There was sound of a fire and gun shots. It was coming from the depths of the closet.\n\nI pointed towards the back. Alan led the way, Richard and Todd following. Jenny stood by my side and we headed towards the noise.\n\n\"Courtney?\" She whispered. \"Are you sure this is a good idea?\"\n\nI nodded. \"Just a gut feeling.\"\n\n\"Great.\" She said, rolling her eyes. \"My future lies on a gut feeling.\" But she didn't turn back.\n\nWe reached the end of the closet. Only, it wasn't a wall. It was a world that looked to be in the middle of the apocalypse. Fire burned down buildings, people screamed, shots sounded and people fell, dead or close to dead.\n\nAnd there I saw the clone of me, smiling. It was also surrounded by ragged looking clones of my friends.\n\n\"Finally.\" It said, chuckling. \"Took you long enough.\"\n\n\"What the hell is this?\" Jenny said, ready to fight whatever was threatening us.\n\n\"You've traveled to a parallel universe. One where we're all in danger.\" It said. \"We need your help.\"\n\n\"What?\" Todd said, still scared and confused.\n\nThe clone of me sighed.\n\n\"I'll handle this.\" Said a dirtied version of Alan. \n\nHe turned to us. \"You know ghosts, right?\" We all nodded. \"Well, ghost aren't what you think they are. Whatever you hear and see is a message from a parallel universe. Those in each universe who have discovered how to travel between these worlds travel to give a message or a warning.\"\n\n\"Or just scare people.\" Said Todd's doppelgänger, snickering.\n\nAlan's clone nodded. \"We sent our Courtney to ask for you help. If you stay, you can save our world and yours.\"\n\n\"Please.\" Said the clone of Richard. \"Stay.\"\n\nI looked at my crew. My best friends. I asked them what they thought, but they said it was my decision. \n\nWas I ready to rise my friend's lives for another world?\n\nI nodded. \"Okay.\" I said. \"We'll help you.\"\\`",
" \n\nThrough a haze of smoke, Jesse lowered his controller and stared at the *spot*. A spot where the world seemed a bit duller, where the surrounding colors had faded away. A spot where seconds before, a hand had emerged to knock over a lamp. \n\nOr so he thought anyway.\n\nJesse closed his eyes. There had been no hand. It had been a hallucination. He was high after all. The lamp had simply fallen from the table. He had been too immersed in his game to notice it. That was it. That was all that had happened. \n\n“Dude.” \n\nJesse turned to face Mark. His friend’s bloodshot eyes were impossibly wide, focused on the corner of the room where the lamp had fallen from the table and broken. \n\n“You can see it, right? It’s getting bigger.” \n\nSlowly, Jesse returned his gaze to the *spot*. His heart skipped a beat. It *was* getting bigger. Where before it had been a hand-sized oval, it now could easily fit a head. \n\n“What are you doing?” Jesse hissed. \n\nMark waved him off, pausing their game before crossing the living room with lengthy strides. He stopped before the *spot* and turned back with a stupid grin upon his round face. “You saw it too. You saw the hand that came through from the other side.” \n\nJesse found himself on his feet, next to his friend. “Yeah … I saw it. So what?” \n\n“So, we gotta strike back, man. We got to knock over their lamp.” \n\nJesse shook his head. “Hell no. This isn’t supposed to be that kind of trip. Let’s just go back to gaming.” \n\n“You heard the rules, we just got to roll with it, man. We got to reach through to the other side to show them that we aren’t afraid. It’s the adventure our guy told us about.” \n\nBiting his lower lip, Jesse remembered the words of their supplier. The drug was new, something neither had ever taken before, something that hadn’t yet earned a street name. While touting its potency, their supplier had advised the two roommates to follow wherever the drug took them. Adventure. He had used the very word. \n\nAfter a what seemed a moment, Jesse slowly nodded. “He did say that. Wouldn’t want to deny ourselves the full experience.” \n\n“Exactly! Let’s do this.” \n\nThe roommates flipped on the overhead light and stared at the *spot* in the wall next to the television for what seemed an eternity. Its size seemed to have stabilized. Nothing else had come through from the other side. The lamp remained broken. \n\n“What are you waiting for?” Jesse prodded. “It was your idea, man.” \n\nTaking a deep breath, Mark rubbed his hands together. Then, without further comment, he pushed his arm through the *spot*. He turned back to Jesse, mouth agape. Both men leaned in closer to verify that Mark’s arm had truly disappeared to the other side. \n\n“Can you still … feel it?” Jesse asked uncertainly. \n\n“For sure. I don’t think they have a lamp though. It feels *leafy* over there. We’re going to have to find another way to get them back for breaking ours.” Mark removed his arm from the *spot* and examined it in the bright light of the swirling ceiling fan. “Seems normal enough.”\n\nJesse had eyes only for the *spot*. “You’re right. We need to get back at them. Stick your head in and look around.”\n\nMark frowned, still studying his arm. “Your turn, man. I could’ve lost this arm. I confirmed that it’s safe to go through.” \n\n“Losing an arm is a lot different than losing a head.” \n\n“Come on. It’ll be fine. We gotta follow the adventure.” \n\nJesse found himself nodding. Both the arm that knocked over the lamp and Mark’s arm had come back in one piece. Actually seeing what was on the other side was the next logical step. \n\n“Alright,” he agreed, “but you got to pull me out if I say so.” \n\n“For sure. Just hold your breath. We don’t know if there’s air and stuff on the other side.” \n\nTogether, the roommates swept up the remnants of the shattered lamp and moved the small table away from the wall. Jesse downed a glass of room temperature water before getting on his knees and coming face to face with the *spot*. \n\nThe *spot* was colorless, a shimmering hole in the apartment wall. Although impossible to tell, it appeared to have remained the same size after Mark’s expedition. Jesse turned back to his friend and gave him a reassuring nod. Then, once again, he faced the *spot*. \n\n*Follow the adventure.* \n\nHolding his breath, Jesse plunged his head through to the other side. \n\nVibrant colors exploded within his eyes, then faded as quickly as they arrived. The world beyond the *spot* began to define itself. \n\nAlmost instantly, Jesse realized that he was looking at a mirror image of his living room … one where the table and lamp had been replaced by a house plant. A pair of men observed him with fascination from a familiar leather couch. Not just a pair of men…\n\nJesse pulled his head back through the spot, shaking off the assault of colors. \n\n“Couldn’t hear a word you said, man,” Mark said in greeting. “What’s over there?” \n\n“Us,” Jesse managed. “Well, it’s like … us but slight different.” \n\n“Whoa. You mean like a parallel universe?” \n\n“A what?” \n\nJesse’s question was lost as two figures stepped through the suddenly-much-larger *spot*. The two roommates stumbled back onto their couch in shock. \n\nTheir counterparts flashed matching grins as they noticed the paused game on the giant screen. The other-Jesse held up two controllers. \n\n“You guys trying to lose?” \n\n​\n\nr/creatorcorvin"
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[WP] Handing out fattening candy to children dressed as cartoon characters? Hanging up cutsie decorations? Sexy Witches? You decide to take up dark magic and teach your town the real reason there's a holiday dedicated to all the things they fear.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Oddly enough, I used to love Halloween.\n\nWhat I found appealing about it, was the whole *focus* on the things people fear, you know? We’d scare each other silly, share spooky stories, and fabricate terrifying costumes to the best of our ability. The occasion was ominous, yes, but that didn’t mean it was buckets of fun.\n\nEvery time the month of October was upon us, I would spend every day anticipating the arrival of the 31st. To prepare, I’d write up some tales of terror, as well as build a horrific costume from scratch. You could say, I was an attention-seeker.\n\n...Come to think of it, I was. Eh, you get the point.\n\nAs I was saying before, Halloween became one of- no, my FAVORITE holiday of the year. It allowed for some fond memories, which I am very thankful for. Those times of dread, made for moments of joy, which still hold a special place in my heart...\n\n...however, making more of them did not come to last.\n\nSoon, the bonds of childhood began to loosen. I was beginning to mature, which meant I had to grow past a good deal of earlier interests. That meant my toys, my unwise beliefs, and sadly, even my own friends...\n\n...yet, Halloween stayed. Though I had become too old to participate, I still stuck around for the various frightful festivities, to soak in those long-gone past glories. As always, it continued to bring me happiness, now with an added sense of nostalgia.\n\nIt remained beautiful.\n\nEven so, beauty can fade.\n\n—————————————————————————\n\nMore years passed by, and a change had arisen. There were no longer any stories to be told. The costumes slowly became more bright, colorful, and friendly. Children received fattening edibles if they went from door to door, singing the words “Trick or Treat!” in loose synchronization. Decorations considered by the general populace to be “cute”, were erected from the ground, and hung from above for all to see.\n\nThe unsettling atmosphere was waning. Everything that made Halloween what it was, faded. It all regressed to a waning memory, dwindling by every second.\n\nBefore long, Halloween was gone.\n\nI did not understand. What caused this change? How could my favorite holiday, become a mockery of what it once was? How could it gradually lose its identity?\n\nMy confusion worsened the moment those dressed-up teenagers made decisions to vandalize my humble abode.\n\nSlowly but surely, my admiration for the event devolved into a burning hatred. I despised when the calendar hit October 31st, loathed the youth’s insatiable desire for unhealthy sweets, revolted at how much skin the costumes displayed, and irked the smiling gazes of the ornaments set up. My anguish was extant, and it hurt so much.\n\nAmidst my frustration, I felt something else. A *yearning*.\n\nFor the jubilee I once relished, I wanted a change. I needed a return to form. Too many had forgotten the purpose of Halloween. They needed to understand what it used to be about.\n\n*What it was supposed to be.*\n\nI ached for something like that to happen.\n\nRegrettably, an elderly soul like me cannot do much towards such a gargantuan task.\n\nAnd so, I stopped caring, and chose to move on...\n\n...at least, until I came across a book.\n\n—————————————————————————\n\nIt was just lying there, beneath the creaking floorboards of my living room. I had discovered it while cleaning up every single thing, the shimmering writing on its cover visible from a crack in the wood.\n\nDespite my age, my curiosity lived on. Upon recovering a rusted crowbar, I ripped out the floorboards (In a clean manner, of course) to pick up the unknown object.\n\nThe book... seeing it alone invoked an odd sensation. I did not know why, compelling myself to open it up, and flip the pages.\n\nThe texts, written in ink, were not in any language I recognized. The symbols felt strange and... inhuman? And the illustrations... their details were baleful. As if, carefully crafted by an unearthly hand. They too, emitted an emotion.\n\nIn the face of all things, the most peculiar thing was...\n\n*...I could understand what it said.*\n\nA revelation came over me.\n\nThis wasn’t some mere book.\n\n*This was magic.*\n\n***Dark magic.***\n\nImmediately after, I attempted to find a place to hide it. This was a tome of ungodly knowledge, forbidden to the hands of man for good reason. If anyone had gotten their hands on it, who knows what would happen? I couldn’t be responsible for accidentally distributing an accursed volume such as that!\n\nI panicked and worried, as I sprinted through the house, looking for a suitable hiding place, but to no avail.\n\nImpossible! There had to be another way! I could not just, leave it out in the open! Something would happen! Terrible things! And, and...\n\n...and...\n\n...I harkened back to what I had seen.\n\nAmongst the ill-starred pages, there was one that stood out to me.\n\nIt was about illusions.\n\n*And fear.*\n\nI stopped.\n\nA thought crossed my mind.\n\n*Could I use this?*\n\nAnd so, I devised a plan.\n\n—————————————————————————\n\nThere I stood, the open book in hand.\n\nBefore me were objects and substances I had gathered throughout the past year, arranged in a certain order.\n\nToday was the 31st of October, and night was about to fall.\n\nI remember a mischievous smile break across my lips, for the time had come.\n\nToo long, did they fail to perceive the impetus of Halloween.\n\nToo long, did they utterly ruin it.\n\nBut presently, it would all change.\n\nBy the time they come out, they would be subject to experiencing terrible phantasms of my design. Of course, I intended for them to be illusions and nothing more, so as long as it teaches them a much-needed lesson.\n\nBut still...\n\n...upon witnessing what I had in store for them, they would fully comprehend the true meaning of what they celebrated.\n\nThere would be no more silly costumes.\n\nNo more idiotic adornments.\n\nNo more sweets.\n\nWhen all became dark, they would see.\n\nWith their shared enlightenment, Halloween would return.\n\n***And it would all commence, when I said these words...***\n\n—————————————————————————\n\n...\n\n...\n\n...being among the elderly, I would be wise with every step I took.\n\nI had witnessed what the world had to offer, so I would understand what was right and wrong.\n\nYet, what I had done, reeked of foolishness.\n\nI do not know what I did wrong. Was I missing something? Did I say the incantation incorrectly? Or, was it simply because I called upon dark forces?\n\nRegardless, I was ignorant to utilize that tome. And for the sake of an irrelevant holiday? Just how stubborn was I? Things change. Why couldn’t I accept that? It was just a simple fact.\n\nI know it’s my fault. Thanks to me, the world remains in turmoil. While I aimed to create some petrifying illusions, I ended up summoning these... *commodities*, who want nothing more than to scare people in the worst ways possible. Because of me, innocent lives are either killed, driven mad, or even...\n\n...ugh. I should stop. You came here to murder me, not listen to the ramblings of a shriveled, delusional raisin.\n\nIt won’t change anything, I will promise you that, but given our current circumstances, I’d appreciate if you did so already.\n\nI did something very bad, and right now, I should be suffering the consequences. Also, I don’t think I can bear to live with my mistakes.\n\nSo please, out of the kindness of your own heart, can you put that bullet through my head, right here, right now?\n\nIt’ll be quick, I promise.\n\n**END**\n\n*(Criticism is accepted)*"
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[WP] To prevent overpopulation, every day random citicens are chosen, who get a bounty on their head, increasing after every day. One day you wake up and see your name on the list
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Light flickered through the shutters the golden rays of soft drifting light passing through the room. Small motes collasing next to the faint bounty notification hanging in the periphery of my vision. Cold tenderals of gear quickly grabbing my heart, freezing it in place from it's mear volatile presence. \n\nA dull knocking on my apartment door pulling me from my stopper as I hobbled out of bed. A small stop in my living room giving me a chance to grab a pistol from underneath a cushion the door bell now rapidly ringing through my sanctuary. My weapon quickly shifted into my right hand behind the door as I stepped up to the knob and pulled. \n\nBlinding light suddenly spilling in from the skylights above as soon as the door slightly cracked open. \"*I'm here*?\" Slowly my eyes adjusted in the blinding light, a vague figure towering over me. \"Are you Ciathis Verdant? I am officer Langley from the Seattle police department. I have grim news to deliver.\"\n\n.\n\n\"*Yea I know I have a bounty I got the notification on my virtual aid how much is it*?\" Carefully the officer pulled a folded note out of his civilian clothing and forced into my open palm eyes quickly looking both directions. \"Good luck you are going to need it\" his stride quickly taking the young officer down toward the plaza elevator. \n\nMy door quickly slammed shut as I unfolded the note a long badly cropped death warrant of those fifty wanted today. Five away from the bottom in red pen was my information written into the sheet of paper sealing my fate. Ciathis Verdant, 2003, McCall, Seattle,15 million each word taking me deeper into my apartment as I sprinted over to my closet. \n\nHangers full of similar jackets were thrown apart as I parted the cover, a medieval-esk plate armor hanging along the back of the wall. Faint fluorescent lighting illuminating my pride and joy of a browning fifty caliber as an echoing crack came from my front door. Shards of wood thrown onto the floor my hands crumpling the note in my fist.\n\n.\n\nI stepped into the closet closing the door behind the attempts to break my door down becoming increasingly loud as I pulled on the armor. Each piece perfectly sized as I pulled the LMG off of the wall and the front door shattered outside as I loaded the weapon. Several footsteps passing my hiding place towards my kitchen each heavy and loud as I finished resetting the belt. \n\n\"I told you that he wouldn't be here Jenson we are tracking a former hunter worth fifteenth mil.\" Slowly I pushed the door handle open the hinges creaking\"Quite did you hear that Tony.\" Suddenly the tension in the air becoming so thick you could cut it with a knife as I stepped out of my armory. \n\nTwo shadows facing towards my location in the dim light entirely visible in front of the failing shutter. \"*This is my house you meatball scum suckers*\" my gloved hand bringing the muzzle to bearing as I pulled the trigger. A heavy thunderstorm suddenly erupting inside of my house as both of the figures fell to the ground, my window now full of neat round holes.",
"**Monday 3/30**\n \n* **12:01 AM** - My plan worked! Yay, me! I'll dictate more once my heart stops racing.\n* **12:25 AM** - I just stopped at an automated charging station, topped off my two-seater's supercaps, then left in the same direction and drove about five more miles before I stopped and disabled the GPS unit. I drove another couple miles before I turned off my smartwatch's GPS, then I took the next left and headed for my *real* destination. That, and my navigation history, left about a 20-mile trail toward an acre of undeveloped land out in the woods that I bought a couple of years ago, where a simple concrete-cloth shelter I put up a few months later, and some supplies that a non-serious prepper might choose, had been waiting for this day. Hopefully, that \"decoy redoubt\" is where they'll think I went--or was *trying* to go.\n* **1:45 AM** - I have another 100 miles behind me now. In another four hours I'll be deep in the Ozarks and, hopefully, safe.\n* **6:12 AM** - After white-knuckling it for nearly 400 miles, I'm finally here. I re-camouflaged the entrance to the hideout, threw camo netting and some branches over my two-seater after disconnecting the supercaps and backup cells, set the main tripwires, and locked myself into my little redoubt. I'm good for now, so I'll record a few notes and then get some sleep. \nFirst, THANKS DAD! You taught me early the importance of being prepared for any reasonable possibility, and I'm alive right now because of those lessons. \nBack in '21 when you took advantage of the depressed market to buy the Homestead, Mom thought you were nuts. When you fortified the house and hardened the basement, she almost left you and took me with her. And when you stocked the basement with enough supplies and equipment for two years, she came close to having you committed. Then COVID-25 hit and killed nearly 30 percent of the adult population. Mom forgave you, and I learned the lesson HARD. \nSecond, THANKS BOSS! You let me switch to a 2-to-11 AM shift when I suggested that it would give us better coverage to catch overnight issues early, and it did, but it also had me getting ready just before the Drawing and its publication at midnight every day. I'd get up at 11 PM, shower shit & shave, eat breakfast and get dressed, then crawl back into bed to sleep until 12:45 when I had to leave. Until today, anyway...\nThird, THANKS ODIN PROJECT! Your platform for learning to program was just what I needed to learn to automate my totally illegal Early Warning System. As soon as the Drawing was published this morning, my avatar ran the EWS scripts which downloaded the list, scanned it for my name and info, and then encrypted the relevant data and shot it to my devices. Less than two seconds after it was published, my bedroom lights were strobing, my earbud was chirping, and my smartcontacts were displaying navigational info to get to the decoy redoubt. I was in my two-seater with my bug-out bag less than 90 seconds later. \nAnd finally, THANKS ELAINE! If you hadn't slept with Doug, I might have stuck around and tried to convince you to come with me, probably just long enough for you and Doug to kill me for the bounty. You blamed my shift change for your \"lapse in judgement,\" but it's all moot now, because you're just another part of the life in my rear view mirror.\n* **11:32 AM** - I just woke up and checked the net (oh yeah, thanks StarLink for having an ID-less prepaid plan!) and over 99% of today's Drawing has already been retired. The rest are holed up in houses and apartments, or have gone on the lam like me. \nIt's amazing to me how the large majority of people sign up for organ donation rather than face the bounty hunters. When their number is drawn, they just drive straight to the nearest transplant hospital and turn themselves in. What's *that* about?\n* **5:48 PM** - It's starting to get dark so I'm wrapping things up now. I've brought everything in from the two-seater (including the supercaps), inventoried most of my supplies and equipment, finished setting the tripwires, and sealed the blackout curtains. If somebody finds me *now*, they deserve me. \nMore on the nets--they've found almost everyone from today's Drawing. Only three remain: A former special-forces guy, a gang member, and me. Honestly I'm kinda surprised that the gang member wasn't retired before breakfast! That's usually how it happens, once his friends see the opportunity for some quick and easy money. Maybe there's something special about this one. \nI only slept for three hours this morning so I can quickly re-sync my sleep cycle to be up and down with the sun. Now I'm going to hit it early, and get up about an hour before sunrise so I can do some quick reconnoitering.\n* **6:11 AM** - I've lived through my first 24 hours at the redoubt. What a difference a day makes! \nThe net says it's just me and the gang member now, a guy named Enrico \"Nine Guns\" Salvador. Sounds like a badass. Three other gangbangers are dead, they say, apparently after trying to take him for the bounty. One of them, they claim, was his girlfriend. \nOne of the ex-spec ops guy's old buddies got him late last night, cashing in on an old grudge as soon as it was legal. \nTwo of my tripwires had been touched overnight. When I DL'ed the images from the wildlife cameras covering them, I found some great shots of a coyote mom and her pups. I moved those wires up a bit so the 'yotes can go under them from now on.\n\n\n*[to be continued]*"
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[WP] When the last drop of natural, drinkable water dries, the world is divided into two: the rich, who have reservoirs the size of small seas, and the poor, who live life day-to-day not knowing if a drink of water is their last.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 worked through some of the Genetic Code for Phage R31 when i heard Kris shout my name \"Yo, Kassai. You where born on Earth right?\".\n\nHe himself was a Third generation Lunan and since many of us former Terrans or People of earth when one wants to be Politically correct left for Mars. The ones who did stay where heavily encouraged to reproduce through massive tax cuts and other benefits from the State, we where starting to become a Minority. The Display of the Genetic Learning algorithm was still on my eye when i replied. \"Yes, any questions?\" I said to him. He was a trainee, smart but very much not focused on anything that was not related to whatever he had studied in School and often displayed a certain ignorance about anything earth related.\n\n\"yeah. Why dont you go back there? You do know that you are Hogging a Job.\" he said and i was taken aback. I closed the eyecast and turned around to face him.\n\n\"What did you just say?\" i asked him in a firm but definitely pissed off manner. \n\nHe had anger written in his face \"Yeah you heard me right. Fuck off.\" he said and got up. I instantly called security inside of me and got up myself. He continued \"I just got denied a Promotion because you are my fucking roadblock. I will be stuck in this job unless you retire, leave or Die. Sucks to be me because you cant die, cant retire and wont quit this job, at least not in my lifetime.\"\n\n\"Kris, do you want me to come up behind you one fine evening, slice your throat and put your lifeless corpse into the incinerator? Would you like that?\" i really wanted to say. But i didnt, afterall everything i said out loud was recorded, our AI wasnt there yet to read our minds...but it was close. So i smiled and said \"You are done Kris. Security is on their Way. I will file a Complaint against you.\"\n\n​\n\n\"Screw you!\" he lounged at me trying to give me a right hook, my enhancements gave me superior reflexes and i grabbed his forearm and for a split second i thought about slamming his head into the countertop, killing him dead. That however would have caused a analysis of Intent and it would be workcamp for 40-100 years for me. Something even i was not likely to survive. So i instead shoved him to the ground. He flew into some chairs and it looked rather comical as he was lying there.\n\n\"You Terran Bitch, if you where a normal human i would have kicked your ass!\" he shouted.\n\nThat moment security arrived. They must have been in the Area. I turned around and one of them instantly grabbed me by my shoulder. His ginormous hand easily cupping my small shoulders. Even enhanced as i was, he was pure brawn i would not be able to overpower.\n\n\"Its ok, Mrs Kassai, you can calm down.\" he said to me and gently but determined, directed me to the other side of the room sat me down and blocked with his bulky body my view to what was going on. The other officer was getting Kris up from the Floor when the Big Boy shimmied his way to block my view.\n\n\"So, you are being found guilty for disrupting workplace Harmony. Your water privileges went down to level 2. Your shower has been disconnected from the system for the time being.\"\n\nI looked at him and shook my head \"What? Why me? I didnt do anything. I called you guys! That is not Fair.\" \n\nHe answered \"No need for Criticalisam. Your sentence is build around the fact that you have displayed strong malicious tendencies. I dont know what those exactly are, but you better work them out.\"\n\n​\n\nLater that evening i was home with my Husband Karl and i told him why his lovely wife will have to use the sponge...sparingly for the time being \"Kris was sentenced to two weeks Labor in Arago. Not good, not terrible really.\" I said to him while lying on my back with my head tilted towards our Fake Window. We where deep underground and a day lasted 660 hours and i began to question the usefulness of this window. Ironically during the evenings it displayed Earth as a Moon rising. Despite the fact that earth doesnt actually rises...just slightly wobbles about the place from our point of view. Still we used the good old 24 system and a lunar calendar for obvious reasons. \n\n\"You do have this Darkness about you. Not sure if it was always there, but its noticeable now. I admit sometimes im scared of you. You should see someone.\" Karl said. I really didnt want to have this conversation with him, especially considering that i was fine. \n\ni responded slightly annoyed \"Karl, this is who i am. I am not hurting or harming anyone. More important is me being level 2 now.\" got up and hopped on my toes into the bathroom to our sink. It was true. I only had 1.6 liters of water each day now. This was a nightmare and i was sure that our AI was now capable of reading the thoughts of everyone who underwent the immortalization procedure, otherwise how could it have known? I got myself a glass of water and was already down 223 ml. \n\n\"Its strange, i only really start to value this now. How long do you think rationing will last?\" and i held up the glass to Karl.\n\nHe shook his head \"I dont know, we have 2 medium Icehaulers and they will bring back a giant icecube in a few years. A big one is in Construction but not sure when thats done Lets hope that will end those measures.\"\n\n​\n\nI drank my water and went to bed. We didnt have sex that night. I was lying sleepless on my side staring into the pitchblack void of our tiny one room apartment 120 meters deep under Mare Tranquilitatis. Only to be Illuminated every now and then by a tiny green LED from our charging datapaper that was blinking. I thought about our situation now. It was so hard to wrap our head the fact that we are using a real currency, Joule. Everything that was produced needed a certain amount of energy to be created. A Metal pen for example. The iron and other metals had to be dug up, refined, smelted and forged. Rolled, pressed and then made into a Pen. That energy came from our Nuclear Reactors. Which in turn where used to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. Which again was used in fuelcells all around Luna and as rocket fuel for our Chemical rocket engine designs. It was really complex but it all came down to water and of course Thorium. Without it our little Utopia would collapse and we would all Die. In our case a recession meant death and in my case Level 2 meant that during one i would be one of the first ones to go. Something that had to be avoided at all costs.\n\nI bumped Karl with my elbow \"You awake?\" he just grumbled. I bumped him again, this time a bit harder \"You awake?\"\n\n\"Now i am...What is it..\"he said annoyed.\n\n\"I will take your Advise. Tomorrow first thing\" i said to him. \n\nHe just grumbled \"ok, good...good\" and continued his sleep.\n\nI did so aswell.\n\n​\n\nThe end",
"I’ve heard that if you hold a seashell against your ear, you can hear the ocean. \n\nI scoop one of the rosy pink conches littered around the empty sea floor and hold it to my ear. I am met with a sorrowful hiss, like a raspy breath, and I think with certainty that that’s what the ocean must have sounded like when it died. \n\nThe conch falls from my hands and shatters against the salt-crusted, packed sand. I hike my backpack up my shoulders and head uphill back toward the shore. My boots crunch dozens of colored shells but I’m no longer worried about being careful to avoid them. Their tiny husks give off puffs of dust from laying still and dry for so long. The only remnants of life now are the withered strands of seaweed that cling to the parched earth, and the wind-worn bones of fish that were pecked clean by birds long ago. There are no sign of any of those birds now, the world is eerily quiet. \n\nWhen I was young, ocean walking was like stumbling into a treasure trove full of colored beauties. Mom and I would walk hand in hand early in the morning, and she would challenge me to pick out one shell of each type: a cockle, a sand dollar, an oyster— with the biggest prize of all being a conch. \n\nBut that was before the last of the water disappeared. Now it’s a wasteland. You can’t walk barefoot anymore or you risk puncturing your skin with fish bones or shell shards. I’ve worn boots every day since I was ten, when I pierced my foot and quickly learned there was no extra water to rinse the wound. \n\nI’m so far out now that the shore is well above my head, and I can’t imagine what it must have been like to bob so far above the surface. I haven’t seen an ocean in my lifetime, but my parents had. Mom lived in a seaside town, and she told me stories of people who skated on the water with sticks called skis, and that boats bobbed on water like birds bob on a breeze. Dad lived further inland, but he told me a lot about the rain. He said that so much water would fall, it would flood the streets sometimes. \n\nI sometimes wonder what I would tell my children if I had any. I couldn’t tell them about the ocean or the birds, they would never believe me if they couldn’t see it with their own eyes. \n\nThe sun is just beginning to crest over the horizon, so I pick up my pace. The air is already unbearably dry, but if it begins to get hot, I’ll collapse before I make it home. I had come out to search the traps for any unlucky birds or other animals that might be feasting on the fish bones, but the cages were empty. My dad would be disappointed, but I haven’t seen any critters for days now. \n\nI finally escape the ocean and return to the surface world, peeking into abandoned car and shop windows for any non-perishables I might be able to snag. My house isn’t far, so I still have some time left to search. \n\nThe town is quiet for early morning. I usually see at least a few fellow scavengers, although we never stop to chat. Most of them are older, and aren’t pleasant. I can’t say I blame them, I’ve only been alive for fourteen years. If I had to endure forty or fifty years of this, of scavenging and scrounging, and mourning the life I used to have... I wouldn’t be pleasant either. \n\nI tuck my matted blonde hair behind my ear and head for the docks, the last place I can search before I go home. I’ve always been apprehensive about the docks, I had a bad run in with a scavenger in the bowl once. There are, of course, boats laying in the bowl— the bottom of the harbor. It’s enclosed, and hard to escape. Dad tells me to stay away from there, but I’ve had some interesting finds on the boats. \n\nI follow the cement path surrounded by slumped dead palms and littered scraps of fronds and crouch near the dock, grabbing the rope to hoist myself down, when I hear a clatter behind me. \n\nMy heart drops. The back door to The Anchor is propped open, and someone is inside. It’s an obnoxiously yellow dock-side restaurant that has been barred up for as long as I can remember. I’ve tried to ram the door open in the past, but it wouldn’t budge. I can only imagine what kind of goodies might be in there. \n\nI glance back and forth, seeing no sign of outside movement, and cautiously approach the door. I pull my hunting knife out of my pocket and hold it close to my side, just in case. I haven’t had to use it... yet. But I’ve come close, and I’d do it again. I can’t imagine the look on my dad’s gaunt face when I return home with no food, again. That sympathetic smile he’ll give me... I can’t stomach it. I know that he won’t eat until I do, so I need to make sure I bring back something for both of us. I never found my mom a conch, even though I have heard dozens of their cries now, the least I can do is find my dad what he needs. \n\nI can’t risk losing him too.",
"The tarp fluttered as the sand storm began to pick up again. Every man in the dirt looked up and pulled at the collar of his Resource Recovery (TM) suit. We all knew if that tarp went flying into the wastes it would be two weeks until the company could replace it. That meant two weeks without shelter from the beating sun. The company was not about to up our water supplies for two weeks either, meaning it would be on us to provide the difference just to keep working. Those who couldn't would either be shit canned or turn to jerky in the sun. \n\nWe'd had a couple dozen Jerky-Heads last time. It was always rough coming across them. The work site was so large that, if you collapsed, no one would find you for a few hours. Each Resource Recovery (TM) suit was programmed to drain lifeless tissue of all water immediately and shut down to conserve battery. This meant that ten minutes after death no water remained in the body to fight off the one-hundred and twenty degree heat. By the time some poor bastard found the other poor bastard, the body had become a Jerky-Head with shriveled white dots in the eye sockets, black leather skin, curled tendons, and a few missing pieces from scavengers. All of us had found a Jerky-Head; finding your first was almost a dark rite of passage.\n\nThis time we got lucky. The winds stopped and the tarp held. Scares like that were common working on site but this one shook me something fierce. I turned to Marcus.\n\n\"Lunch break? I think I almost filled my recovery tank.\" I said\n\n\"Ah you're such a baby. Fine, lets go get some Encompass Meal in us.\" He said\n\nWe turned and walked toward the feeding hall. Marcus had been my first and pretty much only friend since I first arrived on site. He'd shown me the ropes and a few ways to game extra Water Bucks out of the company while remaining above board. In a way, I owed him my life for that. I wouldn't have made it through my first Tarpless Twofer without his advice. I shuddered thinking of the Jerky-Head I found three days in to that stint. \n\n\"Warning, you are now exiting the work zone. You have ten minutes to re-fuel and dispense of waste. Any time over will be deducted from end of day hydration pay.\" said my suit. \n\nThe first two doors into the feeding hall were for employees to strip bare and hang up Resource Recovery suits. Each employee had a locker and a plug on the wall would take the company's 65% cut of all dispensed liquids and convert the remainder into a plastic bag that could be purified for human consumption for just a 30% cut at the Resource Purifier in the hall. Employees were not, however, allowed to dress after removing their suits. Street clothes were for leisure time only and seen as a waste of resources to put on and remove as they may prevent the Humidity Recovery (TM) units from getting the company's full cut of all employee perspiration.\n\n\"Looking a bit bloated today, Marcus.\" I said, \"Did you miss the morning watering?\"\n\n\"What? Oh, yeah...\" he said, \"I may have pocketed it. My dad's work site lost their tarp a few days ago so I've been bringing him what I can.\"\n\n\"Shit, man. Why didn't you say anything?\" I said\n\nMarcus just raised a tanned arm and ran it across his scalp. His ribs looked sharp enough to poke through his chest. I felt a pang of guilt. My parents had stable AC jobs and I didn't have anyone else to care for, I'd never had to ration water like that. \n\n\"Let's go eat.\" I said\n\n\"Yeah.\" he said\n\nWe walked into the cafe and stood in line for the Resource Purifier. The heat inside was only moderately better than under the tarp.\n\n​\n\n\\[I'm going to stop here for now, let me know if you want more!\\]"
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[WP] The fighter issue was well known. Due to bandwidth issues, you couldn’t issue commands to remote controlled fighters, and AI technology was not nearly developed enough to control fighters autonomously. Yet, a strange new race called “Humans” seems to be deploying them somehow
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 bridge of the Austere Reputation had seen better days, there where sparks showering everywhere, the molecular reinforced Quarun view port was cracked and they were liking atmosphere 43% percent of the bridge crew was dead or dying and the Captain was loosing blood, his skin perforated he knew he was dead no one could survive that. He was not in the military, he was a merchant but as a Rhutaril he would not stand by and let a Unified Sentient Species Allience Council member station full of civilians in transit be destroyed. The problem was that their enemies had an impossible advantage, despite their weapons being weaker and their armour and shielding laughable even to the weapons a ship like his had they were capable of fielding a total of sixteen fighter craft at the same time, the Craft was impressively complex and was able to hit 60% of the time and evade a staggering 98% of the time, even so against those terrible odds the Austere Reputation fought valiantly while sending a distress call through the emergency channels, not for them but for the Station.\n\n​\n\nThe Captain lifted from his command nest in his four powerful tentacles and his single eye focused on the enemy enhanced in the viewport, his membranes vibrated igniting the methane and sending the message to his crew \"Set collision course, Ramming Speed. May our names be sung to the Larvae to come!\" the crew remained still for a second and then they burst to action, it took them a miraculous time of 23 minutes to make the calculations and a impressive 14 minutes to set everything in motion, it was time to return to the soup of life.\n\n​\n\nThe ship rocked throwing everyone in the bridge violently before the inertial compensators where able to detect and start adjusting, 20% more dead and his second in command one of his own larvae had a terrible cut on the eye he would be blind for the rest of his life if he even was able to make it alive or survive the infections. He moved to his larvae and hug him to let him fell him, desperation coursed through him he knew that as a Captain he could not let himself feel anything for his crew but this was his own larvae, he joined to fallow his own slime trail and now he laid broken in his tentacles. He asked for a damaged report and the quivering of his body distorted some of his message, the response was simple \"Engines destroyed All Seer, they have send a pod with high energy readings... Like those of industrial matter splitters.\" \n\n​\n\nHis eye closed and vibrated with certainty \"Deploy the Sorrow Pod, and then you all have my permission to wait our end as you wish\" He hugged closer his larvae that had grown so fast, and he vibrated calmly for him alone, they were dead and at this moment he would comfort him as much as he could, or so he though, the vibration systems of the bridge woke and started spouting nonsense and suddenly the nonsense became familiar and in another instant the nonsense became perfect Rhutaril \"This Captain John Tassadar of the Ganthritor Super Carrier of the UNSC, Do you require assistance?\" confusion flooded him but desperation took him by the gills and he answered determined but dooming himself for eternity \"This is Dancing Shadows in the Land of Darkness of the Austere Reputation of the Unified Sentient Species Alliance, i beg for your help, it is too late for us but protect the Station, they are only civilians\" the response was so fast that it took a long time for him to realize it had happened at all \"EN TARO ADUN! Hold fast, help is on the way!\" the strangling sound of surprise on the third seat of the sensor let him know that he was still alive, years of experience helped him take only a couple minutes to ask \"On screen now! Please by the primordial soup let me not have doomed others\".\n\n​\n\nHe could not understand what was happening, the \"Super Carrier\" was... faster than anything he had ever seen, in one blink of his eye the continent size Starship was next to them, and before his four hearts could complete a whole cycle the thing... Vomited? thousands upon thousands of fighters their movements so precise and elegant that it stopped looking like fighters and more like the waves of the great oceans, and when they fired it was... Devastating, every shot landed with 100% accuracy and the ships dodged with 100% accuracy even more impressive it took only one shot to destroy the fighters and compared to the mere 16 this thousands of fighters now seemed like a tidal wave, the pod that had headed their way got shot from their hull without so much as scorching the paint and their mother ship just accelerated to travel speed.\n\n​\n\nThe Communication in the ship opened, and the Captain of this force of nature spoke \"Dam cowards, my apologies Captain but by law im not allowed to chase, we can stay here until your reinforcements arrive, after all command will want to establish a first contact, who would have though that this museum of a ship would be the first one to find life other than ours.\"\n\n​\n\nIt took him 40 minutes to process and when he opened the channels he spoke with tears escaping his eye \"Thank you o Captain, thank you, we are dead as our wounds are too bad but i will leave a log for those who come after, i will make sure our larvae sing your name and the name of your brave warriors! But now we die\" he cut the link and looked at the one in his bridge that was bruised but not bleeding: \"You are Captain now, i am dead as sure as the primordial soup is pure, do your duty, mine is done an before my time i will comfort my larvae.\" He stopped talking and just proceeded to hug his larvae grown into a full sentient, cold and dead he let the embrace of death take him to his larvae and to the primordial soup."
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[WP] You aren't a ghost. Just forgotten.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"Twinkle twinkle little star\" i was singing to myself, a duty to complete has been placed and i must finish it\n\nThe interior of the cave is grim and frankly smells utterly horrible, the corpses don't help it\n\nI truly wonder, when are they gonna send people to help me? i grew a beard and my hair has gotten a little too long for my liking, i can't lay on my back without getting annoyed with it\n\nA breeding ground for monsters, or to be more exact, a cursed dungeon that sends a never-ending wave of monsters at you, my job is to delay them from leaving the dungeon, i was assigned this job over twelve years ago, i stopped counting after that, my comrades have long since died and i'm the last one standing, my grief has been manageable since then, i wish i could see steve like i used to, losing my mind for a bit wasn't so bad since he kept me company \n\nThe blood of fresh corpses filled my nose as i slayed my way through, staying in the original spot isn't so good because of all the rotting corpses, have been walking forward ever since, this place is unreasonably long, how am i supposed to reach the place they're born in so i can destroy it?\n\nI wiped the blood off of my spear, they granted the people responsible for delaying the advancement some legendary weapons, being unable to break, having the power to harness magic and special abilities, my comrade's sacrifices were not in vain, although it is hard to walk around with extra sets of weapons and armor, it doesn't hurt to be able to switch strategies depending on the situation\n\nEh? there's some sort of heart? it's at the end of the direction i'm heading, but it's rather small, like i could crush it with my palm\n\nA monster was ripping itself out of it only for the beating purple heart to regenerate, i stabbed the defenseless monster and the heart as well, it exploded\n\n\"congratulations, you have cleared the dungeon\" some weird sound effect happened and i was sent back to the surface, the blinding sun shined as i stood there speechless, i ran back to the dungeon, well, where the dungeon was, there was nothing but a rock wall, i punched and punched, i never stopped, tears were dropping like rivers, i was screaming for the dungeon to let them go, to let my comrades go, they deserve a proper burial... they shouldn't be forgotten, they were heroes, the ones who helped me survive by sacrificing themselves\n\n\"who are you mister? why are you crying?\" a child was standing next to me holding a basket of fruit, i pointed at the wall i was destroying as i cried\n\n\"but there's nothing there mister? i always come here and there was never anything there\" the child looked confused\n\nhas the dungeon closed long ago and me as well as my comrades cut from the outside world? was backup never arriving? did it close because we entered it? i have so many questions but my mind was blank as i grieved, for the comrades that never got to see the light of day even after death, please forgive me, i could not give you a proper burial"
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[WP] A spell is invented that lets you swap physical characteristics with anyone willing to trade. Want a bigger nose? Find someone who wants a smaller one. Want to be taller? Talk to someone who wants to be shorter. Hair length, eye shape, skin tone, size, figure--everything's for the trading.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"All I wanted was her breasts. \n\nHailey Everett was beautiful in her photos, and I erupted with jealousy every time I saw her. She had never traded any parts, and being an untraded beauty was coveted by everyone. Even though I was content with my body post-trade, I wished that I could have achieved her beauty without trades. \n\nHer comments section was flooded with remarks, mostly kind— but some cruel. None of them mine. I tended to lurk without making myself known. I had never met Hailey in person, but her photos were splashed everywhere. She had more followers than I ever hoped to have. Even if she _had_ traded before, she never openly admitted it. Most people would freely admit they had traded, as if could easily be traced online anyway. Every trade had a receipt. \n\nI had fourteen receipts. Fourteen is fairly average for a girl of seventeen years, and in fact, most people find a new thing about themselves that they dislike each year. I had disliked my breasts for about five of those years, but I had never found anyone else worth the trade. Until I saw _her._\n\nI couldn’t believe my luck when I saw them listed available for trade. The post was fresh and nude, and they were stunning. I had to have them, even with her listed price. I immediately claimed them, sent her photos of my offer, and waited for a reply that didn’t come. \n\nA weight hung over me that week, wondering why Hailey hadn’t responded to me. Did she think I wasn’t pretty enough, wasn’t deserving enough for a part of her body? Did she not like my return offer? Was it the way I typed? Should I have used more smiley faces? \n\nI looked down at my flat chest and sighed, I wouldn’t have wanted them either. She was likely looking for something... bigger. Not smaller. \n\nI flipped through articles on my phone, eagerly glancing at the notification bell that never rang. One of the articles made me shiver as I scrolled past: _Man kidnaps eight other men and forces trades in his basement._ \n\nI couldn’t imagine being forced to trade like that. The spell is binding for life, and parts cannot be traded back. They can only be traded forward. For some reason, parts that are traded back cause immediate and irreversible psychosis. Trading isn’t just physical, it’s mental too. Everyone knows that. \n\nMost of the other articles are bleak, as news tends to be, _Country’s largest salon chain forced to shut down as trade spells increase, Black Market trade spells cause permanent disfigurement, click to see top 15 worst faces!,_ and _Plastic surgery market takes a nosedive, surgeons forced to relocate to medical trauma units,_ so I scroll past them. \n\nIt wasn’t for another week that I finally heard from Hailey Everett. \n\n(I had longer plans for this story but it took a dark turn and I wasn’t sure whether I could post it all, so I’ll just leave it here!)",
"I nudged Tom and pointed at the new guy.\n\n\"Hey, man. Take a look at that.\"\n\n\"Oh, wow. Total newbie. Looks like he's actually got his whole face.\"\n\n\"Good for him,\" I said. \"Too many people just don't have confidence in themselves.\"\n\nTom snorted. \"Don't you have some porn star's left ear?\"\n\n\"Hey, she acted in real movies!\" I protested.\n\n\"Whatever, man. I'm just saying, you're no better than the rest of us.\"\n\n\"Yeah, well...\" I sighed and looked after the man. He was shuffling around the trade floor, looking like a nervous virgin.\n\n\"He looks like he needs some help, or at least a friend,\" I said. \"Tom? Hey, Tom!\"\n\nTom wasn't paying attention. \"Hang on, I think I saw someone looking to trade down a few inches.\" He held up his hand and made a gesture with his thumb and figure, the universal sign for trading inches, but not of height.\n\n\"Oh, you're useless.\" I left him to his trade and started shoving through the crowd.\n\nIf you've never been to a body trade show, then you don't quite understand how difficult this can be. Among the many, many people looking for some specific facial feature, there are the real crowd pleasers. There are the proper services that always draw a lot of business; some guy with a hard on for working out has sold over 10000 pounds of weight loss over how career. And then there are the freak shows, the people trying to get the ugliest or prettiest or manliest or the straight up strangest face possible. They always clog up the floor with their groupies and admirers.\n\nFinally, I made my way over to the newbie, who was staring at a 13 foot tall man, mouth agape.\n\n\"Need some help, friend? You look lost,\" I said.\n\nHe jumped nearly to the height of the 13 foot man. \n\n\"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend,\" he stammered. \"I've never been here before. My mother, she thinks... Well... You know.\"\n\nI nodded. Body trading is a niche hobby that many ignore but just as many despise.\n\n\"So what are you in the market for?\" I asked.\n\nHe shrugged helplessly. \"What is there that can keep a wife around?\"\n\nMy smile faded. \"Ah. Lost love? That's a hard one.\"\n\nHe shrugged again, a small embarrassed smile on his face. \"Common story?\" he asked.\n\n\"All too common. Look, friend, I'll tell you what I tell the rest, what I was told myself back when I started: it doesn't help.\"\n\n\"Never?\" he asked with masked desperation.\n\nI didn't respond. I could never bring myself to crush that last bit of hope that they had, the fleeting hope that just one change could reignite the passion or bring back a cheating spouse.\n\n\"I have to try, right?\" he persisted.\n\nI reluctantly nodded. \"I can't tell you what the answer is. I can only wish you the best of luck.\"\n\nHe nodded back. \"I appreciate it.\"\n\nAnd then he disappeared into the crowd.\n\nI later saw him holding his hand up, making a gesture with his thumb and finger. I hoped it would help.\n\nBut it never did.",
" Isn't it funny how the standard metric for physical beauty changes over the years? In the times of kings and kingdoms, being overweight was seen as a sign of status. You had enough to eat and you didn't need to work out in the fields for your keep. Then, as industrialization and modernization came about, the opposite rang true. Physical attraction was measured in chiseled abs and hourglass figures. When scientists figured out how to swap physical traits between compatible humans, it was the catalyst for another change in what would be perceived as attractive. \n\nFirst, it started with small changes to only the most high profile of celebrities. An NBA star wants to be a couple inches taller, a supermodel wants a smaller waist, or an actor wants different colored eyes for an upcoming role. But as the procedure became more commonplace, and anyone with enough money to persuade someone with ideal physical characteristics to give them up grew bored with their perfect bodies and complexions, the paradigm started to shift. The first big jump was when the CEO of a Fortune 500 came out for a public appearance with his new birthmark across his face. Once the news sites picked up that story, the race was on to look as different from everyone else as possible.\n\nAlmost anyone with any sort of status now had heterochromia, albinism, poliosis, or some other physical difference from the \"normal\" person to set themselves apart. Unfortunately, the rarity of these conditions served to put those with them in danger. When the tide shifted from them being undesirable traits that those afflicted were happy to do away with, into commodities to be sold to the highest bidder, the dark side of humanity did what it does best. People being kidnapped from their homes, sold out for millions by their neighbors or coworkers, to be forced to undergo the procedure to make someone else happy, and then killed when they are no longer needed. At least, this is all what my mother told me when I asked about the vitiligo that she passed down to me. As my ex-fiancé looked down on me with tears in his eyes and a briefcase in his hands, I wondered what pieces of me remained, and what was transferred to the woman sitting behind me."
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[WP] After living a great and wonderful life,you walk up the stairs to heaven. As you walk towards the gate you take out your papers, only to realise they are the wrong ones.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 pain is gone, finally. People have always said about those who die \"Oh, he's in a better place\" or \"He's not suffering anymore\" or \"She gets to see her family again\". It's usually lip-service to the surviving family members who don't grieve for the loss of their loved one, but rather mourn the fact that they are left behind with one less person they can count on, one less person they can trust, one less familiar face in the world. \n\nI was one of those who gave the lip-service to loved ones as they watched friends and family pass. I was the one who always said \"He's looking down on us now\" even though I really didn't believe it. Deep in my bones, or what I can now rightly call a soul, I didn't believe there was an afterlife. And if there was one, how would I be worthy of it? Sure, I wasn't a rapist, I wasn't a murderer, I wasn't a thief... Well, I guess I kinda was, sometimes. I didn't protest when a cashier gave me back too much change. I took more than one piece of candy from the bowls on Halloween. I remember I even took my mother's last five bucks to rent a game from Blockbuster, the five bucks she needed to get to and from work until payday. She knew it was me, but she never yelled or got angry. She had to sell her grandmother's broach to afford gas that week. THAT is who should be climbing these stairs. Not me. Not everyday average Joe Blow Schmoe me. And we won't talk about my vices. I indulged in more than one of the Seven Deadly Sins. But fate has a way of making things work out I guess. \n\nBut the way things ended was a shock to us all. The crash, the fire, the surgeries. The infection that I could feel clawing through my veins, little microscopic boa constrictors that would wrap around every nerve ending and just squeeze the fuck out of them. The morphine, the dilaudid, the fentanyl... None of it could do more than just take the slightest edge off. I screamed and begged and pleaded for them to just stick a needle in my heart and let me die. Bullshit Hippocratic Oath. Do no harm. What about \"do not let harm continue\"? It took six years before my body just decided it wasn't worth it anymore. How I didn't go insane before then is beyond me. \n\nWhich is why I find it even more surprising that I'm climbing these steps. I cursed God. I cursed Allah. Hell, I even cursed the gods and goddesses from the Mythology course I took back in high school, just in case one of them was listening. I wanted them to know that I wouldn't piss on them if they were on fire for what they were allowing me to suffer through. I became angry at the world, but most importantly I became hateful towards whatever deities were out there. But yet, here I am, climbing the stairs towards what I can only assume is the Pearly Gates. Perhaps this is the way for someone to make it up to me. After over six years of hell, maybe it's time I get a little heaven. \n\nI pause a moment as I near the top of the stairs. There's a folder in my hand, and I know through and through that this is my admission. This folder is my portfolio, my resume, my golden ticket. I can't help but smile a bit as I climb those last few steps and step off the stairs and onto a cloud. There's a kindly old man waiting for me, a smile on his face that's warmer than a roaring fire on a cold Minnesota night. I feel humbled as I stand before him, reminded once again that I don't feel worthy of being here. The old man looks into my eyes, and in that instant I know he knows everything I've ever thought, ever did, ever dreamed of doing. He holds out his hand for the folder and I hand it to him. All he needs to do is sign it, or stamp it, or put his thumbprint on it, or a gold star, or something, and I'm through those gates. \n\nA cold chill runs down my spine as he looks up at me, his omniscient eyes flashing uncertainty. He looks back at the folder and turns a few pages, shaking his head a bit before closing the folder and handing it back to me. \n\nI take it back, dumbstruck by this. I can see it in his eyes, something wasn't right. I can feel a repulsion by the gates, like two magnets pushing their north poles together. \n\nI feel him place his hand on my head, and in a feathery soft voice he tells me I must not be ready. I reach up to try and cling to his arm, to prevent this feeling growing inside of me, this feeling of being drawn back to my body. I know for a fact that's what it is. I can feel the radiating spikes of pain beginning to return. I try and understand what it was that kept me from entrance. What was it that was in that folder that changed everything. I rip the folder open and look at the pages inside. It wasn't my admission application. It wasn't my golden ticket. It wasn't even a list of my life's pros and cons. \n\nIt was my hand-written letter from when I was in physical therapy, offering to sell my soul if the pain would end. That was four years ago. Understanding struck me like a blow to the gut: I *wasn't* worthy of Heaven, and I *was* being sent to Hell. My own Hell inside my crippled, mangled, broken body. \n\nBut now I had a broken spirit to go with it.",
"\"Papers please,\" droned the voice of the heavenly... robot? It was a robot. The robot had wings and a floating metal halo. Samuel noted that the robot's name plate read *Peter f424c5f3067dc21f6be50913fd3586f1.* It would seem that even heaven had become automated in the past while, either that or Saint Peter has gotten a little bored. Regardless, Samuel handed over his paper. The robot scanned the QR code on the bottom left, and instantly gave Samuel the robotic equivalent of an eyebrow raise.\n\n\"Sam Jones\" it said flatly.\n\n\"Yes\"\n\n\"Samantha Jones\" it repeated flatly again with a slight inflection.\n\n\"Yes,\" Samuel said getting a little annoyed with the robotic helper.\n\n\"Please head to the Third Heaven, Paul 5A95BB will be your guide.\"\n\n\"Um okay...\"\n\nSamuel headed over, following the direction the robot had pointed.\n\n\"Interesting,\" came the flat robotic voice of Paul 5A95BB. \"Heaven shows the truest soul of the person. Your faith was strong and your works, consequently, were good. Come and enter the joy of heaven. Here are your heavenly robes,\" they were bright pink with lots of Swarovski decorating the thing. \"This was your most precious outfit on earth, here, take it.\"\n\nSamuel gawked at the outfit, \"Are you sure this will be... appropriate.\"\n\n\"Judgement is over, welcome to paradise Samantha Jones,\" the robot said as it went to greet the next person coming over.\n\nSamuel took a look at his papers once again. They read, \"Samantha Jones, Female.\"\n\n*Well shit,* he thought."
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[WP] Since you were a child, you've been able to see colorful auras surrounding people. Different colors meant different personalities or emotions. One day, you notice a fun, charismatic fellow that makes jokes and compliments with a smile. He's surrounded by a pitch black, almost evil looking aura.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"His words were soft as silk, rich and deep. His proposal was sound and seemed to genuinely benefit all parties involved. His family and friends shone brilliantly, unique shades of the brighter colors. His younger brother was a sea-blue, earning respect as a genuine force of nature; yet always deep in thought. His wife a lovely yellow - even if I weren't blinded by her aura, her smile and presence brought happiness everywhere she went.\n\nHe was popular among all my circles. Nothing impossible, but most everyone enjoyed his company. Yet his aura was... Dark. Pitch black barely begins to describe it. As though he sucked in the auras around him, but no matter how many pure and wonderous people surrounded him, the depravity of that aura would never be sated. \n\nHe made me question my ability. It never came with a guide book. Generally, cleaner colors correlated with simpler people - those who would not compromise on their beliefs. They were not very impressionable, preserving their vision of themselves. Higher luminosity indicated strength - their personality was integral to their success. These people usually did remarkably well for themselves - they were leaders. But from what I could understand, these auras were pre-determined. The shades could shift through hard work. But someone unfunny could never become funny. The reds would never be as cool-headed as the blues. The whites would never be able to tell a good lie or inflate a good story.\n\nSo, I asked. While we were out of ear-shot but near enough to call for help, I asked, \"Who *are you?\"*\n\nHe couldn't help but chuckle at that. They usually did - in all my years, I had never found a tactful way to speak to the exceptional colors. \"No, no no. Sorry, that was vague. I just... I don't mean to be rude, but I feel like something is missing. I can tell. You're not as happy go lucky a guy as you seem. The way your smiles taper off, your eyes don't shine when your smile does... Why?\"\n\n\"Well, it's way too early for that kind of talk, now isn't it Jess? I'm not *nearly* drunk enough to start opening baggage on a Friday night\"\n\n\"No, don't do that. I can see it in your eyes. You don't believe in any of that.\" \n\nSomeone called out to him, begging he come back and play a hand at some cards. He waved them off for another moment - though his aura tremored.\n\n\"No, you can't. My wife says I have lovely eyes, and I really do need a few more shots in me before I entertain a conspiracy theory about me and my actions.\" He began walking back to the party.\n\nRight then, his color... Shifted. It's like it *writhed*. Twisted in and around itself, feeling more deprave by the second. He was being defensive, which is what always happened when I came on too strong. But this was different... Noone had denied what I had seen before - usually using a lame excuse. How was he sure I hadn't seen any weakness in his eyes?\n\n\"Wait. Just... Please. I just don't feel comfortable not knowing who you really are. I really care about my friends, and not being able to see who you are is... Concerning\" Apparently I had struck a chord, as he stopped with his back turned. Or perhaps he felt threatened. I don't know, as long as he stops and explains his aura. It was no longer black... I could no longer see the auras at the house. It was like his aura was eclipsing the vibrant party. I felt... Alone.\n\n\"Concerning, is it? I don't really understand how you people always manage it. Claiming someone isn't who they say they are without any evidence what so ever. It's not like you're doing it for the attention, so what makes you say such *concerning* things?\"\n\n\"But something is there, I can *feel* it!\" \n\n\"Feel it? Or can you... *See* it?\"\n\nSuddenly, his wife called his name from the party. And just like that, I could see again. His aura receded into him, but remained alive and *violent.*\n\n*\"*You empaths are all the same.\" Empath*s*? Plural?\n\n\"Focusing so much on the aura that you lose sight of the person. What will you take away from tonight? The lack of answers? Will you use my noncompliance as an assumption of guilt? Or will you realize that in the two minutes of this conversation, you've done nothing but tried to prosecute me? That the party is calling *my* name, not *yours?* Will you ever see what I do for others, or only ever question my intentions? Now, I have to act on *best behaviors* around you just to avoid your delusions. Now, I have to swallow this conflict with a glass of wine just to shake it and get back to enjoying the night.\" \n\nDespite the venom in his words, his tone was light-hearted and sweet. An occasional laugh. He seemed... Charismatic, even. It felt like all I could do was apologize... His aura seemed back to it's natural pitch black. But this was wrong. It didn't add up. I looked through the aura and saw his face... And he was watching me. Inspecting me. And now he knew, this wasn't over. He knew I wouldn't drop this.\n\n\"Very well. I see you aren't convinced, despite my best efforts.\" He stepped closer, and I flinched away - but not fast enough. His aura slithered out from his hand, and as he touched my arm in a consoling manner, I felt it leave. I had never seen my own aura before - a sweet amber. But I watched as his aura invaded my own, like a snake injecting venom. \n\n\"What... What did you do?\" My voice trembled, terrified. Yet nothing was happening. Something was different, but I couldn't quite place it.\n\n\"I hope you enjoy your new life. You will slowly see the world through my eyes. The others all succumbed to... Apathy, as they described it. Just remember, you fought for the right to know. I hope you can teach me something new.\"",
"I always thought it was something we all had.\n\nI remember explaining it to my mum when I was younger and she just thought I was being - in the nicest way - childish, but in that sweet, innocent way as kids often are. She'd give me that motherly smile I always remember her having and shake her head as if to say \"there's nobody else like you in the world\".\n\nGuess she was kind of right. Bless her soul.\n\nMum died when I was in high school. She fell down the stairs.\n\nWhen she passed away, it felt like I'd lost a part of me. Like my own heart was torn from my chest and lost forever.\n\nI'd never seen a woman so...pure. Her aura, like everyone else, was subtle but impossible to miss. It was simply there running the edge of their figure. Mum was a perfect white, shining and brilliant. I thank God for her every day and smile when I look back over all the time we spent together.\n\nMy favourite part of the day was when she walked me to school. It was like someone had taken a box of crayons and melted them into a kaleidoscopic vibrancy. I'd say things like \"that man is yellow,\" as he smiled warmly to me and mum when he gave mum her change when she got me some sweets from the store. Or the time when I blurted out \"that lady is red\" when she walked me to school and we'd pass the smartly dressed woman wrapped up in a heated discussion with someone else on her mobile phone.\n\nSometimes people heard what I'd say and they'd laugh or shrug it off as a kid just being, well, a kid. Those were your yellows and your oranges. Sometimes they'd look at me oddly, as if I had somehow looked directly into their minds. Those were your purples and blues. Those folks were never particularly smiley. They always seemed to be distracted. Elsewhere. \n\nI remember in the later years of high school, I came into school with a fresh pair of Converse All-Star. They weren't the kinda thing you'd have these days; they were the good ol' classic black and white. My friends were usually different tones of oranges or yellows from day to day. When I walked in with those hi-tops though - I'd never seen them so green.\n\nBut it would be remiss of me to not talk about *him*.\n\nThere was a man I'd see every day. He was a tall man dressed in a brown tweed suit with a yellow sweatshirt underneath and forest green shirt. His hair was perfect brown, combed over and smartly styled. Sometimes he wore rectangular glasses; sometimes not. He'd always be making jokes or complimenting others. I wouldn't see him for long, but in the brief time I did, it was like a warm embrace. He'd always be excited to see me and mum. Always ask us how we were. Always flattering and always joking. There was no denying he was a nice guy. Just such a nice guy.\n\nBut he was surrounded by the most hideous and foul shaped blackness I had ever seen, like a storm cloud ripping open and giving birth to this seemingly innocuous gentleman. I'd never seen anyone - anything - so...dark.\n\nWhen I was a kid, I was confused.\n\nWhen I was a teenager, I was on edge.\n\nNow I'm a man. Now...I just don't know.\n\nI still see the man. I see him often. I need answers. There must be something. There must be a reason. What is he hiding? It's exhausting to witness him. To be around him. God knows how he must feel. Does he feel anything? Evil or not, he must be carrying an unimaginable weight beyond belief.\n\nI just don't know.\n\nI didn't really know what to say when I walked up to him that day. He greeted me as usual. Made his usual jokes. Made me feel welcome as he had done so much before.\n\n\"Hey, Daniel!\" he greeted, patting me on the shoulder firmly. His face beaming a perfect smile. \"How's it goin'?\"\n\nI stared at him and steadied my breathing. I felt a tightness in my chest. Here I stood in front of this man - this evil man - not really knowing what to say. It was like knowing someone had a bad hand in Poker and trying to call his bluff without giving yourself away.\n\nBut he could tell I was mulling something over. He knew I had something to say.\n\nThe smile slowly faded from his face and his brow furrowed in concern.\n\n\"You OK? You don't seem yourself.\"\n\nI maintained my gaze. I could feel the lump in my throat forming and my eyes became misty. With a deep breath, I gathered up the mess in my head and spoke as softly as I could.\n\n\"Dad,\" I uttered, \"how did Mum *really* die?\"\n\nHis face suddenly became the whitest, most pale feature of his person.\n\nI still think about that day. It was the hardest day of my life.\n\nHe always carried that blackness, even when he was led away and put in the back of the police car.\n\nI've never met anybody else like him. I hope I never do.\n\nSometimes I wish I didn't see the colours.\n\nSometimes I wish mum were still with me."
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[WP] You are cursed to never be able to speak the truth. Then one day you meet the one you believe is the sweetheart of your dreams.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 love you, you know.”\n\nBut-\n\nThat’s not what I meant to say. I mean, I know I’m incapable of telling the truth, but surely it should have come out as *hate.* Not love.\n\nHe looks at me oddly. “Sam, I thought you were incapable of telling the truth. Do you...”\n\nHe swallows. “I thought you...”\n\nThe sentence lingers unspoken. “I love, I love you, I mean it.”\n\nOh damn. Shit, fuck, hell. What is going on? I don’t understand.\n\n“I’m incapable of telling the truth, true. That doesn't mean I say the opposite, just-”\n\n“Not honest? So you could say, I dunno, ‘I love Harry Potter’ but not ‘I like it’?”\n\nSomething like that. I stare at the floor. “I love you. With all my heart.”\n\nIt’s only getting worse, apparently. “Something you should know,” Jay begins. “I can’t lie. Opposite of you.”\n\n“So... do you love me?”\n\n“No - wait, what? I meant to say-” he says, and then stops.\n\n“Fuck it, Sam, this clearly isn’t working. I’m leaving, before someone gets hurt,” he says, and walks out.\n\n“For what it’s worth, I love you!” I call after him.\n\n“And that’s a goddamn lie, so *shut your bloody mouth.*”\n\nWell. So much for that. “I’m sorry!”\n\nAnother lie.\n\n“Goodbye,” he says. “I never want to talk to you again.”\n\nAnd he’s honest, I guess.",
"Warm smile - a clean pink crescent, set wryly among stubled chin and happy-wrought cheek bones. A lesser smile, warmth still present, cheek-bones hide among the soft flesh of a handsome face.\n\nBrown eyes dark and bright - dark of color, bright in feeling. He talks some more to a mutual friend, lose the words in the distance and the crowd, though the tone and meter of his voice reach my ears.\n\nDeep and rich. \n\nFuck. \n\nSmitten. I’m staring. I should stop. What am I a schoolgirl. Our eyes meet and now he knows. Smile. There, yes. That definitely covered the deer in headlights, dog in heat stare I had a moment ago.\n\nHis smile parts, bright, neat teeth, a deep chuckle and a wink. Fuckity fuck, what do I do!\n\nPeter, assumed mutual friend, turns and sees, smiles and shakes head, waves me over like the lovely bastard that he is, he knows I can’t do this. \n\nBetrayed by my legs, they carry me forward.\n\nFuckity fuckcicles.\n\nSeeing as adrenalin has slowed down time, I’ll give you a quick run down as to my problem here: I can only tell lies. \n\nObsessive Inverse Meaning Disorder. Sometimes labeled Compulsive Lying. Sometimes Auto-mythomania.\n\nI can think in truths. I can be honest in my head. I just can’t be truthful out loud.\n\nNot sure why. Lots of therapy. Lots of Neurologists.\n\nLots of pain and suffering.\n\n“So,” Says Handsome, whom I just realized I’ve been standing in front of for an unknown period of time. “Pete says you can only tell lies?”\n\n“Nope.” Don’t know why I bother.\n\n“I was going to say, that’d be...that was a lie, right?”\n\nGosh, I need new shoes. And the floor needs a mop. And I wish I could look you in the eyes.\n\n“Tends to make him the quiet type.” Says Peter.\n\n“That is fucking strange.” It was said with a laugh, a well meaning laugh, a wonderfully delightful laugh. But, it hurts all the same.\n\nThey talk. I continue to assess my shoes.\n\nThey try to include me a few times, but I don’t feel like being a freak show today. He seems nice though. Genuine. \n\nKind.\n\n“Hey, Walt” Said Handsome, whose name I’m sure was offered and had been said multiple times, but hasn’t yet stuck. “I don’t want to force you to talk. I’m not trying to get a laugh out of your predicament.”\n\nHe got my eyes off the floor. Sincerity in his voice. Care in his eyes. His hand on mine.\n\nHis hand on mine! Fireworks! Wedding-bells? Squeaking bed-frame.\n\nMy god, my face is warm.\n\n“I really,” He says.\n\nKiss me.\n\n“Truly,” he continues.\n\nKiss me.\n\n“Want to get to know about the guy inside that rockin’ bod.” A cheeky smile and ladies and gentlemen, this smitten kitten has gone full blown heartache.\n\n“Seriously though, I don’t mind translating some reverse speak, it’d be fun.”\n\nHow do I do this? How do I do this. Years wasted in silence. Chances burned with misunderstanding. He knows though. He’s smart. What if...\n\n“The sky is green, water is dry, and I definitely don’t want to fuck you.”\n\nBlank face. Didn’t nail that. Going to run. Legs run. I should be running. Peter is laughing, handsome is laughing and my legs don’t work.\n\nWait. Handsome is laughing?\n\nOh lord, please tell me that this is going to work."
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[WP] (Inspired by u/manipulativedumpling) Every human is born with 0 stats (Str, Dex, Wis, etc) and gains one random point each year. You are a super rare "Pure," someone with points in only one stat.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"Special pff\", she scoffed, \"Special is not something good if you ask me.\"\n\nThe journalist asked: \"How would you describe your life so far as you've come?\"\n\n\"Hell\", she answered, \"worse. I can't move, I can't even eat properly let alone anything else.\" I don't want to lie in bed all day doing nothing or watching series.\"\n\n\"I don't understand\", the journalist replied, \"how can you not like being pure? You get all the attention and are almost revered as a god!\"\n\n\"I never asked for it. I don't want any of this. I just want a normal life and be able to do things. I want to be able to feel the sun on my face without instantly burning or being in a wheelchair. If you don't get that I really think you are the person what instructions on shampoo bottles were made for!\"\n\nJournalist: \"Well we aren't able to go outside now anyways because of a certain virus so you aren't missing anything.\"\n\n\"WHAT DID YOU SAY, YOU PERSON THAT WOULD THINK HIEROGLYPHS ARE A CHILDRENS MENU?! A CROSSBRED SHRIMP HAS A BETTER REASONING THAN YOU!\"\n\njournalist: \"No need to get all worked up...\"\n\n\"NO, I AM SO SICK OF THIS IT JUST NEEDS TO STOP!! HOW CAN EVERYONE BE SO DUMB!! IT'S LIKE WHEN JUSTIN BIEBER IS ON I CAN'T EVEN STAND UP AND PAUSE IT. I CAN'T EVEN MOVE!!.\n\njournalist: \"Well, what is your stat anyways? I mean you just insult me and everyone. \"\n\n\"That's true. That's is my GODDAMN STAT. I am good at rare insults. I am like a haunted doll without the evil spirit to move it and the scary looks."
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[WP] The role of a Reaper isn't to kill, or even to help the souls of the departed move on. The role of the Reaper is to protect their charges from anything that might harm them - that's why they're always armed.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"Dennis? Dennis! You need to wake up! Stay with me, son!\" The voice that spoke was growly, feminine, but hollow, like each word had been carved out from the inside and hastily patched back up again. As if the words were barely there.\n\nDennis shook his head, trying to stand. There was a dull thud, and the color was drained from his vision. The world around him was a grainy black and white, constantly moving and shifting like old film. \"Whe-\"\n\n\"You're dead, and we need to get you out of the Shade quickly.\"\n\n\"I'm...\" Before Dennis even had time to contemplate the gravity of that realization, he heard a soul-shuddering growl. He turned to see a black beast with putrid green eyes, bouts of flame slipping between the gaps in its pale teeth. It snarled, snapping its jaws at Dennis, taking a running leap.\n\nThere was a sickening slice as the cloaked figure's scythe swung upwards, rending the beast cleanly in two. \"Soul hounds! Quickly Dennis, where is the door?\"\n\n\"What fucking door?!\"\n\n\"A door! Only you can see it, only you can sense it! Look, dammit!\" The figure spun around as more beasts circled around them. From the back of the cloak sprouted beautiful angel wings, but cracked, with some feathers floating near the others, rather than being attached. Parts of them even seemed broken, abused, stained with a thick black ichor. \n\nDennis spun around wildly. \"Door, door, door. Goddammit, there's no door here!\" \n\nThe figure gracefully zipped around, cutting each beast in half as they neared Dennis and lunged, splats of green blood splattering across his face and clothes. \"Find... the door... or we both die...\" the figure panted, leaning on the handle of its scythe for support.\n\n\"Oh, found i- WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!\"\n\n\"What's the proble- fuck me.\"\n\nBetween Dennis and his protector lie a monstrous behemoth, standing thirty feet tall at the shoulder. Its skin tone was pulsing, intermittently black, then red. It had eyes of varying sizes dotting its chest and shoulders, with one large gaping mouth atop a stem-like head. One arm dragged against the grainy floor, a viney mess of thick and thin tendrils, throbbing in tandem with its color change, each pulse sprouting sharp spikes on each tendril. Its right arm was a mass of pure muscle, complete with three hulking fingers at the end, and one unsettlingly large thumb.\n\nWith a terrible roar, the creature set itself forward, its thick legs thundering against the ground, shaking Dennis' body and liquefying his legs instantly.\n\n\"Time to knuckle up, kid,\" the figure beside him groaned. A shadowy mist formed in front of him, solidifying into a shield wrought from the energies of this strange realm. With one deep breath, Dennis charged forward with the stranger next to him.\n\nHe fearfully raised the shield as the monster brought its spiked tendril arm down upon him, yelling as he felt un-blocked spikes dig into his legs. The cloaked figure made three quick swipes with the scythe, expertly severing a number of tendrils, causing the creature to stumble backwards and roar in pain before resuming its assault. \n\nDennis saw his chance, and sprinted for the golden white portal ahead of him, clenching his jaw as the behemoth thundered behind him, roaring in anger as its quarry escaped. Dennis dove through the portal, landing with a thud and sighing.\n\n\"Not bad. Honestly thought you wouldn't make it,\" the figure said, breathing heavily and helping Dennis up. \"Ready for round two?\" \n\n​\n\n(If you liked this story, feel free to check out my humble community: r/SUPRAPStories)"
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[WP] You live in a world where people get powers at different ages. The older you are when you receive your power, the stronger it is. You are 82 years old and finally receive yours.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
" \n\n Cameras everywhere, flashing towards this sole old man. The reason being he has no superpowers. Seeing the paparazzi sprint to him faster than light, or fly high in the sky to have an interesting shot of him, just makes him all the more bitter. The years go past and the more senile he gets. \n \n“Happy Birthday!” His family shots. The old man flashes a thin smile, and then immediately looks down to fidget with his hands. \n\n“You gotta get over it! You don’t have to sulk about not having powers all the time.” His sister says. \n\n “Even when I want to keep to myself, you somehow belittle me ever so slightly with your fancy mind-reading. I get it! I’m useless.” He hisses.\n \n “Cheer up! You’ll get your powers someday, everyone does!” She exclaims, trying to cheer him up. \n\n “Yeah yeah, no thanks. Leave me alone, Edna. You aren’t helping.” He retorts. \n\n She sighed, returning back to the rest of the family. All overjoyed, dancing everywhere, it made the situation worse for the poor man. He stood up and left the house, to pray to himself. \n\n “Lord, God, I’ve been waiting! What’s your plan for me? Am I just your dummy? Even the homeless are more interesting than me dang nabbit! Please give me a power, ANYTHING! I beg you. Heck, I beseech thee!” Tears walked down his cheeks like rivulets as he contemplated his worth. “I’ve figured it out God. My power is nothing isn’t it? It was a punishment for my past descendant right? But why me! Why not Edna? She’s so snarky and- And- UGH!” \n\n “Are you 82, or are you a toddler. Jeez louise! You are so weird. Is he our medium to communicate with the overworld? This is pitiful.” A sassy female voice remarked. \n\n “Very funny Edna. Wait- overworld? Have you gone crazy-” He looks back, and notices spirits observing him! \n\n “At least we didn’t get a maniac.” A rough male european voice replied to the female voice. \n\n “Whatever. Hey nerd. Nice to meet’cha. I’m Sharon and this is…. You won’t believe it…… Wolfgang.” The female voice introduced herself \n\n “Mind her discourtesy, she’s still trying to be “hip”, despite being way past her time.” Wolfgang commented. \n\n “Holy smokes…. I can talk to ghosts!” The old man cheered “This is wonderful news! Beat it Edna.” \n\n “Do me a solid, actually act your age please. But I can agree talking to me is very gnarly.” Sharon said. \n\n “Oh please Sharon, will you ever start doing what you preach.” Wolfgang exhaled “Anyways what’s your name, we need to get to know our medium! It’ll be nice practice.” \n\n “I’m Frank, an 82 year old man-” He got interrupted. \n \n “Which can talk to awesome tubular ghosts!” Sharon said.\n\n \"Yeah.... Yeah! I'll tell the others right now so I can rub it on their faces, I'll see their reaction.\" Frank said. \n\n With this newfound superpower, Frank finally lost his status of being a man with no superpowers! He immediately runs back to his house- but immediately becomes overwhelmed when he noticed that the paparazzi was there! \n \n\n It was at this moment where Frank realized that if he reveals that he has superpowers now, he’ll become normal. Which was a thing he actively tried not to be. What would happen next? Would he reveal the truth or will he hide it so he can stay famous. What kind of adventures would he embark on? Perhaps we will find out soon…. Next time."
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[WP] You are one of the collect few who are being hunted by the town
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Kiev bolted down the road through muddy puddles, the torrential downpour covering the loud splashes made by his running. The shops which lined the street were completely dead and their tin roofs amplified the sound of the rainfall, giving it a drumming sound that seemed to become more intense as Kiev ran from the townspeople pursuing him. He thought back to the carnival's arrival earlier that day. Back to why he was a part of the troupe at all. Being a part of the travelling troupe that represented the Kings good will and appreciation for his subjects had been a lifelong dream of Kiev’s ever since they visited his village during one of the worst droughts in recent memory. As a young boy of 10, Kiev remembered their uncanny ability to spread joy when there appeared to be none, hoping one day to create a similar positive change in someone's, or even better a whole village's, life. \n\nHis thoughts turned bitter thinking about the naive notion he carried from the age of ten to the present day, or more specifically 2 hours ago. Looking over his shoulder at the angry mob of townsfolk who pursued him, Kiev almost felt inclined to laugh. He had it all backwards. This carnival was not about spreading the kings joy or appreciation, it was a reminder to the townsfolk. A reminder that during their trials and tribulations, no matter how removed from the capital they were, the King still reigned supreme. This famine which had struck in the previous harvesting season however, proved to challenge the King’s authority and caused feelings of discontent among many villages. Sure this wasn't the first time feeling of discontent had arisen, but outright killing his representatives? That was unprecedented. An act of revolution. \n\nKiev made a sharp right into a dark alley nearly slipping as his foot slid on a patch of mud. As Kiev ran down the alley he strayed further from the covered torches which lit the main road, causing the alley to become a void which engulfed the entirety of his vision. The sound of rain on the tin roofs was overwhelming, overloading Kiev’s senses and pushing him to run faster as he felt his heart beginning to beat faster, almost as if it was beating with the cacophony caused by the rain. He felt them in his head as he attempted to make sense of this. They had been received so kindly earlier in the day. the sun had been out shining and the townspeople had been seemingly overjoyed to see the troupe. \n\nHad they planned this? The thought crossed Kiev's mind, bringing up images of the slaughter that had occured only two hours before. They must have, why else bring those weapons to the show? Why wait for it to start, only to interrupt for a “prayer”, then slaughter the troupe? Kiev remembered the twisted mangled bodies of his fellow troupe members. Some had been decapitated, some beat so badly bones had been jutting through the skin of their lifeless corpses. Others had been gutted with spears and stuck to walls. Kiev was not sure if he was lucky in his escape, or had merely prolonged an inevitable fate for himself. \n\nThe sound of voices began to come from behind Kiev, a soft murmur when compared to the now vicious pounding that surrounded Kiev, propelling him further forward. Thoughts ceased in his head as if to imitate the void which surrounded him. Those thoughts of what brought him to this place, and of survival, desisted with an immediacy that Kiev could not comprehend. There existed only the void and the drumming of rain which filled the space and Kiev’s head.\n\nHe felt rain on his face suddenly. This was wrong, if he had been running why would the rain be falling on his face? Kiev knew the answer before he opened his eyes, hearing the sounds of the mob that surrounded his body in his current semi-conscious state. He let out a barking laugh. \n\nim pretty new at this, please give me any criticism!"
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[WP] The human race is extinct and Earth has rejuvenated itself and is flourishing. Animals have evolved and are smarter than ever and are determined to eliminate the last remaining human, which happens to be you and you happen to be immortal.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\" They used to be afraid of it, you know.\" Wolfs were howling in the distance. I threw another piece of wood in the flames, it made a hollow sound on impact uplifting bright orange sparks in the air. They slowly faded as they got closer to the giant rat that was grilling on the fire. \n\" But they all got smarter. Now everything had evolved to kill one thing, humans. How long do you think it's been since the last one died?\" \nI took a bite off the rat meat.\n\" Yeah, you are right, those things evolved to taste bad. Still not as bad as your sister's cooking, am I right?\" I looked up and laughed, it was food to know I was still able to. The stars caught my eyes, they looked nothing like they used to. For all the time I lived among the humans, the constellations hadn't changed as much as they did since they went extinct. But nowadays I rarely had time for star gazing. \n\nThe howling was getting closer. I had time for maybe one more rat leg, two if I was feeling lucky. \n\" I hope this is the pack from yesterday, the one with the white tail owes me a bottle of whiskey. The beast surprised me and I dropped it. Didn't I said to watch my back? Those things are hard to find nowadays.\" My hand touched the leathery handle of my sword, gently laying next to me. This piece of steel had saved my skin more times that I could remember. The beasts had evolved but they were not yet a match for high quality steel from the early 22nd century. Guns were not really an option as they could break at any time. Also bullets were not exactly easy to find. Swords were light weight and reliable, way better choice for fending off animals whose only purpose was to kill me.\n\nThe howling had stopped, that meant they were close. I cut a few more chunks of rat meat and put them in my bag. The sky was clear, not a single cloud could be seen. I put out the fire and let my eyes adapt to the dark. The moon light was enough to see where I was going. The shadows around the trees started to move. They were circling me. I saw a patch of white fur between the bushes. He was here. I looked at my daughter still sitting next to the smoldering embers.\n\" Remember my dear, don't let them bite you, the poison is pretty nasty.\" I knew they couldn't harm her, she wasn't real. Just a figment of my tortured mind. After all, I was the last human on Earth, and as much as I wanted to die, I couldn't.",
" Ever since we became one earth had been doing swimmingly. Within the first 10 thousand years forests had regrown across all of Europe, CO2 pollution had significantly reduced from when we were alive, and craziest of all hundreds of new species had cropped up over every continent. However after a few million years new intelligent life had appeared, weird tentacle like things had formed nations along coasts and on the isle of Man a city state had formed made up of creatures seemingly taken straight for lord of the rings. These creatures were massive hulking plants which had advanced to human level technology within a few years and worst of all they found a dvd. Now we first noticed their weird devotion to the thing about 400 years before they could even play it and they seemed to have developed a religion around it. But once they found out what was on it things got out of hand. Apparently it was a Shrek dvd and they took his \"swamp homeland\" thing a little to far. They quickly took over the British isles for they saw them as just as miserable as Shrek's swamp was. Many of us thought it was funny but for days part the collective were very un-gruntled. When we tried to contact them as the creators of the movie they attacked us on sight. There only being on body between us, we quickly fled and realized that they took Shrek's violence toward humans as if we were demons. They chased us all the way to France until we managed to hide. And that is how we drove from the British Isles by a Shrek devoted cult.",
"I was sitting in the grass. A wolf jumped at me with a roar. He managed to bite a part of my hand before backing of in horror. \"You..u...u di..di..didn't run away?\" I looked back at him, quiet, as I felt the missing piece of my hand growing back. \n\nThe wolf was probably very young. On a second thought, if he was young he would have known. So he was probably just like me. A loner who somehow survived the very own earth. \n\nI was the only human who survived. And I had no mean to defend myself from all the wild animals that just kept getting smarter. So I stopped trying. And in that moment, something changed. If life was a riddle, then losing will be its answer. But it's not a riddle. It was just important enough to exist, and so it's just existing. \n\nAs I thought about those funny little says, a little cat, a lioness and a deer attacked me. Non of them left any mark after a few seconds. The animals has something against me. They all of the time say something about destroying humans. But I don't care. \n\nI'm the perfect one. And as such, I was condemned to loneliness. And I embrace it. After all, the answer for life is not to resist.",
"Humanity is dead. They went out kicking and screaming, like a spoiled child throwing a temper tantrum. They burnt the Earth and scorched the sky before they died. But it’s true… time heals all wounds. After they were gone, the Earth began to rejuvenate, heal. Sunlight returned and plants began to flourish. The towering monuments of man, their skyscrapers, towers, roads and factories all crumbled and were lost to the returning nature. IN their place came the surviving creatures, beasts that were once little more than animals grew smarter and more cunning.\n\nOnly a single reminder of humanity remained on this renewed Earth, me. I am, for the lack of a better term, the last of mankind. I am their eternal ambition, their pride and perseverance, their very will to survive. But I am not quite a man. I am something more. I am timeless’ deathless; eternal. I was created, I think, to carry humanities hopes and genes into the future as a lasting reminder that they did not go quietly into the black abyss of forgotten time.\n\nThe beasts and animals that rule this world still remember humanity as well. They remember how dangerous mankind was and how the world was ruined by them. Now they come for me every few weeks, intent on destroying the last trace of humanity on a world that might be better off without man. And sometimes, I wish I could lay down and die for them. Something inside me refuses to go quietly… refuses dying without making them earn it. \n\nI look down at the scar on my left forearm. It’s almost completely faded, meaning a week has passed. They will be coming soon. Blood-hungry monsters looking for the last man on Earth. I lock the door of the hut I built, nestled inside a cave far from the nearest animal settlement, and walk down the long path to the river. \n\nThe animals, the beasts who have inherited the Earth, have made a habit of hunting me. The first few times they came for me I embraced the worst aspects of my own humanity. I would kill them and leave the corpses to try and dissuade or scare any others who might come. But the attacks didn’t stop. Instead they began to get worse. Huge hunting parties began to search for me and over many long years I killed or maimed more than I could stomach.\n\nBeasts with slavering jaws and wild, crazed eyes would hunt me and sometimes they would win, taring my flesh apart or ripping open my guts. But it never lasted. No matter how many times they seemingly killed me I came back from the abyss, hurt but alive. And then they would return, sometimes it took weeks for them to return and sometimes it was months but the monstrous animals would always come looking for me. Eventually I began to run and hide form them, killing only when cornered. Because of my immortal nature, I have learned to how to hide and remain unseen by even the most capable of trackers. \n\nEventually I can hear the rustle of undergrowth nearby and slip silently through the woods. Without much effort I climb a tree, and wait. A few minutes later a lithe form slinks out of the trees near the small river. It is a jet black panther, with golden eyes that peer into the darkness, searching the ground for the slightest trace of me. Behind it a shaggy form of a wolf quietly sniffs the air. A long bodied rattle snake coils nearby its tongue flicking out of its mouth to taste the air. \n\nThey search for a few seconds with intense fervor in their eyes and a driven purpose in their limbs. As the panther draws closer to my hiding spot, something further down the river draws their attention. With the speed and stealth I have come to expect from the best of their savage hunters they disappear. A long time passes before I climb down from my hidden perch and make my way after them.\n\nI pace myself, cautiously tracking them. For a few hours the hunters are being hunted before I realize where they are headed. With mounting panic I hurry through familiar trees, finding myself at the foot of a path I have walked countless times. I draw the long, heavy knife from its sheath and creep towards the cave.\n\nAn icy lump sits in the pit of my stomach, it has been years since a hunting party has found my home. The front door of my hut is torn open and I throw caution away as I rush in. The whole place is a mess, shelves ruined, clay containers shattered and everything I have is thrown around the place. For the first time in decades I feel a burning rage well up inside. I grab the broken shaft of a large barbed spear and run out into the night.\n\n Dawn is approaching when I finally catch up to my attackers. My blood is still hammering in my ears but it isn’t loud enough to drown out the inhuman growls and hisses of the beasts that have violated my home. I nearly burst out of the foliage, tossing rational thought and tactics aside, but something in their voices stops me. \n\n“You saw… those things.” The snake hisses, its voice almost quivering, “I never believed the stories, not really. But I saw it. I could taste the anguish and blood on them… *boots.* *Leather.*”\n\n“Grow a spine.” The wolf growls, “Humans are weak. They need our skin, our claws and teeth, to fight us. Without our skin for their leather and our claws and teeth for their… *weapons*, they are squishy, vulnerable things.”\n\nThe panther snarls and the wolf looks away. I had spent years eluding hunting parties and many more years killing beasts and in that time I had made it a point to learn their strange language. It took me decades to decipher what their growls, hisses, chirps and barks meant. Even now I can’t really explain why I learned to understand them… maybe I still held out hope that someday I could live in peace with them. As my rage subsides I settle down and listen to them.\n\n“But… the elders speak of the World of Man. They had strange things that moved without living. They could harness fire and stone. They killed and killed and killed. They multiplied and spread across the land like locusts, consuming and destroying everything they touched.” The snake practically whispers.\n\n“Stories.” The wolf says, trying to hide his fear beneath bravado, “Stories to scare cubs and pups.”\n\n“No.” the panther’s voice is calm but shaken, “You saw his den. This human has things the elders call weapons. You saw them. The long pointed sticks, those strange bent branches and vines. You smelled the death that permeated that place. I know you saw the dried flesh of our cousins in that wooden square, the eggs of our neighbors in those clay containers. Seeing all that… seeing those ‘stories’ with your own eyes should be enough to make you believe everything they say about humans.\n\nI can believe that a village of humans could bring the world to ruin again. I understand now why this part of the forest is off limits. A ***single*** human lives here. How many of our brothers, sisters, friends and family have been slaughtered by one man?! How many more will die to its human blood-lust?”\n\n“But… but how can we hope to win against something capable of… of what we saw. Something that has slaughtered our people since the earliest days of the world?” the snake’s voice quaked with fear, “A creature like that...”\n\n“That’s why we brave these woods!” the wolf barks as he turns on the snake, teeth bared, “We prove ourselves to be more than mere pups and kittens and hatchlings! We come here to this forbidden land, like our fathers and mothers before us, to face the monster that lurks beyond our world and preys on our people! We do this because we grow stronger by ***facing*** fear and overcoming it! Someday we, or our children or their children, will become strong enough to finally kill this human and free our land and people from terror!” \n\nI slip away from them with the barking of the wolf ringing in my ears. I swallow a lump in my throat. I have spent most of my days waiting for the next attack from the animals… the beasts. The Monsters. But I’ve had it all wrong. To them I was the monster. I was the Thing in the darkness… the boogeyman that haunted their dreams.",
"Mankind is dead, except me and i cannot die. I don't know why i'm not dead, i don't know why i can't die, why i cannot even feel pain anymore, i don't know why i turned into this, i didn't ask for anything of this, but i don't care anymore. I stopped caring eons ago now i only matter to me fighting, violence and killing while i wander this world i don't belong. Now this world is governed by the beast that humanity once tamed and hunted. They evolved until gained sentience, passed to be mere animals to new beings many even becoming in the fantastical creatures of our tales And they remember us. How dangerous we are, how we killed and destroyed many including ourselves. They want me gone because that, because of vengeance and i'm a treat.\n\nThese beasts tried everything to kill me from fangs to poison, all failed miserably, i even if i am devoured completely i pop up back from the abyss, but they still tried. Of course i would not leave them harm me, so i fight back and killed any who attempted. I slaughtered many of these beast for so long i lose the body count, devoured them when i had nothing more to eat. I only thought for survive the next encounter with these beast, wherever i go only violence waits me with many times receiving roars and declarations full titanic amounts of hate and loathing from many beasts while other thankfully (if that can be) were at least impersonal in their quest to kill me. Violence, death and hate awaited me and i returned violence.\n\nEventually i got the upper hand in my eternal war and became superior that these animals. I turned in the most deadly being in the planet. And the most feared.\n\nUncountable eons of fighting and survival improved my skills. Hide so well no even the best scout of them can find me, my strength and fighting skills are superior even the best of their ape fighters or minotaurs warriors, my speed out pass even the best of their neo-cheetahs, my vision is better than a mega hawk or phoenix, i'm inspire more fear than a lion king or a dragon. I am a superior being.\n\nThe beasts realized that is impossible to get rid of me. I'm immortal and capable of kill anyone in my way. I leave evidence of both facts. Many were still determined to kill me, always will exist beings determined to do the impossible, but many have begun to avoid me in fear of my vengeance. They are not wrong. When abuse became too much for a person they snap and retaliate against the abuser. Is question of time and i'm not exception.\n\nI had enough of being attacked. Of always being the only in receive hate, in the end i begun to hate them them in return. I snapped one day and before realize there were a hundreds of corpses belonging to different species of beasts surrounding me. Whether if was another group hunting me or a unfortunate group i don't care. In fact i stopping caring for anything but fight and kill the next beast. Eons of nothing but violence and slaughter made me stop caring for nothing but bloodshed, for the next kill. And want give the world of the beasts my hate.\n\nSo i did it, i found the next group coming for killing. Only that i was the one who begun to attack. None survived. But that was not enough i was consumed by blood-lust, by the desire to hunt and kill. I seek the next group and i found a pack of werewolves, all adults attacked me on sight. All died in a instant, but i wanted more i got after the elders and i killed them all, next were the young ones most died but i let some live and i told them this.\n\n*\"For many eons you beast tried to eliminate me and fail. But i had enough. I will be the one who hunt and kill now. Filthy beast your time to hunt the hunter as come to an end. Tell them, tell the rest of the world that man will be the hunter once more. tell them i will be the hunter again. Is now time to make the world understand who is the true predator and who is the true* ***prey***\"\n\nThe young ones had gone and tell the world that i will be the one who hunt. In that moment i feel a great change. Something notable of my abilities is that are beyond human limitation. I can destroy big stones with a fist, hear even birds singing and branches cracking from mountains of distance away of me, reach great distances in short time and never tire. I may have stopped being human a long time before. But the change i feel was something different.\n\nMy skin was being turned into a unnatural pale gray, tattoo like marks of color black and red covered my body, two horns were growing from my head, a tail and bat-like wings were growing out of my back and my eyes turned red and black. And my abilities increased beyond imaginable, a strange power was surging of me. I could feel it, i also can feel my immortality was somehow complete feeling that literally nothing can kill me.\n\nMaybe fate dictated that i should be turned in this or simple casualty or maybe i ever was like this. I doesn't mattered, what mattered is this i'm not a human anymore.\n\nI'm not the being that i once i knew nor the being that the beast tried to kill. That day the last human evolved like the rest of the beasts that tried to end his life for eons into a new stage. I'm not a human anymore, i turned into something beyond human and more terrible than anything alive.\n\nI turned in a ***demon*** and i will ***hunt***.",
"\"Oy, can't you guys hurry it up a bit?\", As the group of bipedal cats charged at me, I calmly squatted down next to their fallen comrade and began rooting through his pockets.\n\n\"Come on, I swear I saw him light one up earlier.\", although the cats had already arrived next to me, I ignored them and continued searching.\n\nWhen I finally found what I was looking for, a pack of cigarettes, I took one out and stuck the rest in my bag.\n\nThe cats repeatedly swung their weapons at me, but no matter how much they tried, they failed to cut through even a layer of skin.\n\nInhaling the deadly toxins that naturally come with a cigarette, I looked at my attackers.\n\nJust like all those before them, they were desperately trying to take me down.\n\nUnfortunately for them, they couldn't.\n\n\"Listen, can't you guys give up yet? You're wasting my time; The longer you lot keep it up, the longer I have to stay here.\", seeing that they did not respond, I took a quick look at my arm to make sure I was wearing the bracelet that could translate my words.\n\nI knew, of course, why they were attacking me and I didn't blame them.\n\nThey had gotten pulled into the same game as I was, way back when; All other humans had participated too, for that matter.\n\nWe were forced into a giant battle royal with several dozen species from different worlds.\n\nWe managed to survive and grow stronger for a few years, but, ultimately, failed in winning.\n\nI don't know if I should count myself lucky, but since I had repeatedly drawn the interest of the 'game masters' during the game, they had pulled me out of the game a moment before I would die.\n\nThey promised me incredible power and allowed me to join them as a 'game master'.\n\nNot wanting to die, I agreed and ended up becoming the immortal supervisor of earth.\n\nAt first, I thought they were joshing me around since earth's species, humans, had already lost the game and were now extinct, but after tens of thousands of years, another species appeared.\n\nExcited to finally have something to do, I assisted their growth and, when they had grown sufficiently, I pulled them into the game.\n\nThis species, like humans, lost.\n\nThey completely died out.\n\nNot a single one left.\n\nSince then, the cycle has repeated itself countless times; a species would evolve, grow, join the game and, ultimately, die.\n\nAnd now, finally, earth was victorious.\n\nThese cats somehow managed to win.\n\nThey had done it through hiding until the end, sure, but they still won.\n\nWhen they returned to earth, I was surprised to find that I could follow them.\n\nNostalgic to finally set foot on earth again, I did.\n\nI would be recognised as a game master and I would have fights like this one on a daily basis, sure, but I didn't care.\n\nI was finally back on earth.\n\n​\n\n​\n\n​\n\n\\-------------------\n\nWent a bit off-topic, but meh ¯\\\\\\_(ツ)\\_/¯ \n\nr/Nammos_storytime",
"It's been so long now that I stopped marking the time completely. Millennia, at least. No, longer. Nothing of the old world is left standing. I can't even remember what our buildings looked like, how a city smelled, or how cars and airplanes sounded. The new ones have their own technology now. Paper and ink. I borrowed some from an abandoned cottage to pen this journal. Hell, I'm not even sure if these letters would have meant anything to any Humans left to read them. I can't remember the name of the language in which I think.\n\nI'm rambling.\n\nRight, technology. The new beings have some. They have civilization, farming, weapons, wheels ... It's the most bizarre thing to see. They came from raccoons, of all things. But they never lost their fur, or grew in stature. Heh, I've forgotten so much, but somehow I remember the concept of *movies.* They don't have them, at least not yet, but they look remarkably like a character that somehow my ancient neurons held onto. Crazy little fuzzball in orange clothing blasting away at bad guys with a weapon that no longer exists, if it ever did.\n\nDoing it again. I don't know why I haven't died yet. Can't remember why we died out, either. I know I'm not normal. If there are any other Humans left, I've never seen them. Maybe they're hiding, the way I've learned to hide from the new ones. These guys ... They're something else. They have iron tools, but mostly they work with bronze. A few castles, but they don't build cities. They keep things spread out a bit. I haven't seen a building yet that was taller than I could reach if I jump. But I almost never get close enough to try it. Their senses are keen, but they don't see well during the day. Out in the wilds, I can hunt and forage as long as the sun is up, but if I wander too close to their towns, especially during the night, they can find and track me. Happened a few times already. I even have a scar from where one of their arrows found a home in my right ass cheek before I managed to outrun them. Damn good they haven't domesticated any animals that could run faster than they do. Dogs and cats don't like them very much, not how they liked us.\n\nSo I know I'm not invulnerable. But I don't age. And I've been out here in the forest for ages now, surviving. I guess that's why I decided to write down this little rambling. Just for the hope that if there are any Humans left out there, they might stumble on my thoughts, and in that way I might live on. Or the new ones might find it on me whenever they finally do manage to hunt me down, and they will decipher my words.\n\nI can see the signs, though. I'm not much longer for this world. Sooner or later they're going to figure out gunpowder. Or they'll spread to all corners of the world the way we did. Or maybe they will find those tiny horses, if any survived. If I'm really lucky, I'll see them figure out internal combustion engines or even space flight before I meet my end. Then I'll know life from this world has a chance to thrive out there in the universe. Because these ... Oh gods, \"Trash pandas.\" How did I remember that? These creatures don't fight the way we did. They have countries and small armies, sure. But the swords and bows are for protection, not conquest. All the old beasts that once plagued Humanity, when there still was a Humanity to plague, are here. Bears, wolves, wildcats ... The new ones managed to carve out a world for themselves amid creatures that still terrify me. If they can survive them, then they might have a real shot to avoid our fate.\n\nFor now, though, I'll just be their Bigfoot.",
"Lightning scattered across the night-sky and licked at the thrice-burned fingers of my right arm, filling my broken nose with the smell of ozone and burning flesh, and the beady eyes of the dragon with what I hoped was terror and intense regret.\n\nIt backed away, slowly, down the mountainside. My shroud, wrapped firmly around my torso, fluttered like the banners of a forgotten nation in the majestic creature's breath. I held my ground. My fingers, seemingly burnt beyond healing moments ago, had already begun to heal, releasing steam that hissed as it escaped through my gauntlet.\n\nThe gauntlet was a gift; a relic of a bygone age, when we had nigh become deities who presided over each and every aspect of our existence. Even half-broken, held together by tree sap and lard, the gauntlet retained the power to summon lightning from a cloudy sky, albeit hurting my fingers in the process. But that did not matter: we have long been immortal, undying gods upon the earth. How did the others disappear then? I have no answer, other than that they chose to. Immortality is a curse, and it is a curse to be addicted to the breath that we draw. I was, then, doubly cursed; a unique blend that made me the sole survivor of the human race.\n\nThe dragon seemed to have regained its composure. In its hands, nestled in the firm grasp possible only by the opposable thumbs inherited from its primate ancestry, was what we once called a sword. The blade reached longer than most trees did in the third millennium, but seemed too blunt to reliably cut through bone, as if the dragon was yet to learn that my flesh concealed my skeleton. If that was the case here, it would be advantageous to keep up the charade.\n\nIt swung the sword at me, but I parried with my gauntlet, sending a measured pulse of electricity through the blade that I knew would be enough to incapacitate the creature for some time.\n\nI pointed my gauntlet at the beast, and it stared back with its wise, yet furious eyes, each larger than the largest watermelons of our age.\n\n\"Run away,\" I shouted, even though I knew it would understand nothing, \"And you will get to see the sun rise again\".\n\nI let the tiniest spark run across the gauntlet, letting the smell get to its nostrils.\n\nFor a moment it felt as if the dragon was hesitating. Then it stepped forward, slowly, from the shock, yet menacingly, and began to speak in a language I knew nothing of, other than that it existed, and that almost all dragons seem to understand it.\n\nIt was not loud enough to be a battle-cry, nor short enough to be prayer; it was conversing with me, speaking to another species. Perhaps if I tried hard enough I would understand? Perhaps this was the great moment in our history when we first make meaningful contact with another species?\n\nI no longer cared. When I realized it would not back away, I ran forward, and drove the gauntlet, now bursting with power, through the dragon's skull, my fist resting halfway across its jaws. The dragon was alive, but not for much longer. I withdrew my hand.\n\n\"I am sorry,\" I said to the magnificent beast, \"But there was no other way\".\n\nI waited, as it flailed around for an hour, then breathed heavily, said its last words, then passed away, a proud warrior. In thirty, perhaps forty years, the bones of this dragon would house a thousand other species, none human, each trying to kill me, each trying to live up to the legacy of the creature that sheltered their lives, even in death.\n\nI cut off one of its feathers and stashed it away in my sack. I would have to stay here for a while, perhaps a year, feasting on dragon-flesh and the snow that would soon litter the mountainside.\n\nIt could have been worse.\n\n​\n\n\\[This is my first time writing in this sub, so I apologize for the amateur writing. I had a lot of fun writing this, though, and if my fellow redditors approve, I would love to keep writing some more! Thank you, u/Moe_Danglez for the great prompt, and everyone who reads this!\\]",
" *(By my 8 year old son)* \n\nOne night I was sleeping outside because one of the cleverest animals were hunting me. The monkeys! I was frightened, and I was dreaming of the world getting crushed by clever animals. The next day I went to the market to get supplies. But there where still animals there! I noticed though they were turtles. They were smart and had high IQ, but they were slow at walking. But do they have a special weapon up their shell? I don’t know, but I wished they didn’t. As I approached them they looked over to me. What is happening to there mouths? It’s like they’re charging a massive beam up! Wait that is what they are doing? I was very surprised to see that they have a special weapon. In my head I was thinking damn it I should have seen that coming! They shot a beam the same time making the sound mmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! I tried to dodge but there were way too many. I noticed 1 of them stopped and he was wearing MLG glasses. He said, “This is a spirit cannon!” then they stopped. They had no energy. I ran to get a box of matches and 50 packs of delicious meat, big milk bottles, cereal, asparagus, 40 water bottles, I almost forgot Doritos(they are delicious), sushi, nori, cucumbers, eggs and a pan to cook on. I will go get some sticks in the woods later; big and small ones.",
"Life in Avila Beach wasn't so bad for Jamie, all things considered. Sure, the extinction of the human race meant no more late night bar crawls or karaoke nights, but over the millennium Jamie had had enough socializing to last him a lifetime, many times over. \n\nAnd, to look on the bright side, the explosion of the nearby nuclear power plant and the ensuing release of deadly radioactive isotopes that now caked the city meant Jamie was safe from all manner of creatures, aside from the occasional washed up shark or whale, begging for Jamie to put them out of their misery.\n\nThe collective animal kingdom had enslaved his species for decades, before eventually deciding that they were more trouble alive than dead, thus beginning their human extinction initiative. Humans had fought valiantly, but with the one advantage humans had over animals, intelligence, now equalized, they simply didn't stand a chance. \n\nDespite all that had occurred, Jamie still felt a twinge of pity for these creatures. He recalled on one particular day, a poor tiger shark had washed up on the shore as Jamie was conducting his daily exercise (mainly a routine Jamie had enacted to maintain his sanity, not for any particular benefit to his health). He remembered how it rocked back and forth on the sand, gasping for air. Its eye rotated in its socket to gaze up at Jamie. \"Help me, human, please,\" The voice box attached to its side croaked out. Jamie tilted his head, uninterested, giving the shark a blank stare. \"Please.\" It asked again. Jamie nodded, bent down to his knees, before ramming his arm down the shark's throat. It writhed back and forth viciously for a few seconds, before laying to rest. Jamie had a funny idea of mercy.\n\nOn this particular day, however, Jamie was relaxing in his current home, the largest house he had been able to find in the city. Perched on the top of a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean, Jamie felt like a king, and the La-Z-Boy he had lugged all the way from across town from the furniture store was his throne, although his subjects were admittedly few and far between. Without television or the internet, Jamie had resigned to the ancient ways of human entertainment, namely whatever crossword puzzles, toys, or board games he could find on his scavenging journeys. \n\n\"Endless time in depraved surroundings, 8 letters, hmmph,\" Jamie murmured to himself, furrowing his brow as he looked at the crossword hint. \"Ironic,\" he laughed before plopping the paper down and heading over to the kitchen to make his new recipe of canned beans and cereal. Jamie reckoned the two flavors probably weren't a particularly good match, but he supposed that with all the time he had on his hands, with enough mixing and matching he would be able to discover a culinary match made in heaven that no one else had considered, simply because the dish wasn't especially easy on the eyes.\n\nHe opened the can of beans with the can opener and raised it to his nose, sniffing suspiciously. No alarm bells were raised from the smell, so he placed a bowl on the table, flipped the can over and spanked the bottom a few times before the beans plopped out into the bowl with a satisfying \"SCHLOP\". Jamie took a moment to admire how the beans managed to maintain their solid, cylindrical, can shape. \"Human ingenuity, stunning.\" He muttered before reaching for the Frosted Flakes.\n\n\"Fuck!\" he yelled as a bird came bursting through his kitchen window and onto the kitchen floor in a bloody, feathery, mess. \n\n\"Jamie! Jamie Jamie! This is for you! It is most urgent!\" It squawked. In its claws it clutched a rolled up piece of paper. Jamie was stunned. Acting out of pure instinct, he grabbed the butcher knife from the counter and stabbed the bird through the throat. It immediately lay still. He snatched the rolled up paper from the bird's clutch and opened it.\n\n\"We know what you are. Please help us. We have gone through great lengths and taken much risk to transmit this message to you. Please see the bottom of this paper for verification. Fort Lauterdale. We will be waiting.\" He read. As he neared the bottom of the letter his jaw dropped. Taped at the bottom of the paper was something he hadn't seen in decades. A pile of human nail clippings, and beneath that five unique thumb prints. \n\nJamie wasn't sure what to think. Could this be a trap? He knew all humans were extinct. And even if he could get all the way across the country, he knew he could be of no help, the human race was hopelessly doomed. But he had to admit it was a bit exciting, he had seen no adventure here for years, although the small blue jay lying dead on his kitchen floor was a bit of an underwhelming call for adventure.\n\nSuddenly, Jamie stood very still. His head perked up, and he looked towards the window. He could hear the distant calls of some birds. \"Nothing out of the ordinary,\" he thought to himself, flocks of birds usually passed near to the town before realizing they were off course and adjusting their flight paths accordingly.\n\nBut the flock didn't seem to be changing path. No, their caws seemed to get louder, and louder. Eventually Jamie was able to make out what they were saying. \"Bird, bird, bird.\" Closer they came. \"Where is the bird, bird, bird.\" Jamie looked down at the bird between his feet. \n\n\"Shit,\" he breathed. \"BIRD, BIRD, WHERE IS THE BIRD, BIRD, BIRD?!\" He scrambled on top of his kitchen counter, knocking over the Frosted Flakes and bowl of beans in his wake. He stuck his head out of the now broken window and looked to the skies. \n\nOverhead, coming towards him, was a massive murder of crows, numbering thousands, possibly tens of thousands, Jamie couldn't be sure. Their caws were deathly screams now. \"BIRD! BIRD! WHERE IS THE BIRD!\" Jamie was certain they were heading right for him. He ducked back into the house, picked up the piece of paper again, and rushed downstairs.",
"The party is getting closer. They will be upon me any minute. If I am being honest with myself, I'm hoping that this time they will succeed. For centuries I have watched as nature has restored itself from the damage done by humans. And the scars humanity still left behind. I look down on my hands. The bright paleness of them is almost blinding. Couldn't there at least be a mark on my skin? To prove that I'm more than the last monument over human hubris. No such luck. Not then. Not now. I don't blame the creatures that are coming for me. After all, I am a constant reminder of a past long gone. Of a time when animals were hunted and their homes destroyed. \n\nIt served humanity right to wiped out.\nI can now see the party. Unsurprisingly it is lead by a group of great apes. Most of them are chimpanzees. All the species closest related to humans has evolved to be the same or almost the same intelligence as their long gone cousins. Even then, the most violent group are the chimps. Ironically they have started to behave very similarly to the humans they once so hated. The one in front is holding a primitive spear, shaking it at me while chattering something I can't understand. I know they have a language. All the animals do. But I don't understand any of them. Behind the chimpanzees is a variety of other animals. None of which can walk upright. Absently I wonder if they realise they are being exploited by the apes.\n\n\"If you want to kill me, go ahead\", I tell them, not knowing if they can understand me. \"Maybe it will work this time.\" The spear is thrown and once more I pray it will work.\n\n----\n\nIt doesn't. Just like every other time I blink awake. Not a single mark on my body. Unlike before I'm realising I'm looking up at a ceiling. Wooden beams are holding it up in a dome like shape.\n\n\"I see you are awake\", a voice rumble and it take me a moment to notice that I just understood the words. I sit up and look around me in confusion. Surely there has to be a mistake. Then I freeze. Sitting by a table is a great silverback gorilla. He, because it can only be male, is wearing glasses and seems to be reading. For some reason, the glasses gets to me more than I expected. \n\n\"When they told me you were immortal I didn't believe them. I can see I was mistaken\", the voice rumble again and I realise it is the gorilla who is speaking. \"My name is Graah. I was a hotheaded youth.\"\n\n\"Where am I?\" I ask.\n\n\"In my village\", Graah replies. \"Isn't it considered polite to give your name when someone has given you yours?\"\n\nMy name... I haven't given my name to anyone for hundreds of years. Not since my last companion died. Can I still remember it? Only vaguely. Better than nothing.\n\n\"I think it is Eyam.\"\n\n\"You think?\"\n\n\"I can't remember. I've been without a name for so long.\"\n\n\"I see\", Graah stands up and walks to what I assume is the door. There he talks to someone before returning to his table. Despite his intelligence he still moves like on of his species. On all four, using his knuckles. \"My wives will bring us something to eat soon.\"\n\n\"Your wives?\" I am wilfully ignorant about the creatures now ruling Earth. Why did I assume they would have human conventions? Surely I had know that silverback gorillas used to live in harems with one male and several females. Why would that change?\n\n\"Yes\", Graah chuckles. \"They give me quite the headache sometimes but I'm lucky to have them. Especially now that intelligence is more important than strenght.\"\n\n\"How can I understand you? I can't speak the language of animals.\"\n\n\"Indeed you can not. I am speaking the language of humans. You were quite a fascinating species. Destructive. Dangerous. Not quite like other creatures. And they created you, I assume.\"\nI look down on my unblemished skin. Despite the harsh sun I won't even tan. An abomination. That's what I am.\n\n\"They cursed me\", I say. Feeling the long buried anger rise to the surface. Maybe it's the quiet acceptance of the majestic being in front of me. Or maybe it is the result of me no longer being isolated and alone. Likely a mix between the two. \"I wish they had let me die. I wish I could die.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"'Why'? Because my existence is a curse! I can't die. I'm... I'm no longer human... I'm a monster.\"\n\nGraah is quiet for a long moment, turning a page in his book. Another gorilla enters. A female based on her slimmer and smaller stature. Whatever she says, it is spoken in her own language. Not one meant for me.\n\n\"There are many among us who think all humans were monsters\", the silverback says at last. \"That all they did was destroy and kill. But that's not the whole truth.\" Holding up the book I can see it is an old encyclopedia. Specifically one about animal life. Graah is pointing to a picture of a panda.\n\n\"This animal went extinct after humans disappeared. It couldn't manage on its own. And I've read stories of humans who went out of their way to help and care for animals.\"\n\n\"The minority...\" I mutter.\n\n\"Really?\" A rumbling sound echoes and I realise Graah is laughing. \"Did you know that the cats and dogs still miss humans? Especially the dogs. They no longer need them. Don't know anything about them. Yet if they saw you they would likely fall at your feet, begging for a bellyrub.\"\n\nIn spite of myself I laugh at the image it conjures up. Me surrounded by dogs who have human like intelligence while they all beg me to rub their furry bellies. When was the last time I laughed? At anything? It feels good.\n\n\"So you have other emotions than despair. Good. I won't lie to you Eyam. You are surrounded by creatures who would want nothing more than see you dead.\"\n\n\"I would help them if I could. I can't even feel pain.\"\n\n\"I'm sure you would. And I won't stop anyone who tries. They have a right to their anger I think. But, I will extend an invitation to you.\" The words take me by surprise. Feeling rather bizarre I nod to show I'm listening. \"You may stay here, in my village. I will even give you a home and teach you speak Gorilla. It is not difficult. We mostly grunts and huff.\"\n\n\"You want me to stay here? Why?\"\n\n\"My reading has made me understand humans are social creatures. You have hold up so far but you could cause a lot of damage if you snapped.\"\n\nMy confusion is growing rapidly. This whole conversation baffles me. Graah would have me stay because of the damage I may do if I was to be left alone.\n\n\"That's...\" I begin.\n\n\"I have one more reason\", Graah interrupts me. \"And that one is even more selfish. Some of my... cousins... have started display some... unpleasant tendencies that you might be better at recognising. It would be sad if we were to become the same as the humans we so hated. You don't have to give me an answer straight away.\"\n\n----\n\nThe sun is going down on a truly bizarre day. My pale skin is at last starting to look like some other than a fish stomach. I'm not sure if I should take Graah up his offer. At the same time. Maybe someone would finally find a way to kill me. This time for good.\nTwilight descends on a world that never truly belonged to me. And for the first time in centuries, I'm starting to feel like that is okay.\n\n\nThe end.\n\n(EDIT. I made some needed space.)",
"We have finally played ourselves towards extinction after years of greed and war. Perhaps that little black book of ours wasn't a lie like we all thought. First, there was the pestilence, a silent virus called \"Beer-19 Virus\"; then led the war struggling for global domination; all happened while famine grew; I guess, God has finally decided to stop waiting.\n\nMy name is Dirk, I am one of the few survivors after the fall of civilization. I have always thought humans would go out by meteors or another ice age due to global warming, but animals? If that's not irony then I really don't know what irony is. The animals have \"evolved\", if you can call it that. They can all talk now...with each other. While the food chain is still very much the same, I know they are working together. I've seen weapons, spiked armors, and strategies. Their number grew by the day as they free the enslaved animals and reproduce. I, sometimes, do wish to see Ronald McDonald's face when the cows are marching with spears and armors on the streets.\n\nI am one of the few left. I haven't seen many living souls as I travel across the country. Rarely, I'll find one scavenging for food. But they usually end up being found by the animals and become the food. I don't know how much longer I can takes this before I go crazy. I've never asked for this. I've already had my life all planned out. I was immortal, I had my million dollars, I had already sealed that stupid snail, but it is now freed! It was supposed to be simple, I was supposed to be in space [already!!!](http://replygif.net/i/634.gif)\n\n​\n\n\\*First time writing in this Sub\n\n\\*[If you didn't get the reference](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/5ipinn/you_and_a_super_intelligent_snail_both_get_1/)",
"Coming in from the right, five, no wait- six. From the left, two more. From behind me, one- the alpha. I took out my pitchfork, the Hyper Titanium tines shining in the sparse, tree-dappled light. I moved toward the alpha, hearing a deep laughter.\n\n\"You're wise human, but not smart! I'll tear you apart, for everything your species did!\" He lunged toward me, his six paws raised to the side. His four hind legs were lithe, while the front two were powerful, each carrying long, sharp, and fanglike daggers. The tips were only stone- guess the Neo Wolves hadn't truly learned how to mine like the Neo Lions had. I dipped low underneath him, and turned my pitchfork up. It pierced slickly through his sternum and pierced his heart, and he yelped. Their alpha dead, the other wolves yelped and dispersed. One thing I'd learned in all my time was that no matter how intelligent they became, certain attributes of each species remained. For these Neo Wolves, it was their pack instinct. With no alpha, even the largest of their societies could crumble. That's the only reason I wasn't willing to give over earth to them, not yet.\n\nI didn't ask for their hate, at least, not directly. I was born human, in the year 2061. Or at least, I was designed as such. I was part of a series of human experiments intended to continue the species even in the harsh landscape we had created for ourselves. We were granted indefinite longevity, environmental adaptability, and of course, increased physical attributes. The subjects were 1 million strong, more than enough to recover human society after our inevitable destruction at our own hands. \n\nHowever, much like the wolves, humans had one attribute that would never go away- refusal to die. They couldn't accept that human society would be replaced by test tube grown *things*, and a rogue extremist sect called the Purists sabotaged the experiments. Their attack killed most of the experimental fetuses and rendered all of its surviving subjects sterile. They proclaimed that we were not human, and we were not the answer to the destruction of humanity. \n\nWhether we were the answer or not, the fifty of us who reached full development were able to survive in the polluted atmosphere as the Purists and their flock failed to reach the stars, fell into the muck, and died. Then, we spent thousands of years scrounging for scraps, growing food in the ruins of earth's hydroponic labs. Thousands of years after we were left to ourselves, the world started changing around us. We left our hidden bunkers, seeing fruited trees, an atmosphere free of deadly carbon monoxide, and the grayed concrete jungles converted to beautiful organic ones. It was a world we'd only seen in fantasy novels, and we were absolutely smitten with it. We built a village, reclaimed some of our technology and built basic farms and tools. The fifty of us were happy, a thousand years young, playing in the sandbox like little kids.\n\nBut like little kids, we were ignorant to the world outside. Before we knew it, we started losing people in the night. The first to go was my friend, Andre, who loved to go on night walks through the tangled brush. We found his body the next day, bloated with venom. Two more, then three died in the same way, their bodies left to rot in the jungles. That was when we discovered Neo Vipers- they were 30 feet long on average, with two heads and four prehensile tails. They wielded long fangs bearing poison that could fell an elephant. More importantly, they spoke in many different languages, including one we spoke- English. They'd discovered the remains of our texts, and were completely fluent, though their accent was heavy through their unmoving lips and limited tongues. \n\nWe asked why they were hunting us, but we really should have known. I'll never forget their chilling words.\n\n\"Sss... know... yat... did. Many... fear. All... hate. Hu-mansss... cannot exist. Time... gone by.\" \n\nWith that, they began hunting us in earnest. Everywhere we went, we found evolved versions of old earth species, with different views, tactics, societies, and politics. They all shared one view in common, though- they had to get rid of us. They didn't care to eat our meat, or steal our tech, or torture us for our human knowledge. They just wanted us gone.\n\nAfter years of it, I was the only one left. Among my dead companions, I was known as Zeta. To these creatures, I was only The Mark. The last human, surviving for no reason other than to defy them. I don't know why I tried to survive... but I suppose that I just couldn't accept that I was meant to die for this world to progress. Just like the Purists who killed nearly a million fetuses to protect their status as human, I would kill any of the millions of people who wanted me to go extinct, just to live another day. My fight for survival was the only thing that reminded me that I was truly human. It was all that I had left. \n\nAnd so, I carried on.\n\n------------------------\n\nVisit r/Aerdwriting for more of my stories!"
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[WP] You've always been terrified of the dark. For years, you've coped by speaking to it, acting as though its your friend. Today, you found out that there IS something to fear that lives in dark places... and that you've successfully made friends with it.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"As a little girl, Lila had always been lonely. She'd avoided all the other kids in school, she'd had to. Her immune system was weak, so if they got her sick, even just with a cold, she'd end up in hospital. But the thing about being lonely is that your fears start to worsen. The slight worry about the dark turned into terror. It got so bad, that for a while, she refused to sleep with the light off. As she grew older, though, she found her own way to overcome her fear.\n\nShe'd sit down in the center of her room with a game of jenga, turn the light off, and talk to the darkness. She'd tell it stories that happened at school, crack jokes, and be gingerly careful not to knock over the tower of jenga blocks. Sometimes, she would swear that someone else moved a piece when it wasn't her turn. But her parents never listened. Why would they? She was eleven. A lot of kids that young have imaginary friends.\n\nWhen snacks started going missing, Lila's parents grounded her, but whenever asked, she insisted that her friend Dallas had taken them. That she'd told him not to. But she got the punishment. After all, imaginary friends couldn't eat snacks, let alone take them. \n\nFurniture was being moved overnight. The couch an inch to the left. A lamp in the corner opposite where it used to be. Lila would just shrug when asked about it, and tell her parents, \"It wasnt me.\"\n\nThen, Lila started drawing. Sort of. She'd fill a piece of paper with the color black, and show it to her parents, saying it was of Dallas. They were concerned at this point, but when they took her to a therapist, he just shrugged. \"She's a kid.\" He'd said. \"They'll do that sort of thing.\" \n\nThen their cat vanished. When they asked Lila about it, she refused to answer. \"Ask Dallas.\" Was her only reply. So one day, fed up with the missing food, the moved furniture, their lost cat, her parents borrowed her jenga set, turned off the lights, and sat down in their bedroom. They were awkward at first, mumbling and fiddling with their hands as they talked at the darkness, but they got into it after a while. They had built the jenga tower up a fair amount, before Lila's father messed up. He reached out, and bumped the tower, which tipped over, spilling the blocks across the wooden floor.\n\nThey were silent for a long time, before Lila's mother started to laugh. \"Superstition. \" She said aloud. \"Nothing more.\" \n\nI'll never know what they saw in that darkness. What creature stepped forward and turned them into nothing more than a stain on the wood paneling of their home. But there is one thing I know. The last thing little Lila heard from that room was screaming. Then, the oppressive silence that has dogged her footsteps since."
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[WP] You've always had the ability to slow time from your perspective, giving you a year to react in a minute of real time. But you activated it too slowly this time, and you've now waiting in slow time as a bullet moves further into your heart.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
" How could I have been so foolish? I trusted Grey with my life. Now I have to feel a lump of metal burrow deeper and deeper into me. Why me? Why do I have to live with the burden of slowing time?\n My body is quaking like a leaf. I should be dead. I feel like someone yanked my heart out of my chest. My blood stopped pumping days ago. It hurts so bad! Why can't I just let go? Looking up, I observe Grey.\n His eyes are already changing from anger to regret. At least he knows he did wrong. Maybe he'll turn himself in. He's only sixteen. I hope the police will go easy on him. The kid's life is already naturally short.\n Julia.\n How will my wife react to the news? How can I let my daughter be born without a father!\n I'm sorry. I am so sorry. I failed you, my love. Is this why I must suffer? Because I let you down?\n I want to cry for you, but I can't. My body is already gone. Do I keep time like this until my brain is starved of oxygen? Will Julia understand that I'm too weak to continue?\n I never told her that our daughter could end up like me. Will she hate me when she finds out that I could have prevented this? If I die, how long will it take before I see my family again? I guess... there's only one way to find out.\n Goodbye. Please forgive my mistakes.\n \"No!\" I'm sorry, Grey, my dear younger brother.\nEdit:typed on phone"
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[WP] You recently proposed to your high school girlfriend but she has a dark secret about her family she has yet to tell you.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"What do you mean, '*maybe'*\" Greg said. He almost yelled, but he managed to control himself. \"It's a yes or no question. I'd even take, '*I need some time.'* But, maybe?\" He snapped the small, red velvet box closed and stood up to pace a small circle in the bedroom.\n\n\"I want to!\" Lyla said. \"Of course I want to marry you!\" Greg turned around with a broad smile, but Lyla shook her head. \"But,... you might not want to marry me,\" she added. Greg laughed.\n\n\"I'm the one that asked, dummy,\" he said as he joined her on the edge of their king-sized bed. Lyla nodded.\n\n\"You did, but you don't know everything about me, or my family yet. We have...,\" she lowered her voice to a whisper and locked eyes with Greg. \"...*secrets.*\" she said. Greg wrapped his warm around her and pulled her close.\n\n\"I can't imagine any secrets that would change the way I feel about you,\" he said, then kissed her temple. He aimed for the forehead, but she turned away slightly. \"C'mon, it can't be that bad,\" he added with a laugh.\n\n\"Even if they were murderers,...\" he paused. \"God, I hope they're not murderers. But, even if they were; I love you. We just won't visit all that often,\" he chuckled. Lyla shook her head again.\n\n\"You don't understand. It's worse.\" A single tear streamed down her cheek.\n\n\"Alright, alright,\" Greg squeezed her again. \"Take your time and tell me.\" She worried him more by standing up out of his reach; he was glad to see she only stood up to get her purse. She returned to the bed, snuggled up against him again, and began to dig through her bag.\n\n\"What did you think of my parents when you met?\" she asked. Greg half-shrugged.\n\n\"They don't *seem* to be murderers,\" he said. Instead of a laugh he got a quick elbow in his ribs. \"oww, sorry. They're good people. As far as I knew up 'til now; they're normal.\" Lyla nodded. Her hands no longer searched the purse; she found what she was looking for and kept it hidden.\n\n\"It's kind of hard to prove, but I swear it's true\" She looked up to meet his eyes again. \"My family.. and I...,\" she took a deep breath. \"We're from an alternate universe.\"\n\nGreg stared into her eyes as his mind raced. After a few moments he came to a singular conclusion: it didn't matter. He loved her for almost a decade. He'd met her family dozens of times, and everyone seemed normal. Greg did not for a second think Lyla was lying, though he did consider she could have been misled by her parents. Either way, nothing changed for him.\n\n\"That's it? No problem, I'm just glad you're in this universe next to me right now,\" he said and squeezed her again.\n\n\"No, that's not it,\" Lyla sighed. \"That's just the explanation. Our universe was pretty similar to this one, though with some major societal changes.\"\n\n\"What kind of changes?\" Greg asked. Lyla nodded.\n\n\"That's what I'm getting to. There are things that are okay there that aren't okay here and vice versa.\" She pulled her hands out of her purse, no longer needed proof, and grabbed his. \"You need to understand; we're not bad people we were just raised in a different environment.\"\n\n\"I know that. You're wonderful, your family is always nice to me. I could never, *ever* think you're a bad person. You don't even have to tell me what kind of things you got up to over there. That other universe or whatever is your past. Our future is together.\"\n\n\"No,\" Lyla shook her head. \"I have to tell you. I'm not going to build a relationship on a lie.\"\n\n\"Okay, whatever you need,\" he smiled. \"Just spit it out so we can go. Pizza reservations in 30min.\" Greg was glad he didn't wait to propose at the restaurant like he initially planned. Her 'maybe' might have seemed worse in public.\n\n\"That's why I have to tell you,\" she said. \"In the universe we came from... people used all kinds of different toppings on their pizza...\" Greg narrowed his eyes and tilted his head in confusion.\n\n\"Wait. Are you saying pizza toppings are your family's dark secret?\" Greg burst out into an obnoxious guffaw. \"If you're tired of pepperoni we can try mushrooms or sausage or whatever you want.\" Greg smiled, pulled out the ring box and opened it again.\n\n\"Pineapple and ham?\" Lyla asked with a smile. She reached for the ring.\n\nGreg snapped the ring box shut and his face hardened into a cold, distant glare. \"MONSTER! Leave. *NOW.*\" \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year three, story #096. 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."
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[WP] Deadly creatures have nearly destroyed all humanity. “The Organization” has only one job. Find the queen, Destroy her. Your team is killed, only you reach the Queen. You nearly set off the Bomb when you hear The Queen speak...”You’re finally home” she said.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"...Dear Diary,\n I and the rest of the Organization, last bastion of humanity, are about to launch an all-out assault on the Hive Queen. The Queen, a large, half-butterfly, half-lion creature, arrived 2 years ago. She enslaved a large portion of the population. She turned them into something resembling a pixie, with real big, butterfly wings. But they all had the tails, fangs, and ferocity of lions. Apparently, this makes them \"truly beautiful,\" somehow. Anyways, we're going to attack. We have bombs. And I have the big one, the one to destroy the Queen. This is a suicide mission, so some of the Organization stays behind. My team's the one going after the queen. We have codenames so we can't be identified by name. I'm Delta-5. If any of the people in the hive we previously knew recognizes us, we'll...oh. We're going now. I'm going to have to go.\n- Jake Douglass, Delta-5\n\nDear Diary,\n I'm in the hall leading to the queen's chamber. The whole team's dead. Epsilon-7, Gloria, a good friend, was accidentally addressed by name. She was recognized. We had to shoot her down. The rest of the team, all dead. Killed right before I got here. Alone. There's the Queen, right ahead. This is the last time I'll write to you...wait, I heard something. The Queen. She said something.\n\"You're finally home, Jake...\"\nShe's my mother...Diary, I've found my mother, she's been dead for so long...\n\"You're so beautiful now...\"\nI have the lion's fangs and tail, and those beautiful butterfly wings. Diary, I'm so beautiful...\n\"And now, realize the truth...\"\n|+͡/ /͜\\̅|o̼ ̖3≠̸\\ Jake Douglass...\n\"\\o/+͡vo...\"\n...|+͡/ /͜\\̅|o̼ ̖3o̼8͝≠! |+͡/ /͜\\̅|o̼ ̖3o̼8͝≠! |+͡/ /͜\\̅|o̼ ̖3o̼8͝≠! |+͡/ /͜\\̅|o̼ ̖3o̼8͝≠! |+͡/ /͜\\̅|o̼ ̖3o̼8͝≠!\n - /͜\\̅|o̼ ̖3o̼8͝≠\n\nDear Diary, \n Those were the only things I found when investigating the glowing light. Why do these diary entries have my name in them? Is it my friend pranking me? Is it me from the future? What is it? \n- Jake\n\nDear Diary,\n A butterfly landed on my shoulder. What a strange coincidence.\n- Jake",
"*Beep. Beep. Beep.*\n\nThe would spun around me as my vision blurred back into clarity. I rattled away the strobe lights going off with a shake of my head. An alarm on my A-23 Rapier’s flight board wouldn’t shut up. \n\nNice landing, Tank. Ten out of ten. \n\nI tried to climb out of my downed fighter’s cockpit. \n\n*Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.* \n\nThe alarm quickened pace and my heart kept time with it, skyrocketing to anaerobic rates. The flight harness, designed to keep me pinned down during high-G maneuvers, dug into my shoulders painfully -- just as intended. The damned lock release clicked, but the harness didn’t come loose -- not as intended. \n\nIt never had a use until now -- the small high-frequency blade I kept in my boot. It cut through the harness strap with ease and a leapt from the charred out hulk that was once a functional bird of war, stumbling to the ground\n\nThe beeping evened out to a resonant tone, then something deep in the heart of the crashed fighter jet sparked. \n\n*Boom.* \n\nThe flash blinded me before the concussive force of the explosion lifted me into the air. I crashed into a heap a dozen meters away… but was still alive. \n\nTwo crashes in one day. Not good. \n\nI gathered my feet under me and stood on shaky knees. Once composed I took in my surroundings -- not much to look at, just dirt, granite and darkness. And the flaming wreckage of another Rapier. \n\nIt belonged to my wingmate, Tango. I didn’t see a command chair, so I could only hope that he punched out. That very instant, my senses finally about me, I knew our mission failed. \n\nNo, not just failed. FUBAR -- *fucked up beyond all repair*. \n\nThis was our last shot at winning the war, they said. Take out the queen with a precision anti-matter strike, they said. They won’t know we’re coming, they said. Fuck me, it sounds like a list of bad action movie cliches now that I think about it. Oh, and they were wrong. \n\nThey *were* ready for us. Even our worst-case scenarios didn’t account for what they hit us with. But we had to try. I always wanted to be Luke Skywalker and blow up Death Stars. This was my shot. And I -- we -- failed. \n\nThat was when I heard the voice. Faint. Distant. Weak. \n\n“You’re almost there,” it said echoing in my head. \n\nI keyed my comlink, “I didn’t copy. Say again. Over.”\n\nNothing but static in my ear. I didn’t know exactly where I was, but I knew I had to be beneath the surface. No way comms would reach me down here. \n\nI drew my sidearm -- a semi-auto, 9-round pistol that wasn’t good for much more than denying the enemy the satisfaction -- and made my way deeper into the darkness. \n\nThe voice returned louder in my head this time. Stronger. Closer. As if right on top of me. “Come home.” \n\nI heard the explosions above. The battle raged on and here I was, helpless to do anything about it, except but to continue on following the voice in my head. After what felt like kilometers of walking in the darkness, I felt a presence behind me. I brought my gun around to bear, flashlight shining a beam into the darkness. Nothing. \n\nI spun around again and found myself face to face with… I don’t know what it was, actually. She appeared human, but the aura that surrounded her made my skin crawl. Her skin, pale -- almost blue -- and thin enough to see the varicose veins pulsing rhythmically.\n\nBut I wasn’t alarmed. No, not in the slightest. I should have been, but the sight of her, put a part of me at ease. \n\nWith a taloned hand, she wrapped her fingers around the barrel of my pistol and lowered the weapon. She smiled at me, sharp teeth bared in an intimation of a smile. We stood there in silence for what seemed like an eternity, her heartbeat so loud in my head I couldn’t tell if it was her heartbeat I felt, or my own. She raised a hand upward and the darkness in the underground cavern lifted. \n\nAll around us, hundreds, thousands of them -- of the very same enemy I sent to their deaths from the cockpit of my Rapier. They watched in stillness as I stood at the heart of this cavernous room. I should have been scared. No, I should have been rightfully freaked the fuck out. But I wasn’t. I felt nothing but eerie calm. \n\nThat wasn’t it at all. I blinked twice. This! This was the mission! She was the target, the queen we’d all believed had been leading the invasion -- the one we failed to… \n\nShe chuckled, amused. Though her lips didn’t move, I heard her voice clear as day in my head. “You didn’t fail, dear boy. You did what you were supposed to do. You saved your mother.”\n\nI tried to level my gun at her. Draw a bead. Blow her away. Just fucking do it. \n\nBut. I. Couldn’t. \n\nMy hand, my arm, nothing moved. It was as if I was no longer in control of my body. \n\n“You are our greatest prize. And you… are finally home.”\n\nThe enemy stayed still no longer. They didn’t cheer, no. They buzzed in celebration at me. *For me.* Though I couldn’t move, my skin crawled. If I could have, I would’ve dropped to my knees. \n\nSlowly, the danced a circle around me, taloned finger tracing itself around my shoulders. \n\n“Thank you, my child,” she said. “You delivered them to me. When I wanted by the means I wanted. They had no idea their plan to bomb me with their anti-matter abominations would fail. But I did. Because of you. This is all because of you, my dear, dear boy. Now this war will finally end.”\n\nFrozen in place, the entirety of my being pulsated, all of the muscle fiber in my body flared. She didn’t need to say anything else, because deep down, I believed every word. It made sense, though. It’s why I survived suicide mission after suicide mission and people I cared about didn’t. \n\nA vision of Tango flashed in my head, the burned-out husk of his Rapier forever with me. He’d flown on my wing this whole fucking war. He was my friend. If not for the war, maybe he’d have been more than that. And he was dead -- because of me. Because I was one of *them.* \n\nFuck that. \n\nA pain I never felt surged down my spine -- the worst convergence of electricity and fire. I don’t know if I screamed in agony, but my vision went white. Then there was nothing but quiet. I no longer heard the song of the enemy. And I no longer heard the voice of the queen in my head. \n\nI was in control again. Again? No, I was in control for the first time. My actions were my own. My fate in my hands alone. Also in my hand, my hold out pistol. \n\nSlowly, I raised my arm and took aim at the queen, her back to me. With no urgency at all, she faced me. There was no attempt at a smile this time, but her lips did move. Her voice was husky and buzzed with the same harmony as the rest of them -- alien, but still human. \n\n“I am a part of you, my child,” she said, stepping closer to me. “If you pull that trigger, you will die as well. You are mine. And I am your queen.”\n\nI felt something jar my memory, as if the queen was trying to reconnect with me. I felt warm and at ease. My arm lowered itself. I closed my eyes and saw Tango and me, in embrace. \n\nMy arm snapped back up, putting the barrel of my pistol right between her eyes. \n\n“God save the queen.”\n\nThat was the last thing I said before I pulled that trigger and then everything went black.",
"I felt the fear pound through my chest, the beasts had taken my friends... my family... Everything from me. And now they took my team. I lifted the gun from my back as I hopped out of the boot of the truck and looked towards the downed ship. We had finally found her, everything just showed the signs to her. I felt a shudder over my body as I moved to place the collar around my neck, the electronic collar blinked and tightened around my neck. I winced slightly before I breathed out, feeling the metal flex around with every breath I took. I hated the collars, but they made us immune to the toxins in the air around the beasts.\n\nThat's how they killed Jenn, Fay and Jackson. My hands gripped angrily over my gun as I started to walk towards her domain; I felt the anger bubble through my body as I started to speed up into a run. I felt the ground underneath me changed from dusty ground to a weird dark metal. My footsteps echoed around the entire area, I had a job to do- I only had one job to do. Get in there, plant the bomb, and get the *fuck* out. As I got deeper and deeper inside the ship I felt like I could hear whispers of another language. I shuddered as words started to echo in my head. *Stay* The voices uttered, *Help, rest, stay.*\n\nI got into the main room, I readied my gun before I stared down the Queen of these monsters. The queen was unlike the brutes that have killed humans; unlike the Hulking spiny beasts with multiple eyes and jaggered horns, she was slender and smooth looking. I couldn't pull my eyes away from her as I stepped forward, *You are home little one.* A voice echoed in my head. \"Home...\" I uttered out loud, why did that word make me feel... safe? *You're finally home. It's been a while. I missed you.* She lifted up her arms, out like a hug. I couldn't control my body, but I stepped forward into her embrace, her skin was soft and warm. Her light blue scales glistening in the lights from the room, I felt her arms around my shoulders, before they slowly moved to break the collar at the back, as it fell off my neck I held my breath.\n\n*Breathe in*\n\nI pushed her back and held my hands over my face, I had dropped my gun- there was no way now that I was going to kill her now. I wasn't going to breathe in, well, I didn't want to before I suddenly felt the air move out of my lungs. I had to breathe in or I could risk asphyxiation. I inhaled heavily, collapsing to my knees as I help my throat, worried for the burning feeling I was expecting... But it... never came? I blinked before I took my hands from my throat before a felt hands on my shoulders. I pulled my eyes up towards the eyes of the Queen, her deep ruby eyes glistening as she stared into mine. I felt my entire body relax at her stare and touch. *You are safe.* She uttered to me, *You are **home**.*\n\n\"Home.\" I repeated with a small nod, she stepped back to allow me to stand up. I stepped up slowly, feeling my bag fall off my back. \"I'm... home.\" I mumbled again, I felt my body itch, before the Queen led me towards the throne she had been resting on, I stared at it almost blankly before I looked back to her. \"I am not allowed on there.\"\n\n*You are. You are the heir.*\n\n\"Heir...\" I uttered before moving to sit on the throne. I felt exhaustion drain over me as the Queens voice echoed through my ears. *Do not worry about this weakened form. You will be true again. The humans will not be able to stop you soon. We will take our planet back.*"
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[WP] Walking through a thrift store you come across magic socks. You don't believe they're magic but buy them anyways out of curiosity. Putting on a pair instantly transports you into the life of the previous owner of said socks. And this guy is a serial killer.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"No, please!\" She cries as she stares up at me, hand extended defensively, tears in her hopeless eyes. \n\nI drop the knife, fingers trembling. Where was I? I looked around, trying desperately, and failing, to ignore the sobbing of the poor girl in front of me. How the hell did I end up here? I've been sober for years. And even back then I never experienced anything like this.\n\nMy attention is forced back to the present as the girl in front of me, clothes tattered, make-up smeared, though she couldn't be older than a teenager, let out a sob that would shatter the soul of any decent human being. I instinctively take a step towards her, intending to comfort her, when I step in something wet. \n\nI look down. Brown; and green. Brown and green chevron socks, standing in a pool of tepid, algea-covered water, right where my feet were. I gasp as a memory returns to me.\n\n\"Ah, you don't want them,\" the clerk said to me as I picked up a pair of socks that looked like something my grandfather would wear. \"I hear them's the socks of a satanist. He died well before he meant and cursed them things. Don't put them one, ya hear? They'll take ya back to the last owner, and only good-for-nothing's have ever owned them.\" He grimaced, then shuffled away, not waiting for my response. I chuckle. What a good halloween prank, I think. I drop the socks into my basket without a second regard for what the clerk said and keep wandering until I find all the pieces for my costume, and head to the check out counter. \n\nI gasped, the cold in my toes bringing me out of that memory, into the present. How? No. There's no way, it can't be possible. This must be a dream. \n\nThe girl wimpers. Right, the girl, I think. I take another step toward her, extending a trembling hand in the attempt to comfort her, though I have no idea what I could even do. As my hand reaches near her, her eyes grow wide, full of terror, blood drains from her face and even more tears slip from her eyes. I wonder what caused this change in her demeanor until see my hand, still holding the knife, slit her throat."
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[WP] “Isaac Newton invented gravity.” “Don’t you mean he discovered it?” “No.”
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"“No, he *invented* it.”\n\nAlistair looked to Crenley, his younger, crazier brother. He shook the word away. Crenley wasn’t crazy. He was just conspiracy prone.\n\nAnd vocal about it.\n\n“You see,” Alistair hadn’t spoken, so Crenley had assumed his brother wanted more “The simulation in which we exist is defined by us as viewers and is capable of synaptic retconning. So, when we make a new rule of existence it flows out from that creators point to fill the world-”\n\n“The flat, simulated world.” Alistair said, without passion.\n\n“Yes - so it flows out from that person and it changes peoples memories so that the new rule is consistent. That’s what day-jar view is!”\n\n“Déjà vu.”\n\n“That’s what I said.” Crenley slurped at his coffee. Alistair read the paper and tried not to engage. \n\nTried and failed: “And why hasn’t anyone undone gravity?”\n\n“They do! That’s what pilots are trained for. You see, Alistair, it’s such an ingrained rule now that its hard for any one person to break. So pilots are trained to accept the truth, so that they can lift the plane.”\n\n“Lift the plane with the power of thought.”\n\n“Not alone, for the big planes at least.”\n\nAlistair lowered the paper. “What?”\n\n“They need to harness the mental energies of other people to lift bigger planes. Bigger the plane, the more people needed to lift it.”\n\nA crinkle of folded paper followed by a quiet slap of it being tossed upon the table. “Crenley, are you suggesting that passengers are added to planes to make them fly? That they make bigger planes and need more people, not have more people and need bigger planes.”\n\n“Yes.”\n\n“If the planes aren’t made to fit the people and the pilots can lift smaller planes themselves, why make bigger-”\n\nA sniper shot of realisation, Alistair slumps before his brother answers.\n\n“Chem Trails! To fit the chem trail tanks in!”\n\n***\n\n**EDit: typo, misspelled crenley. I've written about these two before: [Moon](https://old.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/c9s8jp/wp_the_reason_people_landed_on_the_moon_only_once/), [moon2](https://old.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/c9s08u/wp_youre_woken_up_by_the_sound_of_your_phone/), oops got their names reversed. Fixed.**"
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[WP] You came to know that the world is ending at midnight. Nobody else knows. Describe your last few hours.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Abigail ran her fingers through her blonde hair one more time. Her legs were slung over the edge of the bed, hanging above her slippers. For the last time. Her husband was fast asleep at this point. Their dog was curled up on the doggy bed next to her night stand. \n\nShe stood up, quietly opening the door and slinking into the hallway, hearing the soft click of the door behind her. She put her hand softly on the wall, walking slowly across the shaggy carpet. She gave a soft smile, hearing the constant creaks and groans underneath her feet. She walked past the painting Bruce had painted for her just before they got married. For the first time, to her, it finally looked beautiful. It was a simple sunset, from the perspective of a lakeside dock. She loved the effort and thought he put into it, but she couldn't speak to his ability with a brush. \n\nHer wedding ring was in her hand. She gripped it tightly, pushing it against her chest, feeling every heartbeat. She wasn't nervous, anxious, or excited. She was in a gray calm.\n\nShe wandered the house for nearly an hour. Opening cabinets, turning on faucets, flushing toilets, flicking through channels on their widescreen TV, laying on the couch, watching the microwave spin. Everything she always imagined she might have one day. And here it was. \n\nAbigail stepped outside onto the porch, sitting on one of the benches with a raccoon that had been digging into their trashcans for a week. It seemed peaceful in its own way. Fidgety, but calm. It sat next to Abigail, resting its rough fur and fat body against her leg, sniffing and sputtering, flicking its head, shooting small dots of dirty water onto Abigail's pajamas. \n\nShe sat with the raccoon for a while, petting him slowly, until he perked his head up and skittered off. \"Bye, buddy,\" she whispered. Tears were beginning to form in her eyes now. \"I guess I gotta take care of business, too.\" She looked into the sky, pressing her lips together to see the bright light of the full moon behind the clouds. She stepped inside and headed back upstairs. \n\nShe knew this would be the hardest part. The door to her son's room creaked open slowly. It was dim, lit only by the light of the computer on his desk. She waded through the soda bottles and dirty clothes, sitting on his bedside, brushing his hair gently with her hand.\n\n\"Mom?\" He grumbled, eyes still closed.\n\n\"Yeah, sweetie.\"\n\n\"What's wrong?\" He slowly turned over, wiping his eyes.\n\n\"Oh, nothing. Just a bad dream, don't worry about it baby.\" Abigail leaned down to kiss his forehead, brushing his shaggy hair out of his face. \"Just wanted to see you. Go back to bed.\"\n\n\"Okay.\" He said slowly. With that, his eyes fell closed once more as he easily drifted off to sleep.\n\nAbigail closed the door slowly, returning back to her room. \"Come here, Chevy,\" she said, sputtering out a laugh through her tears. She thought it was a stupid name, but Bruce was adamant. The sleeping dog slowly rose, stretching its back, shaking itself awake before happily jumping up onto the bed with Abigail. \"You're gonna sleep with us tonight, okay cutie pie?\" She sniffled, roughing up Chevy's fur before laying down. \n\nAbigail took one last look at Bruce. She gently ran her hand through his thick, messy black hair, graying at spots. She lightly scratched his full, bushy beard. She rested her weeping head on his chest, gripping Chevy tightly as she looked out the window.\n\n\"Baby? Mmmm'sat you?\" Bruce groaned.\n\n\"Yeah, it's me, baby.\" Abigail replied softly. \"Just wanted Chevy to sleep with us, okay? Go back to bed. You've got a big day tomorrow.\"\n\nBruce chuckled, \"Damn right I do. I love you baby.\" He kissed Abigail's head once before leaning back into the pillows, lolling back to sleep.\n\nHis white bed shirt slowly became stained with tears as Abigail put her hand over her mouth to silence herself. The thick cloud cover of the sky suddenly expanded into a massive circle. From it, two gargantuan hands, burnt and sharp, grasped the sides of the clouds, as if something was climbing down onto the Earth.\n\nAbigail closed her eyes. \n\n​\n\n(If you liked this story, feel free to check out my humble community: r/SUPRAPStories)",
"My bed sunk with the heaviness of my existence, as well as the impending doom that is yet to come. \n\nI ran my fingers through my hair as sirens continue to echo within the walls of the house. The clock rests on the wall, oblivious of what is happening. Its constant tick tock matches the thoughts waltzing inside my mind. It shouldn’t be there, I thought. \n\nGathering my thoughts, I stood up. The mirror on the wall bares my reflection. The markings on my neck are visible, reminding me of what I am about to do. My footsteps faltered as I spare a one lasting glance to the room and left. \n\nI ran swiftly through the corridor, the sirens becoming louder with every step that I take. The moon radiates through the windows, my shadow taking form on the wall as I took a quick turn around the corner. I paused, looking at the enormous door before me. My breath hitched with each passing second. Focusing myself to the door, I closed my eyes in attempt to calm my racing thoughts. \n\nI began to understand what running for your life felt like. I am not good at running ever since I was a child but one thing that I am most certain of: I don’t give up. \n\nLike an agile cat, I moved as fast as I can. Trees began to loom, its leaves matched my steps as I made my way through the forest. Zooming past to the woods, my feet barely managed to land for another run as I stumbled, throwing myself in a bush. My vision begins to blur. Touching the side of my head, blood began to trickled down my forehead. I grunted. This is harder than I thought.\n\nI pushed my elbows to steady myself. I stood up, slowly taking in the scene before me. The square tiles aligned themselves on the sky like a giant chessboard. They ascend into the air and vanished. \n\nIn a split second, it felt like someone punched me in my gut. My knees buckled as my vision began to blur again. With a resounding thud, I fell on the ground as I search for the only thing that can save me. \n\nA woman stands before me, her smile never leaves her face.\n\n“You can’t outrun us, Claire.” \n\nI sunk my nails my neck. A warm liquid trickled on my fingers as I sunk my nails deeper. \n\nThe world disintegrates and I found myself lying on a cold bed, the ceiling is white and high as ever. \n\nThe woman appeared again, smiling with her perfect teeth. \n\nShe stared at my markings, reminding me that dream walkers don’t belong here. \n\nFor us, the world doesn’t end. It is just the beginning.\n\nThe beginning of endless nightmares."
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[WP] "Zombies" are actually just regular old predators that have adapted to wear the flesh of their prey as camouflage.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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, okay, okay. From the top, please.”\n\nThe two zombies - self-proclaimed - turned, looked at each other, shrugged, and then turned back to face the soon-to-be-lunch - unwanted title. They stared at the man that had no means of self-defence beyond his fists and wits. \n\nWill hoped his wits would do.\n\nOne of the zombies tugged at it’s lower jaw, or the jaw it wore on its lower jaw, then said: “So, like, there was the food shortages and stuff and, like, you know people started to err-Frank, what, err-”\n\n“-Eat people n’stuff.”\n\n“Yeah, like, people started to, like, eat people and stuff.”\n\nWill nodded. Raised eyebrow. Feigned interest.. Silently panicked. Offered: “Cannibalism.”\n\n“Yeah.” Said Like-a-Zombie.\n\n“Ain’t no need t’get fancy, people eatin s’whats we call it.” Said Zombie-too.\n\n***\n\nOh, as for their names - that was how they had introduced themselves after Will’s initial “What the fuck?” \n\n“I’m, like, a zombie.”\n\n“And you?”\n\n“Zombie too.”\n\n***\n\nThey sat on the curb and drank some slushies. \n\nAs a means to distract them from the group lunch date - two diners and one meal - Will had offered to get the slushy machine in that convenience store all the way over there working. They had marched him over, broke in and to only Will’s surprise he had, in fact, got it to work.\n\nSo they sat and slurped, elbow to elbow. Or more specifically: rotten human elbow flesh wrapped around not rotten human flesh elbow, to fresh and not filth wrapped human elbow. Elbow in elbow to elbow.\n\n“So, why the skin suits?” Asked will. He couldn’t run. They had stuck to him like a babe to a teet since they had found him in the street. The hope had been to make a break in the convenience store but Will hated to leave work undone and he had started on the slushie machine rather quickly. And then there was the challenge of it.\n\nWill cursed his work ethic.\n\n“Skin suits?” said Like-A-Zombie.\n\n“You’re, like, wearing peoples skin n’stuff.” Will blinked at the pavement, a look of concern offered to the tar - my god, they’ve got me doing it now.\n\n“Oh, right, right. So, like, people eatin’ ain’t a thing that people should, like, do, right?”\n\nWill nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, like, who does that, right? That’s a great point. Great point. Well said. Cheers to that.”\n\nWhat was meant to happen was a chime of glass on glass, a sip in agreement, two zombies would shed their skins, become men again, and let Will go on his merry un-eaten way.\n\nWhat happened was Will used his plastic slushie cup to knock Zombie-Too’s plastic slushie cup out of his strangers-hand clad hand.\n\nThis was evidently a Zombie faux pas.\n\nHungry eyes stared out from exacto cut holes.\n\nCome on wit, thought Will, come on!\n\n“What’s that!” The Zombies looked away. Looked back to see a meal called Will at full, screaming sprint.\n\n**edit: few touch ups**"
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[WP] every story ever written is actually another reality. Whenever we write fiction we are creating a whole other realities. Today one of your stories contact you.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 my defence - and I think I’ve already said this, but still, sorry - In my defence, you have to remember that I was quite young. And now I’m older and wiser and very very sorry.”\n\nShe sat resplendently and stared. She did this because this was how I had written her all those years ago. Big words - some of, okay, most of which I didn’t really understand; adverbs; plot armor; and every “this is the cool protagonist” trope I could think of.\n\nHer hair, purple and uncontrollable, bore a shock of metallic silver at one temple - the silver hair came from the Skyborne blood in her veins. Yes, she was half Skyborne, half Gustvale Elf - the last of both.\n\nShe continued to sit resplendently, unmoved by my words. Also, she pretty much sat and stared in everything I had written about her because I had been scared of writing a girl character and getting it wrong. I was ten. And she had always done it resplendently because I liked the word and thought it worked.\n\nUntil I saw her doing it I couldn’t really visualize a resplendent sitter, but now - yep, definitely resplendent.\n\nAnd armed.\n\nHer sword Biltong - which, if you don’t know is a dried, cured meat from South Africa - shone and glittered from its place before her on the table. Tip pointed at me.\n\nI can’t remember whether I made up the name Biltong by slapping syllables together or I had heard it somewhere and thought: that’ll do.\n\nBiltong was made of a Skyborne Steel blade and a Gustavale wooden hilt. A marriage of two worlds like the woman who wields it.\n\n“See,” I said “I’m making it better, I mean I’m panicking and you have a blade as sharp as the horizon - see that’s pretty good I’ll add that.\"\n\nBiltong, sword of might and magic, was as sharp as the horizon and saw the end of as many days.\n\n“Get it? The horizon sees the literal end of a day and Biltong...”\n\nResplendent, angry, silence. \n\n“...and...Biltong ends...peoples days.”\n\nThis is not going well, at all.\n\n**edit: typo**"
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[WP] Lost in the middle of the desert, a man on foot, searching for water, finds an abandoned temple. Upon further inspection of the temple, it is filled with murals and statues who look exactly like him.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 Sun brightened steadily on the horizon, Nameless felt dreadful anxiety. Soon, sunlight would wash over the desert, bringing snake-like tongues of heat wriggling out from the sand. Then the night stars would fade away. He would be alone, again, in the scorching waste.\n\nNameless feared isolation, but, even more, he feared what it meant. This lonely sunrise would mark his fortieth day in the desert. Whatever his chances of survival, they slimmed with every inch of Sun that rose above the horizon. Unless he found salvation soon, his bones would feed the dunes.\n\nSuddenly, Nameless shuddered, pausing in his seemingly-endless march across the sand. A curtain of light washed across his face, heralding the Sun's ascent above the horizon. He bit his lip to keep from crying. The night was over. A new day had begun. His hope slipped away, disappearing as bit by bit as if evaporating in the heat. After weeks of fruitless wandering, Nameless doubted if it would ever return. \n\nAt least the new day brought beauty as well as despair. Wherever the pale sunlight touched the dunes, the glittered and shone like golden waves. For a brief moment, Nameless could almost imagine that he was far away, aboard a ship, perhaps, riding across a sea of molten treasure. But no. When his focus flicked back to reality, the desert still stretched out in every direction. Impassable. Undeniable."
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[WP] You arrive at work one morning to discover you are already there. An entity has copied your form and you are now invisible, destined to view what should be your life from the shadows. Initially ignored by this entity, it finally walks past you, looks around, and casts a smug smile at you.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"James was going to be late. It was tuesday morning, it was always busier on a tuesday for some reason, but that didn't stop him from grabbing a large americano to go on the way to work. He turned the corner and slipped down an alleyway, a crafty short cut that nobody used because of the poor light and strong smell of urine. \n\nJames tripped and stumbled, his coffee crushed against his torso and he grabbed the wall to his right, attempting to gain his composure. He was certain he had collided with something, but nothing or no one was in the alleyway with him. He looked back and then ahead, nothing but him and the rumble of the city. He checked his watch and caught sight of his coat. It was grey, now with a large brownish stain across the front. What a mess.\n\nHe entered his office building, and luckily everyone was too busy to notice the time of his arrival. He removed his coat outside of his department to hide the shame of his early morning trip, and that's when he heard it. \n\n\"Duncan, have you got those papers for me?\"\n\nA voice he had never heard in that way before. A voice that he knew. It was his. His heart was pounding. He looked through the glass fronted door and saw a figure dressed exactly like him, minus the coffee stain on the coat hanging by the desk. The figure turned and he saw himself stood there, at his desk, in his clothes, with his colleagues. James was frozen to the spot, he could only watch on in his confusion. How can he be seeing this. This cannot be real. His heart was still pounding, louder and heavier, the head became heavy, every breath felt exaggerated.\n\nJames slowly entered the office to call out this impostor. He expected everyone to turn, aghast at the second version of him walking in, but that didn't happen. Nobody saw him. Everyone carried on about their business as if he was just a shadow. He approached his doppelganger and was again ignored. Was he invisible? This didn't make any sense. He could feel his life slipping out of his fingers and he was powerless to stop it. He reached out and could touch the shoulder of the other him, but he was not felt. He attempted to pick up objects, but whatever he moved just replicated itself in his hands, creating another shadow that lived in his world. James couldn't take it anymore. The fear and confusion was building and he was not waking up. He could feel a scream deep down in his stomach and before he knew it, his voice echoed around the room, his face hurt with the strain of the volume, his anguish left him breathless, and tears began to form. Helpless, hopeless, lost. He had lost everything and had to watch his life play out without being able to feel the joy of new experiences, or the love of his partner, he would be left with only sadness and longing.\n\nWas this the afterlife? Was this hell? His life could be flashing before his eyes, leaving him to watch. Look at what you could have won! \n\n\"That's not what this is.\" He heard his other self speaking, but he couldn't see anyone he was speaking to.\n\n\"I'm addressing you, James,\" his other self said, \"you're not dead, this isn't hell, and this is no longer your life.\" \n\nJames stood behind himself. Again unable to move. The figure turned and faced him. He looked at james straight in the eye. \n\nHe can see me... James thought. \n\n\"Of course I can see you James.\" His other self said with an air of authority. The impostor looked at James for a few seconds, dissecting what his feelings about this great revelation were, and once he was satisfied he had caused an unimaginable amount of fear, tbe impostor smiled wryly, turned, and walked away.",
"On Monday, I find myself on the plain floor in my office. I'm no more in human shape. My shapes became to stretch and even reflect multiples of me. I'm no longer begin to admire the dress of my color or brand of my shoes because I was in whole dark in colour.\n\nI saw an original copy of me walking past with exact dresses of what I had in my closet. I stay with him all time because now I became his shadow. I reflect everything he do but no expression or love.\n\nI can't find a way get to my own body. There is no way to break out of this. But,he acts weird he does everything I do. I really admire him. He even respond to the abusive talks of my boss and romance with my love ane talk to my mom sharply at evening.Finally,drunk and sleep naked on the floor.\n\nOn next day,Boss the big fat gave him only 3 days to done a work. His pressure begins to pump to his heart. He search for my girlfriend in the secret hookup spot. But,she's nowhere to be found and his colleague told him that she was in The Big Fat office for some work. He used to hide a liquor-Spirit bottle in his desk drawer. He drinks without anyone him before leaving work. On his way to home alone, He crashes his car to a Street lamp.No big accident. He misses his call to mom. He crawl out of the car and leans on the lamp and slept there.\n\nI was him that all day but I found no anger or pressure because I had no body or feeling to express. Even though I crosses my girlfriend or my boss,I just blend with them.\n\nDays passed,He pressures himself and his girlfriend hate him for not spending time with him. His boss ordered him the work needs to be done or you will be fired. His mother tries to convince him all the way she can.\n\nOn Thursday night in his home and I was with him. His colleague sent him a video of his girlfriend and his boss make out. He texted \"Sorry,but your gf hooked with our boss for promotion to the place you have been asking\". He went to to the bathroom and broke into tears. Another message for him saying that her mother died of severe heart attack.\n\nHe looks in the mirror of the bathroom and he gave me shape and body but I can't speak to him. I need to hug him and Comfort him but I'm still a reflection more like shadow simply plain.\n\nMaybe he wants to be plain like me about like not giving a fuck to others.He drank whole bottle of vodka and trashes the whole bathroom.He broke all lights ane I begin to grow enough to comfort him and take him to my plain life in void.\n\nI realised that I was with him all in the begin.I simply began to grow where he shove everyone out and crashes his car and sleeps under the lamp.He gave a soundless voice to speak and in return I take him to the motionless void."
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[WP] You die and get sent to heaven. Every soul is surprised because nobody had been sent to heaven in decades.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 heaven was not for men, it was for gods. \n\nGods who had moulded their own universes, set their pendulums and lit the match that started it all. Millennias passed with out the god of the universe taking any organic forms, all the while the cosmic pendulums sculpted systems of stars and dust. Every now and again, in a corner of this immeasurable green house would a droplet of water and stone stew life which would grant the god a chance to look at itself. To look at it’s own handiwork, though not quite sure why it had turned the way it did. \n\nAfter living every life of every organism spawned on this passing pebble, the god would once again spread across its own bubble. After eons of popping in and out of these billions of windows to its world, the creation grew colder until it became lightless and quiet, with no chance of anyone or anything ever touching each other again. It was then that the god grew weary and feeble. Stretched so thin that it was only a concept anymore. It was then that light fell upon the end, pulling the sole performer of the darkened stage out to that which wasn’t even understandable from within its creation. To the place of other gods that had equally lived the courses of their universes. Now united, looking down at the infinite sea of bubbles still vibrating with the vigour of younger gods.",
" Heaven wasn’t quite what I had pictured.\n\nGranted, this might not have been heaven at all. I definitely knew I was dead – I had come to terms with the fact that I was dying a long time ago. I hadn’t given too much thought to what would come afterwards, but in those final moments, stretching into eternity, I had felt rested. At peace. There was no pain in my dying; I didn’t feel much at all, in fact. It was like being put under anesthesia. One moment you’re awake, and the next, it’s hours later. \n\nSo when I closed my eyes in the hospital bed, my husband, daughter, parents, and friends arrayed around me, and opened my eyes to find myself in what seemed to be a forest, I knew my time had come, and my existence on earth was over.\n\nWhich brings me back to expectations. I was surrounded by ancient trees that seemed to stretch into the sky for miles, blocking out the sun. The path ahead of me was overgrown with grass and deadnettle, choked by dandelions and other weeds. Despite the forestry, it was deadly still and quiet.\n\nAnd there, a hundred or so yards away, was a gate, rusted and bolted shut. On the other side, someone was gaping at me with wide, astonished eyes, as if unsure if I was real.\n\nI waved awkwardly. “Hey, am I in the right place?” \n\nThe person blinked and between one breath and the next had scrambled and run into the mist behind him. \n\n“Well would you get a load of you.” \n\nI whirled around, coming face to face with a bearded man in a cardigan and jeans. He could have been in his twenties or his sixties, and he had extraordinary eyes that seemed to shift between blue, green, and hazel each time I met them. \n\n“Uh,” I responded, very eloquently. “I’m definitely dead, right?” \n\nThe man chuckled, and it made me feel warmer, somehow. “Oh yes, definitely dead,” he told me, reaching out a hand. “Welcome to heaven.” \n\nI shook his hand before gesturing around me. “What happened here?” \n\nThe man tucked his hands into his pockets and sighed mightily. “Very odd,” he murmured, “what happens in a world without heavenly beings.” \n\nI looked at him, confused. “What do you mean?” \n\n“Well, Thea,” he said, and I started at the sound of the name I hadn’t given him, “you are the first heavenly being to arrive in over a hundred years.” \n\nHe walked toward the gate as I gaped, and it took me a moment to follow him. “What? What do you mean, over a hundred years? Is that like dog years?” \n\nThe man chuckled as I caught up to him. “Unfortunately, no. We had our last entrant in April of 1920. Another woman,” he paused at the gates, glancing back at me, “who, much like yourself, accepted her death and departed the earth fearlessly.”\n\nHe reached out and ran his fingers along the rotting black gates and I watched in amazement as the corrosion melted away. Around me, the grass seemed to pull itself back into the ground and the tree branches above gave way to a clear blue sky. Through the gates which were righting themselves, the mist on the other side faded, giving way to crowds of mumbling people who seemed to give off a glow. \n\nBut beyond them, there was a city, so vast and unerringly beautiful that I found myself speechless as I beheld it. \n\nThe man beside me smiled. “You see, Thea,” he murmured, “the only true way to peace is acceptance – acceptance of one’s life, one’s death, one’s trials and travails. You come to heaven like a hero coming home, all because you did not fight inevitability.” \n\nThe gates swung wide, and I took a step through."
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[WP] You've gone rogue from the military's super soldier program. The serum they injected you with enhances your speed, strength, and stamina. You assume a new moniker named after the drug: Captain Placebo.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"“Look at him Captain. Perfection!” Colonel Bashire said as with a smile as he watched the video screen, “Absolute Perfection!”\n\nBobby Dewars, a Captain attached to Colonel Bashire’s so-called “Super Soldier Program”, frowned as the man on screen was put through a battery of physical tests, “I don’t know, sir. Perfect might be a little much. Especially since he went rogue as soon as he was put into the field.”\n\nBashire’s smile didn’t falter, “True, but he’s proved that the Program works. Subject 22 was an average soldier, nothing special, but now… look at him! Able to march at full speed for ten hours straight! He can easily squat 1,800 pounds! He can run a goddamn mile in three minutes flat! He’s beyond human and if it worked on one soldier, it will work on others.”\n\n“But, sir, we still have a highly trained and empowered super human on the loose.”\n\nThe Colonel laughed, “Here, let me show you something.”\n\nThe Colonel led Dewars through the building. They passed through the area that had, until recently been Subject 22’s home for the last two years. There was the barracks, which housed enough bunks for a dozen men; the mess hall which was always eerily quiet, even when the Subject was here; the weight room with both free standing weights and aerobic conditioning machines; a classroom which was almost like a torture chamber to the Subject; and finally the training room where Captain Dewars had personally taught hand to hand combat. At length they entered the laboratories.\n\nThe Captain didn’t spend much time in this area, despite being the Colonel’s Second-in-Command. He was usually in charge of the day to day operations of the facility rather than the technical details. In fact, most of the scientists under the Colonel’s command were either civilians or had their rank and personnel files redacted. While Subject 22 was AWOL, all activity in the labs had halted. \n\nColonel Bashire turned logged into the nearest computer, “Bobby, there is something you don’t know about this project. It was decided early on that a Super Soldier Program shouldn’t be dependent on a series of drugs or implants. Instead we took a different path.\n\nFirst we needed the right subject. Someone patriotic. Someone dedicated. Someone who we could mold into the perfect soldier. We needed a man who would follow orders while still being able to make choices that would uphold the values and honor the country he loved. Finally we needed him to conform to very specific set of psychological parameters. Out of two hundred potential subjects, Number 22 was the most promising. Although we have four others who could potentially replace him if something unfortunate happens to our prototype. Now, look at this.”\n\nThe Colonel turned the screen to Dewars and the Captain looked the image displayed. It was the label for the Super Soldier serum. It looked oddly familiar: D5NS. Dewars’ jaw dropped when he saw the code name for the serum.\n\n“Sir… is this… real?”\n\nColonel Bashire smiled again, “It is. Placebo (Serum 001) is simply 5% Dextrose in a 0.9% w/v Sodium Chloride solution… plus a little harmless blue dye. The “serum” is designed to instill confidence and faith in the recipient, which allows the true Super Soldier Program to take hold.”\n\nCaptain Dewars nodded, “The mental and physical conditioning. That’s why he can surpass normal human limits. It would also explain why the serum didn’t give him any other powers. He doesn’t heal at an accelerated rate and he doesn’t have super senses. And it did shit for his mind. But… why the deception?”\n\nThe Colonel shrugged, “Well going back to tests from the Cold War, we found that it was easier, cheaper and more reliable to condition a soldier than it was to drug them. With all the different ways different individuals can react to the same compounds, there were too many variables to develop and administer a “real” Super Soldier Serum. Besides… this gives us an opportunity to learn the weaknesses in our current program and the best way to rework it for new subjects.”\n\nThe phone in Dewars pocket rang, “Yes? No… ah, shit. Ok. I’ll take care of this. For now, keep track of him.”\n\n“Yes?” Colonel Bashire asked.\n\n“Well Subject 22 has made contact with the public. He was just spotted two states over, foiling a mugging. He stayed around until the police arrived. The crowd around him was cheering, making a big fuss. He’s out… and soon the program will be compromised.”\n\n“Nothing a little spin by the PR boys will fix any fall out. I guess you should send a team to collect our subject.”\n\n“One more thing Colonel, he named himself… like a super hero.” The Captain pinched the bridge of his nose, “He named himself after the serum… He’s calling himself Captain Placebo.”",
"\"Pla-chebbo?\"\n\n\"Yes, *Captain* Pla-chebbo.\" Gut sucked in, chest pushed out. Shoulders back and fists on hips. He was nailing it. *Nailing* it! \"It was on the serum they gave me.\"\n\n\"Pla-\" Detective Emily Hobart's jaw clenched. A thought had occurred about this latest caped crusaders name, but that initial thought was interrupted by the burning hatred she had for the fact that she had been assigned this horseshit job of wasting time on wack-jobs.\n\nAn echo of the Captain - the precinct’s Captain’s voice: \"*Serve* and protect, Hobart. *Serve* the community.\"\n\nThe Captain - precinct Captain, cop Captain - had been behind her, had whispered the line again and once spotted by Hobart had run away giggling, back to his office.\n\nHobart turned her rage to Captain Pla-chebbo, and used it on him by silently wishing him death and giving him time. “Spell it.”\n\n“C-a-p-”\n\n“I know that part, the other part.”\n\n“P-l-a-c-e-b-”\n\n“Okay, I’ve heard enough.” A ding from her computer, she had a match - perfect timing. “Your name is Thomas Dowling, you didn’t make it out of ‘Boot’ and that word you spelled is *placebo* - as in inert sugar pills or in your case: saline - used in comparative medicinal trials. You have no magic powers, no super human abilities. Leave the cop stuff to us cops, now get out of my precinct.”\n\n“Serrrve.” Whispered her conscience - or more likely her Captain from behind her, again. “Serve the com-mue-nah-tay, Ho-bart.”\n\nShe wondered why Captain Conscience went ghost voice at the end there. But, she got the point.\n\n“Oh, and Captain Placebo.” He turned at her voice, wasn’t fussed on the mispronunciation. “Have a lovely day.”\n\nShe spun, grabbed her leather jacket of her chair and left to go get lunch - community served.\n\n***\n\n**edit: t-t-typo's**"
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[WP] “Before you go, just remember this one thing: You’re probably not the only one with a gun in that room.”
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"**Edit: WARNING EXCESSIVE F-BOMBS AHOY! also, fixes**\n\n***\n\n“Before you go, just remember this one thing: you’re probably not the only one with a gun in that room.”\n\nPete’s words didn’t help a lick. Deep in me coat pocket, wrapped in me sweatin’ mitt, was a little snub-nose shooter. Six cylinders with a total of six bullets so that six people could get shot by me.\n\nAnd I’d have to be quick about it. Pete was right. Six people and I only had one gun. One shot at and for each of ‘em. There’d be other guns and other bullets in there. \n\nBut, if I got ‘em all - if I did that - it’d all settle down. It’d be even.\n\n“You right, Mick-me-son?” \n\nGeorge. Big-George. Muscle for the firm and firm friend of mine for years. George who had to bury his Ol’ Man at the start of all this because of some unknown fuckwits fuck-up - a fuck-up that new fell upon my fucking shoulders to fix.\n\nBut, the fuckwit isn’t an unknown foreign fucker at all, is he? It’s me. I’m the fuckwit! Me Dad was right. And by some fuckin’ irony-of-ironies I’ve ended up in the middle of the hunt to find me, the mystery fuck up, so that I can bump meself off, move up the ladder in the firm, and bring fuckin’ balance to the soddin’ force.\n\nFuck me, crime don’t pay - not enough for this shit.\n\nEveryone is going nuts - the lines are shaken and truces are broken and there’s so many fuckers dead already - Georgie’s Dad excluded, he was alright.\n\nCoppers are having a bloody field day. Got near all our kit and none of the other firms will sell us so much as a rusty skewer.\n\n“Don’t worry, Micky-me-son, that ain’t the only gun we’ll ’ave in there.”\n\nAnother gun? “Georgie, mate, tell me your packin, yeah?”\n\nBloody idiot just smiled and kissed his arms. Classic Georgie.\n\nOkay. 'ere we go. Pull this off and it’ll all be sparklin’."
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[WP] Every time you die you're revitalized and transported to another world with everything you're carrying. Appearing in a medieval world after being killed while serving as a Space Marine, you're startled to see magic for the first time.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 last memory was green. Ironic, given my colors. \n\nThe flames roared around me, as the citizens fled into the ships, the Imperial Navy barges roaring fire from above. \n\nMy comlink has broken. My squad was dying around me, drowned in tide of scrap and fire. I gripped my weapon, and kept firing. \n\nI had survived for so long. My lists reached many floors in the great tower of the Fortress Monastery. There were black names on those records, clad in warped armor and wielding terrible power. \n\nBut now, I think, this is the end. \n\nThe gigantic creature stood before me, and like my father, I tackled him. I coughed blood as we both dove into the reactor, with it exploding around us. \n\nEverything turned green, then gold, then white. \n\n“Rest, my son. I shall deliver you to a more blessed world.” He was there. It was Him. \n\n“But what of duty beyond death?” I asked the figure. \n\n“Only in Death, does duty end. I shall show you something that only we shall see. It is the hope I treasure as I writhe in pain.”\n\n“What is it?”\n\n“Magic.”\n\n“Of Chaos?”\n\n“Before that. Though, not before evil itself.”\n\n“What shall I need to do?”\n\n“Understand.”\n\nI passed beyond memory. But strangely enough, a golden aura surrounded my armor and equipment. Thought the form was changed, the essence had not.\n\nI fell into green grass. The sky was blue around me, the sun shining. And around me, something shone. \n\nPsykers? They seemed to be so, though the feel of Chaos was something I was familiar with, and this was not that. \n\n“Hero!” One of them shouted. “Hero of another world!” They referred to me. \n\nI was not sure what to do. The person before me looked like a mere child, and seemed free of the taint of Chaos. Yet, he seemed to have channeled so much power. Next to him was a young girl. Pointed ears? Aeldari perhaps? No, this seemed a far more innocent reflection. Though her eyes reflected the age of centuries, it had none of the pain, the suffering one could detect in the ancient slits of the Farseers. \n\nIt was then that I felt it. The rumbling in the earth, the presence that felt so much like a Hive node, yet had a fierce independence. \n\nA roar shook the sky. And a breath of black flame. It was corruption, no doubt. My mind drifted again to the possibility of Chaos. But then, I saw the village at its feet, so close to us. \n\nI moved, then. Whatever the cause, there were humans there that yet did not succumb to evil, and seemed worthy of saving. \n\nPerhaps that’s why He chose to send a Salamander here, I thought. Something told me, however, that I was beyond the range of anything I knew here, and that I may not return to my own plane for a long time. \n\nThe dragon before me snapped me out of my thoughts. I fired precisely at what I presumed to be its vitals. The bolts refilled somewhere in my supplies. \n\nThat is good, then. Whatever powers here saw fit to keep me in fighting condition. \n\nI leapt onto the dragon’s back, and cut at it with my chain sword. An energy field, no doubt something cast by that dragon, blocked me. I punched through, and cut to its heart. \n\nThe creature fell. I was filled with a slight twinge of nostalgia. Even we are human, and such a scene was so common on Nocturne. I had no family there, but I did have my Battle-Brothers. \n\nI had saved the village. I turned to the boy who had summoned me. \n\n“Come with us! We need to celebrate!” He shouted. The elf, as the creature was called, laughed with him. It was a pure, clear sound, though not without some wisdom and sorrow blended in. \n\nI walked into the village, and froze. Something was there. Something I had not ever felt in my universe. Though I was no psyker, i could feel it here far more strongly. \n\nThe thing called Magic, a force not of Chaos, but of balance. And swirling within that were emotions, just like the Immaterium, but emotions far more kind and gentle. It swirled across the skies and grave life to leaves and bright campfires. It permeated the air and diffused in the waters. And it drew upon the simple, wholesome joy of these villagers, who lived on dangerous borders but in plentiful fields. \n\nThough the form was millennia too early, I suddenly saw it. The vision. It must have been an ancient vision indeed, for it was not mine. \n\nIt was a vision of a valley between two rivers, at the dawn of my home universe’s human civilization. Of a Magic plane pure and kind, that reflected a galaxy that was gentle of heart and filled with hope for the future. \n\nA young child walked up to me. I froze again. It was Him. A part of Him that had stayed here, to maintain what humanity He had left. A reminder from another universe. \n\n“So? Is the duty worth it?” He asked. \n\n“Shall I return to attempt to fulfill that duty once more?” I asked, quietly. \n\n“No. Stay, just a while longer. Our own universe has need of hope yet.” The Pure Magic swirled above ya, balanced and calm. \n\n——\n\nHe sat on throne, screaming psychically in pain, beaming his light out desperately to an uncaring galaxy. The remnants of the Pure Magic of this world swirled about him, trapped in ancient souls and inherited by long gone predecessors. But He is joined by those who have seen the light at the end of the maze. It was another world in another time that shall not return, but still, it must, it MUST be possible. \n\nAnd one day, a giant in green armor shall the join his fellows, and sing at the choir too. And perhaps, someday, others too, will come from unlooked for places.",
" Captain Sicarius woke with a start, hand going immediately to his chest. His carapace appeared to be intact. Which was impossible, because he could still see in his mind the chainsword biting into it. His helmet was malfunctioning, as there were no comms signals at all. Not just not from his unit, but nothing. On any band or wavelength, he could pick up. \n\n \n Despite his confusion, he was pleased to notice his body was still working on muscle memory, and he had already recovered his Bolter, checked its action and readied it to fire, as he rose into a defensive crouch. \n\n \n There was however nothing obvious to defend against. The sky was blue, the grass was green, and the ambient temperature was a lot more hospitable than the on freezing waste he had been fighting to liberate from the heretics a few moments ago. \n\n \n After a scan of his surroundings, he replaced the safety on his weapon and stood up to his full height. This may be a test, he felt. He could be trapped in some Psykers web of lies, or touched by the warp. By the Emperor, he told himself, this Ultramarine would defeat whatever was put in his path. \n\n \n The path he chose was a small dirt track, obviously well used but only by foot traffic. There were no vehicle tracks or scorch marks to indicate anything heavy passing through. He found the going easy, gravity was lower here than it had been. Further evidence of Chaos influence, Sicarius told himself. In short order he found himself approaching a small village. Sicarius took cover at the treeline and zoomed his vision in, to enable him to observe. The village folk were human and clearly preparing for something. Perhaps my arrival, he mused. \n\n \n A tiny crack behind him triggered his razor-sharp reflexes, and he spun to face the source of the noise, drawing his powersword as he did so. It was a small human child. No larger than he had been when he left his home planet. The boy started back at the sudden movement, but then smiled and stood up straight again. \n\n \n “Hello, Sir knight! I like your armour. Blue is my favourite.” \n\n \n “My name is Captain Sicarius, of the Ultramarines, boy and I am no knight.” \n\n \n “You look like a knight Sir Sicarius. What with the armour and the sword. But I suppose not many knights would be hiding in the woods.” \n\n \n Sicarius was stung by the boy's words, despite himself. “I was not hiding. I was conducting reconnaissance.” \n\n \n “Ah, are you a French knight then? Like fancy hiding? Come on. Come with me. It's my birthday, and you can be my guest. Everyone will be amazed that I have a knight friend.” \n\n \n Sicarius thought better of trying to argue further. If the test required him to go into the village, then so be it. “Lead on, child.” \n\n \n As they walked the boy chattered incessantly about the upcoming party, the food, the entertainment, his friends all bringing him gifts. People stopped what they were doing as they laid eyes on the mismatched pair, but the apparent comfort of the boy seemed to relax them, and no-one challenged them as they entered the main green in the centre of the village. \n\n \n “Look Monsieur! That's my wizard for the day!” \n\n \n Head of them, a tall old human in long sparkly robes was entertaining a group of seated youths. Something about the symbols on his robes made Sicarius's blood run cold. The man was waving his hands around in some kind of dance, and chanting like an Ork Doktor. \n\nSuddenly, coloured sparks erupted from his fingers and took the shape of an animal in the air in front of him. Sicarius instinctively put his hand to his bolter. SLAANESH! It had to be his influence. The children were transfixed by the heresy. \n\n \n Sicarius knew what he must do, to pass this test. Stand against the heretics once more. He checked the magazine on his weapon and removed the safety. This whole village needed to be purged. \n\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nr/TallerestTales"
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[WP] You decide to rob a house while a family reunion is happening, not only no one pays you attention to your attempts but an old lady just hugged you and secretly passed you a one dollar bill "for candy"
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"I stand on the other side of the front gate, listening to the sounds on the other side. I'm waiting, the more drink they pour down their throat the easier it will be to get away with it.\n\n\nMy small palm rests on the latch as I hear a glass smash. Everybody applauds, the international symbol for drunkenness. I check my outfit, a midget dressed in a childs onesie - how cliche, the adults will find me adorable and the kids see me as an equal because I'm their height. Idiots. They walk out with a sugar high, I will walk out with the contents of the safe.\n\n\nIn I go, I bumble in doing my best childs impression. 6 couples and 4 old people and the level of drunkenness tells me they will think I am just somebody else's kid. I walk past an old woman, all I can smell is rose, musk and mothballs, I try not to sneeze - you know what adult sneezes are like compared to a childs girly sneeze. \n\n\nWhy the fuck is she opening her purse? \n\n\"Here you go James, take a dollar for candy\"\n\nThere is $170 dollars in here, can the stupid bitch not see far enough to give me a dollar herself. There we go, that $170 will get me a good score tonight. Warm night sleep and dreams of chasing that dragon. Fucking elderly.\n\n\nWell, off I bounce in that childlike manner I am playing. The family have spotted me walk in and completely think I'm 'one of the others children' but they're too polite to ask whose I am. After all, they should know each other. \n\n\nThere it is, the safe. It's a suburban home, these idiots brought a safe because they thought they needed to and just shoved it in the cupboard. It isnt attached to anything. I wrap a rope around the safe and toss it out to my partner on the front drive, he ties it to his truck and hits the gas.\n\n\nA bang, crash and smash and the safe is bouncing down the street, I'm about to jump out the window as I listen back. The last words I hear....\n\n\n\n\"I think you're kid just made a mess in the house, do you want to check on them?\"",
"It was supposed to be an easy job.\n\nThere was a large estate in the hills, with nothing but trees visible on the way there. Supposedly, a family reunion was taking place that night. My contact had told me that there would be hundreds of guests. As a thief, that was music to my ears. With so many guests there, it would be easy to get in and out unnoticed. It would be just like *Wedding Crashers.* Someone didn't recognize me, I could just tell them I'm cousins with Sarah's step-mom, or some other BS excuse. They would never be suspicious.\n\nAs I stood outside the estate that night, I looked up at the giant of a house. My first thought was that hundreds of people could probably *live* in this place. It was way too big for one family. That being said, I did find the place beautiful, yet frightening in a way. Eventually, I walked in alongside the countless other guests arriving.\n\nA jeweled, golden Fabergé egg with an ancient-looking spiral pattern was the goal that night. My contact had told me the family had been gifted the egg by another wealthy family with whom they do business with. Of course, if I saw anything else that would sell for a pretty penny on the market, I would take it. But if I could get my hands on that egg, not only would I become a very wealthy man, I would also solidify my position as one of the best thieves in the business.\n\nAs I made my way further into the house, I evaluated my surroundings. Most of these people were older, but I did see one young family in attendance. An old man leaning over a balcony was staring at me oddly, but that's just what old people do. Most people were gathered in the main hall, where there was a wide variety of food and beverages. Everyone seemed to be talking, laughing, and generally having a good time. I remember thinking how weird it was that hundreds of people showed up for this family reunion, but I guess if their entire family tree was tight, plus add a few family friends, and it all makes sense.\n\nThe egg was supposed to be somewhere upstairs. I guessed that wherever it was up there, it would be behind a locked door, and after that, a locked display case. I was hopeful that whatever security lied before me, it wouldn't be too hard to deal with. My contact had told me that virtually nobody outside the family knew about the egg, so that was a definite advantage. I walked up the grand staircase and started exploring.\n\nI had decided the best way to find this thing was to just start looking through rooms. I knew this wasn't very efficient, but what other choice did I have? Whenever the coast was clear, and nobody could see me, I walked into each room. Most of them didn't have much, but I did find some exquisite jewelry. Coming out of one room, I looked up and froze. An old woman was watching me.\n\n\"Hi! How are you?\" I said, in an attempt to play it off. She continued to just stare at me, smiling. It was so odd. Did she hear me?\n\n\"The weather was amazing today, wasn't it?\" I said. Still, she said nothing. As I started to say something else, however, she began to walk towards me. When she didn't stop, I took a step back. She kept coming closer until she spread her arms and gave me a hug. I remember thinking how crazy that was. What was happening?\n\nAfter a few seconds, she let go and held out a one dollar bill.\n\n\"Here, sonny, take it. Buy some candy or something. But don't tell, it will be our little secret!\" she whispered, smiling. I came to the conclusion that she was insane, and when I say insane, I mean clinically. In an attempt to avoid a conflict, I took the dollar. She winked at me, let out a little giggle, then turned around and left me. I stood there for a few moments while I tried to process what just happened. The wink was especially scary, as I could've sworn she had blue eyes before she blinked. After the blink they were brown.\n\nI regained my composure and reminded myself of why I was there. The Fabergé egg. I had gone through a lot of rooms, but they didn't seem to end. Eventually, I found a locked room. As I was picking the lock, I felt a hand on back. My blood froze. I turned around and locked eyes with an old man, who was smiling.\n\n\"You're doing a great job! Keep up the good work, *thief*.\" he said to me. The way he said *thief* really scared the living hell out of me. There was something about the way he said it that deeply disturbed me. It's like he knew everything about me, like he could see straight into my soul. He winked, just like that old woman had, then walked away. The way these people had talked to me was like that of a parent or grandparent talking to a small child.\n\nAfter that encounter, I was determined to find the egg as fast as possible and get out of there. That place was starting to give me the creeps. Instead of checking inside rooms, I started to just check to see if the doors were locked. I broke out into a fast-walk, reaching out my hand to each doorknob and wiggling it in one sharp movement. All I could think about was getting the egg and leaving. It would've been nice if my contact had been a little more specific on where it was, although for someone I'd never met, he proved to be quite useful.\n\nFinally, I stumbled upon a hallway that seemed different from the others. It was large and lit up, like it wanted me to go in there. I started jogging, and at the end of the hallway I could see a door. I could also see old people. Lots of them, just lining the outer walls of the hallway. As I got closer, I realized they were ... clapping. For me.\n\n\"You can do it, champ!\"\n\n\"Way to go, buddy!\"\n\n\"C'mon, you're almost there!\"\n\n\"Great job!\"\n\nI ignored their cheers and sprinted at the door. As I tried to open it, I realized it was locked.\n\n\"Here you go, dear. You've almost done it!\" said an old woman with a key resting in her hand. I took the key from her, jammed it in the keyhole, and opened the door. The room was dark except for a spotlight illuminating the middle of the room, where a display case resided. I walked up to the case, and there it was: the Fabergé egg.\n\nI open the glass thing and grabbed the egg. I held it up and admired it shining in the light. It was so cool! I had finally done it! Wow! All the old people were cheering for me and saying really nice things. I walked out the room and that's wen the young family from befor was waiting for me. Oh wait, dat's my family! I ran to give them a hug. Mommy said she was very proud of me. I'm the best thief ever!\n\n\\- - -\n\nThat night I had a scary dream. Mommy had to wake me up and tell me everything was okay. I told her about my dream, so I'll tell you, too! I was a grown-up thief, a really good one. One night, I wanted to steal an egg, just like Mommy and Daddy let me pretend during the family gathering! Except whenever I picked up the egg, I got beat up by some people. They held me down and cut stuff in my insides. A guy with a white coat made my body smaller. It really hurt. There were these flashing lights and scary monsters, too. By the end of it, I was a kid. Then they gave me to a young family who couldn't have their own kids. I guess the stork couldn't deliver to them or something.\n\nWhenever I told Mommy about the dream, she told me to never talk that way again. She said it was a very bad nightmare and talking about it only makes it more scary. Then she rushed out and had to go talk to Daddy. What do you think?",
"The day was an unusual one as the rain pitter pattered against the window as the winds hurled outside. 53 First Street, the rattling of the daily occurrence of people rushing to and throw out their houses with phones buzzing every five minutes to people shouting, I arose from my bed after having a fantastic dream. I grumbled as I get out of my bed and get ready for the day as I stretch and yawn.\n\nI look at my phone and realized that my friend Carl has been trying to contact me \"holy crap I missed fourteen calls from him in a shocked voice I yelp as I try to call him on the phone \"hey carl th-\" \"I know What we need to do tonight -\" \"what do you mean carl?\" \"We have to rob this house that is on Tourist Lane be prepared by 9 pm-\" \"but-I-u-\" \"No excuses just be ready.\" I thumped my feet down on the floorboards to the fresh smell of coffee that hit my face as the kettle sound screeched as I poured the coffee into a mug slowly and grabbed the white plain cup and chugged the coffee that tasted very bitter.I grab my dark worn brown leather coat quickly and head to work with a rush and a sense of dread.\n\n\"Tick\" \"Tock\" \"Tick-\" The clock struck 9pm and the time has come to rob this house around the corner from mine as I head for my car I get in the car not forgetting my maks to put on. I look at the mirror and stare at it for a few minutes in disapproval of what I was about to do I feel shameful. I shut the mirror after staring at my young reflection and I get out the car and I go into the house quietly but accidentally I creak the floorboard \"errrrrrrrrrrrrk\" The lady turns around and places the single round kitchen light on that glows onto the worn-out floorboards as she glares at me with a shock and disbelief at first and sees me stood there.\n\nThe lady with round glasses and a wrinkly face with a wooden walking stick with an arched back comes over to me quickly with a smile on her face and gives me a massive hug and puts a 1 dollar into the back of my jeans and speaks \"My husband died four years ago and I am so happy that someone who looks like him has stepped into my house, please sit I will cook you supper and we can talk this all through about why you want to rob my house?\" I couldn't recline this offer as I felt really bad about what I was doing so I sit down on the antique furniture that looked chipped and worn and waited for the lady to come over.\n\n\"It's ok deary \" She waddles over with a beautiful traditional blue china tray shaking her hands unprovoked as the glasses and china and the bowl of food wobbles and clanks together causing a few spills to dribble onto the china tray. She hands me some warm soup that smelt very fresh and delicious. \"My husband used to be just like you. Trying to make ends meet. I gulped as I said in a very guilty voice \"I am very sorry Mrs -\" She interrupted \"It's ok deary I get why you had to do what you had to do -\" I was sweating as I eat the food listening to the stories she told me about her and her husband in their younger days, \"Thanks for the tea and the food Mrs Hubert.\n\nI am very sorry for what I have done, are you going to call the police on me?\" I said with a nervous tone of voice. \"No deary do not worry about it but please do not do this to anyone else as they may not be very understanding of your situation. \" I nod as I head out the door and leave.",
"from the outside the house looked empty like I would ever rob a full house, I entered in through the back door to be less visible, Glock in hand just in case of any surprises. I came through into a room full of loose shoes. coats and of coarse tons of purses, I thought it to be a bit piacular but people are weird, I left them there for the way out. I continue into a kitchen but that's not all it was filled with people in a range of ages from 2 to 100. I wave my gun and announce my self none paid any attention none that is accept for an old lady looking to be in her late 60's early 70's, I point my gun at her but she seems unphased she just pushes it downward she then hugs me tight and slips me a dollar and says \"for candy don't tell your parents\". what I mutter. she smiles and takes a step forward I straighten my gun. \"STEP BACK LADY I'LL SHOOT!' aren't you cute she says in a soft warm way. I fire. what hits her is no bullet but a plastic dart, I look at my gun plastic. I look down at myself, what I say, as I see that I am wearing blue overalls and a cute dyno shirt. the grandma picks me up and starts walking saying aww look who's fussy. I start crying I can't control myself, we enter a room with about 20 3 year old toddlers I now being one of them. the old lady sets me down gives me a binky and bottle and walked away. I don't know how much time passed but I never changed my life was now the life of a toddler whatever I tried saying came out as completely different sentences like my mind was in a in which I had no control never changing was my life. one day another toddler joined us in the pen crying I could only assume he had secured the same fate as I had.",
"After receiving a dollar from the nice old granny, Johnathan Crane, a fat slob of a man who has no other choice but to rob people for the sake of survival, felt confused. \"Why isn't anyone giving a damn about me?\". He looked around and everybody was simply talking about their lives and enjoying themselves. A teeny bopper kind of music started playing and a little child went to the center of the room and started dancing in the most adorable way, by simply bobbing her head every which way.\n\n\"Let's dance!\" yelled an older gentleman who seemed to be the grandpa of the family. Numerous women and men of varying ages started getting up from their seats or from whatever video game console they were playing to participate. Someone started doing the robot dance and the rest hilariously followed. Even the granny who handed Johnathan a dollar bill started dancing. Out of everyone, the robot dance really fit her well, probably because of her creaky bones. \n\n\"Come here Johnny!\" called out a young attractive lady, with a very well defined hour glass figure, probably in her mid 20s. Johnathan wondered how the lady knew his nickname. Still without any concrete idea of what's going on, Johnathan just played along, with the slight intent of \"getting to know\" this sexy woman better. Johnathan gazed into the young woman's eyes and to him, it felt like he was viewing a beauty that could only exist in this one moment in time. He stopped caring about his plans to rob this family. He stopped caring about the annoying teeny bopper music. He stopped caring about time. Without realizing it, Jonathan found himself in the middle of the room. It seemed like there were more people now more than when he first got into the house. \n\nSlowly, Jonathan's senses started coming back. He was beginning to shake off the feeling that something was clouding his mind. The bright, vibrant room that he was in just moments ago somehow transformed into a spacious dark prison cell. Around him were still the people from the party, except instead of being dressed in beautiful garb, they were all naked. Then he started noticing their bodies. They were all pale white, skin cracked by their black veins as if they were made of marble. What little light that managed to seep through the cracks on the wall illuminated faces without eyes, their expressions all the same: Agony. \n\nThe ghostly figures then all started raising their arms and pointed at him. Their heads started bobbing up and down, at first slowly, only to gain speed as time passed until all Johnny could see were blurs in the place of their heads. Johnny blinked, and upon regaining his vision, he noticed that they were now a step closer to him. Johnny's heart started palpitating without control. He was confused. He was afraid. \n\nJohnny tried his best not to blink again, but he's only human. Involuntarily, his eyes would shut, and upon reopening, the haunted beings would be a step closer. There was no other choice. Johnny clawed his own eyes out. The pain was intense, but Johnny lived a life of pain. It was nothing new to him. His situation did not afford him the time to evaluate the consequences of losing his eyes. He simply did not want to see them anymore. \n\nDarkness, finally. He couldn't see anymore. Just as his heart started settling down, his mind's eye betrayed him. Without thinking about it, one by one, the figures he saw started to appear from the horizon of his imagination. They were all still pointing at him while bobbing their heads rapidly. Their arms even started moving about until they were just violently trashing around while still trying to point at him. Johnny tried his best to erase them from his mind but he simply couldn't. \n\nSlowly, the figure nearest to him stretched its neck. Its rapidly vibrating bobbing head was only inches away. It suddenly stopped and Johnny, in his mind's eye, saw his own rotting, anguished face.",
" As I made my way through the house looking for valuables I noticed the dollar the old lady slid in my pocket as she gave me the hug. Something caught my eye on this bill, there's a handwritten note on it. I pause from the chaos I was committing to read the note she had left me on this bill. It read \"leave now and you will not be harmed. My grandson is having a party for all his military buddies in celebration of another successful covert op in the middle east. They will dismember you and play cornhole with your body parts if they catch you.",
"It ain't much, and it's dishonest work.\n\nMy grandma's favourite topic was always how the nurses would steal her money when she wasn't looking. \"Two hundred thirty, two hundred forty, two hundred and fifty dollars. It's all there grandma, stop worrying about it!\" To be completely honest, I was surprised to find that there wasn't any money missing.\n\nIt's not that I needed the money, and heck, I could probably earn more doing something else with that time. Thirty minutes per room, taking twenty dollars each time. The furthest I stretched it was saying I was their husband's sister's daughter's dog-sitter. Either way, they always saw me off with a smile.\n\n\\---\n\nThirty minutes per room, fifty dollars each time. I don't know when it happened, but I no longer needed to fish through their purses. They would literally hand it to me. \"For candy\" they say, or \"for dinner tonight\". Oddly enough, I felt more guilty receiving their money than taking it.\n\n\\---\n\nSeven hours on Saturdays, twenty dollars an hour. It ain't much, but it's honest work.",
"I'd been hiding out in the forest for a couple of days. Making sure plenty of time passed for people to forget my face as I settled what was once theirs into my new home.\n\n\nThe little lean-to wasn't much, but it was mine. Long fallen branches were fitted snuggly into the cracks and crevices of the bluff. A little stone overhang covered most of the space inside. It was almost warm at night, and my last haul would make it even better.\n\n\nLaying out my tattered jacket on the dirt floor, I emptied the shopping bag of what I had most recently stolen; A soft, fuzzy blanket, brand new and still in the package, a nice analog watch that was black metal with what looked like gold inlay, and an array of snacks and drinks that I'd nicked from a convenience store.\n\n\nI was hanging the watch on a branch of my leaning wall when I heard twigs snapping and people laughing. I crept out of my little home.\n\n\nA small group of teenagers were laughing and chasing each other around. They looked like spoiled rich kids. I wondered what they could possibly be doing way out in the middle of nowhere. I'd walked half a day into the wilderness to find this place.\n\n\nCurious, I followed them through the woods, making sure to keep my distance. They giggled and rough housed their way through the forest, until it opened into a large clearing.\n\n\nIt was like a fair. There were balloons everywhere, and several grills giving off wonderful smells. A bunch of people were drinking and laughing as kids darted around playing. There were even a couple of food vendors. On the other side of the clearing was a huge house with big glass windows looking out at the party. Around it dotted several little cabins, almost like a hen and it's chicks. \n\n\nA large banner hung from the second floor balcony of the large house. It said \"83rd Annual Hammerfield Family Reunion\".\n\n\nMy mouth watered at all the food and drinks being made and shared. The family was obviously well to do. Most of them were casually dressed so I thought maybe I had a shot. I could get my belly filled and maybe pocket a few things worth selling in the process.\n\n\nI quietly rushed to a nearby stream. I took off one of my socks and scrubbed it on a rock in the water, then I used the sock to scrub my face and arms. My shirt was ruined, torn and stained, but I turned it inside out and the color was a bit more vibrant, and the tears less visible. I brushed as much dust and leaves from my pants as I could. Satisfied that I was as presentable as I could be, I made my way back to the family reunion.\n\n\nI waited at the edge of the forest, and when a particularly large gaggle of kids and teens walked by, I slipped into the back of it. They didn't even blink. They probably thought I was just yet another cousin. I followed the group into the center of the gathering. They dispersed and I was left standing next to a picnic table near a man working a large open grill.\n\n\nMy mouth watered and my stomach grumbled from being so close to real food. I hadn't had meat in at least a week, two of you didn't count jerky. I was debating on how I was going to snag some of the food when the man looked at me suddenly with a huge grin. \"Smells great, don't it? Sit yerself down. They'll be done in a minute.\" Unsure how to respond I timidly slid onto the bench of the picnic table. \n\n\nHe began monologuing about meat and cooking techniques, clearly talking to me, but seemingly unbothered that I didn't respond. I looked down at the picnic table, afraid to make eye contact. This whole plan was starting to seem like a bad idea. Suddenly I started feeling woozy and cursed myself for not eating something before I left. My blood sugar was definitely tanking.\n\n\nSomehow the man noticed my plight and turned his head and hollered over his shoulder \"Hey May, come bring this kid a plate and a soda, willyuh?\" As if on cue, a woman popped out from behind him with a large paper plate and a can of cola. \"Oh poor thing, what's wrong? Don't feel good?\" She opened the can and handed it to me with a warm smile, her other hand gently rubbing my back. \"Ah, I think she just played too hard. You know kids.\" The man responded with a beaming smile.\"Oh hey, what's your name again? There are so many of you runts running around I can't remember who's who.\" I shrank a little into my seat and sipped on the offered soda. \" Miranda\" I mumbled.\n\n\n\"Oh look Ted, you've gone and embarrassed her.\" She said jokingly, lightly slapping the man on the shoulder. \"Now you listen to Aunt May. You eat up this whole burger and then go find somewhere to rest for a bit, there's plenty more time to play before dinner.\" I nodded shyly as \"Ted\" put a freshly made burger onto my plate. With that she gave my back one final pat, gave Ted a peck on the cheek, and then wandered off.\n\n\nI ate the burger in slow bites, trying to savor the rich and juicy treat, as Ted resumed his talk about grilling and meat. When I was finished eating I felt my eyes begin to droop heavily. Ted smiled at me and pointed with his spatula \"there's a bunch of loungers over there, why don't you go get that nap in?\"\n\n\nI nodded sleepily and wandered in the direction he pointed, squeezing through the gaps in the crowd of adults chattering away. Near the big house I found a large array of patio chairs and loungers facing a white screen on a pole. A kids movie was playing and a large playpen was set up so that the toddlers and babies inside it could watch as they played.\n\n\nI knew it was too dangerous to stay, that I needed to get back to the safety of my lean-to, but there was a chaise lounge that was begging me to curl up in it. I simply couldn't resist the urge of a nap in such a cozy spot. ",
"Why am I here? Why is everyone smiling like idiots. Something is wrong here. I do not care how long it's been since the entire family has stood under the same roof, there's no reason to be so happy about it. I now kinda remember why I don't get along with this family. They are weird, they smile with this weird intensity. It looks like as though they are enjoying something that I can't see or feel. Anyway there stands Beth, my wife, she's getting along nicely with my mother and some lady I know nothing about. Hmm, now that I think about it, it's kinda weird that I do not recognise half the people here. It's supposed to be a family reunion is it not? I'm supposed to know these people... Well, I don't care, it doesn't matter I suppose, I just want this to be over, it's been, I think, hours and hours since we've been here, maybe more, I'm a little bit drunk. I set the wine glass on the table. There's a golden key inside a glass case at the table.\n\n\"Whoa.\"\n\nI looked around, nobody was looking at me, so I opened the case and took the key from the velvet cushion and I stared at it, stared at it hard. A ringing sound fills my head. I suddenly feel dizzy, my eyesight is all blurry, and I close my eyes and hold my forehead. Then, slowly, the ringing sound fades away and I open my eyes. What I saw before me should've sent me into shock but it didn't. The people who had been talking and having drinks were looking at me, they were still smiling but their faces were blurred, wiped away, and their smiles were... Inhuman, it's hard to explain. But I look down to see, to my surprise, I was holding a white card, like a business card with black letters engraved on it that read: YOUR TIME IS UP.\n\n\"The fuck?\" Then I realised that I wasn't wearing a tuxedo like the other men in the party, I was wearing black. Like the stuff you wear when you go and rob someone at night, in the movies. I even had a black mask on. Also, I remember now, how I got here and why I was here. I'm a thief! I came here to rob the place, I had jumped the fence and climbed the pipes, broken the window in the second floor and slipped into the dark room. Everything after that is so fuzzy. Then I see her, the old lady stands at the far end of the room, smiling and waving like an insane person. \n\nFuck. Now I remember, I had stashed up on some really valuable jewelry lying around in the some rooms upstairs and had decided to leave the same way I had broken in but when I reached the broken window, I saw the old lady standing there, blocking my way, she was looking outside. I decided to tip toe out of there, but she turned around suddenly and glided towards me, I was terrified, I thought she was some kind of ghost and that she was gonna kill me or possess me or some shit. But she hugged me. She hugged me! And I felt her hand slip into my pocket. \"Here's a dollar for your time. For candy,\" she said. And and I don't remember anything that happened after that, next I know I was standing in the party, I had a wife called Beth next to me, I also had a mother and father here. What?! I didn't know these people, how long have I been here? I am fucking mental! I started freaking out and the people in black dresses glided towards me, smiling their insane smiles.\n\n\"Nooooooooooooo.\"\n\n\n\n\nI wake up with a start. I realise that it was all a dream. A weird dream. What a weird dream! Then my phone vibrates and I see the notification:FAMILY REUNION AT 8\n\nAnd I say, \"Fuck.\"",
"He had been slinking through the living room, scoping it out for treasures, when she appeared. He had been certain that everyone was in the dining room. There had been an obnoxious bout of laughter from all of the family members. Family reunions were boring, so he supposed the elderly lady could’ve just wandered off. He was even more confused when she had handed him the dollar bill, telling him to buy some candy. \n\nNow, he was turning the bill in his hands. He looked back up at the lady. She had a round face, and quite a few wrinkles. Her cheeks were flushed. She flashed him a nice smile, and turned to go back to the dining room. \n\n“Wait a minute!” He suddenly yelled. It had taken him a minute, but he decided that a dollar wasn’t going to be enough. The lady turned back towards him with a surprised expression.\n\nHe took a gun from his pants. He raised his arm and pointed it at her. The lady was surprised for a moment, but she eventually started laughing. He started to become increasingly angry. She was mocking him. His hands started shaking. She continued laughing, almost doubling over. Finally, he couldn’t take it. He slowly cocked the gun, and pulled the trigger.\n\nWith a loud pop and a cloud of smoke, the cap gun went off. The lady flinched, but laughed at her nephew and his toy gun. Suddenly, the boy’s mother entered the room. \n\n“Young man! I told you not to fire that thing inside the house!” She scolded him and sent him back to the playroom where all the other kids were. Boring.\n\nHe was turned to go, when the old lady said “wait a minute!” He turned to see her holding the dollar.\n\n“Send me a nice picture in the mail of your candy. Before you eat it, that is.” She smiled and handed him the bill. He flashed her a big smile in return and ran back to the playroom, now with a story to tell.\n\n\n\n\nr/ThisIsLordess",
" There’s this thing about rich people in rural parts of that country that make them feel untouchable. Car keys are always in the ignitions, and doors are always unlocked. It’s all about distance. Who would make the trip out to where they are? When nothing has happened to your home after living there for 20+ years, it’s easy to think nothing ever will. \n\nThe Rollings have quite a few parties every year. The music is loud, and the drinks are poured over the brim. After a few hours, an elephant could walk in and take the place. Despite that, I still do my best to scope the place out without drawing attention to myself. Floor plans can be found online and studied, but houses are still furnished in ways that make them easy to get lost in. \n\nWhen I first got here, the gates to the house were open. Of course they were. Why ask your family to stop, park the car, hit the keypad, hop back in your car, wait for them to open, then drive through. Especially for a reunion of a family this size. I must have walked past anywhere between 40 and 50 cars on the way in. \n\nAnd everyone is so nice. \n\n“Hey!”\n\n“Great to see ya!”\n\n“How’s it been? Feels like I haven’t seen you since you were a kid!”\n\nThese people haven’t seen each other in so many years, they don’t even know what each other looks like. I smiled and waved and tried to match their enthusiasm with my eyes. The number one trick to blending in is not being memorable. But at the same time, it felt like people were shouting greetings more at me than at others; must have been my paranoia. \n\nSo when I walked in, I grabbed a drink and started making my way from one room to the next, never lingering long, and definitely avoiding the rooms with less than 5 people. The last thing I wanted to do was start a conversation I couldn’t talk my way out of. Walking with a sense of purpose certainly helps with that. My eyes were always forward, always scanning as if I was looking for that one person I wanted to talk to. It was then, I turned a corner and almost knocked over an old lady carrying a small plate of appetizers to the dining room I just left. \n\n“Ope, sorry,” I say in a slightly louder-than-normal whisper. I manage to save my drink, and her bacon-wrapped water chestnuts stay put thanks to the sticky sauce that seems to have them transfixed to the plate. There was a man walking behind her that I nodded to as he chuckled at the narrowly avoided disaster. \n\n“Oh, it’s OK, dear. Luckily, you’re young enough to avoid an old woman like me shuffling through the hallway,” she says with a smile. Her eyes darted to the man now walking past me to the dining room. \n\n“Mhm, sorry to disturb you!” I reply while starting my way past her to the next room. \n\n“Would you mind being a dear and pull a chair out for me?” she asks. \n\nShit. I can’t be caught here with her. The next thing she’ll ask is for me to sit with her a while and ask who’s kid am I and how’s work going, and so on. I have to think of an excuse quickly. \n\n“I’m really sorry but I’ve been searching for a bathroom for ten minutes and I keep getting lost in these halls. I’ll swing back around and refill your app plate. Is that OK?” \n\nHopefully, that’s enough of an excuse for her. So I turn to make my way down the hall when all of a sudden she grabs my wrist and places a dollar in my hand. \n\n“Now darling, I need you to come back and give me some more of that candy,” she says under her breath. She finishes it off with a wink, which really sends me over the creepy edge. \n\nI’m not sure who she thinks I am, or what type of candy she’s talking about, but I’m definitely the wrong guy. I start to grab her hand to remove it from mine when I see one of the family portraits behind her. I have no idea how I missed such a vital detail in my research scoping this place out, but my eyes slowly start to widen as I notice one of the children in the portrait. I say child, but this portrait was done relatively recently, and all the children have grown into young adults. It was at this moment that I suddenly realized I bear a striking resemblance to one of the sons. \n\nAs I begin to formulate my response, I look down at the old lady again just in time to see her looking over my shoulder, and her jaw drops. Her eyes begin to dart back and forth between a spot over my shoulder, and my face. I could feel the color drain and panic start to set in. Right at that moment, I hear a voice come from behind me. \n\n“Oh, hi Grandma! I’m back with that candy you asked for, but you can’t tell dad I got it for you!!”",
"The interview was going about as well as could be expected. That is to say, it was going terrible.\n\nThe interviewer was a tall thin blonde-haired man with hipster glasses. He had been furiously writing down notes, while the audio recorder sat passively on the desk. In all of his years, he had never, ever, imagined that he would be interviewing a Legend.\n\nAnd yet, there she was. She leaned back in her chair and took a drag from a cigarette. Her hair was pulled back tight into a ponytail, and she wore a white button-down blouse. She had an air of effortless elegance.\n\n\"No,\" she said as she tapped her cigarette over the ashtray, \"I don't steal from people. Not anymore.\"\n\n\"Why not?\" he asked her inquisitively.\n\n\"It didn't feel right.\"\n\nThe interviewer wrinkled his brow. This woman was a cold-hearted criminal. A lifetime of high-profile heists, burglaries, and break-ins that would put Daniel Ocean to shame. She had evaded law enforcement with ease, even taunting them at times. For almost a decade, she had been on every most-wanted list from Los Angeles to Beijing.\n\n\"You've never had any qualms about stealing before. What was the reason for your sudden change of heart?\"\n\nShe took one last drag from her cigarette and crushed it out in the ashtray. She glanced down at the table with the tape recorder and finally spoke:\n\n\"Candy.\"\n\n*I don't like hitting residences. Too many unknowns, too unpredictable. When you break into a business, you can expect the same things pretty much every time. A few cameras, a barely-conscious security guard, a few locked doors... easy.*\n\n*But when you go into a residence, you never know. Maybe the homeowner has a dog, or maybe they're up late at night getting a sandwich. Too much risk. Better to hide in plain sight and just waltz right through the front door. A maintenance technician or pest control is usually pretty safe.*\n\n*The key to any successful job is preparation. Do your homework. Memorize every little detail. If something is out of place, they're going to know. And that's why I do it perfect, every time. This job was supposed to be no different.*\n\n*They were a rich, eccentric family. Nobody seemed to know how they came to be so wealthy, but nobody seemed to care much. They had a facebook page inviting \"extended family members\" to their annual reunion. Perfect.*\n\n*When I showed up at the party, the place was absolute chaos. Children running around, laughing. Folks chatting in the living room, munching on hors d'oeuvres. A few folks even said hello to me. Pssht... these simpletons are blissfully unaware of the wolf roaming around in their very midst.*\n\n*Bedrooms are always where people keep their valuables. So that's where I was headed. As I made my way down the hall, a petite elderly lady approached me.*\n\n*\"Oh hello dear! It's so good to finally meet you!\"*\n\n*I nodded slightly and smiled, trying to think of an excuse. \"I'm sorry. I don't know my way around here. Is this the way to the bathroom?\"*\n\n*The old woman smiled at me \"Go down that hallway. Second door on your left. Oh! And take this.\" She handed me a single folded dollar bill. \"In case you want to buy some candy.\"*\n\nThe interviewer stopped the tape. \"Hold on, you're telling me that nobody at that reunion even questioned why you were there?\"\n\nThe woman across the table smiled wryly. \"No. It's like they were expecting me to show up. I probably should have just walked away from the whole thing but...\" her voice trailed off.\n\n\"But what?\"\n\nShe looked wistfully at the ashtray. \"But they knew I wouldn't do that. They knew the whole time.\"\n\n*The old woman was gone. I glanced down at the dollar in my hand before quickly stuffing it in my purse. \"Idiots,\" I thought to myself.*\n\n*A moment later I found what I was looking for. Bedroom safe. Located behind a picture on the wall. And this model safe had a known flaw that made cracking it as cinch. Boy, this was almost too easy.*\n\n*Click-Click-Click-Click-Click-THUNK! The din of the crowd drowned out any chances of somebody hearing me while I handily worked. A moment later, the safe door was open and inside I found...something.*\n\n\"What was it?\" The interview leaned forward, his pen twitching in his hand.\n\n*It looked like some kind of glowing yellow orb. It shimmered and shone, but it was hard to focus on it, like it wasn't completely solid. As I reached my hand into the safe to grab it, the whole room turned a blinding white light.*\n\n*I blinked. I wasn't in the bedroom anymore. I wasn't even in the house anymore. I was... In Mister McGarret's hardware store. I'm seven years old, and I'm staring up at a Snickers bar next to the cash register.*\n\n*Mister McGarret is busy ringing up a purchase for my mother when I realized that this moment. THIS EXACT MOMENT was the first time I had ever stolen anything. I remember now, I stole that snickers bar. My mother told me that we couldn't afford things like that and so I... I had just taken it. The first of many things in my life that I would take.*\n\n*At that point I looked down in my hand and saw a single dollar clutched in my palm.*\n\n*\"For Candy.\"*",
"\"Take it darling, it's for candy.\"\n\nHer voice is high pitched and shaky. Same as her hand that floats in mid air. Up and down, up and down, shaking the one dollar bill like a feather.\nIn my eyes she looks like my own granny, Rose. Of all grandmas I had, Rose was my favorite. Always shining, even when she couldn't move her legs anymore and was chained to the wheelchair.\nSame as this old thing here, waving the dollar bill quite expectand. \n\n\"Thank you, granny Esther\", I let my voice sound soft and a little higher to help her live in the illusion. I guess she mistakes me for one of her nephews. \n\nShe's the one the rest of the family were talking about. The lady with Alzheimers, who is not willing to leave this world yet.\n\n\"Now move on you little cowboy\", she says, as I take the dollar from her. Then she stops. We are in the hallway, the dinner is over and the whole family McGreggor is stuffed with steak, chicken and salmon. You could call them a clan, since there are almost seventy people on this birthday party. It's the party of the lady right in front of me and she doesn't even know. Her daughter Emilia organized the family reunion. \n\nI guess Emilia wanted to give everyone the opportunity to see old granny Esther before her brain will ultimately turn into goo. \n\n\"Do me a favor darling. Since you are on your way downstairs, could you bring me my purple jacket from the basement? It should be on the couch\", she says. She's still able to move the wheels of the wheelchair on her own and before I can give her an answer she rolls away. \"Don't take too long, granny is freezing!\"\n\nI slip the dollar inside my trowsers. Guess I'll have to bring her the jacket before I can search the house. Now is the perfect time to get my business done, since half of the clan went of for a walk and the other half is in food narcosis.\n\nThe stairways to the basment is near the front door. Instead of going up as I intended I guess I'll go down first. Maybe there is something of value burried under that house, that reminds me of a small golden palace. It's an old house for sure. But even the handle of the stairs into the depth of the basment is made of polished brown mahagoni.\n\nI can feel a breeze of cold air as I walk down. On the fifth step a light goes on and illuminates the wooden stairs and the big room beneath. \n\nThe basment looks more like a playground. I can see a pool table and a dartboard and even a big black leather couch in the corner of the room. A bookshelf is standing next to it and a flat screen is mounted on the wall.\nAnd there on the couch I can see a small purple jacket. Finely folded like a present and just waiting for me. \n\nI shrug. Maybe old granny Esther isn't as crazy as she looks like.\n\"Well whatever\", I say and cross the room. Before picking up the jacket I take a look at the bookshelf. Maybe there is something interesting between Edgar Allen Poe and Stephen King?\n\n\"Candy?\"\nI said it out lout without even realising at first. It's a small pink book. The five letters are printed on the spine. I wouldn't care, but the coincidence is a little bit weird. I take a look back to the stairways. It's quiet here, but I can still hear dull voices from above.\n\nWithout further hesitation I decide to take the book. I grab it's spine and pull. The book flaps over as I place my fingers around it... And stops halfway out of the shelf. I loose my grip and take a step backwards, surprised and quite confused I stare at the pink book with the title \"Candy\".\n\nSuddenly I can hear a sound. Gears turning and stones moving from side to side. \n\nSlowly i move back even further as the bookshelf itself begins to tremble. And with a loud screeching sound it sinks into the ground and I stare into a dark room.\n\n\"What the f...\", I say, but before I am able to finish my sentence, a voice reaches me through the small hallway infront of me.\nIt's the voice of a woman. \n\"Please, no...\"\nMy legs feel heavy. Like someone tied stones together and wrapped them around my feet. I try to swallow the lump in my throat. It doesn't work. \n\nI take two slow steps forward and suddenly a bright light flashes my eyes. I cover my face with my hands and I can hear the woman cry. \"Leave me, please leave me! No!\" \n\nAs my eyes get used to the light I lower my hands. It's a small room. I take a deep breath and my body immediatly starts shaking as I smell the scent of piss, blood and old sweat. \nI cough, the salmon in my stomach starts a fight against the rib eye steak and before I am able to stop it, my mouth is filled with bitter juice that I throw up on the floor. I fall to my knees and the only sound emiting from my throat while the rest of my meal lands on the stones is a deep gurgling \"whuuuuurghh...\"\n\nI don't know how long I stayed in that position. But my nose and stomach somehow got used to the stench. Slowly I stand up. Half digested pieces of meat, fish and vegetable goo is spread all over the floor. I wipe my hands on my trowers and take a careful look into the room infront of me. It's small and round. A bucket stands next to the brick wall. \n\nChained on a chair sits a young blonde woman. I take a step foreward, slowly, avoiding my own vomit. She is naked. She raises her head and looks at me. Her eyes are green. \n\nIn the middle of the room is a small table. As I get closer I can see five large jars. They look like containers someone would use to store jam inside, just huge, maybe three times the size. \n\nThe woman doesn't say a word. I stumble foreward, my legs are shaking. As i come closer I see the jars are filled with dollars. I lay my hands on the table, try to soothe my body. There is a small scrap of paper lying in the middle of the table, right infront of me. \n\n\"One dollar for every day you survive, Candy\", it says.",
"As she entered the bedroom through the window, Jessica noticed the family’s coats on the bed. She looked at them. High quality brands, this family was probably rich. She started going through the drawers, looking for either money or things to sell. She went through the jewelry box, lots of expensive necklaces and rings. She stuffed those in her pockets. As she made her way to the bathroom to look for secret compartments, she noticed a member coming down the hall, so she hid in the closet.\n\nA few minutes later, she walked into the bathroom and started tearing the place apart. She found a compartment in the back of the medicine cabinet and found $1000. A smile spread on her face. Then, she heard footsteps and tried to walk away, but she was stopped by an old lady.\n\n“Allison, is that you?” she asked. Jessica assumed Allison was her granddaughter.\n\n“Yes. How are you grandma?” she replied, while confused\n\n“I am doing fine. I know you need to leave for your other job soon, so here’s some money for candy. I love you, nugget.” said the old lady as she gave Jessica $1\n\n“I love you too, grandma. Thanks for the money.”\n\n“You’re welcome, sweetie.” said the old lady as she hugged her\n\n‘What just happened?’ She thought. Jessica decided she was done so she walked through the living room, where everybody was. No one noticed her was she walked out the door, in all black, with a bag full of money and valuables.\n\nJessica walked by the gas station. ‘Well, the old lady gave me money for candy, why not use it?’ She walked in and picked out a bar she hadn’t eaten since she was a child. As she paid for it, she thought of that kind old lady. ‘Thank you for bringing my childhood back.’ She thought as she walked the rest of the way home.",
"It’s easier to bullshit your way into big parties than the small ones.\n\nAnnie’s husband? Sure, I can be that. Lina’s dad? Aha, why not? Mike and Tony’s son in law? Right, and Anne’s my wife. You mean Annie, Anne is Mike and Tony’s daughter. Right right, and Anna is the grandma. (Right?)\n\nHis distant cousin, her long-forgotten relative, I can be them all. I can be part of their family during their family reunion.\n\nTruth to be told, most people in this mansion know more about the person who designed their dresses or blouses or shoes than the person standing next to them. Sure, there are some exceptions, and you can tell by their faces when they talk to each other. But for most, this event is just a chance to admire the crystal chandeliers, fancy furniture, and talk business.\n\nYet, they all kiss, hug, and touch as they participate in the annual ritual of chattering about how great this get together and their family are.\n\nDon’t get me wrong, this party is pretty much awesome. My pockets love every tug and pull and hug I get; it fills them with jewelry, credit cards and stacks of dead presidents.\n\nAnd then, there’s the ancient crow in the wheelchair. She’s different. She’s over a hundred and catatonic. An unresponsive stupor on wheels parked in the room’s corner and mostly avoided by the cheerful crowd. Cousin Mike said last year she suffered one stroke too many. One stroke too few, I’d say by the looks of her. That is, unless she enjoys being a piece of furniture.\n\nMaybe she does, it’s hard to say. There is a certain happiness in her eyes. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I do enjoy her crystal necklace very much.\n\nI snake through the crowd, avoiding cousin Leroy and his plump blond date sipping Dom Perignon, but get ambushed by Sandy McLean and his picture-perfect wife, receiving his bear hug and Visa Platinum. An honest handshake and diamond ring in my pocket later, I finally find my way to the wheelchair crone slumped in her chair, champagne flute in my hand, flashing my teeth as wide as my lips allow.\n\n“Granny--- Smith.” Sure, why not. “How long has it been?”\n\nShe doesn’t answer. Mouth closed, eyes locked onto something distant, she’s just breathing.\n\nThose eyes. Pale blue eyes, gleaming almost as bright as her necklace. Annie’s eyes were like that.\n\n“Right… Lina.”\n\nHer name might be something else, I don’t know. Or care, to be honest. I guess I should have asked Mike when he mentioned her. But that necklace… The necklace is beautiful. Timeless. It sparkles.\n\n“So, Lina,” I tell her, “The truth is we’ve never met. But that’s okay, I bet you’ll forget about me anyway.”\n\nI put my glass in her lap, lean forward, hands reaching for her neck.\n\n“You see, people tend to forget ever seeing me. It’s funny, as soon as I leave the room, everyone pretends as if I don’t exist. As if I’m some kind of background, always there but you never pay attention to it. Like a big blue ocean. Southampton docks.” I pause. “ I don’t know why I said that. The words just keep pouring out of my mouth. Sorry about that. Let me just finish unhooking that necklace in a sec---“\n\nThere’s a bang of a gong and the party host, a man in his fifties with salt and pepper hair and Armani suit lifts his arm, Dom sizzling in his other hand.\n\n“May I have your attention please?”\n\nThe room goes silent.\n\n“Thank you.” He clears his throat. “Almost one hundred and ten years ago, Annie McLean arrived in this country. Here, in the greatest place in the world, she gave birth to her seven children and started the McLean family. Our family.”\n\nThe crowd in the room breaks into cheers and applauses.\n\n“Today, Annie’s oldest daughter, Lina Smith, turns one hundred and seven---”\n\n“Mike, she’s one hundred eight!” Gucci bag woman in high heels shouts from the crowd as the rest of the room burst in boos. The host Mike spreads his arms and calming them down, a wide grin on his face.\n\n“I know, I know. I was just checking if you’re paying attention. Today Lina turns one hundred and eight.”\n\nHe turns toward the old lady I’m about to rob.\n\nUh oh.\n\nQuickly, I grab my glass and lean back, necklace still hanging around her neck. I throw a fake smile and clap.\n\n“Wow! Can you imagine that?” The host says, staring straight at us, along with the whole room. “One hundred and eight!” He lifts her champagne flute “Happy birthday Lina!” The rest of the room cheers.\n\n“Phew,” I say to the old crow. “That could have gone much worse. Wait, your name---”\n\n“As you all know,” Mike says, “Lina has been instrumental in making our family what we are today.”\n\n“A group of rich bastards!” Sandy McLean, the bear hug minus his credit card guy yells from the crowd.\n\nMike points at him and grins “That too. For over forty years, with her six half-brothers, Lina has been a co-chair of McLain Oli.” He glances at Lina. ”Hey, a fun fact. The necklace she’s wearing today belonged to---”\n\nAnnie McLean.\n\n“---her mother Annie McLean. It was a” --- Mike makes air quotes --- “gift from---”\n\nMe.\n\nI stole that necklace from a jewelry store in Southampton and gave it to her. She was so mad. She said she’d return it the next day, after the ship sails so I don't go to jail. I just wanted Annie to have something pretty, something to remember me. It was stupid.\n\n“The neckless was a gift from her then-husband Seymour before he boarded RMS Titanic in 1912,” Mike says. “That necklace is the only surviving piece of Annie’s jewelry that she had before arriving in this country. Yeah, they were that poor. Those were different times, folks.\"\n\n“Lina... I'm sorry.” I whisper, looking at the old woman in the wheelchair, a daughter I never knew I had. I don't think she hears me. My whisper is drowned by the crowd laughing at Mike's joke.\n\n\"So,\" Mike continues, \"that necklace is special for all of us. As is Lina’s father, God bless his soul.”\n\nThe crowd nods and claps quietly, some lifting their glasses, others sipping their drinks.\n\n“At McLean Oil, Lina handled everything from the finance department to oil field discovery expeditions, and during that time and with her unwavering dedication to her job and her family, she made a path for us younger folks---”\n\n“Mike,“ Sandy pipes in again “You’re old.”\n\n“Thanks, Sandy,” Mike says as the rest of the room bursts into laughter. “Lina made a path for us --- young and old --- to become what we are now. Successful business owners, university professors, world-renowned medical experts, yes, rich bastards too. And, if I may add, some of us have been\"--- he coughs --- \"or are the governors of the greatest state in the greatest country in the world.”\n\n“Booo! Showoff!” A woman in the crowd yells and gives him a thumbs down. She then smiling and winks as the crowd laughs and chuckles again.\n\n“So,” Mike raises his glass again, “To Lina! Thank you for all you’ve done for us! Happy birthday.”\n\n“Happy birthday!” everyone shouts in unison.\n\nHappy birthday, my daughter, if you can hear me. How many times have I've done before?\n\n“And remember to check your wallets before you leave, folks!” Mike says cheerfully. ”As Lina used to say, this mansion is haunted by the spirit of old Seymour ‘Quickfinger’ Smith. But don't leave yet! This party has just started. Mingle, laugh, chat with each other. Get to know your family!”\n\n​\n\n/r/ZwhoWrites",
"The cover story was simple. Kelly-Anne was a second cousin from Florida who didn’t have time to respond to the invitation. That was, if anyone paid her any attention anyway.\n\nSo far, no one had. She had spent three hours working the three-story house over and was confident she had collected every small item of value inside her blue ‘Stitch’ backpack. By her estimation, she had the better part of twenty grand in jewellery and knickknacks.\n\nThis family didn’t seem to have a lot, but they knew quality. No gum paste here.\n\nShe was just about out the door, when she heard, “There you are, Angel!” and before she could take another step, one of the older ladies on a walker managed to corner her inside the entryway. Kelly could only stare at the front door that was blocked by the metal walking frame. “Oh, my word, honey! How are you?” she demanded, wrapping her tiny arms around Kelly’s waist and giving her a tight squeeze.\n\nThis was Ma Windsor. In three hours Kelly had worked out who was who based on overheard conversations. Ma Windsor was the crazy old biddie from New York. Kelly went immediately into damage control. “Ma Windsor! It’s good to see you too.”\n\nAs the two hugged, Kelly felt the older woman slip a one-dollar bill into her hand and looked across at her in confusion. “What’s this for?” she whispered.\n\n“Consider it the first honest dollar you’ve ever earned, dear,” the old bat whispered, though she did so with a beaming smile on her face. “And put back every god-damned thing you’ve been lifting all over the house before I bend you over that walker and ask my nieces and nephews if any of them have their cuffs on them.” Her smile lit up the sky as she squeezed once more, then stepped back. Her eyes said another thing entirely.\n\nLooking around the room, Kelly suddenly realised every set of eyes was on her, and none of them were friendly.\n\nSmall, subtle movements of their clothing revealed more than one badge amongst them.\n\nA quick count had them in the double figures, and not all of them were silver.\n\n***FUCK!***\n\n​\n\n((All comments welcome))\n\nFor more of my work: [r/Angel466](https://www.reddit.com/r/Angel466/)",
"They were dressed smart for their party. Suits and skirts, ties and necklaces. Even the kids were better dressed than I'd ever been, shoes polished, black and blemishless.\n\nIt was a small house but a big party, people pouring in and out of the ever-open front-door. Easy enough to join the stream; no one blinked an eyelid as I floated on in amongst them. Well, maybe just a passing glance from a pale old lady heading in behind me.\n\nAlmost too easy. What you're looking for, at places like this, are little things that don't leave a big space behind, that don't unearth secrets best left hidden. Little things with a lot of value.\n\nThe party itself was dull. No wonder so many people were coming and going. No music or anything. A few snacks laid out. A few drinks to pour. Even fewer smiles being passed around. Was like the people barely knew each other, or if they did, had fallen out long ago and were just doing their politenesses.\n\nA poor house with poor owners. That was clear. The hosts, who stood in the middle of the kitchen, shook hands with their better-dressed guests as they arrived. Scratchy, broken-taped voices, \"Thanks for coming thanks for coming thanks for coming.\" They were a man and woman with matching rings. Clothes not quite threadbare, but not silk or satin either.\n\nA gold photo-frame is what stuck out to me. Caught my attention. Maybe the only thing of real value here. The photo inside it was of a thin kid, head-shaven, smiling. Maybe thirteen and tucked in-between the hosts. And they looked different in the photo -- faces less wrinkled, smiles higher up their faces. I took the picture out and pocketed the frame.\n\nLittle else of value, I left the downstairs unnoticed. Headed up for a little snoop around.\n\nNothing much in the parent's bedroom. Nothing but a bed and near-empty wardrobes. As if they had no belongings at all, or had sold everything they had.\n\nOther than that, just a kid's bedroom. Toys. Film posters -- heist and spy movies -- that looked a little familiar. A full room, nothing here sold.\n\nBut nothing of value, either.\n\nThen I heard it. A cry from downstairs. Had I been rumbled? I took the stairs stealthily, slowly. Most importantly, silently. Only went half-way down.\n\nThere they were. The hosts. In the hallway. The woman was holding something up. Crying.\n\n\"Who took it?!\"\n\nHer hand trembled. In it was the golden frame, but there was no photograph inside.\n\n\"Who did this?\" said the wife.\n\n\"I think you best give it back,\" whispered an old lady behind me, making me jump. She must've crept down the stairs after me. \"Don't you?\"\n\n*Crap.* Spotted. It was the pale lady who'd followed me in.\n\n\"Give what back?\"\n\n\"The photo you took.\"\n\n\"Huh? I didn't took no photo.\" And it was true, I hadn't. I'd taken a frame, sure. Except... the frame was being waved around wildly by the crying woman.\n\nMy hand slipped into my pocket and there it was. The photo. Had someone planted it on me?\n\n\"I didn't mean to,\" I said.\n\n\"I know,\" said the old lady. She smiled, not unkindly. \"But all the same, they need it back.\"\n\nI stared at it a moment, at the photo. Then just like that I let it drift down the rest of the stairs, drift down next to the weeping lady's shoes. Guess I'd broken my own rule: took something that'd left a big space.\n\nHer husband reached down and picked it up. She snatched it from him, like it was precious, and cradled it.\n\nThey both looked up to the stairs, eyes roamed over us -- but they must have been looking for someone else as they can't have thought me or the old woman suspicious.\n\n\"It was Erik. I know it was,\" the lady said.\n\nThe husband wrapped an arm around her waist and led her out of the room, back into the kitchen. She clutched the picture to her chest.\n\n\"Are you ready to leave now?\" asked the old lady.\n\n\"I don't know,\" I said. \"I don't think I got what I came here for.\"\n\n\"I think you did,\" she said. \"And you really can't be here any longer. I shouldn't be either, but someone had to fetch you.\"\n\nI looked at her, confused by dull eyes that shone bright. She didn't seem angry.\n\n\"They love you,\" she said. \"Death can't stop that.\"\n\nIt's strange how it all came back. The memories, they fell on me as a slow warmth. Like how sunlight steals in through gaps between branches. Dapples the dark earth with gentle light, just enough so something small can grow.\n\n\"I don't want to go,\" I said. Salt crept into my mouth.\n\n\"I know. But all the same, it's time for us both to leave.\"\n\nShe held out an old wrinkled hand.\n\nI took it. Trembled into it.\n\n\"Won't they be lonely,\" I said, \"once I've gone?\"\n\n\"You won't be gone,\" she said, \"they'll just need to look a little harder to find you.\"\n\nThen, together, we walked right out the front door with no one even noticing.\n\n​\n\n\\---\n\n​\n\n/r/nickofstatic"
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[WP] when you pass out you are essentially dead and go, for a few moments, to the afterlife. You have just passed away, but one of your family members has a strong tendency to pass out so you end up seeing them pretty much every day.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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, down on Earth we kill over what happens after we die. Funny isn't it? If only we had known, if anyone had ever known, we could've been spared so much grief.\n\nI hope you can hear me. Here's the thing, or how they explained it to me when I got here yesterday anyway. Every time you lose consciousness, for any reason, you die and visit the afterlife. Not for long, and only very strong experiences tend to transcend this experience into your memory in the physical world, but it happens.\n\nThe problem here though, is that if you're unconscious in the physical world, you're unconscious here too. The only way to consciously experience the afterlife is to die...or meditate, I think. Some monks have made it here before and returned, but their physical minds can't comprehend the experience afterwords so we don't count it. There really isn't a way around it, no lucid dreaming, no near death experience, nothing. To be here, consciously, you have to die.\n\nSo whenever your sleep, get hit in the head too hard, collapse from fear, pain, seeing blood, or just by standing up too fast, you visit the afterlife. You...die! And then, as your physical body gets its crap back together, it pulls you back. And you lose whatever memories you made, save for a few feelings, emotions, and the weird interpretations of the experience the physical mind makes. The things we call dreams.\n\nThere are a lot of implications that arise from this, about things such as reincarnation, revival, and defeating death itself. Because, and this is true, as long as the body is working you technically should be able to pull back the soul/spirit/consciousness or whatever you want to call it, not matter how long it has been away. I know you'd love to talk about those things, you always were such a philosopher. Like when we argued about the Ship of Theseus for hours. And you got so mad you...\n\nShit, I'm rambling now. You know how I like to ramble. And I shouldn't be swearing in front of you. You always hated it when I did that.\n\n...\n\nAlright, alright, back on topic. I want you to remember this, to remember me. This is the first time I've gotten a chance to speak to you since the...well, you know. I wish you were awake. This is what we do every night while you all sleep. We come to visit the people we miss, the people we left too early.\n\nYou're scared, I can feel it. I can see it. I wish you were awake.\n\n...\n\nYeah, I said that already.\n\n...\n\nI...don't know what to say I guess. They said it would be like this, that talking to the living gets easier over time, but we were never really people of many words so I don't know about that.\n\n...\n\nI want you to know, I miss you. A lot, and I know you miss me too so if you wake up and remember this conversation, don't feel bad that you couldn't answer me. I already know everything you want to say.\n\nAnd I also want you to know that I don't regret anything. Not my decision to be a part of your life, not my decision to pass up a promotion to stay with you, and definitely not the decision that sent me here. Maybe that last one you might disagree with me on, but everything I did, I did for you. You were the best...the best...you know. I don't need to say it.\n\nI'm not going to tell you to move on. You do that when you're ready.\n\n...\n\nIt's really great up here. It'd be better with you, but you have a life to live still. Even if that life is without me. And I'll be here, meeting with you every night until it is your time to come.\n\n...\n\nI guess that's all. Don't blame yourself, I'm happy and safe now. And you're safe now too, and one day you'll be happy again, and I hope that whatever dreams or feelings you take away from our conversations help you with that.\n\n...\n\nI love you. I never said that out loud, I figured you knew, maybe that made me a bad...yeah. Like I said...I'm rambling again. Yeah, I'm going to let you rest now. So...\n\n...\n\nYeah, I love you. See you tomorrow.\n________________________\nI don't post a lot, but if you liked this story check out my other ones on /r/Niedski"
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[WP] Whether on accident or on purpose, you responded to an email marked "Do Not Respond." That turned out to be a big mistake.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
" Suddenly,a notification blinked on the side of the laptop screen. I cleared the notification panel and get back to ny work. Something,strike my mind and I recognise that the message was marked \"DO NOT RESPOND\". I'm in small rental home with one cuisine and one bedroom. Also, I'm a broke and for someone like me this message would made jerk me.\n\nI'm getting a bit of nervous and I took the laptop to my private work room. My second wife out there yelled,\" Breakfast is ready,Eat for fuck sake and I'm going to yoga class. If anything you want,there is a memo on the refrigerator.Please don't call me until I return.\".She left the home.\n\nI'm curious about opening the message but it was marked boldly \"DO NOT RESPOND\". I can see it was an automated message from Capsule website. I finally convinced myself to open it. Also,after all it's only could be some spam or offer.\n\nI opened the mail and to my surprise I found a video.\nThe caption on the mail was,\" Here's the capsule,you made last year.\".I clicked the video and it starts to buffer. It played at last.\n\nI find a man in his office with workout dress like that. My wife starts to walk to him and say \"We need a memory\". Then,they start to making out. I shut the laptop.\n\nI remember it was my first wife making out with her yoga guy past year. After that,She made posts with him. She takes him everywhere I take her. Day after day,She slowly begins to fade out of my memory. But, I told to myself that I could change her that she is still my love. So,I made capsule to bury everything.\n\nI heard my second wife knocking the door and get inside. She screamed at me. The man on the chair seeing the laptop cut his throat and died."
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[WP] You can tweak your appearance at will. Up until now you only used it to look better, but today you tried tweaking your brain.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 just tweaked my appearance before. Made my hair less frizzy, eyes a little brighter, got rid of giant forehead zits and gave myself the subtle, perfect nose every girl wanted and plastic surgeons tried to give. Like Mom. I shed a few pounds in the right places, made my skin bright, made my teeth a shining white. Never anything too drastic- just enough to give me an edge.\n\nTo make the boy think I was cuter in second grade (curly hair instead of straight- it didn't end up working out anyway).\n\nTo get the job (look just a *little bit* too much like the fro-yo creep's step daughter).\n\nTo get the lead in the school play (it turns out that if you slightly modify your vocal chords and voice box, you can sing like an angel).\n\nMy parents never noticed the changes- they were too busy with their very important lives to realize that their only child looked just a bit different every day. Puberty. \"She's *finally* wearing her hair right!\" Good genes. \"Thank god she doesn't have your *old nose*.\"\n\nI just wanted her to like me- I wanted to be funnier. Cooler. Know exactly what to say to make a girl like her actually look at me like I was worth something. Like I existed.\n\nI never tried to change myself before- well, not really change. I lied and played the trends like the rest of them. Scrunchies and velvet now, lace and florals, whatever the season. I liked the best books, the best movies, the best celebrities. I had the best laugh, cried pretty like the girls in the movies, and always knew what to say to make them *love* me. Look at *me*.\n\nI was perfect and she still couldn't give me the time of day. Her eyes saw through me like aquarium glass, covered in smudges and fingerprints from everyone else's touches, faces pressed against it. Trying to see through the murky water at the creature within. I was nothing- the shadow on the ground of a big interesting *thing* that was no substance and only image. She rolled her eyes. So cool. *So better than.*\n\nI didn't notice I did anything until it happened- staring at the mirror in the face I thought she would want, gritting my perfect teeth and I *seethed and hated and wished*- so hard. \n\nWished to be better. \n\n*Perfect.* \n\n*Please.*\n\n...\n\nand nothing. \n\nI crumbled to the floor. \n\nI was the same. \n\nMy outside shell was the only thing I could change, only thing I could fake. The inside remained as diseased and putrid as before. Hand-prints, scraping for purchase in dirty water. Dead water. \n\nNothing.\n\nMy eyes cried pretty tears."
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[WP] What was the alternative? You were in prison for life, but was given the opportunity to sacrifice yourself for the sake of science - a one-way trip to Jupiter, to run and document a near -orbit. Describe your journey.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"This trip has given me time to think. Time has lost its meaning on me as there simply is no simple way to keep track of it beyond the clock on my board computer, but it doesn’t feel the same when you don’t have the natural rhythm of sunlight to wake you up, and the dark of the night to help you sleep. It makes me think of what I’ve done, and how lucky I am to have been selected for this trip. \n\nI won’t go into details about my deeds. They were done by a different man than I am now. A cliché, perhaps, but in prison I already started the change. Yet, out here, in the emptiness of space, everything I’ve done feels so…insignificant. \n\nWhen I passed Mars it really hit me for the first time. How tiny I am, this rocket I’m in, everything. And how small the impact of my deeds were in the grand scheme of things, while for plenty of others, they changed their entire everything. To them, I was the grandest thing to ever happen in their lives. But for the universe, it was but a Tuesday. I’m sure I’ve heard that line somewhere else.\n\nNow, at least, I could do some good for humanity. Sure, it would be the last thing I’d ever do, and the fine folks of NASA were honest enough to tell me they had no idea how long I’d be able to stay in Jupiter’s orbit. But all is set up now, and I’m about to enter orbit of the giant gas planet.\n\nIt’s…spectacular, there is no other word for it. Even as I’m focusing on setting the instruments right for the transmissions back to Houston, I can’t help but keep looking up and see that spectacle of colors, swirling about. I always thought Jupiter looked beautiful on photos, but seeing it up close – well, relatively speaking – it’s something else. A view everyone should see at least once.\n\nI think about how I deprived my victims of that chance. No, that’s a wrong thought. They would have never been chosen for this mission, NASA would have chosen another schmuck from prison. Life truly is unfair, I did horrible things and get rewarded with a spectacle that is to die for, whereas others died a senseless death, just because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s never fair.\n\nSlowly the craft settles into the orbit, and I realize I can’t see the giant eye of the storm. I must be at the wrong side of the planet for that, I think to myself as I start my first transmission back to mother earth. \n\n“Hello Houston? This is Zeus-01, Morgan to Houston.” Not entirely according to protocol, but they’d get the message.\n\nA few minutes later I’m answered with loud cheers. “We hear you loud and clear Zeus-01. Have all procedures gone according to plan?”\n\n“They have. The feed should start soon, and I’m right now putting the final touches on the probes before sending them out…and may I just say, this is the view of a lifetime. I am…happy I get to die here, witnessing this.”\n\nClearly Houston wasn’t sure how to respond to that, for it took a while before I got another response. “Copy that Zeus-01. Proceed as planned, and contact us whenever you take a next step.”\n\nI look out of the window and see the planet has rotated far enough that I can now see into the massive storm. Part of me wishes to steer the craft into that storm, to see what it’s like in there, but I decide that I’ll only do that when my time has come.\n\n“Confirmed Houston, I will….AAAAAAAAAUGH!”\n\n“Zeus-01? Come in Zeus-01. What happened?”\n\n“The eye…blinked! It blinked! It’s following me!” I can’t believe my eyes. The eye blinked, and while I thought it was just my mind playing tricks on me, ever from that moment, the whole planet seemed to have changed its movement, with the eye of the storm focused on me, following the craft…and now the planet was clearly getting closer to me.\n\n“Calm down Zeus-01, you are seeing things, take some rest.” Clearly they don’t believe me, but all I can see is the planet advancing on me, and my craft about to enter the atmosphere…and all I fear is a terrifying dread about just what is under said atmosphere…"
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[WP] "You dare laugh at me, mortal?!" Says the Queen of Shadows when you find out she is a seven year old.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 mom got killed two years ago, okay?\" the child shouted. \"We're immortal, not invincible. But I'm the Queen of Shadows now, and that means I can throw you in the spider pit if you don't show respect!\"\n\nThe adventurer's smile vanished in an instant. \"Sorry, your majesty. I didn't know.\" He took off his helmet and bowed politely.\n\n\"It's fine. I know you mortals don't know what goes on down here. Anyway, what do you... um, how does that formula go...\" The girl muttered for a bit, then straightened up and looked the adventurer in the eye. *\"What brings a mortal here, into the very heart of the Court of Shadows, so far from the safety of the light of day?\"*\n\n\"I don't think the sepulchural echo really works with your voice. If you don't mind me saying so, your majesty.\"\n\nShe pouted, and continued in a more normal tone. \"Fine. Who are you, and what do you want? Are you here to strike a bargain? Forge a pact? Join my court? Surrender yourself as my plaything?\"\n\n\"I think you're a little young to be asking for that last one,\" the adventurer said dryly.\n\n\"I don't even know what that means, really. It's just something my mom always said.\"\n\n\"Anyway, I have a favor to ask, your majesty. I'm on an important mission for the surface kingdoms, and I seek guidance into the Fell Deeps of the Underdark. I was hoping to borrow your mother's knowledge of the Fell Paths, but... hmm...\" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. \"I don't suppose you have a map?\"\n\n\"I do. *Zanath!*\" She shouted. A six-legged beast leaped out of the shadows and rested its forelegs on the side of the throne, looking for all the world like a begging dog.\n\n\"Lead this man to the library when our audience is over. He can take *one scroll* from the map room. Then lead him back here.\"\n\nShe looked up at the bemused adventurer. \"Don't worry, he's very smart. And he follows bargains to the letter, like all of the Court does. He'll rip your throat out if you try to cheat,\" she added deadpan.\n\n\"That's about what I expected,\" the adventurer replied. He turned to go, then paused. \"Er, shouldn't you have asked for something in return, first?\"\n\nThe Queen struck her forehead. \"I knew I forgot something. Sorry, it's my first time striking a bargain with a mortal.\"\n\nShe got a playful smile on her face. \"Well, since you were really nice to me, I won't ask you for much. Just tell me your name so we can be friends.\"\n\n\"Oh, my name is...\" The adventurer's eyes narrowed. \"...first time, huh? And already trying to trick mortals out of their true names?\"\n\n\"It really is the first time!\" she insisted. \"I only thought of that just now.\"\n\n\"Well, it was clever of you, your majesty, but I've dealt with your kind before. How about I trade you a rare scroll I captured from a drow archmage instead?\"\n\n\"Sure, that sounds cool! Good luck on your quest, mister adventurer!\"",
"Serth the mage strode confidently into the darkness of the ancient tomb. His short stature dispelling any need to kneel or stoop, though his stature was a bit too short of his tastes. His last battle with Baela, Queen of Shadows, did not go well. In fact, he had died.\n\nApparently, he had done enough to drive her off as well, because his 'insurance' kicked in and the local druid cast a reincarnation spell for him. Not ideal, but there was no cleric powerful enough to cast such magic in this part of the world, and Serth thought that he had given the Druid the right materials to ensure an identical body was created. Unfortunately, he had made a small error and now, Serth, ancient Archmage of the Delian Order, was now reduced to the body of a 7 year old boy.\n\nHe didn't have the luxury of solving this problem before he went after Baela again. He knew he must have hurt her, otherwise she never would have allowed his soul to escape her grasp. He had to press his advantage while he could. Thankfully, his magic seemed more or less intact, so either as an old man or a young boy, it made little difference in his eyes.\n\nHe pressed further into the tomb, finding his newly youthful body both somehow helpful and annoying. He entered the central amphitheter of the underground ruin and knew this was it. Baela would obviously pick the largest and most splendid room as her throne, no other would do for her.\n\nAs if responding to his words, the shadows in the room began to move and writhe on their own, turning into tendrils of darkness that tried to lash at his limbs. \"Well, what do we have here...\" \n\nA familiar, smokey voice. Many before him had been seduced by it, by it's promises and temptations, Serth included. \"You are very brave to step into my lair, child. I think I'll keep you.\" The voice continued, dripping malevolence and arrogant mirth. Serth cleared his throat, \"Not today Baela. Clara Lux!\" He cried out, lifting his hand before the tendrils could fully ensnare him. A bright flash banished the darkness from the room, the dark magic negated. Serth blinked for a moment to clear his vision, quickly trying to locate Baela before she vanished once again into the shadows.\n\nBut all he found was a dark haired little girl.\n\nSerth froze in place, giving the girl a moment to clear her eyes as well. As she finished rubbing her eyes, she looked deep at Serth with hauntingly familiar eyes, eyes dark as night. \"...Serth?\" Serth was to stunned to speak for several moments as his mind put the pieces together. He had indeed wounded her. Fatally even.\n\nSerth burst out laughing. The ridiculousness of the situation overwhelming him. The little girl immediately started pouting, and yelled \"How dare you laugh at me! Me! The Queen of Shadows!?\" She yelled at him. Finally his laughter subsided for a moment and he managed to speak between bouts of boyish giggles. \"Let me guess. Druid, about 15 miles southwest? Old guy, only person who can resurrect within a hundred miles? Does it via reincarnation, doesn't ask a lot of questions?\" He looked at her expectingly.\n\nBaela's eyes widened as the same realization dawned on her. \"...oh.\" The two child bodied wizards fidgeted in place for several moments, not entirely sure what to do in this extremely awkward situation, Serth still occasionally giving into a giggle fit.\n\nFinally, Baela spoke. Her cheeks flushed a bright pink. \"....did you wanna play hide and seek?\"\n\nSerth rocked back on his heels for a moment. His mind flashed back to a youth spent in toil and study, even as a boy, his mind already being sharpened and focused on becoming a powerful mage. A childhood where such games were never played.\n\n\"You know what? I really do.\"",
"I laughed at the sight of her. She was a child dressed in overly ornate gowns and jewels. Like a princess that got into her mother's belongings. She jumped out of her throne and touched the arm of the man who had acted as our guide with her right hand as she shouted \"you dare laugh at me mortal?!? The man turned grey and started shrinking before collapsing in a pile of dust. \n\nShe darted straight toward me. With big brother instinct I had my armored palm against her forehead before she could make contact. Her arms flayed out in front of her desperate to reach what little exposed skin I had. The \"queen\" screamed in anger and slapped uselessly against my gauntlets. \n\n\"She's adorable, can we keep her?\" I asked my companion. He is the brains of the operation. I glanced to him.\n\nGalador's face was a mix of fear and anger. He looked away from my princess and focused on my face. \"She is a 1000 year old vampiric powered demon! She isn't a child or plaything!\" \n\n​\n\nOK, the anger was at me then. \"Look Galador, she's harmless. \" I released her head and snatched her hands. \"stop hitting yourself.\" I smacked her lightly with her left hand. Her face was filled with adorable rage. \"stop hitting yourself.\" I smacked her face with her right hand. She screamed in pain so loudly I let go. I turned to Galador, \"She's over reacting, I barely made contact\". His eyes were locked on the child.\n\nA black spot formed on her face at the point of contact. Smoke started coming off her skin and were pulled into the spot. Galador pulled me away as the building started rumbling. We ran and kept running until we were clear of the fortress and it colapse. Galador looked at me \"Tomlin, how did you know your armor would protect you?\"\n\n\"Didn't cross my mind\" I shrugged.\n\n\"By the gods you'll be the death of me\"",
"The final corpse beast dissolved into nothingness as I swung the holy blade into it. The gleam of the blade seemed almost murky, as if it was too radiant when it was covered in blood and dark matter.\n\n“Good grief... you have the tendency to be reckless, don’t you?” The party cleric complained as he healed the wounds I sustained throughout the assault.\n\n“Never worry, he wouldn’t die from all of that.” The party berserker quipped as he dragged his axe out of the painting it was stuck in. The mage and the archer caught up, after having covered our backs while we were fighting indoors.\n\n“Alright, let us reorganise. We can also rest while we are at it. I’ll keep guard first.”\n\nCurrently, we were on a mission to exterminate the Queen of Shadows, the closest being to the Demon Lord himself. Ever since the failure of the hero party years before to kill her, the feared right-hand of the Lord himself, the kingdom has sent various adventurer parties over the course of the years to try exterminating her... all to no avail.\n\nWithout exception, no survivors, no reports on her head being taken. Merely more and more reports of damages and losses caused by her corpse beasts and shadows.\n\nAs we approached the final room, the ominous feeling in my chest grew heavier.\n\n“Let’s go... I want to go home soon.” I commanded as I rallied my men up. Trudging onto their feet, they formed up and trudged towards the door.\n\n“Berserker.” “Roger that.”\n\nWith a heave and a ho, the door flew off the handle with a swing of Berserker’s war axe and we charged in...\n\nOnly to find a seven year old child on the throne.\n\nIn a childish voice befitting that of our children, she yelled out:\n\n“Good job reaching here mortals. Where most have failed, I hope you guys can give me a decent fight at least... though do not expect me to hold back.”\n\nBerserker merely laughed, he didn’t mind playing along with children after all. With how good he was with them.\n\n“Alright, little lady... what say you tell us where- arghhh... gurghhh...”\n\nJust as he let his guard down, shadow tendrils constricted his neck and started strangling him. As he activated his special ability to hold on, I simply tried to negate the shadows on him...\n\nAll to no avail.\n\nBerserker fell flat onto the ground, with his glorious war axe cracking the floor as it landed.\n\n“AH THAT NINCOMPOOP, HE SHOULD HAVE SHEATHED IT FIRST!”\n\nThe Queen yelled as she diverted her attention onto us...\n\nMy holy sword broke first. Then I heard Archer and Mage’s screams as blood billowed behind me and heads started rolling. With the stump of my blade, I charged but yet...\n\nA single tendril cuts off my arm like a knife to a juicy grapefruit. With grapefruit coloured blood spewing out, I tried moving forward... then another tendril shot me through my stomach, and another through my legs.\n\nAs I crumbled down the ground, defeated and certainly dead in the arms of the child in front of me... No... someone with those eyes... can’t be a child...\n\nNot when they have such a murderous gaze.\n\nWe messed up. We can only contribute to the body count...\n\nMost parents call their children ‘little devils’ when they are exasperated with them, but I think it is bullshit. I mean...\n\nThis is what an actual ‘little devil’... looks... like...",
"\"I'm sorry, just where's the rest of you?\" Jadir asked, the large burly warrior nearly toppling over with laughter as the queen of shadows went red in the face, jumping up and down on her throne of cracked skulls. This act only causing more laughter from the hero, nearly choking on his spit as she performed an angry stomp before him.\n\n\"YOU MORONIC WARRIOR! THIS IS ALL OF ME, I AM THE EATER OF HEARTS, THE DEFILAR OF SOULS, THE GODDESS OF THE WICKED AND I AM-\"\n\n'Adorable!\" The warrior interrupted, clapping his hands together, more than a little amused by the show. \"Heh.. but seriously, where is she? I am on a bit of a schedule. Come on the queen of shadows, reveal yourself and send your daughter away so we may fight.\" The warrior said, pulling out his sword, the swirling blue blade exploding with a black flame, illuminating the darkroom, the shadows seeming to flee from the bright blade, even the sight caused the Goddess to flinch, having to squeeze her eyes to even look at it. \n\n\"Daughter, I do not have a child you fool. I am the Goddess of shadows, this form is the only way my power can be contained, If I were to be in one of your adult bodies, my power would cause this very planet to rot.\" She said, her tiny hand grabbing at one of the skulls next to her chair, tugging on it, trying to pull it free from the throne, only to struggle, placing her foot against the edge of the throne as she continued her pathetic tugs. \"Ugh, come on.. you stupid skull, you better come free!, I thought I loosened this earlier.\" She whispered that last part to herself as she gave a feeble attempt at dislodging the skull only to feel it suddenly break free, not by her hand, however, it was by the warrior. Jadir offering her a goofy smirk as he handed the skull to her. \n\n\"Here you go, now do your little performance, what were you going to show me?\" He asked, taking a step back again, not wanting to frighten the child. Since the Goddess wasn't here, the least he could do was amuse himself with the child's antics, awaiting her trick. \n\n\"Oh, thank you...\" The Goddess uttered, too obsessed with her show of power to even notice the extra help. Now that the skull was free, she held it up above her head, a black beaded wristband hanging from her as a surge of darkness lit up her veins, shooting towards the skull as if began to rot, bits of the skull cracking away with decay. \"Imagine this is your planet, if I was at my full power, this is what would be happening to your stupid world.\" She said with a smug grin, her grin revealing a bucktoothed look, only adding to the spectacle that was being performed for the warrior. When the skull was coated in this rot, she clenched her fist, cracking the skull into pieces, the pieces melting into dust as they began to fade.\n\n\"Oh, you must be her daughter, no one else would be able to perform that sort of magic. You are surprisingly good at it as well, who knows, maybe I will be fighting you someday. As I said, I have things to do, so mind telling your mother to stop harassing villagers or I'm going to have to come and knock her around for a bit. \n\nThe Goddesses smug grin turned into a scowl as she shot the male a death glare. \"FOR THE LAST TIME I-\" before she could finish the sentence, the man had already put away his sword, turning his back to her as he began to leave, the shadows on the wall seeming to breathe a sigh of relief as they were allowed to fill the room once more. The Goddess pouted, throwing herself back onto her throne huffing. \"Your village is so getting harassed by shadows for that.\" She muttered, crossing her arms across her chest as she watched another warrior leave her temple, again refusing to fight her.\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}"
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[WP] You ate a broccoli for the first time since you tried and hated one as a child. Now, you can't stop eating them to the point of having to eat it with every meal.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"Here, try this.\"\n\nMy boyfriend at the time leaned forward while I stared in horror at the fork sailing closer and closer to my mouth. Hanging off the tips of the three-pronged utensil like a matyr -- was a peice of broccoli. \n\nA big, fat, juicy green one, too.\n\nEverything in me coiled up - from my throat, to my stomach, to my itty-litty-bitty women bits - but I was powerless to stop it. \n\nPlus he was offering it to me so casually as if *everyone* ate broccoli and there wasn't the single, slightest thought in his mind that I would object. It wasn't like peanuts where you know there's going to going to be at least that *one* kid in class who's allergic to it. I've never heard someone say they were allergic to broccoli (excluding kids who say they're allergic to broccoli who aren't allergic to broccoli but say they're allergic to broccoli in order to get out of eating broccoli at dinner time. So, rather, I should say that I've never heard of someone being rushed to the hospital because they were suffering an allergic reaction from eating a piece of broccoli).\n\nOn top of that, I mean, we weren't kids anymore, so I couldn't get away with the \"I don't want tooooooo\" wail that worked so well (at exasperating my parents) back then. I was an adult now, and adults did adult things, didn't they? Like taking their medicine without complaining. \n\nAnd I'm not gonna lie - I just thought a man feeding me was *sexy as hell* and I was going to take full advantage of it. He could've been feeding me his own crap on the fork and I would've ate it.\n\nHe looked at me expectantly as I took the broccoli into my mouth and smiled.\n\nA minute passed.\n\nThen two.\n\nThen: \"You're not chewing.\"\n\n*Chewing? Right. Haha. Chewing...*\n\nCheeks still puffed out like a chipmunk, I chewed. Slowly. In small bites.\n\nMy eyes popped wide open.\n\n*Holy crap.*\n\n\"This is...This is *amazing*.\" I shook my head in wonder and surprise at what I had been missing all these years.\n\nHe laughed. \"Right? I knew you would lik-\"\n\n#\"GIVE ME MORE!\" \n\nI attacked his plate with fury, stuffing as much broccoli in my mouth as I could fit. I couldn't get enough. *This is the best thing I've ever tasted* **and I wanted more!**\n\nAs I finished his plate, people were looking at me. I took their broccoli, too. Then I ordered more broccoli. I was eating so much broccoli, people started buying me broccoli to see how much I could eat. \n\nFinally, the chef had to come out and say, \"There's no more broccoli!\" Which was good because I had definitely eaten as much broccoli I could've ate. At that point, I was just eating so I didn't waste the money people were spending on me. \n\nI stood up and waved and bowed as the restaurant gave me a standing ovation. And then I looked guiltily at my boyfriend expecting to see disgust, horror, anger, or any number of things.\n\nInstead, his eyes were shining with love and pride. And he was smiling. \n\nHe said, \"You're freaking awesome, babe.\" \n\nI smiled back. \n\n\"I don't want anymore broccoli,\" I said.\n\nThen I passed out. \n\nHe took me home and told my family, his family, his friends, my friends, and he even brought it up in his wedding vows. Twenty years later, if you happen to a run into a guy that just randomly says, \"Hey, let me tell you about the time my wife ate a restaurent out of its entire stock of broccoli\" --- that's my husband.\n\nAs for me, I felt queasy for almost two weeks straight anytime anyone even *mentioned* broccoli (which as you could imagine with my husband bragging to everybody with an ear was quite a lot). \n\nBut I got over it and I'm back to eating broccoli now. Not as much as that day, but definitely every meal. Broccoli and cereal. Interesting combo. You should try it sometime."
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[WP] You wake up in a world where dogs and cats now have the intelligence if an average person, as a cat breeder you now have to deal with all of your cats' heightened intelligences.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/fzr0z1/wp_you_wake_up_in_a_world_where_dogs_and_cats_now/fn6re48/)\n\n\\----------------------------------------------\n\nPART 2\n\n\"Ahh\" Vincent exclaimed satisfied after testing his claws on the fresh scratching poll. The new cat tree, with almost a dozen shelves and even more poles, now occupied nearly half of the living room. George sighed feeling more oppressed than relieved.\n\n\"Is it to your liking then?\"\n\n\"It's great!\" the male cat dropped to a shelf that was just above George's waist.\n\n\"Thank you George, we're very grateful for your love and care\" Caroline chimed from behind her mate. The look in her wide eyes made it all worth it for her owner. \n\n\"Though I think it's time we ask you the hard question.\" the male cat said turning serious all of a sudden.\n\n\"Errr ....\" the man looked confused from one cat to the other.\n\n\"We know you've been avoiding this for the past week or so. You're obviously afraid of it for some reason so we'll be gentle with you.\" she spoke in soft, motherly tones. George took a deep breath and nodded. \n\n\"We would like to know where Aristotle is.\" \n\n\"Who?\" the man blinked surprised\n\n\"Aristotle was a kitten from my second litter. He liked to run straight into walls and he would usually fall off the shelf edges when playing.\" \n\n\"Oh him!\" George started laughing \"Yes, a kitten like that is hard to forget. What a wonderful name you gave him, was he exceptionally intelligent?\"\n\n\"On the contrary\" Vincent chuckled.\n\n\"No, not at all. We thought the way the word sounds is distinguished. Aristotle brightened our day by making us laugh a lot so he earned a special name from us.\" \n\n\"What names did you give your other kittens?\" George asked puzzled. Caroline raised a paw in the air and started showing claws as if she was counting on them.\n\n\"Fork, Spoon, Liver, Piston...\" \n\n\"I don't even know what a Piston is.\"\n\n\"... Kumquat, Jelly, Raisin, Crumb ...\"\n\n\"Oh, don't forget Mop and Plug.\"\n\n\"... Joyce, 'Tagora and Cabbage.\" Caroline finished counting on her toe claws. George was conflicted with the idea of taking favorites among children and whether he should hold back his laughter or not.\n\n\"So, if I understand correctly, your favorite kittens were only Joyce, 'Tagora and Aristotle, 3 out of 16? Don't you think it's harsh for the other kittens to know they're not your favorites?\" \n\n\"There's too many of them, George.\" Caroline shook her head and smiled.\n\n\"Besides, all cats will eventually chose a name that suits their individual greatness anyway.\"\n\n\"Before you adopted him, Vincent's name was actually Fridge-Magnet.\" \n\nGeorge couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out laughing. Neither of the cat-parents seemed disturbed about it.\n\n\"So, about Aristotle ...\" Vincent said trying to bring the mood back to serious business.\n\n\"Ahem, yes, I apologies. Aristotle was taken by a lady dressed in bright purple who's name was Amelia.\n\n\"Bright purple ....?\" Vincent attempted to trace the memory.\n\n\"Oh! I think he refers to the woman that reeked of rosey-alcohol and pungent lavender scents, darling.\" \n\n\"Oh yes, I remember the awful stinging in my nose! Well then, we would like for you to arrange a meeting with her.\"\n\nGeorge grimaced again. \"I surely hope you won't be using that language around her.\" then a frightening thought occurred to him \" You don't want to take Aristotle back, do you?\"\n\n\"I don't think it needs to come to that.\" Caroline shook her head.\n\n\"The place is already crowded as it is, even without kittens.\" Vincent voiced his mate's fears.\n\n\"We just want a little get-together with our son. Just to see how things are going for him, maybe get a few laughs.\" \n\n\"Call it tea time.\" \n\n\"Alright, I suppose that can be arranged.\" George nodded feeling relieved. He got up and started scrolling through his phone messages. \"It might take a while. Us humans have work days and such, you know?\"\n\n\"Don't worry George, darling, we'll be patient.\"\n\n\"We still have 2 more kittens to name anyway. That should keep us entertained for a few hours or so. Oh! Caroline, I think I have one. What do you think of Toaster?\"\n\n\"What a brilliant name, I'm surprised we haven't thought of that already!\" And they walked off laughing in their hissy cat-like manner."
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[WP] Your existence is acknowledged only when you are in sight. When you are out of sight, you are forgotten to that person, as if you never existed.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 all started when I was 6, when my parents birthed my sister. I used to be the center of attention, the light of my parent's lives. Always getting their attention, always stuck to my parent's hip. After my sister was born, I started getting sad. I sometimes had only myself to play with, and the worst part, my parents seemed to forget I existed! \nThen it got weird. When I was 12, I walked past our school's staff room, which was coincidentally next to an empty hallway. I overheard my class teacher saying her class had only 29 kids, when our class had 30. I thought it was strange, but I said nothing of it. \nAnd, when I was 14, I also overheard my parents telling my sister's teachers that she had no siblings. Being as emo as I was, I started to let anger stew within me, and acted irritated all the time about how my parents seem to neglect and forget me. That's right. I never thought it was anything weird. That is, until I was 16 and I realised something was wrong. \nI started to do my own \"experiments\" and always tried to see if my family would remember me if they didn't see me. Somehow, my theories were right. Of course, it didn't make much difference. As long as I stayed in sight of my parents, I wouldn't be forgotten.\n...I wouldn't be forgotten forever, right?",
"I slapped the girl and she tumbled off the bed, screaming in pain.\n\n\"YOU MOTHER FUCKER!\" she cried out after getting back to her feet. \"WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?\"\n\nI chuckled, which made her even angrier.\n\n\"MY EX IS GOING TO FUCK YOU UP!\" the girl threatened.\n\n\"I hope he does,\" I calmy replied. \"Where is he, though? Is he under the bed? I don't see him there. Is he hiding in the closet? No, he's not. It's just me and you.\"\n\nThe girl's face dropped into terror. She knew there was nothing she could do but take the abuse I gave her. She backed into the corner of the room, and as if suddenly aware of her stark nakedness, covered her body with her arms. Her eyes pleaded with me to go away.\n\n\"Look, I'm sorry for uh...being a little rough. I just don't like it when people call me a freak, OK? I'm gonna take a piss and everything is going to be alright. Alright?\"\n\nShe nodded quietly. I saw her glance over at her phone on the other side of the bed. But I knew she'd never have time to call anyone.\n\nArms up to show I was harmless, I walked into the bathroom and closed the door. I heard a scramble in the room and I quickly opened the door again. The girl had the phone in her hands but she was staring at it, confused as to why she needed it in the first place.\n\nI coughed quietly and she whipped around, surprised to see me.\n\nShe opened her mouth to scream, but I quickly put up my hands again and sputtered out, \"Hey hey I'm your next door neighbor! I locked myself out of the building, but I saw your open window and thought I could get to my apartment from it!\"\n\nI then feigned bashfulness by \"just\" noticing her naked body and shot my eyes up to the ceiling. I flashed one of my boyish smiles and threw on my puppy dog eyes.\n\nThe girl, embarrassed, threw the bed blanket around herself. After a few seconds, she said, \"Oh well that's kind of creepy. You can't just go through people's windows. That's a little fucked up.\"\n\nBut she was half-smiling as she said it. Of course she was. My charm was irresistible.\n\nI flirted back, \"Well think about it from my perspective. I could have walked into a big fat, sweaty dude stroking himself but instead I got lucky by meeting you.\"\n\nHer smile widened a little. This was too easy.\n\n\"Anyway, I'm going to get out of your hair, but uh...maybe I'll see you around?\" I said. \"I'll leave my window open, just in case.\"\n\nShe laughed. And we flirted a little more. I thought about fucking her brains out again, but I didn't. I left her room after a few minutes.\n\nHalfway down the hallway I abruptly stopped. Shit, I thought. I forgot my phone. Ugh.\n\nSo I U-turned and strode back to her apartment door and knocked. After a couple seconds, the girl opened the door. \"Can I help you?\" she asked.\n\n\"Hi miss, I'm from building maintenance and yesterday my guys were in here fixing the air conditioning and I think one of them must have dropped their phone somewhere. Do you mind giving it here?\"\n\n\"Oh hm, I don't remember anyone coming by to fix the air conditioner and I haven't seen any phone around,\" she replied, cocking her head to the side as if trying to remember.\n\n\"Huh weird,\" I said. \"Well, I think my guys said to check on your nightstand. He might have placed it down for a second while working.\"\n\n\"Ok let me check real quick\". She started closing the door, but as I began protesting, it quickly closed in front of me.\n\nAh fuck, I thought. Here we go again.\n\nAfter a few moments, the door opened again, and the girl quizzically held my phone in her hands. She looked at me, somewhat startled, and I could see in her face she was trying to piece together all the new information she was just processing.\n\nI flashed my smile again, and looked embarrassed. \"Oh hey again, you uh may not remember me but we uh..well...we uh kinda hooked up a few nights ago and I left my phone her. Yeah the one in your hand. I was wondering if uh I could get it back?\"\n\nShe stared at me, clearly not remembering or placing me anywhere. \"Did we...?\" she began.\n\n\"Uh yeah we did,\" I shyly said. \"I think we were both pretty drunk and um yeah it happened and I don't really remember much of it also to be honest. But that's definitely my phone ha.\"\n\n\"Oh yeah I think I remember now. We met at the bar around the corner, right? I think that was kind of a wild night for me!\" she laughed. \n\nI went along with her story, and we chatted some more. This was the third time I was flirting with her for the first time. At this point I knew all the right things to say, all the quips to make her laugh, all the touching points to turn her into putty in my hands.\n\nI was bored, though. And hungry. I wanted to leave, so I made an awkward excuse and said my goodbye.\n\nAs I turned to leave, I heard her call after me, \"It was nice meeting you again! Maybe we'll see each other around!\"\n\nI didn't say anything. I didn't even turn to acknowledge her. I just kept walking because soon, I'd just be another void in another person's life.",
"I walked as a ghost through familiar streets that never learnt to welcome me, a world alienated from myself. The echoing sounds of people greeting each other, shaking hands, laughing, and I walked through it all like a specter trapped between worlds.\n\nQuite often, it would feel as if I were floating, in a trance as I haunted the streets of lonely New York. Forgotten and dismissed.\n\nLike the cord which bound me to my mother severed, I drifted, abandoned, an anomaly to the drifting figures all around me.\n\nI remember the cold fading memories, as if even my own existence seemed so distant, so alien. A memory of a memory from when my father forgot to pick me up from football practice. A cold boy shrouded in pouring rain as dark clouds conspired to hide to me.\n\nA distant memory of a boy who felt only numb when his mother forgot his birthday for the fourth time.\n\nAfter I left home, they would call me less and less, check in occasionally, like a foregone thought of some distant relative buried in a phone-book. Layers peeling away like skin from a cadaver, my voice an echo, my memory a dream, my face a blur. More and more as the months turned into years, I turned into a memory of a memory that itched and scratched at the back of the mind till I left nothing in my wake, like a painting drained of colour, like a slow decay where the vessel of who I was turned hollow and empty until the lines formed into something barren on that canvas, there now was nothing but cobwebs to fill the memory.\n\nI distanced myself from them, cutting the cord to make things easier. How numb I felt inside when I rung that doorbell and asked them if I could use their phone for an emergency. How wide their smiles were when they greeted me like a stranger, unburdened by a memory that constantly threatened to fade.\n\nEven then, I walked as a shadow, grabbing any essentials that I needed, knowing that peering eyes would simply glide over me as soon as I was gone.\n\nNo one could give accurate descriptions of what I looked like. Most said I was of African america descent, the rest that I had some brown skin to me. Made the thefts easier as they relied on their compromised memory.\n\nMy evenings were spent in libraries, reading the stories of old, of what history had to offer.\n\nWithin the bubble that was called Earth, I came to believe something, that we all wished to believe we were special. And perhaps we were, but we also wished to believe we mattered within the bonds of friendships we made. To be part of the entire flowing river of live, exchanges and banter, commutes to work within trams filled with people we would avoid.\n\nSo I read our history, that of mankind, perhaps believing that reading of those lived would somehow connect me with my heritage, of our legacy, making me part of that cycle of birth and death. An endless loop to further catapult man into the future.\n\nThe stories of old was Man's soul, to read of battles won and lost, of king's usurped and revolutions won. It bound us, connected us.\n\nAnd so I did my best to be a part of that ebb and flow, to contribute to the cycle.\n\nI walked the streets a phantom of grey disconnected from the world of colour, a book in hand, my cord to the universe severed, I stalked the streets and I wrote.\n\nOf kisses made, of people fighting, of curses thrown, of tears shed.\n\nI scribbled and scribbled what others did and when the last of the ink dried and the last page was filled, I would drop the book that chronicled the spirit, the soul of New York and let it be read by others to keep them alive. To offer their stories the courtesy I was robbed of.\n\nI scribbled constantly, recorded lives lived since I could not live mine.\n\nWhat pages I filled, what soul I immortalised.\n\nI hoped, like the scholars of old, even though I was coloured grey and shut out from the flowing streets as a bystander, that I too in some way contributed to that.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n/r/KikiWrites"
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[WP] War has come to Mars. The Earth Federation has invaded, and you are the sixteen-year old prince heir to the Martian Monarchy who has just been named the planet’s King after the untimely death of your father.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 III**\n\n“It seems bad out there, Bini.” \n\nBini simply grunted.\n\n“I heard the Federation is churning through our lines and that’s why we pulled slaves from the mines. We need more bodies to put through the thresher.” \n\n“Enough, Kuel.” Bini snapped. “Not in front of the cargo.”\n\nKuel looked down at me, her eyes seeing something inhuman in my face. I was huddled in the corner of the slave transport, putting as much distance between myself, my guards and the two other slaves in the railcar.\n\n“What do you think, Princeling?” Kuel said, prodding me with her boot. “Excited to join the war effort and repel the Federation?” \n\nAt the mention of my title, the other slaves’ eyes grew wide. Surprise flashed across their downcast faces. I looked from them and back to the guard, pulling my knees to my chin in an effort to conceal my anger. Kuel caught the change of expression in the slaves as well. \n\n“Something to say…” She paused, stooping to read the tag around the slave’s collar. “…7747?” \n\nAs Kuel turned to move back to the door, 7747 started to grunt through his gag. He rocked from side to side and spittle began to collect around the corner of his mouth. \n\n“What do you think, Bini?” She said to her fellow guard who watched the exchange with muted interest. “Should we hear what he has to say?” \n\nBini remained silent. \n\n“Very well.” Kuel turned on her heel and strode back to the slaves. She twisted the gag and the metallic prongs swiftly retracted from the flesh of 7747’s tongue. The gag fell to the floor and he let out a deep groan, expelling blood-laden spittle from his mouth.\n\n“This actually the Princeling?” 7747 demanded. \n\n“Of course.” \n\n“He looks familiar.” A deep grin set itself amongst his face, his eyes ablaze with co-mingled madness and joy. “I never thought I would have the opportunity to rub shoulders with royalty. Let alone call them a fellow slave.”\n\n“It is a new day, boy.” Kuel cooed.\n\n“Understand this, Princeling.” 7747 continued. “You will die on the Frontier. Whether it be at the hands of the Federation or with me driving a blade between your shoulders. You will die, I promise you that.”\n\n“How dare you threaten me! You are scum! Lower than scum!” I howled as the fear and anger combined, driving me to despair. “You will die and not a single person on this planet will bat an eyelid!\"\n\n“You are one of us now, boy.” I pushed myself onto my feet using my legs and staggered towards 7747, my hands still confined by restraints. The movement only served to delight Kuel, and she clapped her hands excitedly. \n\n“You would not dare touch me, scum! I will raze your very existence from the history of Mars!” \n\n“Shut up, boy.” 7747 snarled. “Save your energy. You’ll need it for when we arrive at the Frontier. You’ll have to cover yourself against the Federation assaults during the day and then in the slave sheds at night. Sleep while you still can.” \n\nThe truth of his words cut deep, fear making me frantic.\n\n“Are you going to take that, Princeling?” Kuel demanded. “Here, let me assist.” \n\nThe guard punched a code into the restraints around my arms and the shackles fell to the floor. Any sense of relief I had from regaining feeling in my hands was consumed by the rage I felt when staring at this peasant sitting before me, a content expression etched into his filthy face.\n\n“Go on, Princeling.” Kuel goaded, shoving me towards 7747. “Show him the wrath of the Martian kings!” \n\nWithout thinking, I whipped an open hand into his face and was rewarded with a satisfying crack. It did nothing to alter his expression. 7747 simply looked up, cleared the back of his throat and spat its contents into my face.\n\nI dived onto 7747 and began driving my fists into his face. He fell sideways onto the floor and I clambered on top, firing down fist after fist into his unprotected his face. I could not hear Kuel laughing, Bini protesting or the other slave whimpering. All I could hear was the sound of my fist pummelling his exposed temple and feeling his warm blood coat my body. \n\n“Alright! Alright!” Kuel pulled me off 7747 with ease as I continued to try and lash at the now unconscious body. She threw me into the corner of the transport again, pinned me with one arm and swiftly reapplied my constraints.\n\n“What do we do with this one?” Bini asked, hovering above 7747’s body as it twitched and contorted.\n\n“Open the hatch and push him out.” \n\nBini pulled an access card from his belt and swiped it across a reader on the wall. A small section of the floor opened and brought a gust of air in from underneath the transport. Bini dragged 7747’s body across the floor, ignoring the other slave’s high-pitched groans in protest. With a nudge, the body fell through the opening and was swallowed by the surrounding darkness. The other slave let out one last desperate groan and was reduced to sobbing through her gag.\n\n“We’ll arrive soon.” Kuel mused. “Best you go and check with the sergeant.” \n\nBini left without another word as the hatch closed. Kuel dragged me towards the other slave, put restraints on my legs and placed a slave link from my collar to the other slave’s. \n\n“Best not to let this go to waste.” Kuel said, bending over to pick up 7747’s gag. She roughly grabbed my hair and yanked it back, forcing the metallic gag into my mouth. Turning the mechanism, the prongs shot into my tongue and brought water to my eyes. I tried to blink the water and remnants of 7747’s blood from my eyes in an effort to clear my vision. I was rewarded with an unhindered view into the slave girl’s eyes. Whatever sorrow had existed there had now been replaced by unbridled fury.",
"**Part IV**\n\nThe smell was unimaginable. I knew there was rotting flesh somewhere in this hole, but I could not see it anywhere. I had been trapped in this artillery-forged crater for the better part of 24-hours with the slave girl and my two guards. The fighting had ceased when the sun had gone down, but the occasional flare drifted across the gouged plains, light up one half of our hole and letting us know we were not alone out here. My feet were soaked, my back was on fire, my tongue ached from the gag and I had to fight to keep my eyes open. \n\n“Just my luck, really.” Kuel hissed, her back pressed against the crater wall. “Forced out into combat with prisoners holding dummy blasters.” \n\n“What would you prefer? If we gave them real weapons, they’d blow a hole in our backs the moment we turned around. We have enough issues out there, we don’t need any in here.” Bini mused, more to himself than anyone else. \n\n“I’m close to killing them myself and joining the Federation.” “You’d join the Federation? Just like that?” \n\n“Sure. Why not?” Kuel shrugged as she spoke. “I heard that there have been slave revolts at the salt mines near the capital. They’ve formed a movement and are calling themselves ‘the Second Resurgence’. Causing havoc for Gidi and Guard’s Brigade, is what I heard. There is no way we can fight two wars and win them both.”\n\n“Of course the slaves are trying to capitalise on a crisis.” Bini shook his head. “You’d really become a Dirt Dog, though?”\n\n“Why do you care so much?” Kuel spat back at him. “Do you think anyone cares about us? We were sent out here to make sure the Princeling died in combat so that Gidi could have a martyr for his cause! Do you think he cares what happens to us?!” \n\nBini said nothing, mulling over this new information.\n\n\"Of course not!” Kuel continued. “The Federation and the Second Resurgence probably have people in our camp, so they’ll know he’s out here somewhere! We have a target on our backs.” \n\nI was sick of their bickering. I shut my eyes and rubbed the heel of my hands into my eyes, hoping that the sensation might drown out my surroundings and provide me with a moment of escape. All I was rewarded with was bursting white lights behind my eyelids and nothing else. When I re-opened my eyes, I surveyed the hole again. The guards were continuing their inane debate about the poor prospects of our current situation and the slave girl was still huddled in the furthest corner of the hole. It had been a week or so since we had been transported to the Frontier and over this time, her piercing gaze had never left my face. Much like her gaze, the hatred behind her eyes had been unwavering. I could not make her face out in the darkness, but I knew that cold stare was there. \n\n“Well, what do we do then?” Panic leaking into Bini’s strained voice.“We need to get out of this damn hole. When the sun comes up tomorrow, this place will be swarming with Federation soldiers.”\n\n“Alright. Alright.” Bini stammered, trying to use his limited brain capacity to formulate a plan. “I’ll have a look to see if there’s anything waiting up there for us. I’ll give you the all clear and then we can roll out.”\n\nKuel simply nodded in reply.\n\n“What do we do about them?” He said, motioning to me and the girl. \n\n“I’ll take care of them.” Kuel said, a smug grin writ large across her grimy face. Bini slipped the safety off his blaster and began to scale the hole. As he stuck his head out, another flare was fired into the night sky. It completely illuminated the surface around his side of the crater. The sudden light stunned Bini and drew a dazed look from the dumbfounded guard. A sharp crack echoed across the plains in the distance and moments later, Bini’s head was obliterated by a blaster shot. The force of the shot threw his lifeless corpse across the hole and it thudded into the moist dirt next to me, blaster still clutched in his dead hands. Kuel and I locked eyes for a fraction of a second. \n\n“No.” She gasped, breathlessly. \n\nShe tried to whip her blaster up and get the safety off simultaneously but was too slow. I dived onto Bini’s corpse and jammed my finger on the trigger of his weapon. Three shots rang out in quick succession. The first one connected with Kuel’s knee, the second with her chest and the third sailed high out of the crater. Tearing the blaster out of Bini’s hands, I stumbled over to Kuel. She was still alive, but only just. Blood and spittle were bubbling through her lips as her body started to contort in its final seconds. Oddly, I felt no joy in watching her suffer. I simply felt more of the apathetic indifference that had addled my brain for some time. My brief reverie was broken by commotion on other side of the hole. I turned quickly and raised the blaster to the source. The slave girl was trying to seize her moment and escape the hole. She froze at the lip when she realised I had her in the sights of the weapon.She held my gaze, that fire in her stare still ever-present. It washed across me and I felt my body stiffen for a moment, the events of the last few days seeming to catch up with me. As if sensing this, the slave girl threw herself over the lip and out onto the plains. I pulled the trigger, but the shot only met with the loose dirt around the lip. The slave girl vanished into the dark and once again, I was all alone.",
"**Part II** \n\nThe pain woke me. Gingerly, I sent a finger to explore the source of my discomfort and was rewarded with a flash of pain as I prodded my swollen eye. Squinting, I could make out an austere bunk room, containing only the bare necessities – tap, basin, beds and a door. Anything else in the room had been obscured by the darkness and my obstinate eyelid. \n\n‘Help.’ I croaked.\n\nI tried to roll off the bed but only made it onto my side, restraints pinning my legs to the base of the bed. Sitting up, I pulled on the restraints and felt them tighten instantly, the skin around my ankles pinching. Fear started to surge around my body, coherent thoughts eclipsed.\n\n‘Help! Help! Help me!’\n\nThe restraints grew tighter through the commotion, my ankles throbbing due to the lack of circulation. I forced myself to lie down and focus on my breathing as it seemed to vanish from my lungs. The pounding of my heart began to slow, and I could make out the sound of footsteps in the hallway outside the room.\n\n‘Please help me!’ I cried.\n\nA key was placed in the lock and it was wrenched open, artificial light flooding my surroundings. Temira, resplendent in a Martian Officer’s uniform, entered the room and made her way to the bed. \n\n‘Temira!’ I pleaded. ‘My ankles!’\n\nShe cast a cursory glance over my contorted body and her expression remained fixed. \n\n‘Please.’ I whispered, the pain excruciating.\n\nTemira removed a set of keys from her belt and set to work on my restraints. The relief was instantaneous, blood flooding back into my feet. I sat up and began to rub my ankles, trying to remove the ominous purple that tinged my feet.\n\n‘Remain seated. You will not be able to stand yet.’\n\nFear was quickly replaced by a fierce and slow-burning rage. I scowled at the woman in front of me, her rigid and controlled stance serving only to enhance my anger. I swung myself out of the bed and stumbled to my feet, Temira placing a strong hand on my shoulders to steady me.\n\n‘You had me in slave chains!’ I screamed. ‘A prince! As if I were one of those filthy animals!’\n\nTemira’s grip on my shoulder grew tighter but her expression remained neutral. She began to push me towards the door, and I was too weak to resist, hobbling in front of her. We passed into the hallway and it was much like the bunk room, devoid of colour and class. \n\n‘The captain has asked that I take you to the King.’ Temira said, halting outside another door and forcing me to follow suit.\n\n‘Yes, take me to my father.’ I sneered. ‘I would have his thoughts on my shackles and an appropriate punishment for those that chose them.’\n\nTemira said nothing, easily brushing me aside and placing another key in the door. She pushed it open and entered the room, ushering me in. What awaited me in the room made my heart sink. My father was laid out on a bed, machines attached to different sections of his near-lifeless body and clearly keeping him alive. I collapsed at his side and grasped desperately at his cold hands, pressing my face into his stomach. I could not hold back the tears and they came flooding out as I wept uncontrollably. I felt Temira’s hand on my shoulder again and I lashed out. My strike did nothing, and she pulled me off the King without the slightest effort.\n\n‘I will kill them all!’ I sobbed. ‘Any man involved in this plot will watch me dismember his children! The great Kings of the Martian Planet will be feared anew! I will leave no survivors!’\n\n‘Fitting words, my Prince.’ A new voice offered from behind me.\n\nI turned to see Luen Gidi, Captain of the Guard’s Brigade, standing in the doorway. I forced a hand across my face to clear the tears and snot that had built up around it. Upon realising his presence in the room, Temira shot to attention. This was dealt with summarily by Gidi. \n\n‘This must be a troubling time for you, my Prince.’ Gidi said, his voice covered in oil. ‘The war. Your father’s condition. It is a lot to place on the shoulders of a sixteen-year-old.’\n\n‘Yes.’ I offered, lamely. ‘It is most overwhelming.’\n\n‘That is why I am here, my Prince. We all need friends in a time of crisis.’\n\n‘And you are one such friend, Captain?’ I inquired. \n\n‘Of course.’ Gidi said, feigning as if the comment had caused him considerable pain. ‘I live only to serve the line of Martian Kings.’\n\n‘Then tell me of the current situation. Where do we stand against the Federation and how best can I take command?’ \n\n‘We have surrounded the capital and are preparing for a siege. We annihilated the Federation’s forward party as they had expected to waltz into the city. There is still fierce fighting in the Frontier, but we took the precaution of wiping many of the Frontier towns off the face of the planet. We could not risk allowing the Federation to gain any footholds in the region.’\n\n‘Yes, excellent work, Captain.’ I mused, joy filling my heart for the first time in days. ‘Those peasant towns would have willing sacrificed themselves for a chance to serve the Regency. My father and I are much loved in the Frontier.’\n\n‘Of course, my Prince. Now that we know you are alive and well, we will transport you to the Frontier immediately.’\n\n‘Me? To the Frontier?’\n\n‘Of course. As you yourself mentioned, you are much loved in the region. What a spectacular morale boost to have their Prince fighting alongside them.’\n\n‘Fighting?’ I gasped. ‘But I have no combat training?’\n\n‘No matter.’ Gidi said with a wry grin. ‘I will surround you with my personal guard and ensure that no harm comes your way.’\n\nThe fear returned once more. ",
"War has come to Mars. It is no surprise that the Federation would seek to capitalise on the disorder sown by my father’s death and my impending coronation. A trifling matter, to be sure, but nothing my people had not dealt with before.\n\n‘Enough, Temira.’ I said impatiently to the tailor, dutifully taking stock of my measurements. ‘I will wear rags if I must. We have matters of State to attend to first. Send for Krellus.’\n\nTemira said nothing, hastily making for the door. She pulled it open and I overheard hushed whispers, stepping down from the stool. The new gown was steeped in the family colours, red with black trim. Powerful colours championed by the First Kings of the Martian Planet, signifying our trade in blood and dirt. My reverie was broken by Krellus and his entourage sweeping into the room, his frail figure forgotten in urgency.\n\n‘My Prince.’ Krellus offered, straining with the effort of bowing before me. ‘You are truly a sight to beholden on this glorious day.’\n\n‘Enough of the pageantry, old man. What news from the Frontier? What has emboldened the Lower Planet to invade?’\n\n‘A most puzzling predicament, indeed, sire.’ He oozed, his intelligent eyes raking my face. ‘Federation ships have landed outside the Frontier towns but have yet to engage. They are maintaining defensive positions and show no sign of aggression.’\n\n‘They occupy my land, Krellus. I see clear signs of aggression.’\n\n‘Of course, my Prince.’ The crone offered meekly, staring down his beaked nose at my feet. ‘An entirely unacceptable display. You are correct.’ \n\n‘It is no matter.’ I said dismissively, unable to withhold my contempt for the old man. ‘I will crush them as my forefathers did during the Uprising. I will mourn my father. I will be crowned the youngest prince in the history of the Martian Planet. Tell me, what is the Master of War’s plan for the offensive?’\n\nKrellus snapped his fingers and a member of his entourage came forward, activating the Throne Room’s holo-display. An image of the city was cast across the room and I wandered through the display, noting the placement of troops in key tactical positions. \n\n‘My plan is rather simple, my Prince. However, before we begin, might I enquire as to the whereabouts of your personal guards?’\n\n‘I redeployed them for the time being, I want every able-bodied person responding to this threat.’ I said absent-mindedly, lost in thought. ‘Krellus, why are you showing me the city? The Federation forces cannot be near the city if they are stationed at the frontier towns?’\n\n‘A most apt observation, my Prince.’ Krellus sneered. ‘The Federation forces are simply waiting for the signal.’\n\n‘The signal…’ Realisation beginning to dawn across my face. I began to step back slowly but was stopped in my tracks as I backed into one of Krellus’ men. ‘What is the meaning of this?’\n\nA thick forearm was looped across my neck. This, in combination with the sudden surge of fear flooding through my body, paralysed me. I felt a cold, metallic point pressing through my gown and into the small of my back – the tell-tale sign of a snub-nosed blaster. \n\n‘Unhand me, you cretin!’\n\n‘Enough, boy. The adults will take it from here.’ Krellus crooned. ‘Activate the comms immediately!’\n\nThe holo-display of the city was quickly replaced by the bust of a strong-jawed man in uniform, rough pixels distorting his other features.\n\n‘Admiral Zeen, we have the boy and the city is secure. We await further orders.’ Krellus said, transfixed by the Admiral’s cool stare.\n\n‘Excellent work.’ Zeen stated. ‘I will give the signal to begin advancement. Deal with the boy and remain on standby to accept the forward party.’ \n\nThe bust disappeared and natural light returned the throne room. I began to squirm, helpless. The two other members of Krellus’ entourage set to work securing the room as the Master of War scoffed in my face. \n\n‘Why?’ I demanded, my voice breaking.\n\n‘You wanted me to serve under you?’ Krellus sneered, derision rife in his voice. ‘You are just like your father – blood hungry, foolish and vain. I will finish you as I did your father and assist the Federation to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity on this planet.’\n\n‘I should have expected you were involved in his murder, you snivelling coward.’\n\nKrellus crossed the distance between us with three strides and threw the back of his hand across my face. It made contact with a sharp crack and my view of the room was momentarily replaced by contrasting darkness and white light. \n\n‘When was the last time you visited the Frontier towns, you spoilt brat!’ He screamed inches from my limply hanging head. ‘Our people are wasting away in sickness and poverty while your family indulges in conquest! Someone had to do something! I had to do something!’\n\nI tried to shake the stars from behind my eyes to no avail.\n\n‘No matter.’ Krellus continued. ‘I will finish what I started.’\n\nFour blaster shots rang out across the Throne Room as I felt my legs give out through fear. I collapsed in a heap, my eyes scrunched shut awaiting the inevitable darkness. \n\n‘On your feet, my Prince.’ \n\nI cracked open my eyes and saw Temira standing in the doorway, her usually timid figure standing tall and proud with blaster in hand. She confidently walked across the room, pausing briefly to step over Krellus’ now lifeless figure. Dragging me to my feet, I stumbled, the adrenalin making my knees weak.\n\n‘We must hurry. Your father awaits!’\n\n‘My father?’ I mumbled, allowing her sure hands to guide me through the door and into the hallway.\n\n‘He lives.’ She stated matter-of-factly. ‘He is in a safehouse outside the city preparing the counter-offensive.’ \n\n‘But… you’re a tailor?’\n\n‘I am many things.’ \n\nThe wicked smile that flashed across her face was the final thing I saw as I lost my battle with consciousness."
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[WP] A wood nymph teams up with Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, to take down poachers.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"It was a massacre. Deer season had opened a week ago and only now had Sheriff Bowers found the missing hunters. Six were found scattered about Mason's Hill and two more were found in Old Marsh's cabin the next ridge over. One survivor. Just about. Helen Smith had called his office from the Marsh place and within half an hour the forest was swarming with deputies, state troopers, forensics teams, a few Search and Rescue teams, and a section of the national guard (just in case).\n\nBowers had just finished listening to the report of one of the search teams when a black SUV pulled up outside the command post by the cabin. 'Finally' he thought, 'the Feds are here'.\n\nThe men that stepped out of the car were probably not Feds. Two were dressed and geared to re-fight the Battle of Maine. The third was in what could be described as combat-casual: slacks, shirt and jumper mixed with combat boots, a plate carrier, and a large shoulder holster.\n\nBowers dismissed those few deputies within the tent itself and went outside to wave the newcomers over. The two soldiers stayed by the car and scanned the treeline, their leader waved back and started to walk towards the command post. The two men shook hands as they introduced themselves.\n\n\"David Bowers, I'm the Sheriff 'round these parts\"\n\n\"Jim\" The stranger replied. No rank, no surname. Crap.\n\n\"You with the DoI? Homeland Security?\" Bowers asked as he and 'Jim' ducked into the tent, hoping against hope. Please not one of the secret squirrels.\n\n\"The DoI's nearest agents are two days out. I was already in the area, they called me up and asked me to cover until they get here as a favour\"\n\n'Shit' Bowers cringed internally 'A Squirrel'. \"So who you with then? Illuminati? Deep State? Freelance?\" Outwardly, Bowers was casual. Inwardly, he was trying to gauge just how much more difficult this case was going to get.\n\nJim snorted. \"None of the above. Call me a contractor if you need to. And please, relax. My team and I are here to support you, not undermine you.\n\n\"Sorry\" Bowers looked across at the pile of photographs waiting on the table. \"It's just that I, I knew most of these people a-and I've heard horror stories aplenty abo-\"\n\nJim cut him off with a wave of his hand and a small, disarming smile \"It's ok, I understand. Really, I do.\" He walked over to the table, pulled out a chair then moved around and sat on the opposite side. \"Just, tell me what we know so far and I'll do my best to help you\"\n\n\"Thanks. I must sound like some sort of academy-fresh, sniveling rookie 'round 'bout now.\"\n\n\"Seriously, it's not a problem. Everyone's a little nervous around this stuff at first.\"\n\nBowers snorted and sat down at the table, reaching for the stack of manila envelopes. He took a deep breath. \"First started 'bout a week ago. Old Marsh came in to the office saying there'd been strange lights and noises at night and that Eddie'd started finding these weird standing stones about the place. He and Eddie thought it was just kids being kids, but with all the uh, y'know, stuff going on they thought it best to mention it. Just in case you see.\"\n\n\"That's reasonable\"\n\n\"Then open season came and 'bout ten people went missing. Of course, we didn't realise for a couple of days until the missing persons reports came in. First it was a false alarm, guy didn't charge his phone and his old lady got spooked, a few more were the same. Then Helen Smith called 911 screaming blue murder from the cabin.\"\n\n\"This cabin?\"\n\nBowers nodded \"Old Marsh has, er, *had* the only reliable phone for six miles. If Helen had tried to go back to town she wouldn't have made it.\"\n\n\"So what do we know so far?\"\n\n\"Helen, her husband John, and their son Jake turned up early on open day. They do it every year as a family thing. Well, least they *did*. They got to the base of the trail and found the entrance blocked off by a line of those stones. John and Jake moved them so the truck could get through and took a few pictures. Helen says they figured it was either kids trying to spook people or the animal people being annoying.\"\n\n\"You got any of those pictures?\"\n\n\"Just the one unfortunately. Taken on a trail cam later on so it's in black and white. Not the greatest resolution either.\"\n\n\"No phone pictures?\"\n\n\"John's cellphone was destroyed and Jake's, well, take a look at these.\" Bowers slid the first manila envelope across. Jim took the forensics photos out and examined them.\n\n\"Fucking hell, how did this happen!?\"\n\n\"Helen said something attacked them as they were finishing setup. Kept on saying the trees attacked John and a silver bolt hit Jake. John got carved up pretty bad and was probably finished off when he fell out of the stand, but my coroner thinks he was *thrown*. Jake, Jake was...\"\n\n\"Blown in half from the waist down, Jesus H Christ, how old was this kid?\"\n\n\"Sixteen, would have been seventeen next week\"\n\n\"Shit\"\n\n\"I know. Helen got jumped by whatever killed John, took some minor injuries but she pulled her backup pistol and got three, maybe four shots into it. It didn't kill it, but it must've hurt like hell because it shrieked and ran off towards the trailhead. Helen makes her way to the cabin and 'course Old Marsh and Eddie are out looking for the source of the commotion. They all get back inside and...\" Bowers trailed off, words failing him as he remembered Helen's hysterical terror in her hospital interview.\n\n\"What happened?\"\n\n\"Whatever the fuck killed Jake shot Marsh through a log wall, two interior walls and the bolt *still* had enough force to throw him through the window he was looking out of. When the window broke the other thing came through and went to town on Eddie and Helen. Helen woke up the next evening and poor Eddie had been destroyed. We could only identify him from the ID in his wallet.\"\n\n\"How did Helen survive? She should have bled out overnight at least.\" Jim was holding the hospital admissions photos. Helen Smith was more laceration than human, some of which were bone deep and all were not bleeding anywhere near what they should have.\n\n\"Don't rightly know, and if you don't Mr Contractor then I don't know of anyone who would\"\n\n\"Any other incidents?\""
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[WP] You are the One True King exiled from your rightful throne. After leading an army of loyal supporters to overthrow the usurper and reclaim your birthright, your generals immediately declare that they are abolishing the monarchy.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"Great Idea\" at a loss for words, I quickly decided to agree with my generals. The four of them are the strongest men I have ever known and perhaps some of the wisest I well ever know. These men have been beside me for the last few years and agreed to help take back the thrown from the clutches of my bitter rival, whose rule saw disastrous results, leaving the kingdom vulanuble to attack, which I took advantage of, gathering my four greatest generals, to reclaim my birthright as king. Or so I thought.\n\nAs it turns out. They wanted to use me to gather people in their favor, these generals weren't exactly carrying the same name recognition as I did, and if people saw I was at the head of this revolt, they would be more eager to join the armies. \n\nNow I stand in my throne room, so close to have back what was mine, next to me lays the fallen body of the defeated king, Johnathan the mad, a man who lives up to the name and stole my thrown when my armies were spread out thin claiming surrounding territories. My four generals look to me, as my hand reconnects to the cushion of my thrown, the smoothest silk makes for the comfiest of sits. I miss my thrown, no chair has ever came close to the cloud of coziness that is the king's seat. I longed for this day, but the eyes of the four generals command me not to sit, this is no time, each of them seem to convey with just their looks. \n\nThe oldest of the generals is the one who tells me of his plan, to form a democracy, that the people well get a vote and everyone well be represented and a fair system of government well be established, as well as new courts, and fair taxes, and checks and balances. This all sounded crazy and complicated to me. I never understood the complaints, to me, everything seemed to be fine, a monarchy just seemed to work out, ever since I was a child, things have always seemed to work with a king in charge, why change that now? \n\nNone the less, I felt my answer here would define my fate. The smallest notion of resistance could result in some sort of problem for me, and I for one do not like direct confrontation, so I opted to lie now and figure out a solution to my problem later. If this whole democracy thing didnt pan out, they would come crawling back to me.\n\n\"Fine idea, I like the sound of it\" I continued to agree with the generals. \"In fact, I was just thinking about doing that. Democracy, has a nice ring to it.\"\n\n\"Great news\" said the oldest general. He then eyed the biggest of my generals, who wields a ginormous axe and wears a beard down to his knees, who then proceeded to take said axe, and strike the thrown several times, smashing it into pieces, before my eyes. \n\nDespite my best efforts, I couldn't hold the tears back, some came pouring through, the thought of never getting to sit down on my thrown was just to much. It was the only thing keeping me going through the war to reclaim my kingdom, my thrown, a beautiful piece of craftsmanship designed here, in this very kingdom by the late blacksmith and kept up to date with repairs by his very son who I've developed quite a fondness for, being he never ideled me with small awkward chit chat, rather working in quiet and keeping to himself, only producing a pleasant hum, which I often found myself tapping my toes to. \n\nThe oldest of my generals then proceeded to pick up the crown from the slain johnathan the mad, and held it up, \"this well be a symbol of monarchy, and destroyed as a symbol of democracy.\"\n\nI never cared much for that crown, it was fitted for my father, who had a large head, and would often fall over my eyes and hit the bridge of my noise, leaving red mark. And after the loss of my thrown, nothing else would hurt as much. \n\nI needed a break, so I slipped out of the now thrownless, thrown room, and walked the corridor, past the puddles of blood and random obstacles of bodies that layed down, vanquished among the path. I was draped in my red cap with white fur, a cozy accessory that kept me warm, I was now feeling cold, the reality was slipping in, I would no longer be king, all the fighting I did, for not? I would be one of the people, this thought disgusted me, for people do not have baths, they do not keep clean like I do. Often their smell was just unbearable, and I would have to live, breath, and contribute to that odor, this would be my life. \n\nI hugged myself in my blanket, sat down in a cozy little corner of the castle, away from their bodies, the fighting from outside was still going on, word of our victory was not yet made it's way to the battle field. My thoughts grew numer, and an emptiness grew within me, like a trench, down my chest, split one half of me from the other. A breeze flew past the trench, creating a vicious noise that sounded of beasts. I was alone, in two, unable to reach myself. The coldness overtook me. And from the numbness an idea emerged, the idea that I would need to come up with a plan. A plan to become president. I shall run for office, this was my idea. And my first order of business? Rebuild the thrown.",
"The king and his generals sat around the war table, recently re-acquired from the usurper. \n\n\"It is good to back in this place, with all of you, my countrymen. In my time in exile and the wars leading to my return, I have had much to contemplate and consider. The kingdom cannot survive as it is. There must be change.\"\n\n*\"A change!\"* Shouted the room.\n\n\"We need stronger defenses!\"\n\n*\"For our families!\"* Fists banged on the table.\n\n\"Better-quality training and lives for our soldiers!\"\n\n*\"And better compensation!\"* Swords clattered.\n\n\"We shall not allow hunger to spread throughout the kingdom nor sickness and disease!\"\n\n*\"Universal healthcare in a single-payer model!\"* Flagons of ale clinked and rose in the air as the men reveled.\n\n\"I.. Uhm, and... prosperity for the common people!\"\n\n*\"Via a system of government-subsidized public education for all children regardless of economic background!\"* One red-faced man punched another in a drunken fit of celebration.\n\n\"Okay. That's fine. We can talk about that later, I suppose. Also, I'd like to see freedom returned to this land! We are a free people, out from under the grasp of the usurper!\"\n\n*\"And free from taxation without representation!\"* The king's chair was raised with him on top as the men cheered.\n\nThe king held the edges of his seat tightly, nervous about his height off the ground and the rhetoric from the mob.\n\n\"And a two-party system!\"\n\nThe crowd threw him out of the window."
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[WP]!For some reason your best friend keeps looking off into the distance and talking to himself, and sometimes laughter would just happen out of nowhere. One day time stopped once your friend said something about a commercial now you have the sinking feeling your life is a sitcom.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 we finally get out of this small town, what’s the first thing you’ll do?” I glanced at my friend as we walked home from school together in the cool spring air, waiting for her response. “I know what I’ll do - just get thoroughly lost, wandering downtown. I’ll avoid looking at maps, ‘forget’ where I put my phone, and just explore.”\n\nShe grinned. “You’d probably forget your phone for real and have to use a pay phone to get out of trouble. I hope you know the number for 911.” As I sputtered at her quips, she suddenly stared firmly at something to the side. Something that I couldn’t see. “Time for the commercial break.”\n\nA hush seemed to fall over the street as I stopped in my tracks. The street was deserted except for me and her, and she too stopped walking in order to look back at me with a blank look on her face. \n\n“Jokes aside, this is the third time you’ve spoken to thin air,” I said. “Who are you talking to?” \n\nHer shoulders drooped, and a look of pity crossed her face. “Third?” she echoed. \n\n“Yeah,” I said slowly. I held up one finger. “A few months ago, there was that time when you looked at nothing and said ‘sheesh, can you believe this person?’” I lifted a second finger. “And last week, there was that random laughter that I couldn’t find the source for...” I lifted a third. “And now this.” No look of realization crossed her face as I counted things off. “You *do* remember those times, right?”\n\nShe looked away, at the ground, then back at me. “Yeah, I remember.”\n\n“So what is this then? A TV show?” \n\n“Yeah. A sitcom.”\n\n“Wait, really? A sitcom?” Of all the things she could have said, I wasn’t sure whether I had expected it the most or the least. I threw my hands up in the air and paced in a little circle. “What about our lives is so funny? We’re just a bunch of high schoolers!” The idea percolated through my brain a little more. “My god, I joked about this last time you spaced out but it’s really real?”\n\nShe nodded. Something was off about her expression, though, so I asked, “Is there something else?”\n\nShe nodded again. “It’s also been more than three times. We, uh, we have this conversation a few times a week. And you’ve been remembering less ... and less ... recently ...” She fiddled with a bracelet around her wrist. “Which I probably should have expected.”\n\n“... Because that’s part of my character, isn’t it.”\n\nSilence descended upon us, and my wandering gaze spotted a bird, frozen in the air after leaping off of a branch frozen in a rebound motion. Before my eyes, the bird’s wings started to flap and the whisper of the wind through the leaves picked up once more. \n\n“And we’re back,” my friend remarked with resignation. \n\n*No*, I thought. *I won’t accept this.* “I can do better than that. I’ll remember, damn it.” \n\n“You’ll change? How?”\n\n“I’ll, I don’t know, practice. I’ll memorize a hundred things every day until I can get it right. I can change. Things can change. It’s possible.” \n\n“Well, this is the first time you’ve said something like that. Hopefully it’ll actually come true sometime within the next century,” she deadpanned, but there was a small smile pulling at her mouth and some cautious faith shining from her eyes."
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[WP] You wake up one day to find that you and all your friends have became wizards and kings in your younger brother's made up fantasy world.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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! Hey! Heeeeeyyyyyyyyy! Wanna play this awsome game I made?\"\n\nI groaned and pushed my brother, Timmy, away. \"Not now, I have my friends come over.\"\n\n\"Is... Is Hanna coming, too?\"\n\n\"... Yes... Why, what is going between you two?\"\n\n\"Nothing!\" I could see Timmy's face blushing. \"Well, you can all play with me, it will be great!\"\n\n\"No way, dumbass. We're playing smash. You can watch us if you want. But don't be annoying. And if you are telling us to dad, I'm gonna kill ya.\"\n\nJames and Caleb knocked at the door. \"Open!\"\n\nCaleb and James are brothers, but only 9 month apart. That doesn't stop james from being way bigger than Caleb, and from all of our classmates, too. He threw a bag of chips at me, and the three of us started playing. \n\nIt didn't take a lot of time for Ben and his boyfriend Dan to come. As ususal, they brought the boose. It was 2vs2, the losers drink, and the judge is replacing the one who played the worse. It became 1v1 when Dan and Ben started making out. \n\nAfter a few games, one of which *I won* with the bag of chips on my head, Hanna came. I leaned on the wall and opened the door. \"Hi sweety\" \"Hi idiot.\" I gave her a beer can and walked back to the sofa.\n\nTimmy hugged Hanna. It was pathetic, he barely made it to her pelvis. Hanna thought it was cute. \"Hanna! Wanna play with me?\" Both I and Hanna laughed, but Hanna was being nice. \"I'd love too! You guys wanna play?\"\n\nTimmy got existed. \"Yes! This will be awsome! All of you can play!\" \"No, Timmy, we aren't gonna play your stupid thing.\" both Hanna and Timmy looked at me with their puppy eyes (of course Hanna was cuter) \"Pleaseeeee?\" \"Fine\".\n\nWe all sat in a circle in his room. He got out a map and place it in the middle. He clearly drew it himself, as the names of the areas had spelling errors and the lines written sloppy. He put his hamster on the map and asked me to bring my tarantula, harry.\n\nWhen I came back with harry, Timmy put on the map some playing figures.\n\n\"Caleb. You are the Crimson Prince, heir of King Harold the third, emperor of the easter kingdom Seaonia, during its golden age. You are engaged to Hanna, and your best friend is James. You play the red piece.\"\n\n\"James. Trained by Seaonia's best soliders, you are the head of the royal guard, and Caleb's body guard. The most important thing to you in the world, apart from serving the kingdom and protecting Caleb, is your horse, Max. You play the silver piece.\"\n\n\"Dan and Ben. You two are the greatest magicians in the land. Rumors has it that you fell from the pantheon of heros. You live at the edge of the eastern kingdom, in a cabin in the middle of the gooy swamps. You were hired by the king to save Hanna. You play the purple-green pieces.\" \n\n\"Hanna. You were the daughter of a village's doctor, sent to collect herbs from the forest sarounding it. There, you discovered the magic of its green nature. As the most beautiful girl in the land, you were engaged to Caleb. You play the pink piece.\"\n\n\"Jacob. You are the lost prince of Seaonia. You grew as a son to the Dark Emperor, and were trained to be his heir. You mastered the dark magic of the cavlings and tamed the great beasts of the night. As the new king to the western kingdom Tovalis, you kidnaped Hanna to be your wife. You play the black piece. \"\n\nI slammed my hands on the floor and rose up. \"How come I am the villan?\"\n\n\"It's just a coincidence, don't be a jerk\" \n\n\"Dude, just play with it. It's not like we wanted to be here in the first place. And beside...\" James switched to sign language. \"you are a villan for him, you know.\"\n\nI groaned. \"Fine. But I am not mean. I am a good person.\"\n\n**-----------------------------------------------------------------------------**\n\nI couldn't see or hear anything for a few seconds. Just white noise. But after that I could see I am in a castle. A real castle, and a big one. I saw a servent in the entrance to the hall. It wore a black cloak with silver lining.\n\n\"Excuse me, sir, but can you guide me to the work room?\"\n\n\"You are not him, right?\"\n\n\"what?\"\n\n\"INTRUDER! YOU ARE AN INTRUDER! GUARDS, HELP ME, HEL-\"\n\nI lost my temper and was about to hit him, as an arm made of black ink formed out of the ground. As I moved, the arm moved with me, and it was made clear I controled it. I silenced the servent. \"I am not going to ask again, where is the work room?\"\n\nThe servent bowed, and I lowered the arm. \"I am sorry, my lord, but you didn't seem like yourself, and at time like this, we keep our guard high. I- the work room is the third to the right in the second floor.\"\n\nAs I expected, as I *knew*, Hanna was there. Well, not actually there. She was in the room next to it, tied to a chair, looking at the one-way glass seperating between the two of us. And the key to the room was inside a chest, locked with a number lock. The password was 8,1,14,14,1.\n\nThe guards at the entrance to the room asked for a password, and I *knew* it too. \"As the beasts of the west roar and groan, as the water in the three mid-seas storm, the dark emperor will rule them all and the crimson prince will fall.\" I entered the room and untied Hanna.\n\n\"Thanks. Well, I guess I should be mad at you, as you are the one that tied me here in the first place.\"\n\n\"Yeah, I guess. But check this out!\"\n\nI altered the shadows that formed on the wall. \"A bunny! A ballerina! Is... Is this shrek? Well, I have something too.\"\n\nShe took off her gloves and touched the ground. The room was quickly filled with wonder full flowers, mods covering the walls and the ceiling, and blue fungi emitting strange light. \n\n\"What are we gonna do?\" \n\n\"Well, I am a villan, and you are the rescued princess. I guess we just need to wait for Caleb and his crew to get here.\"\n\n**-----------------------------------------------------------------------------**\n\n\"Do you wanna watch what the rest are doing?\"\n\nI got out of the room and entered the work room. From there, I took a big crystal ball, a flask of blood from the swamp cretures, a strain of hair from the royal horses, and a small piece of a crimson robe. I also took two glasses and a bottle of wine. We didn't take our alcohol to here with us. \n\n\"As the beasts of the west roar and groan, as the water in the three mid-seas storm, the dark emperor will rule them all and the crimson prince will fall.\"\n\n\"This took you AGES.\"\n\n\"I got us something to drink...\" I smiled and set up the station. \"Who do you want to watch first?\"\n\n\"I'll go with... Dan and Ben\"\n\n**-----------------------------------------------------------------------------**"
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[WP] Many people who believe in past lives say they were kings, heros, people of importance; but the reality is that most were insignificant farmers, peasants, and serfs that lived and died in the mud. You tell someone what their past lives really were.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"I sat in my tent. My glotious, wonderful, extravagant tent. Because I had a gift, that many others wished to have. You do not believe me? Then listen, for I will tell you the truth of your past lives.\n\nLet us see... one life ago, you where a soldier. A sad tale indeed, but a typical one. You had a wife, loved her so, but alas, tragedy struck your simple life. A war! Raging and troublesome, you where drafted and stolen from the love of your life. You fought diligently for her, hoping one day to return home to see her, but even love cannot sheild bullets. You died September 18th, 1939.\n\nA life farther back, and you where a humble merchant. You sold fruits, just as your father did, on the streets. You regretted your life as you sat upon your death bed, the only person next to you being your old Mama. You never had a wife or kids, and died due to getting hit hy a car while trying to cross the street with your fruit cart. You died April 14, 1919. \n\nMost lives end with tradgedy, and none where truely remarkable. You where never a king or queen, your name never survived the tale of time. Except once, long, long ago... I see it. It was an unclean time, diseases spread easily. Baths where taken rarely, and those where shallow and cold for all except royals.\n\nYou where a young man named Joseph. Joseph... Gayetty. You wanted a cleaner world. Less disease, less bad odor, better hygene. And so you worked. You studied and observed to find the nost useful work of your talents, and in 1857... you found it. The next thing the world needed.\n\n\"To wipe your bossum! Keep the wretched odor out of tge air with... Toilet Paper!\" You advertised all throughout the streets, and you changed the world with your invention. You died May 2nd 1895 of being stabbed several times in the neck.\n\nThis visit will cost you 50 dollars. Thank you for visiting!\n\nu/birdobraino",
"My eyes slid over the room, washing over the intent gaze of so many eyes, desperate to hear of their past, of their greatness. \nI sighed. I knew what was coming, the echoing disappointment when they found out that their lives had not been one of riches; of silk and satin and sweet cakes, of rich meat and mead and lazy mornings with soft slippers and warmths baths. They could barely fathom how rigidly different it had been. Now, in the comfort of a modern world, they couldn’t image a life without what they had grown accustomed to.\n\nThe first man approached me. He was thick-shouldered and burly, with strong arms and a heavy jaw. His gelled hair leaped above gentle brown eyes that glimmered under the yellow glow of the crappy lighting of this room. And they blurred.\n\nAround me everything blurred as I stared into his eyes, still gentle. His hair softened, and soft curls sprung down low over his eyes. His jaw sprouted with uneven patches of hair, a scar deepening on his chin. The chatter of the room faded and was replaced with the chatter of birds and the crow of a cock. The yellow glimmer that shone against his eyes remained, but now it came from the sun. \n\nWe were in a wooden hut, and it was the start of the day. The man - Jameson -, stood tall, his features rougher than before, his figure leaner. He moved to open a door and as a breeze flew in, outside I saw the shine of fields that awaited his tending. He turned back to his room, and moving slowly, clouds of dried mud puffing in his wake, he moved the remains of a fire and began to light it once more, nurturing the embers back to life. \nThe door clattered open and a woman strode in, a basket hooked over her hip and she approached him. There was no greeting kiss; she had work to do. The basket dropped to the floor and she removed a loaf of bread, and some eggs, to be cooked by the fire before the days job. \n\nThe image began to blur once more, as I returned to my room, prepared to inform the eager man of his past life, another, smaller, figure came dashing into the room, and eager shout accompanying him. Jameson turned just as the boy jumped into his arms, laughing. He began to chatter, speaking faster than either of his parents could keep up, of how he’d been talking to ‘gramps’, who had told him stories of his father. He was shushed and set on a stool, but his eagerness was yet untamed. His looked at his father with eyes that shone with childish devotion, his own hero.\n__________\nA woman this time. She was nervous, her hands fidgeting and turning over each other as I stared into her eyes, pale blue, and saw the world around me blur. This time, it was not a hut that circled me, but a tent. Two other women occupied it, along with a dozen children, all young girls, varying in age, sitting quietly. The pale blue eyes walked around the room, occasionally dropping down to offer advice as the clatter of needles filled the air. A hiss echoed, and the blue eyes turned rapidly, seeking out the perpetrator. One of the girls had cut herself, a large gash on her arm. Blue eyes, now deepening with concern took her into the corner, and began treating the wound. Her own needles were produced, and the gash was sown up, her movements sleek and precise. The two other women in the room nodded, no-one could sew as well as she did, her blue eyes darting from point to point as her hands followed with as much speed. A salve applied along with strict instructions to prevent scarring. The girl nodded, her lips trembling. Blue eyes softened and knelt down, gentling hugging her. It was all the comfort she could offer; they returned to their duties. \n____\nAnother man, this one thin and gaunt. His eyes were dark enough to be seen as black, a dreaded night. The room spun and swayed, and candlelight sprung from around me. A desk, with a ink dip and a quill and a sheaf of papers all lay scattered in front of the man. His long hair was pulled into a ponytail, and he was dressed in formal clothing, despite it being the dead of the night. \nA woman came into the room, and candle held in her hand as her soft voice passed over the silence. What was he still doing up? It was long past the tenth bell. He turned to her, his face fraught with deep, worried lines. His eyes were just as dark, but softer. A gentle velvet. One of the farms was behind taxes, and yet he knew the man. His father had passed not a fortnight ago. His wife’s voice was gentle, hesitant. Could they afford it? Of course, the dark eyes answered, but what of the precedent? What of the rumours, what if he were called soft?\nSoft? A light chuckle rippled from her lips as her hand lay comfortingly on his shoulders. The only rumours that would spring would be ones of understanding and loyalty to his men. He was a glorified cerf he knew, with little land, perhaps. But had fought well for his land. And, if any rumours were to arise, she would deal with them herself. \nHe huffed, his mood lightened, and she turned from him, announcing that she was going to bed. A small smile lay on his own lips. Yes, the allowance could be made, as long as he were clear it was only this once. \n___________\nThe room, with its crappy lighting swung back into existence, and I rubbed my eyes. That was all for the night, I announced. \nThe three I had read had not moved from their chairs since. Their faces pales. I could see the workings of their mind as they processed who they truly had been. I wondered if they would understand their past? A hero, a healer, and a man, who to one grief-stricken farmer, had the powers of a king. Or would they, as so many had before them, see only what lay on the muddied surface. A farmer, a wife and land-lord."
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I'm quite curious. I'm writing an actual story about this and looking for inspiration. Thanks!
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[WP] On your wrist is a line of colour that starts green when you're born and turns red as you get closer to your death. You wake up one morning and your wrist is bright red.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 suns broken rays brute forcing their way through the paint-blotched blinds woke me early. Blinking my eyes from the sleep before, I see the vision that lay beside me on our own personal pallette. I lost myself in the morning thoughts of her. Her skin the color of just warm enough caramel that it wraps around you at the softest touch\nHer beautiful curls black as the night prior wound their way across her face threatening to turn any unwanted suitors to stone. They were closed, but I could envision her eyes - the shade of hickory that could kindle my soul alight with one glance. Suffice to say, I was crazy for this golden artist goddess. I was finally here, sharing her bed.\n\nMy fingers outstretched to adjust her sleeping curls when I saw the splotches of color lining her body from the night before. Reds, greens, yellows… She always wanted to.. see what it would be like. What it would look like. The canvas crumpled under me as I adjusted slightly before I halted to not wake her. We had combined our art and produced a kind of… body art. Colors all across the floor splashing this way and tthat. A splotching of color surely suitable for the mischief of her thing one to my thing two. I imagine we both looked unmistakably insane. Like Bob Ross in the early days. Paint scattered everywhere but grinning ear to ear over happy accidents. I reached up to tame her wild hair to not block the view. \n\nIt was then I saw it. The unmistakable crimson glow on my wrist. I could feel my breathing slow. My peripherals vanished, all other items became a blur. Crimson covered my mind, my thoughts, my entire being. My golden brown morning glow shattered - I was going to die. It had just been such a verdant green the night before. In an instant all my regrets and failures flashed before my eyes - all the work left undone, all the words left unsaid. My view returned to the world that lay beside me. So much time spent - we had finally come together. No, no this simply would not do. \n\nQuietly rising from our ground floor of paradise, I looked and I hunted - there must be a reason. There must be a solution. I had to continue my own work. I had to make her proud. I saw it then. Of course. She had a large woodworking project prior, giant statues. Naturally she'd have one here. \n\nI didn't hesitate. It was the only option. Noone has ever beat fate before, but I was going to try. For this, all was worth it. For her, for my work, this was nothing. I yanked my arm tight and bit down on a bundle of cloth and I went to work. The canvas we had so carefully laid the night before to catch our every movement caught more than it wanted now. The red spats dotted this corner as fate sneezed on my life. I felt it hit the bone and I persevered. My mind blank - nothing but the drive to win pushing me forward. It was first or last. \n\nWith a push and a pull, a drag and a groan, the deed had been done. My hand hit the floor with a dull, quiet thud. I glanced - she still slept. Good. I had been quiet enough. I looked down at my work dripping in fervor and pain and saw… green. A fleshy bit from the part formerly known as my wrist had peeled back and a fading green glow smiled back at me from underneath a layer of deep red paint. I looked down to my now incomplete figure. The lifeline still visible from nub.\n\nA glowing vibrant green began swiftly turning a blood crimson. ",
"“Oh my, seems my time is up.” I quickly call my boyfriend, Thomas, while I was still waking up to make sure he knows that I might die in the next few hours. Anything could be the cause of my death, I just need to single it out and avoid it. Thomas finally picked up, “Hello? Peter? Is everything okay?”\n“How did you know something was wrong?”\n\n“You never call me at five in the morning...”\n\n“Well, I am calling you on urgent business. My lifeline is red, I mean bright, clear red.”\n\n“What?! That’s bad, really bad! How did this happen? Yesterday it was a dark green!”\n\nI searched my memory for any clues, “I did eat the takeout last night, might have been expired since it was in my fridge for ages,”\n\n“Why aren’t you stressed?! You will *die* in the next few hours and you think about food!”\n\n“But it’s not like it’s unavoidable, I mean it just gives a warning, not the future. It’s not set in stone.”\n\n“Fine, I give you that, but at least exercise some form of caution or expression at the very least.”\n\nI went through my calendar for the week to see what I miss out on, “I’ll keep that in mind, I just wanted to let you know that you should prepare as my death is right around the corner. By the way, if I live through this, tell your parents that I will be over at your house for our two year anniversary on Saturday.” I could hear a sigh from the other end.\n\n“Okay then, also keep in mind that you will be missing out on a surprise if you die, so stay at home until the lifeline changes back. Thanks for calling me about this, see you on Saturday.”\n\n“You too.” *Click*, mission acquired, stay alive until Saturday. I really want to know what surprise he planned this time. That would also be the perfect time to show him the ring that would very conveniently look good on his left hand. Now, time to do something about the knives in my kitchen and the old food in my fridge..."
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[WP] You're doing whatever at your house when all the sudden an older version of you appears out of thin air saying, "Get the hell up, we got to save the world!"
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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, get all this trash into these bags!\" The man hurls a black trash bag at me before frantically running around my apartment, sweeping weeks of trash off shelves and tables. There is no mistaking it - that is definitely me. Although I'm a bit worse off, my hair has grayed and my skin is sallow. Dark bags weigh my eyes down, making my whole face look overcast. He glances up at me, \"Hurry! It's the world that's at stake!\" I cock an eyebrow at what must be myself. \"How did you, well I guess did I -\" He cuts me off, or well, I guess I cut myself off, \"Who cares! Honestly, do you really care how? The point is I am here, from the future, and I am telling you, me, that the world depends on you!\" He gestures dramatically at the black trash bag he threw at me earlier.\n\nI sigh deeply, and stand up from the couch. There is a large indent from where I've been sitting in the thing, a groove the shape and size of me. I begin to pick up the trash, but must have been doing a rather poor job because I notice myself staring at, well, myself. \"Oh come on. Really? Did you have plans for *that*?\" He points at the McDonalds that I have lethargically been picking up one piece at a time from the coffee table. \"Try it like *THIS*!\" He leaps over the couch and using the entire length of his arm removes everything from the surface of the counter top in a single bound. \"Now, finish up in here, while I get started on the kitchen!\" I squint at him, although I must admit his pep is a little contagious, I can't help but ask, \"What about the world?\" \n\n\"The world? How do you imagine saving the world with your homebase looking like this?\" He smiles big and darts into the kitchen. I can't help it, a small smile manages to crack its way onto my own face. I finish cleaning the room before moving to the kitchen, and I already notice that I'm looking much better. Those dark bags don't seem as heavy as they did before. We finish the dishes, and then do a deep clean of every nook and cranny. When we sit down back on the couch, the entire room looks different. I feel like I'm sitting in a strangers house. \"Not bad, eh?\" I turn to myself, and I see that I've regained some color. My hair is neater, still grey but it seems more dignified now, less desperate. \"Alright, it's an improvement. But what's this about the world?\" He shakes his head, still smiling. \"How about we go get some vegetables to put in that fridge? I've never met a hero that didn't eat his vegetables.\" \n\nIt's a week later and I can't recognize myself anymore. My hair is neat and combed, I've lost a little weight and my complexion has cleared up as good as my apartment. I haven't seen that other me, he left days ago. Gave me a big hug and told me that I better keep at it, \"After all, this is the *world* we're talking about.\" He gave me a big wink and then went into my bathroom, I heard a flush and that was it. I've got a job again, it doesn't pay much but its good work. I didn't know what stopped so many old people from going to the hospital was simply having someone to drive them. Maybe they just like the feeling of someone else invested in their well-being. I know I can relate."
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[WP] new gods are formed all the time, and you are a part of a task force sent to kill them. Your task force has just been sent to kill THE God.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"DROP DROP DROP!\"\n\n​\n\nThe sudden but familiar acceleration gripped them all in their crash harness and they hurtled down from orbit to the ground, first reaching terminal velocity but instead of slowing down the boosters kicked in accelerating to insane speeds and only stopping when the bed rock instantly stopped the advance. Any other being would have being liquefied but they were God Killers, the four doors of the pod exploded outwards as the opening charges fired, the crash harnesses dropped their cargo and the massive warriors ran outside in the blink of an eye while maintaining perfect coordination and opening fire with their Mag Riffles in Automode, assisted by the Spirits of Wrath they found targets with ease and coordinated in an instant with one another, poring out from the crater while still firing the 12, scanned their surroundings million of life signs showed on their scanners, the fire continued now joined by back mounted mortars deploying ABR's and Shoulder mounted Missile Launchers with HEAM. Around them the mushroom bloom of Atomic fire lit up the darkness and blanketed the entire area with lethal radiation, the God Killers kept on Firing as more life signs approached them.\n\n​\n\n\"Fire of Salvation to Arathusa's Raiders, come in Raiders\" \n\n​\n\nCame the crisp voice through the Commlink of Arga the acting Captain of the Raiders, she kept on firing while mentally sending the different orders to her troops, they would acknowledge mentally making the process of verifying orders received simple, she issued more orders as the bioforms kept rushing them, maintained her riffle firing with 87% Accuracy, firing the Mortar Blanketing and selecting targets for the Missile Launchers and her voice was steady as she managed the myriad of tasks.\n\n​\n\n\"Raiders here, landing completed, Bioforms swarming us from all directions, holding strong, over.\"\n\n​\n\n\"New Orders Raiders, Alpha plan is FUBAR, sending new battle plan\"\n\n​\n\nThe Commlink downloaded the new battle plan while the Raiders maintained their firepower trained on the Bioforms that were starting to close the ring of deadly chitin and sharp bone. Once downloaded Arga scanned over it and ordered a change of ammunition of the mortars to HITBAR, the Mushroom clouds replaced with a Firestorm that raged burning flesh, chitin and bone to ashes and raising the heat enough to make stone crack.\n\n​\n\n\"Roger, Proceeding with Battle plan Beta, Raiders Out\"\n\n​\n\nShe closed the channel and talked to her Raiders a tinge of annoyance.\n\n​\n\n\"Raiders we are moving to Point Alpha in Updated Battle Plan, we will stop in Points Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo to provide assistance if possible. Scorched Earth protocol's, use wide band for transmat and be prepared to switch to local fabrication\"\n\n​\n\nThe Raiders sent acknowledge pings and Arga market a hill five clicks as point Echo engaged her Jump Pack that propel her in a wide ark covering half a Click, the rest of the Raiders fallowing her through the air on fire trails, all landed at the same time creating massive shock waves their weapons never stopping firing for more than it took to allow the transmat systems to reload them, it was as if a fire storm ravaged the alien planet covered by flesh bioforms some looking like insects others like animals and even some as plants, all deadly. The Raiders maintained themselves on the move advancing in a staggered V formation with Arga at the head, she switched her Mag Rifle to a Plasma Projector, and she ordered that all odd Raiders do the same, leaving the even ones to deal with flyers, so far no specialized ones or juggernauts, she was grateful but aware it would not last, The God would awake soon.",
"I washed my hands in the basin.\n\n\"I'm innocent of this Man's blood. see to it yourselves\"\n\nI nodded at my plant in the crowd. \n\n\"Let His blood be upon us and our children!\" He screamed. He punched the air, and another plant joined in. Before long, the crowd was whipped into a frenzy. \n\n\"Take him. Flog him\" I nodded at the centurion. The shackled prisoner dressed in the robes of a religious teacher looked up at me with a knowing look as blood dripped down from His crown of thorns. I returned it, grimly. It has to be done."
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[WP] Your neighbors were concerned when you moved into the local haunted house. You were worried at first too, but the messages written in blood on the mirrors are... oddly supportive.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Nisha wished there were bots that could help her brush. She is all aboutthe therapeutic value of repetitive motion but not when my mouth is full and she is paranoid about not doing enough. \"You're your own worst enemy\" read the writing on the mirror that Nisha was trying not to look at. It get's old, when you see it everyday. The dripping blood, the creepy cursive, the haunted house, the jittery neighbors. Frankly, she had expected a great deal worse given what a snatch this property was.\n\nBut the thing with reading something first thing in the morning is that it gets stuck in your head. Nisha couldn't shake off the thought that the ghost/angle/super natural being who was haunting her house was on her team. It's almost as if this is the therapy session she has so far managed to escape. Like just yesterday it said, \"things happen for a reason\" and then there was a old piece of hash she found in her dirty trousers. And the funny thing is Nisha almost always forgets to check the pockets before putting the laundry away. But not yesterday. Co incidence and ghosts can't exist in teh same house so we know which one it was.\n\nShe is starting to think this is a lonely creature trying to establish intimacy. The thing about loneliness is that it spills out and makes its presence felt. Even ghost/angle/super natural beings can't mask that shit.\n\nIt's not like she would have left the house had the *thing* been scary. After the childhood she'd had a few lurking invisible things couldn't scare her. But she has to admit that this not having a physical form does present a problem. Like how are you even supposed to decide how you feel about something when you can't picture what they look like.\n\nI guess as long as it's just the bloody messages and a couple of broken glasses she can live with the thing that helps her find old bits of hash.",
"“Thank you,” Raja said and picked the keys. The woman in front of him smiled, tears almost glistening her eyes, her enthusiasm almost childlike, and her joy vivid.\n\n“I should be the one thanking you,” the woman, Jill said and left.\n\nRaja looked at the papers. He was now the owner of a 4-bedroom house that had a garden as well. That too, at half the regular price. He was feeling giddy.\n\n“I should go and meet the neighbors.”\n\nRaja met the neighbors outside the house. Almost everyone around the neighborhood was surrounding it.\n\n“Hi, my name is Raja. I’m your new neighbor.”\n\nEveryone nodded with concern clear on their faces. One lady, in her fifties, with a crisp voice and a no-nonsense attitude spoke first.\n\n“Are you an idiot? You bought the house knowing that there are ghosts living in it.”\n\nRaja smiled.\n\n“I don’t believe in ghosts.”\n\n“What you believe doesn’t change reality, son?” The lady’s husband spoke.\n\nRaja looked at him, for the first time in his life, speechless.\n\n“Umm. True. But I don’t think the house is haunted.” He finally said.\n\n“When are you moving in?” Another lady asked.\n\n“The house needs a bit of cleaning. Once that is done, I will move. Probably by the weekend.”\n\n“Welcome. I hope you are right about the house.” A teenager said and surprised Raja. Teenagers usually don’t care about these things as much but this boy was definitely a believer that the house was haunted.\n\nFour days later, Raja was spending his first night at his newly bought house. He had been invited to the dinner at his neighbor’s place and there he got to know the whole story.\n\nA few years ago, a couple lived in the house. The couple was a happy one and everyone loved them in the neighborhood. Then one day, the police came to their house and found that the wife had killed her husband and her best friend. They were found in the basement. No one knows what exactly happened but ever since then, the house has been haunted and whosoever has lived in the house has either gone mad in a few weeks or has left the house.\n\nRaja found the story more interesting than horrifying. The family gave various hypotheses on what might have gone wrong, the most prominent one being an affair between the best friend and the husband. No one knew the truth as the wife never talked to anyone and was never seen again.\n\nRaja slept like a baby. He didn’t care about what the stories said. The truth was that he had a great house and it would take more than a tall tale to sway him. A glass mirror with blood stains was a good start to sway him.\n\nIn the morning, he looked at the bathroom mirror with amusement, curiosity, and fear. It was written in blood, human or animal, he didn’t know.\n\n‘It wasn’t an affair. And you don’t have to be afraid,’ the message said.\n\nRaja knew that someone had done that as a prank to him. He was impressed by the dedication of the prankster. He went to work and came back home late at night, falling on his bed like a tree falling after being sawed. The next morning, the mirror was again red.\n\n‘You forgot to have dinner yesterday.’\n\nRaja smiled and spoke out loud.\n\n“I had dinner at the office but thank you for remembering.”\n\nAlmost a whole week passed with generic messages falling on the mirrors each morning. Raja looked for any other signs of a deranged person around, just in case, there was some crazy person lurking around who might go ballistic one day and tries to kill someone.\n\n‘All the best for your meeting,’ the message said and for the first time, his heart choked. He hadn’t told anyone about the meeting and has been working almost secretly on it for the past week. The usual smiled drained from his face as he looked around his house for the cameras. He didn’t find any device that might be lurking around.\n\nRaja became increasingly paranoid living in the house. It has been over ten days and the messages have been streaming through each morning.\n\nOver the next weekend, Raja went out with friends and came back home drunk.\n\n“What is your name ghost person?” Raja whispered and dozed off on his own couch.\n\nThe next morning he saw the message on the mirror with a name on it.\n\n‘My name is Samantha. I was killed by my best friend. I live here.”\n\n“Alright, Samantha. Tell me what happened. And why should I believe you? You might be simply a prank played by the neighbors.” This time, the message started changing in front of his eyes.\n\n“Do you think a joke can do this?”\n\nRaja screamed. It was a high-pitch scream Raja didn’t know he was capable of making. The words on the mirror changed – “STOP! I’m not going to hurt you.”\n\n“What do you want then?” Raja asked.\n\n“I don’t know. I thought once my revenge was complete, I will vanish but that didn’t happen. Since then, I lurk around the house. I can’t leave the house and I can’t seem to break free of my shackles to go from this state. I don’t know what to do,” the message said.\n\nRaja was still panicking but his curiosity overtook it.\n\n“Can you write on any mirror or surface inside the house or just the bathroom mirror.”\n\n“Anywhere.”\n\n“Awesome!” Raja said and pulled a whiteboard and kept it in his living room. He started asking questions and Samantha continued responding in her style. Raja and Samantha spent the whole day chatting, with Samantha telling him how and she actually died.\n\n“Crazy lady, your best friend.”\n\n“I found out about it too late.”\n\nThe next morning, there was a small note in the bathroom mirror and a giant ‘Good morning’ on the whiteboard. Raja smiled. He didn’t know what was happening but he promised Samantha that he would figure on it.\n\nA year passed him trying to figure out how to help a ghost or a spirit go from Earth to wherever they belong. Each method was a hoax. By now, Raja had gotten used to Samantha and her tiny messages on the boards and mirrors. Every room now contained a whiteboard so that they could communicate without any issues. Sometimes, she was like an Alexa or Siri who could actually talk to you, other times, a personal therapist that Raja didn’t have to pay for and who would hear him out but mostly, she was his best friend now.\n\nAt the year mark, Samantha and Raja wished each other anniversary and finally decided to pursue other goals.\n\n“Maybe your purpose isn’t to go away but to stay here, with me,” Raja said. Samantha drew a smiley face on the whiteboard.\n\n“I can do that.”",
"Martha opened the door to her own front yard and was met with two pale, worried faces. She unconsciously took a step back.\n\n“Who are you?” \n\n“We’re your new neighbors- we live in the brown house on the corner. We had been trying to reach you when you were touring the house but now it’s too late. You’ve already bought it,” said the man. His wife shook her head.\n\n“We’ve lived on Folsom Street for twenty years, and this house has been haunted for fifteen. Be very, very careful,” she said. “We just wanted to warn you.”\n\nAt a momentary loss for words, Martha took a glance behind her. No ghosts, just a bare hallway and a couple moving boxes. \n\n“I haven’t noticed anything so far,” she said. “But thanks for warning me.” She nodded at the couple and closed the door, heart picking up. Ghosts? Demons? All at once, her new house seemed empty and sinister. \n\nShe had an intense bout of insomnia that night, and dreamed that the hallway wouldn’t stop creaking and groaning. There was blood spattered on her bathroom mirror when she rose to shower. Martha jumped and screamed shortly. \n\n*Keep on keeping on,* it said. She raised a finger to the first letter, and the metallic smell wafted around her. She was late for work. \n\nMartha had no choice but to creep out of the house and drive shakily to the new office. She heard noises the whole day, and noticed quick shadows slipping in and out of her cubicle. \n\nThe message had changed when she ran up the hallway to the bathroom. \n\n*Look behind you*, she saw. She looked, and her heart flew to her throat. \n\n“Don’t be scared, please!” said the gray little boy. Against every fiber of her being, she knelt slowly down and met his eyes.\n\n“Are you a ghost?” she asked. \n\n“I don’t know. My aunt and uncle trapped me here, and I’m supposed to eat everyone who moves here. They make sure I do when they visit- they’re coming now,” he said. Martha noticed he was fully, albeit unintentionally, blocking the doorway. “But I don’t want to eat anyone!” he said, in the high voice of a nervous nine year old. \n\nShe felt a sudden urge to rise to the bathroom window, and saw the dark forms of the couple who had introduced themselves yesterday as neighbors. Glancing back, the boy had disappeared into the musty air.",
"I always got odd looks from the neighbors. Yeah, the house looked like it had taken a beating, but I loved it regardless. \nJust before I left work, I looked in the mirror one last time. I smiled at myself, but right before I headed in the direction of the door, ruby red blood began to smear on the mirror. \n\n\n*Check your teeth* \n\n\nIt said, the blood dribbling down the reflective surface. I opened my mouth again to see a herb in my teeth from the Chinese I had the night before when my friends came round. I quickly picked it out and then nodded at the mirror as a thanks, before heading to the door and opening it. \n\nThe old neighbors across the street looked out of their window in confusion, looking at the mood of my face. \"What do you think is happening in there, dear?\" One said. \n\"I don't know, but he must be hiding something,\" another grumbled. Their old eyes kept watching me until I pulled out of the road in my old Volkswagen golf, on my way to what I would find out to be one of my best days yet. \n\nOnce I got back home, I burst through the door in happiness- I was promoted at work! I faced the mirror as I unknotted my tie from my neck, and once again the red blood began to slosh on the mirror - \n\n\n*Great work, buddy* \n\nWith a smiley face slowly flooding the mirror. I understand why everyone on my street believes I have issues, but I think it's pretty awesome having a mirror inspiring me every day. \n\n\nMy first time ever doing a writing prompt, loved it!",
"(First time aaaah) Warning for light explicit language. \n\nYou woke up staring at cobwebs again, a familiar weight on your chest.\n\n\"Smeagol, I thought I told you to stop trying to get into my mouth.\"\n\nA giant spider crawled off your chest as you stretched and got out of bed, it crawling back up to the ceiling to weave a few patterns into the webs.\n\nYou yawned groggily and put on your glasses, helpfully floating in front of your face. \"Thanks, Eowyn. What's the time-oh SHIT!\"\n\n Jonas had weaved into the webs the glaringly late wake-up time of 7:45 am, with an emoji frowny face to boot. The classes started at 8:10. Despite the campus being only a 5 minute run away, you'd have to rush. Another late slip is not what you needed this morning.\n\nRushing through your daily routine, the bewitched pots and pans, Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Fili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Thorin, and Gandalf, had already cooked up a nice soup for breakfast. As you brushed your teeth, the walls seeped numbers and equations, Saruman giving you some last-minute preparations. \n\nYou dashed out the door at 7:55, the wardrobe (Bilbo) and the coat hanger (Frodo), had helpfully gotten you properly attired. \n\nYou ran down the street, hoping to not be late.\n\nIt had been over two months since you moved into the house. Not exactly believing the neighbors' rumors about the house being haunted, and only really caring about how cheap the house was and it's proximity to the campus, you were still uneasy when you settled into bed that night.\n\nWhen you woke up later at 5 am, you were scared to Isengard and back at a giant spider sitting on your chest. You didn't think you had screamed so high since middle school.\n\nWhen you had somewhat calmed down, you noticed the spider hadn't really moved. Then you saw his leg point upwards. Looking up, you saw one of many, many cobweb messages. \n\n**SORY TO BOTHR YU ARE YU NEW HER**\n\nYou had managed to stammer out a yes. Then came the blood writing, which scared you shitless to Mordor and back until another message was revealed.\n\n*Terribly sorry. Welcome to your new home! Yes, this place is haunted by a lot of things. We don't mean you any harm, we're just excited to have a person living here and not scared immediately by our resident spider.*\n\nSaid spider had crawled back up to the ceiling. You continued reading.\n\n*We've been here so long we've forgotten our names! However, one of us picked a book up called the Lord of the Rings and we took names from that. I'm Saruman.*\n\nAnd thus began a very... eventful introduction.\n\nThere was the resident shy ghost, Eowyn, who you were 90% sure had a crush on you, the pots and pans, the stove (Gimli) the washer and dryer (Merry and Pippin), and the cleaning ghost, Grima, who you rarely saw. There were far more introductions, but you had forgotten most of them, mostly to the wrath of the tool shed. The gardening shears (Hagrid) still refuse to talk to you. A very... interesting house.\n\nThey agreed to help you as long as you stayed, which was a guarantee. I mean, no college student ever expects free food, washing, and a nice house. In return, you helped fix up the house to make it look slightly presentable. A very nice place, if you did say so yourself. They also appreciated your technology and video games, despite some damage and misuse. Eowyn denied it but you swore she kept smashing the controllers. Probably Dark Souls.\n\nYou arrived at the classroom at 8:05 am, gasping for breath. A few of your friends looked at you weirdly\n\n\"Uhh, dude look at your shoes.\"\n\nYou looked down to see... dammit.\n\nYour old Vans had been drawn over in various colors with permanent markers, most prominently, pink. You needed to have a word with Eomer.",
"Abby snapped awake. “What year is it?” she said groggily, reaching for her phone. \n\n2:47am\nApril 5, 2019\n\n“Super, only been two hours”, she thought. “I guess it’s another night of this on-and-off sleep bullshit. Time for some sleep-aid.” Her feet plip-plop on the ground as she swings her legs from the bed. \n\nShe shuffles to her bedroom door. Turning the knob, she’s met by a blast of chilled air as she walks into the hallway. \n\n“Aaaabbbbbbyyyyyyyyyyyyyy” a whisper comes slithering down the corridor. \n\n“Knock it off, Jennifer!” she says. “It’s too late for one of your stupid pranks. I’m too big of a worry-wart!” \n\nAnother gust of cold air hits Abby as the bathroom door rattles. She marches towards the handle, yanking it open. \n\nNobody. \n\n“ABBY!” the voice said again; sharper, and much closer. \n\nEye wide with horror, she looks around the room. The words “DON’T FORGET” are carved into dozens of places on the wall. \n\nShe falls, pushing herself into a corner. “Wh-what am I I supposed to not forget?!?” she says, her voice dripping in fear. \n\nA humanoid face appears in the wall. \n\n“ABBY!” it’s wails, \n“DON’T FORGET YOUR TAXES!”",
"The house had character, it wasn't like the new house on the street all blocky and white, it was a weather worn, double brick structure made of hard work and soild door frames. The inside was very much the same, nothing fancy but it had soul.\n\nI was excited, the backyard was big enough for a small chicken coop and a nice veggie garden. My neighbours were being odd, I had taken over some cookies, cooked in my not so new kitchen when I was asked if \"anything weird had happened\" I thought \"not really it's was a little cold but so was my childhood home and I like it that way\"\n\n\"No one has stayed there long, people say it's haunted\" ok? These people have perfect lawns dispite the fact I can hear a dog and they think my home has a ghost, if the lawn wasn't enough of a reason, I dislike these people. \n\nThe few nights were lovely, my cat and dog enjoyed the large bed I was able to fit into the master bedroom, I still have no space to sleep on but anyway. I woke up this morning to the smell of male cologne, which is strange but what I found in the bathroom was very strange. On the mirror in what looked like blood was a message.\n\n\"Those wretched cats were bothering your hens last night\" \n\nThis was alarming but when I went outside to check them they were all huddled in the nest box and I didn't get my normal morning hello. \n\nAs I walked back into the bathroom I realized I had to.\nsay something. \n\n\"Umm thank you, I will have to buy some soild screen to slide in at night\"\n\nThis continued for weeks, little massages here and there. Always accompanied by the gentle smell of a mildly earthy cologne.\n\n\"You forgot to turn the kitchen light off again\" \n\"The water company is screwing you over, call someone to check the meter\"\n\nMy dog, a mess of separation anxiety stopped caring when I left the house, the cat stopped bothering my fish, and no matter what everything always flourished in the garden. \n\nI know the house is haunted but I never thought to ask by whom because they were always helpful.\n\nOne night before bed I decided to find out.\n\n\"I'm very greatful for all your help, I feel you know so much about me but I know nothing about you, if you want to please tell me?\" \n\nThe next morning I again woke to the smell of cologne, there was a very long message on my bedroom fall to ceiling mirror.\n\n\"I was the person who built this house, I worked had all my life to provide a good life for my wife and I, after she died I couldn't continue to live without her so I followed her soon after. Every person who has moved in since wanted to change the place I worked so hard to build so they had to go. But you didn't, you loved the worn garden beds and scraped hardwood, you are deserving. I won't be here for much longer now I know you aren't going to leave, please remeber to turn all the light off when you go to bed\"",
"The neighbours had come out to receive Agatha as son as she had parked her car outside her new house. It was nice of them, but really, she would rather have been left alone. Life hadn’t been exactly easy for the last few months, with James leaving and her mother nearly cutting her out. Agatha wanted some peace and quiet, on her own, before she had to face the fact that she had moved to a new city and had to start over again.\n\n‘So…’ began one of the neighbours, a woman maybe five years older than her.\n\n‘What made you go for this place?’\n\n‘It was cheap,’ answered Agatha, and refrained from adding “also it was far away from my ex and everything I knew”. There was a thing such as TMI.\n\n‘Yes, but… well, did the state agents not say anything about it?’\n\n‘That it might need a new boiler, and that the central heating needs a good look. But I’ve already hired an engineer to…’\n\n‘Look, I’m sorry, and I know how this is gonna sound,’ the woman interrupted. ‘But the place just has bad vibes. People have died in there.’\n\nAgatha shrugged. ‘People die everywhere.’\n\nWhich was why, the next morning, she didn’t think much when she found the first message. It was scrawled next to the boxes she had propped up as a sort of temporary table for her toiletries, in what seemed to be dry matte lipstick. It read –\n\n*A burden shared is a burden halved :)*\n\nAgatha stared at it for a moment. Had it been there, last night? She couldn’t remember. She had been too tired, and too lost in her own thoughts to look much around the house. ‘Not touching that,’ she grumbled. The house had been unsold for so long that she shouldn’t be surprised to find some graffiti. \n\nCheerier than expected but graffiti nevertheless. It didn’t matter. Everything was coming down, she’d get new wallpaper in or else just repaint over every wall, and every crack of her past life. But something else was waiting for her when she came out of the shower. Just over the little vase where she had put her toothbrush:\n\n*always a light at the end of the tunnel!*\n\nAnd that one she knew hadn’t been there last night. Agatha remembered because she had noticed a cobweb just next to the faucet, and had cleaned it before putting her toothbrush there. It had been a perfectly empty wall. She sat on the toilet, in her towel, staring at the message. ‘That’s it,’ she said out loud. ‘I’m going crazy. The anti-depressants are making me crazy.’ Something began to appear on the mirror, next to the previous message. It looked like blood, vivid red oozing over the surface. Agatha ran away, into the room and then down the stairs. But the only thing she was wearing was only a towel, and a small one at that. Where were her clothes? She couldn’t even remember where she’d packed them, nevermind where she’d left the suitcase. Even worse, half-words were following her as she ran around the house, shoving boxes one way or the other. Every time the words began to crawl on the walls, the windows, the mirrors, she whipped her head away to avoid them\n\n*Wait!* \n\n*Sor* \n\n*Hey!* \n\n*Sorry!* \n\n*Look –* \n\n*I’m so* \n\n*Just* \n\n*Can I*\n\n‘Ohmygodohmygodohmygod,’ she ended up crouching down, arms around her head. ‘I’m going mad, I’m going crazy, I’m seeing things.’ Agatha remained that way for a while, rocking herself forwards and backwards until her breathing calmed down. After some time, she looked up. And saw\n\n*I’m really sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you. But I’m here if you want to talk :)*\n\nThat was the last message that appeared that day. Later, much later, when she had done some headway in packing, she collapsed on a kitchen chair. She felt tired, woozy really. The physical exercise and the new place had made her head feel oddly empty. Munching on an apple, and wishing she had something more substantial, she asked out loud –\n\n‘Wonder if there’s a good Chinese place around here…’\n\nAnd she didn’t have to wait for an answer. Bloody letters began to ooze from the wallpaper over the cooker, dripping down in ghastly red.\n\n*Try the Tasty Kitchen, promise it’s better than its name!*\n\nAgatha took a deep breath, gathering her hair and letting her head hang for a second. For a moment she held onto the breath, then let it go.\n\n‘You know. Maybe we can make this work.’\n\nHer answer was: *I’m so glad! I hope you’ll find this place welcoming!*\n\nThere was heart at the end of the sentence. Agatha sensed the words were true, and hid no ill intent. Shame about the blood, though.",
"I wasn’t alone the first time something unnatural happened.\n\n An old acquaintance had stopped by to see the new house and was in the middle of telling me how much his own recarpeting had cost, when I noticed out of the corner of my eye, a red liquid dripping down the antique mirror over his shoulder, thinking it was a trick of the light I blinked and focused more intently, unable to deny that what looked like blood had now shaped into a single word.\n\n “Liar” \n\n “The heck?” I mumbled.\n\n My visitor, Callum, turned to see what had caught my attention.\n\n “What’s that about?” he asked noticing the word written across the mirror.\n\n Before I could answer he reached up to rub his fingers across the glass, they came away dry as the lettering refused to do as much as smudge.\n\n “Wonder who would write that” he mused.\n\n “Yeah I wonder” I echoed faintly, mind flashing back to the neighbours warnings.\n\n “Hey can I use your bathroom pal?” \n\n “Yeah sure, it’s still a mess though sorry”. \n\n “No problem where is it?” He asked dropping his jacket on a nearby couch, raising a small cloud of dust from the musty material. \n\n “Straight up the stairs and to the right” I answered absentmindedly as I scratched at the lettering on the mirror.\n\n As he left the room the lettering became liquid once more, gasping and stepping back I looked down at my now blood stained fingers in horror, looking back up at the mirror I saw a new word.\n\n “Jacket”.\n\n I glanced over at Callum’s jacket in confusion, but made no move towards it, the mirror began to leak more blood from around the frame and new words formed after the first.\n\n “Check pockets”.\n\n Moving towards the jacket I picked it up, after all disobeying the supernatural entity writing in blood seemed dangerous and Callum wouldn’t care I’m sure.\n\n I patted the jacket down first without opening the pockets, finding a large bulge in the inner one.\n\n Reaching in I withdrew a small silver wolf, surprised I looked to the mantelpiece where I knew a pair of dusty silver wolves had sat only this morning, and saw only one.\n\n I looked back to the mirror and saw the lettering had changed again.\n\n “Thief”.\n\n I jumped in fright as a crash came from upstairs.\n\n The blood letters shifted again.\n\n “Follow him”.",
"Nothing could stop John from moving into Moseley Manor. \n\nNot even God. \n\nFor this reason, when his neighbors warned him about the terrors that resided within--namely the bleeding wallpaper and \"faceless woman\" (whatever that meant)--he told them to fuck right off, please and thank you. He promised his wife, Maggie, that he would buy her a house by the sea, no matter how much it cost. \n\nIf only he could've made good on this promise before Maggie passed last summer. \n\nRegardless, he decided fulfilling his promise late was better than letting his words follow her into the ground. Given that he was surprisingly superstitious for a man of his generation, he believed that Maggie would accompany him to Moseley Manor in spirit if not in flesh. \n\nHe was right. \n\n\\--- \n\nJohn moved in the day after his check cleared the bank. His neighbors watched him from their windows as he directed the movers, faces paler than ivory. He relished in their concern. Their disdain for his decision to ignore their warnings was palpable in the air. It clogged his throat, and reminded him of his time spent in the humid jungles of Vietnam. \n\nHe flipped them off every time he passed through the front door. \n\n\\--- \n\nWhen John heard Maggie's voice drifting from the bathroom later than night, he shot up in bed so quickly his spine cracked. Although the voice had been just above a whisper, it was unmistakably hers. \n\nSo he lowered himself to the floor, slid into his slippers, and trundled toward the bathroom door, doing his best to ignore his palpitating heart. \n\nMaggie's voice sounded again the moment he placed his hand on the doorknob. \n\nThis time, she was humming. \n\nJohn paused, relishing the sound. Maggie had been a professional jazz singer in her twenties. Memories of her twirling around on stage flooded his mind. \n\nTears filled his eyes.\n\nHe opened the door. \n\nWritten on the mirror in blood was the following message: \n\n*It took me many months to drive out the last couple that lived here. Welcome home, John. I've missed you.* \n\n*-Maggie*\n\nRead more at r/DailyHorrorStories",
"I pulled down on my tie, my nerves getting the better of my sensibilities. I was ready for this interview. I had prepared for months. I looked at myself in the mirror one last time. I hopped back in fright when I saw a severed leg lying on the counter. The mirror had a fresh coat of blood, still oozing with a new message.\n\n*BREAK A LEG*\n\nI smirked and looked up at the house.\n\n\"Thanks,\" I said to the ceiling sheepishly, my face going flush. I stood up a little straighter, attempting to imbue myself with the confidence the house had in me and made my way downstairs. I breathed in and began practicing.\n\n\"Hi, I'm Greg. I'm excited to be here for the position of... umm... the position of Associate Software Developer,\" I whispered. I shook my head. It was for Associate Software *Engineer.* I tried again,\n\n\"Hi, I'm Greg. I'm excited--\"\n\nI was again stunned to see a severed hand grasping the end cap of the handrail. It was giving me a thumbs up. I smiled again. I made my way to the kitchen and looked up to all of my dishes hanging by spiderwebs on the ceiling. The spiders picked them up to help them dry overnight. There had to have been hundreds of spiders to made so many webs, but I never saw one. I was arachnophobic, and I felt like the house somehow knew.\n\nI pulled a bowl from the webs and went to a cupboard to grab a box of cereal. As I began to eat the cereal, I pulled out my phone to look up last-minute tips for the interview. I scrolled for a few seconds, chewing slowly on my food when something thudded in front of me. It was a copy of *Charolette's Web.* I shook my head.\n\n\"Did you write something in the webs?\" I asked. The house's pipes made noise in response. \n\nI focused on the webs for a minute before I was able to tell where there were discernable words next to a human body mummified by spider webs.\n\n*LEAVE NOW* it said in jagged letters. I squinted, surprised by how aggressive it was written. Then I realized there were a few more words below that first two. \n\n*OR YOU MIGHT GET STUCK IN TRAFFIC*\n\n\"Good call,\" I said, shoveling the rest of my cereal and grabbing my suit jacket. I stepped outside and saw there was a car blocking me in my driveway. \n\n\"What!?\" I said, \"You've got to be kidding me!\" I looked around frantically trying to find the owner of the offending vehicle. I stared at my car, trying to get a feel for the distance. If I drove careful enough, I might have been able to get out without too many scratches, but I would end up late to the interview. I kicked the other car's bumper and the alarm began blaring. I sighed and opened the door to my car. \n\nThe trees began rustling from in front of the house. The swayed toward me as if communicating. \n\n\"I'm blocked in by this guy, I'm gonna be late. But I'll be fine,\" I said, trying to convince myself as much as the house. The house groaned a bit as if the roof was settling. I shrugged at it and tilted my head to the side placatingly. There wasn't much that could be done.\n\nThe driveway began to shake slightly, then accelerating to a miniature earthquake. I grabbed onto my car door tightly as I heard a crack forming in the driveway. It began stretching out, grinding against the car behind me until it was swallowed entirely by a hole that seemed to be the exact size of the car. \n\n\"Did you just...\" I asked.\n\nThe driveway closed itself again, crushing the car. The alarm was muffled then drowned out entirely by the driveway eating it. I stared with my mouth agape. I looked back to the house, then back to the spot, then the house once more. \n\n\"Th-- thanks!\" I said excitedly, jumping into my car. As soon as I got it started, a paper slapped against my windshield with words written in cut out magazines:\n\n*GOOD LUCK! SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET HOME*\n\nI laughed as the paper flew off and I made my way to my interview.\n\n_________________________________________\n\nFor more nice houses, come check out /r/Nazer_The_Lazer!"
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[WP] Silver wings, the moon.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"She shone brighter than any star in the night sky. A graceful thing, she danced through the air, leaving swirling shapes through the clouds. She was his darling. His moon. His angel. She was everything to him. He was everything to her.\n\nIt was love.\n\nThe pair met long before the devil surfaced and released his cruelty to the world. He was a young man then, with a crop of dusty brown hair and a few whiskers on his chin he claimed a beard. The man spent his days in the dirt, toiling under the watchful gaze of a man quick to anger, and he spent his nights staring at the stars. He dreamed of the day he would see them up close. The day he would reach out and hold one in his palm.\n\nIn the end, it was a dream. Only a dream. So he thought.\n\nShe was nothing when he met her. Years of abuse followed by years of neglect left her in a state of despair, broken almost beyond repair, and so thoroughly discouraged she could only cough and sputter. The man she loved before had grown old and weak and hardly offered her a sideways glance when he bothered to show his face at all. Had fortune not intervened, she would have been left to rot until only bones remained.\n\nFortunate came in the form of a young man with a bottle he was much too young to drink looking for a place to find. He found her by accident but, even in her sorry state, he fell deeply and inescapably in love. She felt a cautious optimism. In many ways, he was so familiar, with a gentle touch and young face, she could have been lost in a memory. Were it not for the angry shouts and appearance of her former love, she would have believed she was.\n\nBeing bought by a drunken man for the paper in his wallet and a promise was not dignified, but her former love gave her a gentle kiss and a bittersweet reminder that he was old and she was not. What once had been was no more.\n\nThe young man found a new routine. He spent his days with the angry man and he spent his nights with her. For days then weeks they sat together, staring at the stars together. He told her of his dreams, of what he imagined the stars felt like, of what he imagined it was like to fly. She was quiet at first, only listening to his words.\n\nHe mended her wounds and helped her find her voice. For the first time in perhaps a decade, perhaps more, she spoke. It was slow and rough at first. She still sputtered when she meant to roar, but the man was patient and soon the words came in an endless flood. Her body and spirit were rejuvenated.\n\nShe was whole again.\n\nShe could have told him stories, but she knew he would never be satisfied with her memories and neither would she. So, one evening when he had escaped the man with a short temper, she gave him the only gift she could.\n\nThey flew.\n\nYears later, when things were darkest, she would remember that first flight as perfect. In a way, it was, but not by any technical definition. The wind was rough on her wings and she jostled violently. She was still slow. They barely came off the ground. Still, he laughed and laughed and what a beautiful sound it was. She only found encouragement in his joy. Night after night they tried again and again, lifting higher and going further every time until one night, they soared above the clouds and over the sea and never looked back. She forgot the prison she once lived in and he forgot the hand that scarred him.\n\nThey were free.\n\nThe pair settled on a flat stretch of countryside, close enough to civilization to feed them both, but far enough to let them be free. In the day, they would share the joy of flight with others, bringing curious visitors from lands neither had ever heard. The nights, they saved for themselves. For months then years, life was good. Grey appeared in the man’s hair and the whiskers on his chin grew into a proper beard. He was still young, much younger than her former love, but she worried his love would fade.\n\nThen the devil came.\n\nMen in brown and green came to visit them. They told him that they needed her to fight the devil’s army. He fought and protested, but they would not listen. He refused their money, their land, and their titles. Nothing the world could offer was worth the price of his heart. He would not leave her.\n\nIn the end, the men got them both.\n\nShe didn’t fully understand what the men wanted, but her love stood with her through it all. They flew as often as before, but there was no longer joy in it. She found others like her, but decades of isolation prevented any camaraderie. She understood few of them and those she did were stern and bitter, as though angry she had ever found joy in the air. She didn’t understand it. Not until she met the devil’s army.\n\nThey flew like her, but they were vile creatures that bit and tore at her on sight. She moved through the air with the grace of a ballerina, dancing and weaving through friend and foe alike. She fought back when she could, but the mechanism rattled her and left her exhausted and though she could fly like no other, she lacked their temper. All she cared for was her love. All he cared for was her.\n\nBut love was not enough.\n\nShe didn’t feel the devil’s teeth sink into her until she felt the wind jostled her wings. She fought to stay in the air, but her wounds were too much. She fell to the earth, an angel with her wings clipped. She knew her love could survive. The men in brown and green gave him a parachute. Instead, he clung to her, praying to a being she knew only in name, not for his own survival, but for hers. Could she cry, she would have. He was selfless and she did all she could to protect him, but it was not enough.\n\nIn the end, the devil got them both."
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[WP] Five years ago you were sucked into a portal to Hell. You've finally managed to find a way out, but it means setting another soul free as well.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"The man was a parasite, a blood-sucking leech that had attached itself to me ever since I had fallen into this hellhole. He told me that I seemed different, seemed like a fellow who actually believes he could escape hell. Even then he made me uncomfortable, just the way his pale eyes stared at me. They say the longer you are in this place, the more of your human side you lose, if that's the case, I imagine he had been here for at least five hundred years...\n\nStill, he was hardly that much of a nuisance at first, merely following me around during the daily torture, occasionally bumping into my during our walks of hot coals. Was it annoying? Sure it was, but it wasn't enough for me to kick up a fuss, not yet at the very least. My annoyance only came when I decided to escape hell. Hell was structured strangely, not having levels like Dante's inferno, no... it was more.... more a place where you seemed to just be wherever you were needed. One moment you would be hiding under a wall of rotting flesh, trying to shield yourself from the blasts of heat, before suddenly you would be in a small wrapping of silky flesh. This flesh is the hell equivalent of a sleeping bag, so it was rather calming to find yourself wrapped up in its slimy confines. \n\nAnyway, I noticed that if you could stay incredibly still during the moment you were meant to be shifted, you would see a gap in hells structure, it was only faint, but it was a swirling black vortex, hinds of blood-red dashed through it. That was the way out, unfortunately, it was near impossible to escape for a few reasons.\n\n1: Once you moved, you would be sent to your rightful spot.\n\n2: The vortex changed locations every time it was seen that day, making it impossible to accurately pinpoint where to stand or sit.\n\nIn my frustrations, I mentioned the sighting to that parasite, of course, he was excited, giving me a slap on the back and telling me how I should have brought it up sooner. I was naive at that time however, not knowing the man that I was truly helping. \n\nWe plotted together for a while, however, it was becoming quite a fruitless attempt. We would mark locations, hoping that it might repeat a cycle, unfortunately, there was no pattern, the appearances random and uncoordinated.\n\nThe timing of the shifts was also hard to predict. It was usually thirty minutes after intense torture but your mind was usually so scrambled after it, that keeping track of time was impossible. That's when the creature started to show his true colours. \n\nWe had got to talking one night, about our reasons for arriving here. I admitted to murdering a man, in my defence, It wasn't like I wanted him dead, things had just ended up that way. A fight turned into a murder that day.. well manslaughter but sadly hell didn't seem to give you any leniency for an accidental murder. \n\nHe was hesitant, remarking that his reason wasn't important. But after a few prodding he admitted to being a serial killer, quite a popular one in his time even, he spoke rather fondly of that time period, at least until his head was removed from his body. When I asked about the kill count, he was still eventually remarking it was two, perhaps he caught wind of my disgust and was trying to ease it. His smile gave it away though, a proud look that almost screamed that if he had a sharp enough weapon, he would have happily added me to that tally, but I was valuable, plus you can't exactly kill a dead person.\n\nI tried to distance myself after that, but he made sure to never be far behind. Even if we would go days without talking, he would be watching, seeing if I had progressed, not wanting to miss his gate. I had tried my hardest to keep him out of my plans, but he knew too much, it was impossible to avoid it. So instead I would have to escape before he learnt my method. I started observing the shift again, looking for anything that may be an oddity in the transition, until finally, I found it... blood.\n\n\nBlood was the one material that seemed to not shift right away. If I could find a way to coat myself in blood, I may have a chance of slipping out of hell. Luckily for me, hell was known for that sort of thing, so it was quite easy to find a pool of it somewhere, Soaking it up in my next break, I awaited the transition, but of course... that leech had already copied me, picking up on the fact that I had learned something and of course when the shift came, we were left there, both alone. He made his way to the portal, see if I would stop him. I could easily tackle him, or perhaps wrestle with him until the shift eventually collected us, but there was no guaranteeing this would work again if I wasted this opportunity. \n\nI sunk my head low, walking towards the portal, feeling him grin as he knew my answer, my slow timid shuffling making it obvious. I'm sorry for setting this soul free, I just... can't handle anymore of this hell.\" With that I passed through the portal, A blue light swirling around me, it was hard to say what would happen. Would I go to heaven? Revive? Be reborn? I guess it didn't matter as long as I was away from that place."
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[WP] You poisoned a co-workers drink. They poisoned your drink. You both know that your drinks is poisoned but are trying to get each other to drink the poison.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 you poisoned my drink,\" I told him.\n\n\"You poisoned mine,\" he replied.\n\n\"Why?\" I laced my fingers together under my chin. \"I'm curious.\"\n\n\"Oh, quit the crap,\" he scoffed. \"As if you don't know why!\"\n\nI blinked my eyes innocently at him.\n\n\"Ever since you I turned you down, you've been making my life hell,\" he whispered. \"And then now you're trying to ruin my engagement? What kind of crap is that?\"\n\nI shrugged. \"All I wanted you to do was have lunch with me. I told you there'd be hell to pay if you refused.\"\n\nHe sat back and glowered at me with immense hate. \"So what now?\"\n\n\"You're going to drink that cup,\" I told him.\n\nHe laughed. \"You're kidding. I already told you that I know you poisoned it.\"\n\n\"Exactly. See, you think your life is bad already?\" I leaned forward with a smirk. \"It's going to get a *whole lot worse* once I go to HR.\"\n\nThen I sat back and watched as first confusion, then realization dawned in his eyes.\n\n\"You b-\"\n\n\"Uh-uh,\" I tsked. \"You don't want me to put that in the report as well, do you?\" And then I smiled at him sweetly. \"Why are you fighting this? Just drink it and let it be over with. I mean, your life is over already. Think: you're gonna get fired, your friends are going to abandon you, your fiancee is going to leave you. Just accept it.\"\n\n\"All this because I didn't want to have *lunch* with you?\"\n\n\"Call me petty.\" I giggled. \"So.\" I looked at my watch. \"Are you going to drink it, or do I have to go to HR.\"\n\nHe tried one more plea. \"Is there anything I can do to make you change your mind?\"\n\n\"No,\" I stated coldly. \n\n\"Oh well.\" He shrugged and then bent his chin down to his shirt and said, \"Babe, you caught that?\"\n\nThe door opened and his fiancee walked in with two officers and our boss.\n\nI frowned. \"What's going on?\" \n\n\"Ms. Wildingham, you are under arrest.\"\n\n\"No! What's going on?!\"\n\nMy coworker tapped his shirt and smiled. \"Recorder. My fiancee's idea.\" \n\nI saw them hug and my vision went red. Then a calm came over me. *It's over* I realized. *My life is over.*\n\n\"NO!\" I screamed. \"You won't take me alive!\" I reached for my cup and drank it. \"Hah! Arrest me if you want now, officers! I'll be dead soon, anyway!\"\n\n\"Actually,\" my coworker said, \"I never poisoned your cup.\"\n\nI whipped my head toward him. \"What?\"\n\nThe officers came over and grabbed me by each arm and dragged me to the door as they read me my rights.\n\n\"Oh, and Ms. Wildingham,\" said my boss as I passed him. \"You're fired.\""
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[WP] In the year 2030, people are generally not allowed outside their small living units, and many have never experienced having a non-virtual social life.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 been 10 years since the virus ravaged the world and confined those that remained to their assigned quarters. The vast majority of human interaction outside of immediate families now occurs on the network. Adolescents attend classes online, adults conduct meetings via Skype, and grocery shopping takes place in simulated aisles, in virtual stores, with endless options. \n\nSociety’s adjustment to this new way of life was unnervingly swift as people had already gotten acclimated with a world online; and now, a new generation of kids that have never known a world outside of their secluded family quarters is coming into that age of rebellion. \n\nAnd it’s up to us to stop them.\n\nThey’re young, and they don’t know any better, and can we really blame them? They didn’t read the headlines of the time; they don’t know what it was like. In those days, people crowded into rooms with strangers (which greatly endangered their health, by the way), to conduct basic tasks that can easily be accomplished online. I mean honestly, what really is the point of risking your life by going out to pick up a pizza, or make purchases, or meet new people when you have the network? \n\nBut for some strange reason that I’ll never understand, these kids have somehow gotten the idea that life would be better if we all just exposed ourselves to the dangers of the outside world and went back to the old way of living, as if that was better than this. Everything in our world is now efficient and safe. We’ve cut out the need for useless human labor with improved technology which, in turn, removed the need to infect ourselves with the diseases of others by being near them. And these damn kids are complaining about a life of safety and security. I just don’t get it. \n\nI read a post the other day on the network by some kid in my unit’s quadrant that implied that he would willingly fight and die for the ability to live a \"free life\" without the network. I sure hope that was just another foreign hack and not a real post or we just might be doomed."
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[WP] You gain the ability to jump between dimensions, only to find out that the Interdimensional Police is after you and everyone else in the multiverse who has that power.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 day it just happened. \n\nI was in my home, I felt something, a tightness in my chest, a bit of uneasiness. Then, the world was different. It was the same, but it was different. \n\nThey were just small changes. People’s accents were slightly different. People who were my friends had different personalities. The flowers bloomed in Fall, not Spring. \n\nThen, just as soon as it had happened, I felt the tightness in my chest and I was back in my world. My earth. My home. \n\nIn that moment, I had a brilliant plan, one that I spent the next several years training for. \n\nOver the years I learned how to control my power as well as a few specific rules about traveling what I refer to as the multiverses, because there’s really no better name. \n\nAnywhere that I traveled, I went to the same spot in the other world. This did not mean I went to the same place, because the worlds were different. They had different towns, buildings, and locations. \n\nI could only travel to the other universe for an hour max. Any longer, and my body would begin to rip apart. The universe likes order and going to other dimensions messes up that order. \n\nLastly, when I traveled, anything I held came with me. However, if I wanted to bring something back, I had to leave behind one of the items I brought over of the same size. \n\nThese rules weren’t easy, but I could work with them. \n\nSoon, my perfect plan, my perfect heist, would come to light.\n\nOutside my house, there wasn’t anything except woods. They went on for miles. In the other dimension, there was a large city called Shawmut. \n\nAnd in Shawmut, there’s a large bank with a vault full of gold. \n\nIt took awhile, but eventually I calculated the exact spot in which the vault was located. After multiple trips, I finally had the gold and would never be visiting the other universe again. I had my gold, could provide for myself and multiple generations, and would never need to travel to the multiverse. \n\nI was a foolish young man. I thought that since it wasn’t in my world there wouldn’t be any repercussions. I thought that I could make myself a life of luxury without any loss on my part. Boy was I wrong. \n\nThey found me a few weeks later. I got a knock on the door of my brand new house and went face to face with the inter dimensional police. I tried to run, but they had me surrounded. Not just in this world, but all others. \n\nThey locked me up in here, for life. Inter dimensional crimes valued at over $10 million are punishable with life in prison. \n\nHere I am, rotting away, twenty years later, waiting out the rest of my sentence for a crime that I thought was perfect. \n\nI sat down after sharing my life story and turned to my new cellmate. \n\n“So, what did you do to get in here?”",
"\"All of you are presently in an unlawful gathering!\" a microphone droned from outside the building. \n\n\"Oh, no, it's Interpol!\" Qi from the Nebulous Dimension said, ducking down under the table.\n\n\"Interpol? Why do we care what Interpol says, we can just warp out of here?\" I asked.\n\n\"You don't understand! Interpol is dangerous! They'll take you down like *that,*\" he said, snapping his fingers.\n\n\"Yeah, maybe in this dimension, but why don't we just...\" I grabbed his arm and warped us to another dimension, where gravity felt much lighter. \n\n\"You idiot! Now you left a trail! Oh, I'm done for now,\" Qi said, pushing me away from him.\n\n\"What trail? You were telling me about the police that travels between dimensions earlier. Those are the people I'm worried about. Who are they?\"\n\nA hole tore open in the fabric of space next to me, the smell of burning synthetic materials filling the air as three people jumped through the hole into the dimension. I stared with my mouth wide open, witnessing for the first time someone opening a dimension with a machine. It was like a green screen into a new world, but people were walking through it. A gun was trained on myself and Qi by two of the people, the third one took note of the dimension they had just entered. \n\n\"Don't worry about that one,\" the freehanded one said, pointing to me. \"Look how shocked they are, they don't have the power. It's him we're here for.\" The gun pointed to me readjusted its aim to Qi.\n\n\"*What?*\" he screamed, \"They're the reason I--\" \n\nA gun was fired and I screamed. Rather than any damage being done, Qi was now gagged. I sighed in relief. I guess different dimensions had different guns. \n\n\"Good job officer O'Hana,\" the leader of the three said. \n\n\"Thanks, cap,\" she nodded, walking over to Qi as he stared at me with hardened hatred in his eyes. \"You won't be able to DimHop while this gag is on. Comply easily and we won't administer the sedative.\"\n\nQi whipped his head to the officer, glaring at her and remaining stubbornly on the ground, mumbling at her. \n\n\"Whatever,\" she said, shooting him again, the gun firing a dart this time. I didn't even see her change the ammo. It was like the gun fired based on what they intended to shoot. Qi's eyes rolled into his head and he faceplanted into the ground softly, the gravity here not allowing him to fall at a speed that would injure him.\n\n\"Sorry you were roped into this, the dimensions hoppers usually bring bystanders with them. I'm with the Interdimensional Police, and we make sure to take down the scum responsible for trying to play with the multiverse as if they own it,\" the captain said, putting a hand on my shoulder. I flinched forcefully and he pulled his hand away placatingly.\n\n\"What's wrong with jumping between dimensions? If he has the power, is he not allowed to use it?\" I asked, sweating as I attempted to remain as casual as possible.\n\n\"They destroy the fabric of space every time they hop. They don't use the multi-dem devices, so there's no stability to their hops. Of course, they don't *want* to use the devices either, since it tracks their every hop.\"\n\n\"Oh...\" I said, scratching the back of my arm. \n\n\"So, what dimension are you from. We can take you back,\" he offered. \n\n\"I'm from the Harlow Dimension,\" I said, relieved that I would be away from him soon. He stared at me, a suspicious look on his face. \n\n\"How do you know what dimension you're from?\" he asked. I realized I wasn't supposed to know the name of my own dimension. The only reason I learned was that I had started hopping to other ones and needed to know what to call home.\n\n\"Qi--He told me,\" I said, my voice cracking. \n\n\"Ah, that makes sense,\" he said, placing an arm on my shoulder again. I tore away again, and he seemed to expect it at that time.\n\n\"McRyan, take this one back to Harlow,\" the captain said to the officer who wasn't dragging Qi to the open portal. \n\n\"You got it, boss,\" he said, opening a new hole in reality and putting a hand up formally.\n\nI stepped through the hole, acting as if the act of stepping through a dimension was amazing to me. It wasn't hard since walking through the portal came with a new weight of gravity.\n\n\"Let us know if you see anyone else like this!\" the captain said, his gaze scrutinizing my every move.\n\n\"Sure,\" I said, not bothering to ask how I would even do that. The portal of reality closed behind me and I breathed a sigh of relief. I waited for a full minute before warping away to a new parallel dimension. I didn't want the Interpol to know where I was.\n\nAs soon as I finished my hop, something began beeping behind me. I turned around, but the beeping still sounded like it was behind my back. I gasped, realizing where it was and grabbed at the shoulder the captain had been placing his hand on. There was a device there. I tore it off of my shirt and stared at it, the light in the center changing color with every new blink. I had to be a tracker. \n\nI yelled in frustration and threw it at the ground, warping one after another to six different realities to try and bury my trail.\n\nI purged my lunch after landing at the new location. Dimension hopping usually came with a bit of disorientation, but after running through six, I could hardly tell which way was up. I got up and ran forward into a blue forest ahead of me. I didn't even know what dimension I was in, I just knew the Interpol would be able to follow me through dimensions, but maybe not through the forest.\n\nJust as I passed into the treeline, I heard the portal of another reality opening where I first entered. \n\n\"Yeah, this is the dimension,\" the captain said. \"Let's find the scum and take them out.\"\n\n_________________________________________\n\nFor more other-worldly stories, come check out /r/Nazer_The_Lazer!"
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[WP] A new AI is capable of cloning a person's personality. You decided to have it take your identity for you while you went off the grid for a month. When you've come back you are amazed at the amount of change it has caused in your personal life. For the better and worse.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 happened the day after my promotion.\n\nFriends gathered in the lavish private room of the city’s largest art gallery. Murals of abstract art, splashed in red, orange and green, flanked a long table overflowing with tall candles, juicy steaks, Caesar salads and wine bottles. The minimum spend was three thousand dollars. The night’s tab would significantly exceed this. It was another marker of my privilege that had years ago filled me with awe and pride, but meant nothing now.\n\nSimon raised a glass to me. “I watched you thrive as Engineering Director of General Artificial Intelligence at Veridian Dynamics. And I thought, where could you go from here? But you’ve proved once again that the sky is merely your starting point. To Stefan!”\n\nThe table exploded with cheers of “*To Stefan!*” Glasses swirled high in the air. I laughed and bowed, made a speech, aware of the mechanistic bent of my words, animated by emotions I did not feel. I watched Simon zone out halfway through my speech, his eyes losing focus, his fingers finding Cynthia's. I watched Javier glance at his watch once. And then twice. And then thrice. I saw Mark and Cecil whisper unheard words, catch my eyes on them and then smile, too widely.\n\nThe night crawled to its end. As my car, Eleanor II, drove me home (Eleanor I had perished in an ill-advised bout of sports racing that Veridian had managed to steer clear of the ravenous news cycle) I placed my head on the window, tired.\n\nThinking, *life is good*.\n\nThose three words looped in my head when I got home, got into the shower, when I uncorked another bottle of red.\n\n*Life is good*.\n\nWhen I played recordings from the dinner on my phone again, watching the cheer of these faces, the laughter. I noted the natural grouping of friends into their long-decided lifelong pairs. And me, solitary, at the head of the table.\n\n*Congratulations.*\n\n*Well-deserved.*\n\n*Life is good*.\n\nI pulled my bed-side drawer open, took out the pistol and put it in my mouth. I placed my finger on the trigger. The seconds passed, morphed into minutes.\n\nI flung the gun away.\n\n\\*\\*\n\nA week later, I met myself in the old train tracks on the edge of the city. It was midnight and desolate buildings towered above us in deep slumber.\n\nI said to Stefan II, “Thank you for doing this.”\n\nI was his chief design architect, but the detailed replication still felt eerie, especially when he bore my face.\n\n*No. Not just the face.*\n\nEvery marking, every scar, every detail.\n\nStefan II replied, “It is my pleasure. And my programming. I will meet you here, at this time, in exactly 28 days. I hope you have a safe trip.”\n\n“I will.” I watched him get into Eleanor II. I watched him drive away.\n\n\\*\\*\n\nThe ride to the beach house took four hours.\n\nIt was the same brand as Eleanor II, but this rental was only briefly mine, and Eleanor III seemed ill-fitting. I watched mountains cuddle the sky in the moonlit distance. Trees swayed in a strong breeze. Rock music blared from the radio. Those four hours had a certain idyllic quality to them, the atmosphere of a romantic-comedy rolling to its credits.\n\nExcept that its protagonist was suicidal.\n\nI’d almost killed myself.\n\nWell, maybe not. I knew how enamored by life I was. To the diverse and ever-growing collection of good music that graced my ears. To fine literature, of past and present. To exquisitely prepared dishes.\n\n*Life is good*.\n\n*But you bought that gun, walked right into that store and bought it, never for a moment letting yourself think of the implication.*\n\n*Life is good.*\n\n*But you put it in your mouth. It felt cold. Tasted like nothing, because your tongue still burned from the dinner's spicy steak sauce. $20 sauce. You just had to throw that party. To show the world how big and strong you are.*\n\n*Life is good.*\n\n*Fifty-five years old. Still single. A large house with too many rooms. And zero souls*.\n\nI pushed a button on not-quite-Eleanor-III.\n\nIt beeped agreeably, pushed forward faster. But my thoughts lingered at the same pace, unshakable.\n\n\\*\\*\n\n28 days seemed to pass in a blink.\n\nI refreshed my email and duplicate phone logs almost obsessively for the first week, convinced that my crime had been discovered. But Stefan II was handling my workstream dutifully. Cyber-Executive Assistants were strictly designed for large-scale enterprises, millions of dollars per month paid for specific, carefully-monitored use. This abuse of Veridian Dynamics resources was certain to forever tarnish my reputation if discovered. But this abuse was woefully trivial to implement. Besides, I was privy to the many ways the higher-ups used and abused our systems for their own profits, everything from grandiose secret pet projects to presidential installations in countries of interest.\n\nAfter the first week, I switched off my devices, content to check them at the end of each night, just before bed.\n\nI swam in frigid waters, feeling waves wash over my skin until it chapped. I curled up on the hammock in the library, beside the fireplace, reading through troves. I drove to nearby towns when the loneliness intensified, watching surfers surf, watching kids swallow and then barf up oversized hot dogs, watching couples kiss under sun-dappled umbrellas, margaritas in their hands.\n\nAnd I felt as I always had. An observer. Disconnected from this universe. Merely passing through. It was hard to remember the last moment of genuine emotional connection, where the goals of tomorrow, eyes primed for the future, were not active. Where I simply existed in the here and now. No, not just *existing.*\n\nStefan II had all my memories. But he was simply code. Emotionally, we were distinct. Then again, I’d always held onto the theory that general intelligence could accrue signals and sensations tantamount to genuine emotion. In that case, could he one day surpass me in that regard? Could he one day watch a movie and be moved to tears?\n\nOne Saturday evening, I ditched my usual medium-rare steak and red wine for a BBQ pizza. It was an attempt at breaking the norm, much like this getaway itself. But even as I tasted the warm sauce, the pepperoni, I felt hollow. The cure was not in this trip, it seemed. Not in this meal.\n\nNot in friends, mostly garnered from work. And truthfully, mostly acquaintances. They would never detect that Stefan II was a replica, because beyond shallow platitudes of “how-are-you” texts, beyond work itself, they existed in a separate realm. At first, years ago, they had invited me to various affairs, a play here, a bar crawl there. At first, I had indulged. But I was too keenly aware of the block in my legs when they drunk-danced suavely in night clubs, too keenly aware of how they could go on and on about trivial, meaningless details. I started declining their invitations, making up excuses about work, except that I did take refuge in those overnight hours clacking at my keyboard. They stopped extending those invitations.\n\nAs I forced myself through the pizza, I wondered about Stefan II, about the recklessness of using him at all, when I could have easily taken some time off. I’d craved the risk, the irresponsibility.\n\nIn the final two weeks, I stopped checking my devices at all. I stopped going out. Cooking felt like more effort than I was capable of. Snacks, water and wine could sustain me.\n\n*Life is good*.\n\nThose words were tornadoes in my head. I don’t know why they insisted on themselves. I didn’t believe in them. I *knew* I didn’t. I was automaton to Veridian Dynamics, worthless without them.\n\n*Life is good*.\n\nOn day 28, I packed my clothes into my bag, threw my bag into the backseat of not-quite-Eleanor-III. The trip had been a failure.\n\nI turned on my phone to sync with the car’s entertainment modules and its logs updated. Missed calls, unread texts. Even before I could go through them, my phone buzzed.\n\nSimon.\n\n“Hey.”\n\n“Stefan, um, where the fuck are you? And why is there a CEA robot pretending to be you?\"\n\n*Shit*, I thought, heart pounding in alarm, prospects of a tarnished career playing in my head. But standing clearer, stark in my chest, was a feeling strange and strong.\n\nRelief."
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[WP] Humanity discovered they were not alone when alien spies from different rival empires engaged in a public firefight/chase, unraveling larger conspiracies
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Gunfire rattled the street as I sat on my balcony sipping my black coffee watching the chaos unfold. *Crack* one the potted plants sitting on the hotel rooms railing exploded showering my suit in the dirt and flora. I had been tracking these two groups for quite some time now both enigmatic and almost impossible to track before they struck. \n\nThe Pentagon bombing, beijing massacre and the burning of the Louvre perpetrated by group number one the white flag. Slowly I leaned forward edging out far enough to get a good view of the heavily armed group sitting behind a sandbag road block. Their equipment something more akin to a special forces team than a rough terrorist organization.\n\nQuickly I shifted my gaze to the sizable group of cultists hiding in the building directly across the intersection. The group pouring through the buildings along the street in more of a mass wave than dignified assault. Knives, clubs, pistols, and the occasional rifle or shotgun returning fire on the significantly smaller group. \n\n.\n\nOrganization number two's formal name was almost unpronounceable but we often just referred to them as the screamers. Raving stark mad with absolutely no care for their own personal safety the two groups were about as far as you could get besides general insanity. The two sides met in a melee the larger group getting cut apart as they pushed over the wall onto the mercenaries. \n\nThese two groups have been at it twenty five years now always slipping out of our grasp the last minute into the shadows. Only to pop up again far out of our reach well that isn't going to happen on American soil twice. Below the assault reached its climax the wave dragging and smashing the outnumbered elites onto the ground blood staining the ground red in their blood.\n\nSwiftly I pressed my hidden earpiece a dull beep inaudible in the slaughter below \"*This is eagle teams are green.*\" \"Proceeding\" in all four corners of the inter section's windows, doors and glass slammed outwards, the group too focused internally to notice. In a split second all hell broke loose as the four CIA fire teams opened fire turning the slaughter into a meat grinder.\n\n.\n\nCarefully I pulled back from the edge and pulled out my service pistol watching as the two groups dissolved. Absolutely awful inhuman screams and bloody war cries filled the air ending seconds after the brutal ambush. \"Targets are KIA your orders sir?\" \"*Pull back and set up security but let the press get a good view*\" \"Roger \" \n\nWithin three seconds the teams poured out of their positions, weapons raised and scanning the pile as I stood up. Quickly I walked down the small flight of stairs and out of the hotel lobby noting the few staff and civilians hiding inside. This is a crushing victory against two hostile groups. I'm going to get that promised promotion for sure.\n\nNonchalantly I walked over to the carnage inspecting the single elite not covered in a carpet of bodys. A ting of blue catching my eye as I strolled over the unnatural color pooling out of the armored figures visor as I flipped it over with my foot. That's not normal. The $@$% is this. Carefully I removed the helmet trying in vain to prevent the collapsing tissue from falling in on itself.\n\n.\n\nHissing air escaping from the broken seal as I removed the casing only to have a grey alien visage returning my gaze."
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[WP] You're a therapist, but not a normal one. People come to you, and your job is to agree with everything they say, and make them feel like you mean it. This leads into some interesting situations.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 not sure if I should kill my wife, Doc.\"\n\nI am a statue. \n\n\"It's just the way she *breathes*, Doc. I just want her to stop already.\"\n\nI am the devil on his shoulder. \"I agree.\" \n\n\"Do you, Doc?\"\n\n\"I want what you want.\"\n\n\"So you think I should kill her? Or are you just saying that?\"\n\n\"I want you to do whatever it takes to make yourself happy.\"\n\n\"Alright, Doc. I'ma kill her. Tonight.\" \n\n\"I'll miss you though.\"\n\n\"Huh?\"\n\n\"You...do know you're going to prison afterwards, don't you?\"\n\n\"I don't want to go to prison.\"\n\n\"I don't want you to, either.\"\n\nWe sit in silence. Two statues watching time skip by.\n\n\"I- I don't think I'm going to kill my wife after all, Doc.\"\n\n\"Are you sure?\"\n\n\"I don't want to go to prison. That's for sure.\" He looks away, then thinks of something and grins. He shares it with me. \"Maybe one day, after you're done with all this therapy business, we can team up and kill her together.\"\n\n\"I would love nothing more,\" I lie."
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[WP] It's 2069 and to celebrate 100 years since the original moon landings, America sends another astronaut to the moon, only to discover the American flag has long since been replaced.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 new flag simply reads \"Nice\"\n\nOn this day the world is dumbfounded but behind every 60 hertz monitor in the world a gamer snickers, behind every setup from 2010 a troll grins and behind every iPhone screen a normie lols\n\nBelow the large bolded word a statement reads in small text in the bottom left corner\n\n\"We are reddit and we are legion if you can see this region it's automatic this meme made with mematic\"\n\nThe President reads a pre written script from his teleprompter clearly resisting the urge to go on a tangent.\n\nPeople of America it is official. \nThe future of spaceflight will be decided in this year of 2069 to belong to the private space industry. Many years ago before our brave astronauts set out to the stars a \"subreddit\" on the popular social media website known as Reddit collaborated in secret to give a group of university rocketeers nearly unlimited funds via Bitcoin and other e-currencies. They successfully used this money to build a rocket capable of going to the moon and did it for the express purpose of the \"memes\"\n\n*He sighs heavily \n\nCongratulations, memers of America\n\nThe broadcast is shown around the world played endlessly in bars and on television as pundits praise redditors. Suddenly being a redditor is popular and normies flood the subreddits. Some redditors with high karma get girlfriends.\n\nElon Musk is awarded a giant government contract to colonize mars and military spending is slashed to give him the budget. With the new money he employs Americans across the nation with great benefits and a new generation is created from the GenZ cohort, the Space Engineers named after the videogame who volunteer gladly to colonize the moon and mine it for resources and do construction work. Hundreds die in the harsh environment but the moon is a new home for humanity among the stars.\n\nThe end"
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[WP] A park ranger is introduced to the dryads who will help oversee a new nature preserve.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"Ready for your ori-en-tate-ion, here newbie?\", Rick said Orientation like it was some fancy foreign word, that was above my intelligence level to have heard before\n\n\"Ain't my first time on firewatch, and I've got my G.E.D, so if you'd kindly piss off.\" I retorted.\n\n\"Heh. Well now, ain't you a learnt one. Well, this forest is a lil' bit different. These trees have some other care takers too you know? I know you think I'm the head honcho around these parts, but really I just report to the tree's and the forests helpers take care of the rest. Let me show you.\" He said this with a grin taking up half his smug face, then he went over to a tree and laid his palm on the bark.\n\n\"What kinda prank you tryin' to pull now? I'm not *that* gullible you kn-\"\n\n\"Will you shut your damn pie hole and let me focus.\" Rick spat back.\n\nnot a second later I heard the leaves on the tree he was touching shuffle, and the sound of many live branches bending. Before I knew it, the tree's leaves and twigs outlined a humanoid, a woman, for despite the small, no more than three foot stature, the age in the 'body' and the pride the showing was palpably older.\n\nThe wind blew and carried words, \"Du yeu swair to serve Gaia?\", her voice, if a voice was the right word, was thick like honey but each vowel sounded as if she spoke with a tongue of venom.\n\nI froze. At least, my body did. But there was an internal instinct. Something deep in me that I did not recognize. In that moment it took over and with a strong voice and deep nod I said \"I do.\"\n\nAt that moment two pale, nude women, each with small horns and one dark skinned nude man with bark like fibers growing on his arms came out from behind the trees further back and walked forward, unashamed.\n\nThe older of the two women spoke, her voice the same as that of the apparition in the tree, which had since dispersed. \"Thank yew,\" her voice did carry less of a threat now, though I could still feel the power she radiated. \"We are the Dryads of this forest which stretches for many a horizon's passing. We are few in numbers compared to the nights past. Many toxins your people produced, many harms done to us. But we are forgiving to those like you. To those that have the instinct to protect our lands. To those that are not, well, we simply ask that you let us chose when to eat well.\"",
"The beautiful women in the trees were not figures of my imagination. They were in fact real... and they were very mad at me.\n\nThe tallest one, with her brown hair and clear face, lowered her brow and started shouting, \"Are you listening to me!?\"\n\n\"Yes. Yes I am, but can you start over?\"\n\n\"Start over?! You little...\" one dryad in the distance started, \"I should...\"\n\n\"Calm down Amelia, let me explain to the incompetent park ranger.\" the leader interrupted, \"I'm sorry. I lost my temper there. Let's start over. Hello, my name is Leila, and we are very upset with the state of this forest. We think you should make it into a preserve\"\n\n\"Go on.\" I said while scratching my brown hair. \n\n\"There seems to be some loggers nearby, am I correct?\"\n\n\"Yes, there are.\" I answered while scratching my thin neck. Something felt off with me.\n\n\"We would like them gone. We've already lost one of our sisters to them-\"\n\nA shrewd wail sounded from Amelia in the distance, \"Poor Allison! You were so YOUNG!\"\n\nLeila began again, \"...and we aren't afraid of endangering your visitors.\" \n\n\"Okay- wait what did you just say?.\" I scratched my chest. My body started to get itchier. The itchy sensations were now sizzling and then they started to burn, \"I'm! I'm on fire!\"\n\n\"Amelia!\" Leila screamed, \"Stop!\"\n\n\"No!\" Amelia shouted, \"They killed Allison!\"\n\nMy skin started to turn a sunburn red and bloodied cuts from all of my scratching were starting pour blood. The lungs in my chest were ballooning while my heart started to suffocate.\n\n\"AMELIA! STOP!\" Leila shouted.\n\n\"NO!\"\n\nLeila snapped her fingers and one of Amelia's branches caught fire. She screamed in agony.\n\n\"STOP IT! I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!\"\n\nThe cuts on me stopped bleeding and my lungs returned to normal. I collapsed on the floor.\n\nThe fire was quickly put out with another snap from Leila while Amelia cried about her burnt branch.\n\n\"I hope you'll hear us out.\" Leila said, \"We really don't want to kill everyone.\"",
"\"This will be your partner until you get your feet under you. Franklin, meet Epigaea.\"\n\n\nI leaned forward to shake the hand of the small woman my boss Charlie had introduced me to. She smiled shyly behind her green hair.\n\n\n\"Please, call me Eps, only Charlie and my mother use my full name.\" She whispered.\n\n\n\"Nice to meet ya Eps. You can call me Frank.\"\n\n\nHer skin was nut brown and rough. She might have looked small, but she was clearly an experienced ranger.\n\n\n\"Epigaea's family are the ones who set up this nature preserve.\" Charlie told me as he began checking and sorting the boxes of equipment. \"They've been fighting the locals for decades about it, but with the Old Grove initiative they've finally been able to reclassify these lands.\"\n\n\nCharlie tossed me and Eps the walkie talkies he finally found then returned to rummaging.\n\n\n\"Need any help with those?\" I asked while clipping the walkie to my belt.\n\n\n\"No, I got this. Epigaea is going to introduce you to the rest of the family.\" He said waving us away. \"Go on now, I'll sort this stuff and start making kits.\"\n\n\nEps led me out of the new park office. She held the walkie rather than attaching it to her clothes. Once she was sure I was following, she began a brisk pace straight into the woods.\n\n\nThe trek was hard, but this was why I had gotten into this work. The forest smelled clean, the sun barely made it through the thick canopy, and the sounds of birds and animals echoed through their branches. I had a little trouble keeping up with Eps, but I never quite lost sight of her.\n\n\nWe eventually found ourselves deep in the woods. It was becoming more difficult to get through the brush, and I began to wonder where the hell Eps was taking me. She finally stopped when she reached a large clearing.\n\n\nIt was a good thirty feet across, and the only place I had seen any kind of opening in the canopy. In the center was, of all things, an olive tree. We definitely were not in an area for olive trees. As far north as we were, the cold rainy winters alone should have killed it.\n\n\nBut there it was, standing tall and it had definitely been here a long while. I eyed the ground we were on, but didn't see any signs that Eps' family had disturbed the ground. There was no irrigation for the summer or sloping to prevent over moisturizing during the winter. No signs of soil variation from the rest of the woods. I was about to ask Eps what was up when she approached the tree.\n\n\n\"Grandma, the new guardian is here!\" She chirped excitedly at the tree. \"Charlie says he has a good feel about this one!\"\n\n\nI was about to ask what was going on when an older woman stepped out of the tree. She hadn't been in the branches and stepped out, no. She had come out of the trunk of the tree. I was about to ask how the hell she did that when she stalked up to me and grabbed my jaw.\n\n\nThe woman had a vice like grip. I tried to pull away, bit she just held on and dragged my face down to hers. I was nearly bent in half as she was maybe four foot and I was well over six. Her skin was dark brown, her hair and eyes were green, and she didn't look old enough to be anyone's grandmother.\n\n\nAs I tried to protest, she began speaking.\n\n\n\"Good teeth, seems strong enough to help with clearing the dead, and he seems to see me clearly.\" The woman dictated. \"You have witch blood boy?\"\n\n\n\"What? No, what do you mean witch blood?\" I managed to get out before she turned, ignoring me.\n\n\n\"Seems a bit slow. Have you shown him to your mother yet?\"\n\n\n\"No, after the last one I decided to bring him to you first.\" Eps replied.\n\n\n\"That damn girl.\"\n\n\nI was having trouble placing the woman's accent. It was vaguely familiar, but I couldn't quite figure it out. I was about to demand answers when she grabbed the front of my shirt, dragged me down to her level again, and kissed me.\n\n\nIt tasted like the forest smelled. Old wood, moss, and morning dew. When she let me go, I gasped and fell onto my ass. Before I could complain, she began walking back to the tree.\n\n\n\"That'll keep your mother and sisters in line for now. You'll need to find a more permanent solution.\" She called to Eps then stepped back into the tree.\n\n\n\"What the hell!?\" I yelled at Eps. \"What was that all about?!\"\n\n\n\"That was Grandma Chrysopeleia. Technically, she's my Great Grandma. She came to America after her husband died, and brought my mother with her.\" Eps replied and helped me up. She was as strong as her grandmother. \"Mom has been... problematic for awhile now. I brought you here to make sure you had a fighting chance.\"\n\n\n\"What do you mean by a fighting chance?! What the hell did I get myself into? What was that shit about witch's blood?!\"\n\n\n\"You were able to see her clearly. It's why Charlie hired you. He goes to those job fairs specifically to find people who can see us when we're trying to hide.\"\n\n\n\"What. The. Hell. Is. Going. On.\" I said slowly and clearly. \"What. Do. You. Mean?\"\n\n\nI was beginning to get angry, and Eps was looking embarrassed.\n\n\n\"Look, so there's a lot of things in the world. Things that are sentient but aren't human. My family is one of them.\"\n\n\nI stared at her, and she shifted from foot to foot.\n\n\n\"You're all insane. I got a job with crazy people.\" I said as I stood up.\n\n\nThat had pissed Eps off. I know because she had strode forward as I was trying to get up, grabbed me by my hair, and began dragging me through the forest. I yelled and protested, tried to fight free, but she had an iron grip on me. She was also complaining loudly.\n\n\n\"I am not crazy. I am tired of being the one sent out to deal with this.\" She growled, a dangerous tone in her voice. \"There's fucking twenty of us girls, and who always get the shit jobs? Me. Go meet the new ranger Epigaea. Show him around Epigaea. Oh we can't have your sisters do it, they don't have nearly your control Epigaea. Fucking Maeneds.\"\n\n\nShe was dragging us deeper into the forest. I finally tried yelling for help, but doubted it would come. I swore I saw... things, following us. They were laughing at us, stalking us. When one tried to leap at us, Eps stopped and grabbed it faster than I had ever seen anyone move. She grabbed the thing by the scruff of its neck and began beating it against the ground, yelling with every hit.\n\n\n\"I! AM! TRYING! TO! DO! A! JOB!\" She yelled, the creature yelping in pain. \"YOU! TOUCH! HIM! YOU! DIE!\"\n\n\nWhen she was done, she tossed the creature back into the woods. It scrambled to its feet and bolted.\n\n\n\"Anyone else?!\" She yelled into the forest.\n\n\nThings crept, slithered, hopped, and flew away as quickly as they could.\n\n\n\"You, get up.\" She growled at me.\n\n\nI slowly rose to my feet, hands up in surrender.\n\n\n\"Follow me.\"\n\n\nI swear we walked further than what was covered by the reserve. It was evening before we reached where we were going.\n\n\n\"Frank, my family. Guys, this is Frank. Charlie hired him as a Park Ranger. He's met Grandma mom, so don't try it.\"\n\n\nShe then huffed over to a willow tree. The tree moved, extending a branch down for her to sit on. I stared, mouth open, as it happened. Then her family stepped out of the trees.\n\n\n[My Musings](https://www.reddit.com/r/HorrorHMDMusings?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share)"
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[WP] Your parents entrusted you with a curious coin, telling you to protect it no matter what before they passed. You have no idea what it is for. Some time later, a monster came after you, saying that they needed that coin. You refuse to give it to them.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 mean this coin?\"\n\n\"Cut the bullshit tiny this is your only chance. Put it in my hand or I tear you up.\"\n\nMy line of bullshit was a fuse and this axe wielding orc SOB across the table was about to hit the end of it. The end being his teeth around my decapitated head. \n\nMy thoughts spewed \" data need data must survive keep coin run faster be very afraid. Orcs data mean ugly big fuck everyone Gruumsh strong, endurant, nomadic but not regularly. DING. Orcs not fast.\n\n\"Ok coin's in my boot one sec.\"\n\nHis Axe cut through the air fast enough to give bullets a heart attack. If I hadn't already been leaning down it would've taken my brain instead of just the tip of my ear. \n\nPain and Adrenalin romanced in my head while I grabbed the table legs and tipped it toward the orc. Cover. Just enough to subdue his arm while I pushed it between us and and ran past toward the door."
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[WP] Nine out of ten people are psychics. You are the opposite of a psychic. Nobody can read your mind, and you can't read anyone else's.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 flipping through my coach's playbook. I had spent all evenings this season in my college gym honing my badminton techniques. All I needed to do now was revise the strategies from the playbook - I wanted to have an extra edge in this final. The cash prize was 10,000 - I could use it to pay my college fees and rent for the next semester. Looking back, it had become relatively easy to earn money through mastering and playing inter-college badminton tournaments after I discovered that I was an anti-psychic. Sports had been restricted to anti-psychics since the time people had evolved to read each others minds. As the starting bell rung, I checked my racket for the final time and jogged towards the court.\n\n\nI wiped the grip of my racket against my shirt, my hands were sweating. Second match had been tiring as I scampered around the court while Hingx deftfully smashed, dropped, sliced the shuttlecock. Now I needed to win this third decider match. Thankfully I had won the first match, but I was surprised at the footwork of Hingx in the second match. No doubt that she was skilled, but there was something more to her play than just skill. It was almost as if she could anticipate all my moves.\n\n\nI was now skateboarding home. Today I didn't bother to slide the skateboard against the park bench on the way. 21-11 loss was impossible, I hadn't lost that badly since I started coaching from the college instructor. After reaching home I went straight to my computer to read about possible mind reading of anti-psychics. More than six hours had passed when I started with a jolt because of my phone vibrating on the table. It was a text message - \"I'm moving across states next week. If you're curious about the match today, meet me outside the town hall at midnight - Hingx.\"\n\n\nEDIT: Feedback/critique welcome.",
"And these \"nine to ten people\" are hunting those whom their mind couldn't be read, because of these psychics people have insecurities over something they don't know and they can't control. Several years passed with a lot of bloods in their hands already, it turns that these psychic people build their own empire. An empire above all nations. And the 'one of ten people' that left finally established an underground network for finding each other. Those whom left mostly live with fear, living like rats avoiding any contact with the 'upper world' (through well spread tales and legends), and there is this ordinary girl whom have the most outstanding curiosity among any other boys and girls. Based upon her curiosity, she even started questioning her existence at that very young age, and the extraordinary journey finally met its destiny to start.",
"There it was. That knock of the day. The solid thud, thud, thud on the oak door of my office was music to my ears, or at least would be if last night's scotch wasn't thud, thud, thudding my temples.\n\n\"Mr. Delore? Mr. Delore it's quite urgent that I speak with you!\"\n\n It's always urgent that they speak to me, no matter what problem, no matter how inane. At least the pay was usually good. \"Just a minute!\" I barked, not meaning to be rude yet also not having anything in the realm of grace with a non-psychic hangover still river dancing in my brain.\n\nCrossing the room with sluggish steps I pulled open the door widely, and with an ungodly amount pouring into the room from my mistake I reached my hand out and grasped wildly in front of me. Feeling my hand brush a suit jacket was not expected but comforting as I quickly grabbed and pulled through the threshold, closing the door swiftly afterwards.\n\n\"Agghh! Mr. Delore?! Are you quite alright?\" English tinge to his voice, light but noticeable, Londoner for sure. Common in New New York, especially after the psychic craze back in 2007, non-psych extremists started eliminating whole groups of psychics across the world. Parliament in London was slaughtered in a day, almost all of wall street here in hours.\n\n\"Mr. Delore? I need to speak to you, it's about a...\" \n\n'Case? Yes I know, how can I help?'\n\n\"You know? But your card said...\" Pulling a business card out of his jacket pocket he exposed his dress shirt a bit more. Sweat stains, not ironed, plus it doesn't go with the tie. He has been focused lately, not even home if the lack of cologne provides that fact. Too much of an expensive suit for Psych Sec, the cities finest in psychic crime, so he has to be stocks. A hedge fund boy, easy to figure out even without..\n\n\"...that you were a \"special\" investigator\" Handing the card over there my name was in bold ink \"James Delore P.S.I.\" Chuckling slightly I flip the card where in fine print in the bottom read \"Psych-Silent Investigator\" along with my office's address as a psychic imprint. A nice gift from a rather grateful client.\n\n\"I am, simply a figure of speech. What ails you? A cheating lover? Partner made off with your interest money? Check on an old flame perhaps?\" Not that he looked much like the social type, since the psychic mutation quickly dominated the majority of the worlds population many become real shit talkers. I mean they think \"what's the point\" when they just constantly read the other person's mind and respond in their head. Many social graces of topics and concepts that were once taboo have long been gotten over as such things simply popped into somebodies head at the wrong place and/or time.\n\n\"Actually it's much more complicated than that. You see a few days ago someone attempted to murder me\" How bout that, it's been a long while since I've dealt with a violent case. \n\n\"And? Shouldn't you or someone else have picked up on their mind and you know? Read it? Seems like a Psych Sec problem.\"\n\n\"That's just it Mr. Delore, it's not that I didn't read his mind. It's that I couldn't. Just like yours.\"\n\nOh shit, despite 10% of the worlds population being non-psychs only .6% of that are even close to something like me. Psych-Silents are incredibly rare in the world but insanely coveted but corporations, governments and even movie studios. Such rarity creates a form of stardom, you become famous or covert when your mind is an uncrackable safe. Though many distrust such people for not having a literal \"open mind\" if they can't know what you're thinking then you're dangerous. Hence the government snatching many up in contracts as agents, extortion I say. A murdering one is bad, especially if i end up in his crosshairs.\n\nHiding the building anxiety of the now revealed revelation I ask \"Do you know why someone would try and kill you Mr....?\"\n\n\"Renegew and yes I know exactly why.\" \n\n\"That is?\"\n\n\"Mr. Delore if I divulged such a secret I would that have to have you killed\" I looked him up and down again, he was standing straighter and had a sharp look in his eye, he was good, used to this game. I could feel him at the edges of my mind, looking for a way in and not finding a single crack to chip. Someone trying to read me always felt like going up in a plane, like I needed to pop my ears but never could. Everyone who read said it sounded like tv static but turned up to 11. He wasn't even flinching though.\n\nDefinitely not stocks then, business man no, Business owner. CEO of a big block that someone wants to see burn, foriegn or even our government, hell maybe even a rival company with money to burn. A twirling web of intrigue.\n\n\"If you don't want to catch your attempted killer that's fine with m...\"\n\n\"There is one name I will give you, Lacey Peterson\"\n\n\"The CEO of PharmaPsych? Why her?\"\n\n\"She's the one who ordered the hit. Before you ask either, no it wasn't a court sanctioned read but I saw the memory clear as day Mr. Delore and I need you to find out physically.\" Or maybe not web of intrigue.\n\nHe was right, memory reads could be faked and were laughed at in court unless sanctioned by a judge for a federal Delver to be brought in. This is going to require some wet wor...\n\n\"I'll also be hiring you for 10 times your hourly so I know expenses will not be a problem. There is much appreciation in my heart Mr. Delore, please do work quickly. I don't want to die so soon.\"\n\nThe man left in few strides before I even could accept but at $10,000 an hour how could I deny.\n\nBut what the fuck did I just get myself into?"
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[WP]Humanity, growing too populous for it’s homeworld, began colonizing other worlds. First Mars, then the moon, and then a ship was sent to a nearby system. When we arrived, however, we found farms, factories, and towns all being worked automatically, with no sign of any former inhabitants.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Entry #541 \n\\- Walter Temps, Generation Ship '*Pursuit*'\n\nThe place is completely empty. Well, not completely.\n\nThere is a variety of plantlife, refer to Bio Entry #54 for a list of extracted plants. But there are also fields of grain crop, with similar properties to wheat- However, bizarrely there only seems to be autonomous robots harvesting from the fields.\n\nThere was definitely something here before, though. There are houses, completely bare. No furniture or anything that suggests living and breathing biological life forms though.\n\nWe've continued to wear our suits when on the outside, as suggested by our superior on the mother ship orbiting the planet. We're still unsure if the atmosphere is safe for us, as there isn't, as already mentioned, any signs of living and breathing biological life forms. 'Aliens'.\n\nWe will keep you posted on any new incidents.",
" \n\nMichael narrowed his eyes. The bottle was just out of reach. \n\nEvery morning since the scouting party had arrived, the luxury hotel had restocked itself. Fifty poolside chairs arranged exactly three feet apart. Cheap white tables hosting fifty bottles of refreshing beer positioned an arm’s length away.\n\nHad something changed? \n\nGroaning, Michael reached for the bottle a second time … and failed. Exhausted by an unexpected surge of effort, he stifled a yawn and reeled in his heavy limb. He had little desire to adjust his position. \n\nRoutine had long since set in. Lunch would arrive in an hour, dropped from a fleet of autonomous drones onto the end of his lounge chair. He would not be required to leave his post until dinner appeared in the hotel’s grand dining hall. An undisturbed sleep would follow. \n\nThen, the next day in paradise would begin. It was a glorious cycle from which he had no desire to ever escape...\n\nA familiar and unwanted voice aroused him from his morning nap. \n\n“What do you want?” he hissed. “Can’t you see that I’m busy?” \n\n“Busy? Don’t you know what day it is, soldier?” \n\n“It doesn’t matter what–”\n\nMichael found himself on the ground, the lounge chair awkwardly positioned atop his body. Diane observed him with hard eyes. For some reason, the dictatorial woman had donned her flight gear. It was only as he crawled out from beneath the chair that revelation struck. \n\n“It can’t be,” he sighed, slowly rising to his feet. “Already?” \n\n“Two hundred days tomorrow. No causalities. No illnesses. No severe weather or natural disasters caused by our arrival. Most importantly, no signs of domestic life. We need to be beyond the atmosphere of this planet by sunset to intercept the jump-ship and make our return to Earth.” \n\nMichael frowned. “What about everyone else?”\n\n“Everyone except you and Rodger are on board,” Diane replied flatly. \n\n“Then go and fetch him first. I’ll be here when you get back.” \n\nThe woman shook her head. \n\n“Fine,” Michael relented. He walked to the nearest table, took the chilled bottle from its surface and twisted off the top. “Lead the way, Captain.” \n\n​\n\nStruggling to think, Michael watched the picturesque countryside blur by. The surfaceship was earth-made. Powered by solar energy, it could effortlessly traverse any terrain. The ships they had found in the planet’s factories were far superior, but Diane refused to interact with alien tech. \n\n“We don’t have to leave, you know.” He avoided the captain’s glare with a well-timed swallow of beer. “If we miss the rendezvous, they’ll assume the planet killed us all. No one will come looking.” \n\n“Have you forgotten our mission, soldier?” \n\nMichael shrugged. “Why not leave me behind then? I’ll make sure whoever built this place doesn’t resurface while you guys are gone.” \n\n“Because something is wrong with this world.” \n\n“What do you mean?” \n\n“When was the last time you exercised, soldier? The last time you cleaned your weapon? The last time you even took inventory of your surroundings?” \n\nWhen, he didn’t respond, Diane snatched the half-empty bottle from his hands and tossed it into the cavernous space behind them. “You’re not the only one. However, the others weren’t nearly as bad. Mal was the only one who couldn’t leave under her own power.” \n\nMichael raised his brow. “What did you do to Mal?” \n\n“Nothing she won’t recover from. I had Trey escort her back to the ship.” Diane reached into the weapon’s cache between them and extended him a rifle. “Mal was the third furthest from the ship. You were the second. Rodger's farm is our most distant outpost. Prepare yourself, soldier.”\n\n​\n\nMichael wearily exited the surfaceship and labored to catch up to the captain’s long strides. Inexplicably, the standard-issue rifle felt foreign in his hands. Looking down the sight, he found his vision to be blurred. He could barely close his fingers around the stock. \n\nThe surrounding area was pleasantly silent. A windmill spun lazily in the distance, rising above the uniform rows of crops like a sentry made of brick. \n\nThe soldier frowned, glancing at the manicured lawn to either side of the dirt path leading to the quaint farmhouse ahead. “You’re worrying for nothing, captain. This place is harmless. Whatever was here before us is long gone.”\n\n“You were too busy sitting by the pool to question where they’ve gone.”\n\n“I’d wager it was some sort of disease.” \n\n“You actually believe that a species capable of constructing a fully automated world would allow themselves to be killed off by a disease?” Diane turned as they reached the door to the farmhouse. “If I hadn’t flipped over your chair, you wouldn’t have left it. This place would’ve claimed you.” \n\n“Claimed me?”\n\nWithout responding, the captain opened the door and disappeared within. Michael released the safety on his weapon, then followed. \n\nThe solider found Diane staring out an open window into the field of crops beyond. \n\nA man stared back at them, a warm smile upon his face, vines ensnaring his limbs. The color had long-since drained from his skin, and his boots had sunken into the ground. Before him was a picnic table piled high with spoiled produce. \n\nDiane turned to leave. “I won’t risk trying to recover the body.” \n\n“We can’t just leave him!” Michael shouted, heart suddenly racing. “Rodger is one of us!” \n\n“He knew the risks. This world is a honeypot. We need to leave before it’s too late.” Diane summoned him with a wave of her hand. “That is an order, soldier.” \n\nMichael tore his eyes away from the dead man and followed. \n\n​\n\nr/creatorcorvin"
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[WP] You are most definitely the chosen one, no doubt about it. When you go to claim Excalibur, instead of pulling the sword from the stone, you pull the sword AND the stone. Confused, you consult the lady of the lake.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"After the short climb up, I saw the magnificent sword stuck to a stone right at the peak of the hill. I pulled the sword. I felt it move. With great effort, I close my eyes, grit my teeth and lift it above my head.\n\nThe Excalibur is a hundred times heavier than I expected. But when I open my eyes. I realize why it is so heavy. The huge stone is still on the sword! \n\n\"The chosen one capable of wielding the Excalibur shall become the new king.\"\n\nI've memorized the royal will words by words. It's my life goal. I left my hometown, my family, my friends, for the sake of my ambition. \n\nBut how can I wield it if it's still stuck in the stone. With the massive strength that I've been born with and trained since childhood, I repeatedly lift the Excalibur and smash the stone to the ground. The ground cracked everytime I smash the stone, but both the stone and Excalibur seems fine without neither a dent nor a scratch.\n\nBut I'm not going to give up. I've suffered so much and sacrificed a lot to reach this point. I went at it for hours, beating the stone clad Excalibur to the rocky ground. Dust fills the air and day turned to night as I finally colapsed from exhaustion. Yet the stone is still firmly stuck to Excalibur.\n\nI climb out of the crater I made on the ground with Excalibur in my hands. Feeling defeated but unwilling to admit it, I dragged the Excalibur with the stone still stuck to it towards the lady of the lake's little home.\n\nTo my surprise, the lady of the lake, the overseer of Excalibur is waiting for me under the moonlight. \n\n\"O lady of the lake, what is the meaning of this?\" I lift the Excalibur with the one tonne stone still stuck to it, confused.\n\n\"The chosen one capable of wielding the Excalibur shall become the new king. Congratulation, you're the new king!\" She recite the royal will.\n\n\"How could I wield the sword when I can't remove that damn stone from it?\" I voice out my frustration.\n\n\"That is what people have been misunderstanding for centuries. I know it's design is very misleading, but Excalibur is not a sword, it's a war hammer!\"\n\nThe Excalibur is not a sword? Then what did I spent the last 10 years at the royal academy learning sword art for?\n\n\"Years of academy training wasted!\"",
"Today was the today. Finally, I was going to assume my rightful place. I knew I could do it. All I had to do was, with one smooth thrust, pull the sword out of the stone. I wrapped my hands around the hilt, feeling the crisp leather. With a deep breath, I yanked it.\n\nI felt the sword give way, getting closer to me. But there was something else… The stone!? The damn stone? I’m the *chosen one*. There should be no *stone*.\n\n“Oi, Lady of the Lake!” I yelled out, unsure if she could even hear me. But there she was, standing by my side. I gesticulated with the sword and stone. “What is this?”\n\n“That’s the stone in the stone. Once the chosen one comes along, he’ll pull it free and…”\n\n“I *know* all of that, you hag! Why else would I be trying to pull a stupid sword from a stone!?” I dropped the sword and let it slam into the ground. I flailed wildly with my hands as I talked, outraged. “I’m the *chosen one!* That sword should have *come out of the stone!* Why didn’t it?”\n\n“Listen, kid, I don’t make the rules, I just supply the swords and stones.” She got closer to me with each step until she was wagging her finger in my face. I could see each and every wrinkle of her old face. “If you don’t like it, you’re going to have to take it up with my manager, but I’m not gonna stand for this kind of abuse. Now, you can either pull the sword from the stone or not, but you can’t just stand there, I’ve got loads of customers waiting their turn!”\n\nShe gestured with her hand to the line of people behind me. Some of them were grumbling, others simply tapping their feet as they waited. Upset, I tried again, this time *firmly* planting my foot on the stone. No way I was going to let some stupid stone keep me from my destiny.\n\nBut still, I felt the stone coming with the sword. *That is* ***not*** *supposed to happen!*\n\n“Lady of the Lake, what kind of scam are you running here?” She let out an exasperated sigh and put her hands on her hips. “This thing is broken, I want a new one.”\n\n“Kid, you obviously aren’t the chosen one. You guys are the ones who wanted to form a government around some lady in a lake handing out swords, not me, so you can just suck up whatever drawbacks come with it. It’s not like I *asked* to be the one responsible for choosing your kings.\n\n“*’Oh, look at us, we’re so cool Britons, we need a sword in a stone to make sure we choose our king properly*.’ Well, maybe if you were SMARTER, you would know how to properly choose a king. Obviously not, and you’re obviously not the chosen one, so get going so that we might be able to find him.”\n\nFuming, I walked away, grumbling the whole way. Stupid stone. It had one job, and it couldn’t even do that right."
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[WP] Shooting a Zombie Flick after the Zombie Outbreak.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
" \"Listen..its the best thing Ever Derrick! I'm telling you, I've got planes, explosions, those little animstronic thing folks in to nowadays, some freak big tittie Zombie bitches, and Dogs yes Derrick dogs. Not just dogs Derrick but mutant dogs that eat babies and shit. COME ON Derrick, lean back close your eyes. In a waste land.....\"\n\n \"Umm...Brad can I ask why you're whispering?\"\n\n \"WELL Derrick you've have already ask the question, so I'll answer. Listen that what we call atmosphere in the industry Derrick, producer shit. Not your wheel house.[whisper] Now in a waste land..of what the people use to Call Earth. In a world filled with Hombies....\"\n\n \"HOMBIES, humans?? Ha! No zombie going to pay to see that Brad. Why would I pay for a movie about, meat. For the lack of a better word?\"\n\n \"WELL Derrick, if you'll let me finish I'll tell you why our Zombie community would love this. HOMBIES, are our future they going to takeover the world. They are making them right now over there on that island California. Weird shit man! Like beating hearts. Warm bodies, warm? I got a cousin who said he seen two Hombies walking down the street in Los Death two night ago. SCARED the shit out of him. SOOOO what I'm trying to do Derrick is get 2 mil from you guys so we, me, and you Derrick can show the world whats going on. GOING on right arcoss the Dead Ocean, and if we don't put a stop to it this [whisper] is our future.\"\n\n \"Brad I thinks that's a hard pass. Um for the last time can you not coming by the house like this you scaring the wife and kids Brad. They're terrified, you not the most put together these days. The bones, its the bones.\"\n\n \"Well Derrick, fuck you! I'll take my genius to someone who will appreciate it, and when the Hombies and their mutant dogs come and eat your babies don't act like didn't try to warn you, and make you rich at the sametime. You'll regret this Derrick, You'll regret this\"....\n\n-Fin"
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Thought of this fun WP while in lunch at work, cant wait to read what you got.
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[WP] You're retired, and thoroughly love your easy going job of cleaning crew quarters and mopping the flight deck. But your ships crew just found out you're the most renowned pirate in the 7 charted galaxies. Now they need your help, you're hesitant. . .
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"Sure the work is easy, sure it pays well but part of me misses the adventure. Part of me believes I deserve this, forced to clean up trash for a bunch of glorified delivery boys. ME! of all people, I've spent most of my life on the run, taking riches from assholes who did not deserve it. I ran a god damn empire, but the guilt it never leaves. It just sits inside of you, eating you, breaking you down, and is always in that spot in the back of your mind. It's the first thing people don't understand, I've taken lives and when you take life not only are you taking away everything that person had and will have, you remove that person from someone else's' life. I don't think I can go back to that life, I wanna be a better person while part of me misses that lifestyle. This is why I was furious when a couple of men came to me, saying they found my old wanted posters, my fake alias, they told me they would keep it a secret if only if I helped them. The assholes tend to rob Clark Colter, the biggest name of all the galaxies. He found a way to make a fortune and monopoly on the necessities of life , sure he may deserve it but could I risk going down that path once more? \"\n\n\n\n\nI plan on coming back this, I just wanted to get out a piece of dialogue I've had and get some feedback!",
"*Newbie*\n\nWhen they first enter the ship every new crew member wonders why there is an 70+ old lady doddering around. At first you are confused, but like most, don't want to highlight your newness, maybe this is common practice? Or a practical joke? \n\nYou keep half an eye on the bag of wrinkles: she makes tea, complains about her joints, knits in front of the space heater and naps peacefully in her chair throughout the turbulent pass through the meteor shower. On waking she chuckles softly at the mess left by younger 'stronger' stomachs, whistling heartily as she flips the kettle on and grabs her mop. \n\n.....................................................................................\n\n*Bag of Bones*\n\nI can't recall the last time I felt my feet on a planet. I have been aboard ships since before it was an 'easy occupation'. No matter the planet, or even space port these days. The close comforting surround of a ship is the only home she would ever want to know.\n\nWhen she was little she could rely on being cute and harmless to be dismissed, as she got older other more complicated masks needed to be worn. Now, as old as sin, she can go back to the simple mask of innocence. Or so she thought. \n\nI eyed the new recruit through the reflection on the tea kettle. He wasn't trying to be inconspicuous, that was a good thing. It means he doesnt *know* he just thinks there is *something to know*. She would never admit that she was in hiding. To her it was simple. A new life to live while casting off the consequences of her past. She had always lived with secrets so living as a secret wasn't so hard. It had been 37 years since she had been publicly known. \n\nShe shook her head and let go of the ghosts. This kid would never figure her out. Anybody who could identify her was long dead. She had made sure of that. But still. Old habits die hard.\n\n.....................................................................................\n\n*Newby*\n\nI dont know if it was the alarms or the crashing that woke me up. All I know now is that I am running towards the calamity, as I had been trained. I round the corner and slam into stock still bodies. Nobody was moving, they didnt make a sound. I tried to pry myself through the crowd then I heard it. Sounds of metal on bone and a shrill hissing. It couldn't be. \n\nAll feeling left my body as I looked at my frozen comrades. So we are all dead. I tried to feel anything at this but couldn't. From within the circle of onlookers a high pitched squeal vibrated through my bones. I turned my head and slowly step towards the centre. \n\n.....................................................................................\n\n*Bag of Bones*\n\n'Didn't see that coming did ya?' I loosen my spear from within the hulking mass. Green ooze is sliding down the shaft and onto my arm. I shake off the tatters of my cardigan and straighten up to my full height. I feel 30 years drop from my countenance as I stand. It takes a lot more energy to constantly stoop and limit my movements than be fluid like this. \n\nFucking filthy fucks! Attacking my ship!? In the dead of night. NOWHERE NEAR THEIR TERRITORY.\n\nA movement to my left catches my eye, I swing my spear around stopping just shy of decapitating the new guy. Crap. He stares at you wide eyed. Mouth opening like a fish. You can see the cogs spinning behind his eyes. \n\n.....................................................................................\n\n*Newby*\n\nYou cant believe what you have just seen. It cant be? Only one person has ever been able to defeat a Mitrok in hand to hand combat and from the piles of sludge it looks like she took down 6!? It can't be. She is imprisoned or dead or or something more than being a cleaner on a class 8 cargo ship! \n\nYou wake back to reality with a pair of small yet strong hands dragging you towards the escape pods. She looks back at you and you realise she is speaking. '-east 30 minutes before the backup comes in. Scouts travel ahead. If we make it out of this sector we will be home free-' \n\nThe realisation of what she is saying sinks in and I stand my ground. My voice cracks as I answer her unanswered question. 'No, I won't leave them to die'. She rounds on me and tugs my arm harder. \n\n\n.....................................................................................\n\n*Bag of Bones*\n\nWhat is with this kid? 'They are dead, all dead. Even if we 'saved' them. They will never wake up' I pull on his arm harder. Hoping that the shock doesn't fully ware off until I can get him in the damn transpo pod. \n\n'I said no' he growls as he rips his arm from me. The damn fool. They are gone. 'I know who you are' he is staring straight at me. \n'Maybe you do, doesn't matter who you are when you are dead. Now come on!' \n\nI reach for his arm but he shuffles back. 'I thought you never left anybody behind? I thought you saved people?' \n'Yeah, well. If you know who I am you know what I was before the War. Plus, its only the ones I saved that were around to tell the stories. Now come on or I will leave you! We can't do anything for those people'. \n\n 'I know. They need this cargo. It will be 9 months until another can be sent, 14 until they get the supplies. They cant live on the outer planet that long. We have to save them' he yells the last part as he runs off towards the bridge. \n\nI am getting too old for this shit. I shut the pod door and run after the fool.",
"The hum of the hyperspace engines made it difficult for First Mate Brad to hear the old man's words. \"Pardon?\" Jake said, \"I couldn't hear you.\"\n\n\"I said, 'Not chance.'\" The old man resumed mopping the hallway in front of engineering. Jake had been a fixture of the cruise ship the Dolly Parton for almost three years now. The old man had quietly joined the crew on an unremarkable planet, and kept to himself. He did not have many friends, though kept an expensive Earth parrot as his companion in the shared crew quarters. His spare time was spent in the ships hydroponics gardens, reading and feeling Pete the Parrot.\n\nIt had been only about a year ago when Brad realized who Jake really was. The newsnets had extolled the fact that the Jaquub D. Garcinus, the Scourge of the Seven Galaxies, had been executed. Brad had watched the livebeamed coverage from the Officer's lounge, with everyone else. As a spacefarer, he and pirates were fierce enemies. There were the stories of space marines jumping over to the other side and becoming pirates. Brad had never heard of anyone going the other way. If he hadn't seen it himself, he wouldn't have believed it.\n\nIt all came from Pete of course. Jake never talked much, but sometimes, that parrot would say strange strange things. The thing would ask people to, \"Surrender your cargo,\" or wish to \"Send people to hell.\" That had set Brad's intuition to 'itch mode.' With a little cosmetic tweaks and a leap of faith, Brad had decided for himself that Jake and Jaquub were the same.\n\nEqual amounts of terror of being right and terror of being wrong meant that Brad never acted on his suspicions. There simply was no point in doing so. The old man was a superlative janitor, and there was no telling what Jaquub would do if his cover was blown. He had been a crew member in good stead for years now. Brad did what he always did, and just left Jake alone.\n\nLeaving things alone was pretty much the hallmark of Brad's career. Whereas others fought hard to get promotion, Brad seemed to just fail upwards. Whenever his superiors would get promoted, executed or go missing, he was just promoted because he happened to be around. He had started as the Logistics Officer in charge of sanitation supplies. His one claim to fame was a 100% rate at keeping the toilets fully stocked with paper, all 1,542 of them. And this was how he had found himself as Acting Captain, with Captain Forrester in an induced coma due to some bad fish.\n\nWould that Brad had also eaten the bad fish, he wouldn't be in the current situation. An hour ago, deep space scanners registered a trio of raiders heading in hyperspace towards the Dolly Parton, and the three raiders were heading towards them fast. The Parton wasn't a slouch of a ship either, but even at full speed, the hyperspace engines could not outrun the raiders. The engines could only buy a bit of time, and there were no safe havens for the cruise ship to get to in time.\n\nThat is, not safe havens in Navy-regulated space. Within six hours of where they were, the crew believed that they could get to the former mining colony, Scepter-24. The colony was a small settlement on an asteroid. It used to be owned by the Dellior Corporation, and extracted rare trans-uranic metals to the commodities brokers nearby. That is until the so-called emancipation by the Council of Pirates. Now, Sceptre-24 was a free colony, where the only law was might. \n\nSome of the crew had suggested going straight to Sceptre-24 and asking for asylum. Brad chuckled at that idea. Everyone knew that just arriving at the colony planet would mean an auction - anything not claimed by a pirate empire was subject to Salvage Law. Whatever ships happened to be in space around the colony at time would race to claim the Dolly, and many lives would be lost. The Raiders were worse of course, where they'd just space everyone on the ship and take it to Sceptre-24 anyways. \n\nThis had given Brad an idea, which Jake was having none of.\n\n\"Look kid, I'm done with that,\" Jake said. He continued to mop and talk at the same time. \"I get it. People will die if I don't take over. People will die if I take over as well. People die all the time. Heck, I'm ready to die if it's all the same to you.\"\n\nJake considered a moment. \"And anyways, I'm not that guy anymore. I'm retired, and there's probably another Space Scourge Jaquub coming soon. I made sure to train up my replacement.\"\n\nBrad considered this, and thought about all of the movies he had seen over the years. Pirates tended to respect strength, and Brad was exhibiting none of this. What's the worry? Jake may have a huge reputation as a pirate, but he was also an old man. He had the look of someone in his 60s, but moved like someone in his 70s. Brad on the other hand was a young thirtyish. And he was strong from moving pallets of toilet paper around. \n\n\"Look, Jake. We can do this the easy way, or the hard way,\" Brad said. He tried to crack his knuckles, but no sound came out. \"I was trying to be nice to you, but you aren't leaving me any choice.\"\n\nJake considered. \"This is the easy way, huh?\" And then he turned in a moment towards Brad, and threw out a vicious sucker-punch. It struck Brad in the side of the chin, and knocked him to the ground. Jake flipped the mop around, and a few vicious blows later, Brad was unconscious. \n\n\"This way sure seemed easier for me.\"\n\nThe old janitor started dragging the unconscious body to the recycling vats, considering to himself how best to get lost in the crowd at Sceptre-24."
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[WP] There is a heaven. The Earth is hell. All souls must repeat a life until they live a life worthy of heaven. You get in an accident and the head trauma causes you remember every life you have lived and gives you the ability to recognize souls you’ve already encountered.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"I woke up from the coma, a coma that completely changed my life. It flashed before me, everything almost felt like a memory that came rushing into my mind, it was crazy.\n\nI stare blankly at the grey ceiling. My head hurts, everything is ringing. I remember, it was a car that crashed into me.\n\nThe year was 44BC, weird I remembered such a time. It was fond, we were at a theatre. I think it was a meeting of some sort, weird. I helped a group called “Liberators” and that day, we uhh… I couldn’t quite remember. It was fuzzy.\n\nAhh, my headache, it’s getting worse. Where was I before here, I think I was somewhere grand? I am slowly regaining consciousness. I can move my hands now but it is stuck.\n\nIt was June 28, a date where I couldn’t remember the year. Yet this was a memorable day. I was angry, insulted by what? I couldn’t remember. I remember feeling my heart sink as we lost an important opportunity for something. I went to take a snack for my day when the familiar car came by, I snapped out from my thoughts. My chance came and I did what I couldn’t quite remember.\n\nFuzzy, everything came out and it was very hard to remember. I found my hand chained onto something. I couldn’t move my hand further than 1 inches. My feet were slowly gaining consciousness too and it felt like I was also chained to something.\n\n I remember walking up the stairs onto the roof. I waited a long time, waiting for the man who will change history. I saw him, the man who was the face of a civil rights movement for which I hope to end. There were people around here, unaware of what will happen on such a day. And they will forever remember this day of what they have seen. I stood there, waiting for my chance when he got onto his balcony. Then everything faded.\n\nMy brain is getting more and more painful. It’s hard to remember but then the clinging of the keys woke me up.\n\n“You were a real trouble there, why did you do this on this fateful day?” a familiar voice said.\n\nI can only move my eyes, my body still unconscious, it was a shadowy man, which I found very familiar.\n\nHe walked toward until he was in front of me, so that I could clearly see his face. Him, he was in all I have remembered, he was so familiar, is it him?\nI tried to move my mouth but failed. He walked until he was right by my side.\n\n“We trusted in you yet you failed to protect this country, you failed and betrayed us.”\n\nI cannot remember who he is but it felt like I have met him before. At the last step of that man, I remembered that day, the day where I have been waiting for. I suddenly gained full control of my body and broke free of the chains.\n\nThe man stood no chance in defending himself.\n\n**”And what do you mean by meeting him before?”**\n\n*“I met him in my memory.”*\n\n--------\nThis is my first story, I don’t think I did fairly well so criticisms are appreciated and welcomed. I didn’t use heaven and hell cause I found this more interesting to write like this. Also the ending was pretty meh because I kinda wanted to make it felt like he killed the same person because it was the same soul from start to finish. Anyways, a lot can be improved and I hope you can suggest different things to help me improve. Thanks",
"Have you ever pinched your finger in a drawer, or stubbed your toe hard enough that you could feel your pulse underneath the budding bruise? Do you remember how, even though it was just a finger or toe, you couldn’t think past the invasive throbbing that seemed to last an eternity despite passing after only a few minutes? Can you take that unpleasantness, which barely borders on pain, and magnify it a hundredfold so that it is an all-consuming, tear-inducing, jaw-clenching ache? If you can, you may begin to imagine how my head feels in this moment. And the beeping certainly doesn’t help.\n\n“Turn it off,” I groan, swatting blindly at the air. There is something strange about my voice, but I am only lucid enough for this thought to exist for a brief moment before being overwhelmed by the pain.\n\n“Oh my god – he said something! Go get the nurse. *Go get her*.” The sheer volume of the outburst is intolerable. The booming words bounce around in my skull, wreaking havoc on each impact.\n\n“And for the love of God, *keep your voice down*,” I growl, “my head is *killing* me.”\n\nThere is a moment of silence before the voice returns, sounding uncertain: “… Brody? Hunny, Mommy’s here. Are you okay? Talk to me.”\n\nBrody? The name rings a bell, but it’s all jumbled up with other names. Other people. I endeavour to open my eyes, my eyelids slowly peeling apart and allowing a bright light to pierce the back of my skull. I shut them again quickly and cover my face with my hands. “Fuck!” I bark. “The lights, the beeping. *Please*.” I have registered only enough to determine that I am in a hospital room, and the incessant beeping is the machines monitoring my vital signs.\n\n“Brody!” the woman’s voice exclaims in shock, “where did you learn that language?”\n\nI can’t help myself. I roll my eyes behind still-closed lids, and that hurts, too. “Geeze, lady, give me a break. I don’t think my head has hurt this bad since…” I try to pinpoint the last time my head might have hurt this bad. Memories of head injuries flash through my mind, jumping from one to the next without any semblance of order. A buffalo jump accident on the plains. A particularly hard-hitting tackle playing football in Chicago. A trade disagreement resulting in a skirmish in Harappa. A fall due to a misplaced foot while collecting water from the Tigris. An incident with a careless co-worker while brick-laying. A cudgel to the skull fighting for Mentuhotep II. That last one was fatal. *Wait*.\n\nEverything seems to stop for a moment. My breath. My heart. Time. That’s when it hits me in a rush. I thought my head had hurt before; that was nothing compared to this new wave of devastation. I remembered.\n\nI *am* Brody. But I am, or was, also Ahanu of the Niitsitapi, Leo Herb of the Loyola Ramblers, Liaqat Karim Bangulzai of Harappa, John Smith (yes, really) of the Eastern District Masons, Henenu of Egypt, and many, many others. And not once in all of those lives had I been good enough, *done* good enough, to ascend and escape this hell. Here I am again, trapped in a body that will slowly fail me if I don’t get taken by violence or disease, first. The weight of it is overwhelming. “This is all wrong,” I say aloud, opening my eyes and ignoring the stabbing pain of the sound and light. “I’m not supposed to remember. Why do I remember?”\n\n“Brody, hunny, you’re scaring Mommy. Look at me.” Against my better judgement, I listen to her. “Don’t you recognize Mommy?” she asks, with panic in her voice. And I do. I do recognize her. She is Brody’s mother. But I can see that she was also Priya, the wife of a co-worker from another life with whom I had had an affair. Awkward to say the least. I’m definitely not calling her ‘Mommy’. “I know who you are, Margaret,” I tell her, and close my eyes again in an attempt to shut out the agony.\n\nI hear shuffling, and the creak of a door. “Oh thank god,” Margaret says in a shaky voice. “Something is wrong with him… he isn’t… he isn’t our Brody. Please help us.” She bursts into tears. I open my eyes to see Brody’s father – my father – at the door, and a nurse by my bed. I don’t recognize Brody’s father as anyone other than what he is, but I remember the nurse as man from the old tribes, again from another life. She had been a revered elder to our people. Now she is ‘Janice’, as her nametag proclaims. “Well hello, Brody,” she says to me in an overly happy voice. “How are you feeling? How is your head?”\n\n“It hurts. A lot.” I snap. “Well, don’t you worry, little man, we’re going to help with that,” Janice replies in sing-song. I frown at the ‘little man’ part before I remember something else. The reason my voice sounds so strange. Brody is six years old.\n\nAs Janice administers the pain medication, it suddenly occurs to me that this is my best chance. This time, I know the game. This time, I’m going to live my best life. Hope swells in my chest. I’m going to get out of here."
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[WP] The houses in your neighborhood are growing taller and nobody seems to question it.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"If you stand completely still you can hear the groaning of the houses. It's just like the wind or the rustling of the leaves. It's not only the creak of floorboards expanding but the almost splintering of beams in growing pains. You grow up in this town and learn never to question why.\n\nBill threw another blade of grass on the outskirts of our picnic blanket. The families of Marysville, Wisconsin were gathering once again for a banquet commemorating another summer of their pleasant and quiet town. Bill, only being eleven, was also quiet unlike his best friend Greg. The children in Marysville were known by the height of their houses and for Greg his house was notoriously the largest in the neighborhood.\n\n\"Mom won't even talk about the pipes bursting because the house is growing so fast!\" Greg's whispered was lowered in another tangent.\n\n\"It's because you're not suppose to,\" Bill hissed. His eyes darted to their mothers in their sundresses and hands occupied with dishes of casserole. Bill shuddered thinking of Greg's house. It was true his house grew the most. If you stared at the crown molding long enough you could almost see it elongate.\n\n\"I have a theory,\" Greg began and Bill rolled his eyes. \"Aliens.\"\n\n\"Last week it was because all the houses are haunted,\" Bill laid down on the blanket and closed his eyes. He was bored of Greg's conspiracy theories.\n\n\"That's still possible,\" Greg grumbled. \"Or! Or it could be because of this weird mold I've been reading about. It expands faster than any other mold and gets into the grains of the wood like termites!\"\n\nGreg's voice was growing louder and Bill opened his eyes in alarm. \"Greg, shut up.\" But Greg seemed not to hear him.\n\n\"Seriously, I think the windows are about to break! The house is getting gigan-.\" A large hand clamped down on Greg's shoulder.\n\n\"What are you boys talking about?\" The man's smile was friendly but his eyes were black with warning.\n\nGreg instantly fell silent. The man was his next door neighbor. An older gentleman with an even older house that was almost as huge as Greg's.\n\nHis neighbor smiles tightly, his beard surrounded around yellowed teeth. \"I suggest you two go out and play some football with the other children.\" Greg winced as the man squeezed his shoulder. \"Have a good day now.\" The man walked away in his Sunday best.\n\n\"Come over tonight.\" Greg insisted. Bill moaned inwardly. Memories of windows widening like eyes in horror and a red front door stretching like a scream crawled against his skin. Bill rubbed away the goosebumps.\n\n\"Fine. What time?\"",
"Numbers never lie.\n\n\nIt's a scientific fact. Numbers are consistent, reliant, and factual. Mathematical formulas, when applied correct, always gave the correct answer. There's a reason why numbers were considered the universal language of all humans. It was the one thing every nation can agree on.\n\n\nAt first I thought I made the mistake.\n\n\nSee, my three first step ladder has always served me. When I need to clean the fan on my ceiling, I bust out my ladder. Boom, clean surface. If I'm cleaning the top of my truck. Kapow, step ladder to the rescue. When I'm hanging my Christmas lights,well, I break out the six foot ladder. Bam, problem solved. \n\n\nExcept...except my three foot ladder is no longer high enough to clean the fans. I can't reach the ceiling corners to kill those pesky spiders that annoy me so much. I can't even reach the top shelf of the closet anymore.\n\n\nMaybe I broke the thing, I think as I examine it closely. Even though it's a stupid thought (look at the ladder, it's perfectly intact!) I decide to get the taller one. It fits perfectly and I'm able to touch the ceiling by stepping on the very topmost step. \n\n\nSo, if I'm five four and my ladder is six feet, it means the distance from the floor to the ceiling is more than eleven feet. But this is the thing. I live in a old house that was build when the standard distance was eight feet. \n\n\nI mention this to my significant other. They roll their eyes and tell me I'm not as smart as I think I am. \n\n\nOkay. Whatever, Tywin Lannister. I let it go.\n\n\nThe next time I'm cleaning, I notice something dark like a cockroach climbing up the wall. After screaming my head off and throwing my shoe at it, I realize it's not an insect. I still want it off my wall so I get the small ladder. I can't reach. I got get the big ladder from the garage. And guess what? Yep, I still can't reach it.\n\n\nThe cool neighbor on the right works in roofing. They have an even taller ladder. I power wash their side of the fence as a friendly gesture, surely they can't deny me the use of the eight foot ladder.\n\n\nI go outside and shudder in the shade made by my house. It's early morning but the sun usually shines on my lawn at this hour. I know because I specifically planted my sunflowers so they could get the most amount of sunlight throughout the day. I don't expect it to be this chilly in the summer.\n\n\nI shake it off. One mystery at a time, please.\n\n\n\"Hey dude, how's it going? You think I can borrow you're big ladder?\" I said as my neighbor is cleaning out his garage. It's weird that has enough space to park all four of his cars in his garage. And wow, he can even stack them up like bunk beds. (Wait.)\n\n\nMy neighbor nods. \"Sure, I got a four footer.\"\n\n\n\"No, I need the eight foot one. My six foot one is too short.\"\n\n\n\"Short? It can't be too short?\"\n\n\n\"It is.\"\n\n\n\"Did you extend the legs?\"\n\n\nThis douchebag. Of course I made sure it was extended.\n\n\nMy neighbor shrugs. \"A'ight. A'ight. Can you carry it by yourself?\"\n\n\nI nod. \"Yeah. I got it.\"\n\n\nI look up into his garage. He has red tape all around the walls. \"What's that?\"\n\n\n\"Huh, the marks? Oh, my brother, the metalworker, he's going to build me more ramps to store my work cars. I'm expanding the business you know.\"\n\n\nThe numbers...they don't add up. \n\n\nI've already established I'm a little more than five feet tall. (I can see over the top of sedans, can't see a top of trucks or SUV's.) Pretending all cars are five feet high, which we know they are not, my neighbor has two cars stacked and if you give yourself about another foot of separation to stack them, that's a garage of at least twelve feet high. And this guy wants to fit another level? Who's heard of a eighteen foot garage ceiling? Obviously, this is just the minimum requirement. You definitely need more height than that to pull of a three story garage in your own home. The worst part is that I think the level of cars could actually fit inside his monstrous home.\n\n\nThis place is seriously not up to code.\n\n\nI went back home carrying the eight foot ladder with me. \n\n\nAnd because I'm already going crazy: It turns out this bitch of the eight footer is barely high enough to reach the dark spot on my ceiling. \n\n\nI look online to see anyone else is experiencing this. Nothing. I check my old college textbooks to see if this can be explained. Nada. I check the Twilight Zone TV episode summary on Wikipedia to see if something like this was written. Zilch. Hell, I even looked up the symptoms for hallucinations and mental illnesses. Nothing matches what I'm seeing.\n\n\nThe houses...they really are growing taller everyday.",
"It's so easy to assume that this is just a product of modern day architecture, that the houses are getting taller because the push for elevated construction has never been higher.\n\nBut something about this entire thing is suspicious. There is no construction equipment of any kind around these buildings. One could say that the workers just come at night but someone is always up, and not a single soul can recall ever seeing any equipment or any workers.\n\nThere were always sounds, creaks, rumbles, dull roars, as if there were earthquakes that somehow only spread a few blocks each. But there is always debris: bricks, metal, concrete, blocks of old building materials just falling off at random.\n\nNot only that, but the buildings seem to look newer, suspiciously new. Some days a brownstone can suddenly turn into a grey concrete structure. It went from taking months to transforming, to just hours.\n\nJust when things couldn't get any weirder, the buildings started sprouting new floors. The average apartment building used to be 6 stories tall, now it's over 3 times that much.\n\nThere has been an increase of news stories about planes crashing into buildings, while flying 30000 feet above the ground.\n\nIt only got more bizarre from there.\n\nThere is an imaginary line, the Kàrmàn line, the border between the atmosphere and outer space. \n\nMore and more buildings have crossed that line.\n\nIn the next few months those hours it took for them to grow, turned into second, several feet per second in fact.\n\nThere is a hitch however, eventually these buildings got a little too close to the moon. Instead of just crashing into it, they burrowed into it.\n\nThe good news was the buildings finally stopped.\n\nThe bad news is the buildings got so strong, it blocked the moon from resuming it's daily orbit. \n\nThe magnetic fields have been thrown off tremendously.\n\nA balance was attempting to form but it was no use. \n\nThen the spinning started.\n\nLike a baton, both masses spun, increasing with speed.\n\nSo fast, that they were both flung away from each other.\n\nThe moon eventually slowed enough to adapt to a new planet\n\nThe Earth however, was flying directly into the sun.\n\nEach second the world burned brighter, everything killed instantly, exploding on impact resembling nothing more than a comet.",
"There is a standing principle in modern-day architecture, and society in general, that in order to expand our efforts we must build out from where we are, reaching far and wide from horizon to horizon. Sprawling metropolises have risen and fallen all throughout history, many resulting in a very flat pile of rubble. But here in Singapore, we build upward.\n\nEver since the second world war, our people have been tirelessly working on expansion efforts, and it's plain to see that we don't have very much room left. Our coasts are getting more and more crowded with traffic from mainland China, our countryside is slowly being overtaken by civilization. We had nowhere else to go but up.\n\nAs per the specifications set by the Housing and Development Board, most buildings in the capital and all around the island are nearly identical. Two bedrooms, one bath and a cozy living room encased in concrete. Due to the rapid expansion of our cities, each apartment building is made of the same materials: concrete, gunite, and the blood, sweat and tears of hard Singaporean labour.\n\nI'd lived my whole life in the standardized cement homes and entertained countless hours of wanderlust by running up and down the ten floors over and over again. The highs and lows of my life have happened in the rises and falls of these buildings, from my first kiss to my last moments with my father. This isn't to say I've never left. Obviously I, along with everyone else, had to work, so I wandered from place to place. It didn't matter what I did for a living; no matter where I settled down, I would be at home.\n\nThough many places looked the same, they couldn't be any more different from each other. Each block held a different tribe of people, a different subculture of Singapore. To the rest of the world, there wasn't much of a difference, but we could tell exactly who we were by the way we walked and talked. And we weren't ashamed of that. We wore who we were on our cuffs, there was no denying where we came from. We did come from identical homes, after all.\n\nThis project of creating homes for hundreds of thousands of refugees and immigrants, myself included, has been dubbed the single greatest residential expansion in human history. In seventy years, we've housed countless citizens and erected countless buildings, so it should have come as no surprise that we would continue our ascent. \n\nAt first, when the HDB declared their plans for further expansions, we didn't mind. Our lives had been surrounded by construction for decades, it was nothing new to us. So the construction began, harmlessly enough, on top of the existing buildings all over the island. It was for the benefit of the growing population for us to have enough room for our busy lives, they said. Looking back now, it's hard to believe we ever lived in such conditions; small and personable abodes are a thing of the past.\n\nIn the following years, unprecedented progress was made in constructing our new towers. Spires, as they would soon be known, scattered the landscape, seemingly without a pattern. Whichever block was designated for an upgrade was immediately encased in scaffolding and became an eyesore for weeks. Over and over again, apartments would be added in newer and glossier styles, no doubt costing the state a serious sum. Once the initial wave of construction halted, we finally looked around at what we used to call home.\n\nInstead of the ten-floor apartment buildings we'd lived in all our lives, there were now twenty stories of flush, postmodern societal microcosms. Everything our people represented - independence through unity, strength against unfathomable odds - was delivered to us in brand new detail.\n\nWe were happy, of course, though we knew that these homes were not meant for us. We already had homes and the purpose of the project was to create new homes for those less fortunate. Some of us were able to move into the new spaces, and they were quick to boast. These new lavish homes were fit for kings and queens, not the everyman, they said. It can't get better than this, they said.\n\nMy husband and I moved into the nineteenth story of one of the HDB apartments, and it was easy to see the difference, however minute it might have been. A little bit more room to stretch in and slightly higher ceilings. It wasn't much. But the state had higher ambitions.\n\nFive years later, the standard twenty-story complex became twenty-five. Then it became thirty-five. Now, decades later, every apartment complex in Singapore is mandated to be fifty stories tall.\n\nThere are more than just homes here, however. Inbetween condos are shops and storefronts of all kinds. Some floors are strictly dedicated to shopping centers or amenities of some kind. If it weren't for work, there might not be a reason to leave at all.\n\nTo this day, people come to our nation in need of aid, and we oblige them. We ourselves are expanding as well, the population growing faster than ever before. In order to keep up with the demand for living space, the HDB has dedicated more funds and money to continue the work they're doing.\n\nI still live on the nineteenth floor, but I live in the heart of my nation, and I couldn't be prouder to call this home. So many days of my youth spent running up and down the halls, wondering what the next floor might have in store for me, and now every step is an adventure no matter where I go. The places have changed, though the people have stayed the same in their own differing ways. Our tribes have grown and we're all the better for it.\n\nWe could not build out, so we built up. It's a long way down from where I live, and there's nowhere to go but up."
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[WP] "We're not so different, you and I," You said, and as the words passed your lips you realised, you were the villian.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"“I don’t understand Clara why are you leaving?”\n\n“I told you Frank this is over. I’m going to stay at a friend’s house for a week until I figure out what we’re going to do.”\n\n“I don’t get it Clara we were perfectly fine for years and then you drop this on me as soon as I get back from work. What happened?”\n\n“It’s more what wasn’t happening Frank.” Said Clara breaking eye contact with Frank and gazing to the right.\n\n“It’s just that what we had before…just isn’t there anymore and I don’t think it’s fair to stay in this relationship for the both of us.” Said Clara looking back at Frank.\n\n“It’s not there anymore?! How could you even say that? What do you mean it’s not there? What is it I didn’t do?” said Frank as his face began to turn red.\n\n“Well you just don’t listen anymore like you did in the beginning. Every time I talk about something you just stare off in to the distance. I can’t even tell if you care about what I’m saying anymore.”\n\n“That’s ridiculous of course I care and I listen to you all the time. Yesterday you were talking about the girls at work and how the one in front of you never stops talking and pesters you all day.”\n\n“That’s not listening Frank. That’s just you hearing me and having a good memory. What you’ve stopped doing is acting engaged. Diving deeper about certain things, questioning me on how I feel, or even sharing how you feel about things. That’s what I consider listening Frank. Not staring off and giving acknowledging grunts.”\n\n“So what I have to drop everything and look at you and ask engaging questions all the time? You talk a lot Clara and when you come in through that door it’s like a whirlwind of conversation. I can’t be engaged all the time.”\n\n“And I am not asking you to be engaged all the time Frank but hell at least give me the time of day. You stare off all the time. I never know if you’re bored, angry or depressed because you don’t give me anything.”\n\n“So now I not only have to listen and comment on everything you say but now I have to tell you how I am feeling all the time. Honestly Clara I think that’s asking a little much. Plus when do you ever share how you’re feeling huh? Most of the stuff you talk about is gossip and rumors at work. It’s stuff that’s not worth commenting on and quite honestly it gets boring to comment on the same stuff over and over again.”\n\n“When do I ever share how I’m feeling? How about yesterday when I told you that I thought Sarah had a gripe with me over a project at work.”\n\n“Yeah and?” said Frank.\n\n“And you didn’t even ask why you just gave me a “Well that stinks hope it works out.”” Said Clara imitating Frank’s voice. \n\n“Those are the times I’m talking about Frank.” \n\n“No, I didn’t ask why because I knew you would eventually tell me why, which you did later on.”\n\n“Exactly Frank. Later on.”\n\n“So what’s the problem?”\n\n“Ugh you’re hopeless. I don’t want to have to tell you this later on but I do because it is on my mind and bothering me. You’re telling me we’ve been together for four years and you still don’t know when to push me to talk more?”\n\n“Of course I do but I know you so well that I know you will end up telling me later on. Plus why am I expected to press you every time something is bothering you? Why can’t you just outwardly say what’s bothering you? Is it my sole responsibility to play the part of psychologist in this relationship too?”\n\n“I’m not saying that you have to press me every time but you don’t press me at all anymore Frank and how about right now? All you’ve done is question everything I’ve said and you haven’t even listened one bit!” Clara said as tears began to form in her eyes, her voice trying to hold back her sadness.\n\n“Come on Clara don’t cry I can’t bear to see you like that. Let’s just cool down tonight sleep things off and talk about this tomorrow. Come on.” Frank said reaching his hand out towards Clara.\n\n“I can’t Frank you just don’t get it! We’re too different!” Clara said as she burst in to tears no longer able to hold them back.\n\nClara turned around opened the front door and ran out in a hurry towards her car that was parked on the street. Frank rushed out after her and watched as Clara got to her car and opened the door.\n\n“You know we’re not so different you and I!” said Frank.\n\nClara looked back at him shook her head, got into her car and drove away. As Frank watched Clara drive away he couldn’t help but feel hollow and empty inside. Had he not been listening? Could this have been avoided? Was he in the wrong? These were just some of the thoughts to pop into his mind.\n\nThe air outside was stiff as if it were about to rain Frank looked up and gazed at the ominous clouds rolling in. He looked at the empty parking spot in front of the apartment complex turned around and went back inside.\n\n“Maybe I was wrong.” said Frank to himself as he closed the door to the rain that had just began to fall.",
"''I’m here to do my duty.'' I say while holding the knife behind my back.\n\nHe doesn’t seem to care about what I say or what I do. He looks at the bodies on the ground and then stares at me with cold eyes. We look at each for a while and I try to get closer to step by step, slowly.\n\nHe takes one step back and then he throws the half-empty bottle of whiskey to me. But he can’t hit me. I’m far better than him. I will have to make him understand but I need to enjoy this moment first.\n\n''We don’t need to resort to violence, you know.'' I say.\n\n''Tell that to people that you killed, they are right here in front of you.'' He says and he reaches his back and he pulls out a 9mm Glock.\n\n''As I told you, I’m here to do my duty. They were just an obstacle to my objective. Do you really want to be like them?'' I ask with a calm voice.\n\nLoud bang interrupts the moment and lights start to flicker in the building and then a woman scream distracts him. I take that opportunity to throw my knife to him while his guard is down. The knife penetrates his hand with the perfect angle, he is disarmed. \n\nI approach him while he is screaming in pain. I hold his chin, ''Look at me. You don’t have to be sorry. This is who you are and to be honest, we are not so different, you and I, you know?''\n\nLights goes out completely but we can still see each other. There is complete silence in the room for the first time and I have a puzzling question in my mind. \n\n-------------------\n\n-Thank you for reading the story-\n\n*I welcome any feedback, please comment if you liked/disliked the story. Stay safe!*",
"I dragged her to the edge of the rooftop. She barely put up a fight, too spent from our duel that had ended with her at my mercy. Truth be told, I was putting all of my effort into staying on my feet as well. But I wasn’t going to miss this chance to show her why all of this had been necessary.\n\n“Sandra’s too strong even for you to control now,” Caroline spat at me. “You know that, right? You’ve fucked everyone.”\n\nI thrust her against the parapet so that she faced outward. A perfect view of the town below. With a sigh, I knelt beside her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Our children are meant to grow beyond us, my love.”\n\nCaroline stared at the streets below, a few tears slipping down her cheeks. “Look what you’ve turned her into, Elle. Was it worth it? All this for power? Or to prove your insane magic would actually work?” She turned to me with gritted teeth and a glare that could shatter a mountain. “Was giving up our daughter fucking worth it?!”\n\nI matched her glare. “Giving up? *Giving up?!* You’re the one who gave up!”\n\n“Fuck you. I’m the one who cared about her. The only one.” \n\n“I did this for her!” I yelled, resisting the urge to strike her again. I took a deep breath, wrestling my fury down to a smolder. Caroline was a good mother. She just couldn’t see. It wasn’t her fault. I’d always been the more ambitious one. The poor woman needed it explained. “Our whole lives, we’ve been stepped on, trampled on. Treated like dirt. I wanted something different for Sandra.” I gazed out at the town below, a smile quivering at the edge of my lips. \n\nSandra was below, sheer power and energy radiating from her. The gangs and crime lords had been first, the ones that had tormented our families and others like us for ages. She’d ripped through them like they were paper. Then the authorities arrived, intent on upholding the miasma of shit that they called order and peace. They’d been in bed with those shadowy syndicates, so they met the same fate. Sandra, sweet Sandra, was resting now, marveling at what she’d done. The bodies around her, the rivers of blood, all a monument to a single ideal. She would never be trash under the feet of the powers that be. \n\nI caressed Caroline’s shoulder. She shuddered and pulled away from me, and I let her. “We’re not so different, you and I,” I said, still watching Sandra in the streets. “Just mothers that want the best for our little girl.”\n\nThe slap came as a stark surprise, pain flaring in my cheek. But I was too taken with the scene below to retaliate. With some effort, I tore my eyes away to face Caroline.\n\nHer face was nothing but fury and murder. “What’s best for her?!” The tears were coming stronger now. “You turned her into a monster. Elle! What about all those people down there, lives cut short because of what Sandra’s become?”\n\n“They’re the monsters,” I muttered back.\n\n“Oh, really? All of them?” Caroline shook her head. “The police and soldiers that are bleeding down there. They’re just trying to keep their city safe. Don’t you think they cared about their children too?”\n\nI swallowed. “Their children?”\n\n“Some of those men and women are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. That bond that you say you cherish, you’ve broken them in one night.”\n\nThe fire I’d been feeling slowly went cold. I turned back to the street. Even some of the gang members looked young, now that I really looked at them. Barely a year or two older than Sandra. Poor kids that had been roped into dark dealings. \n\nThen I saw Sandra. Before, I thought she’d been revelling in her power. Her freedom. But now I saw her. Tears streaming from wide, sunken eyes. She wasn’t cheering or laughing. She was screaming. \n\n“Is this the best life we can give her?\" Caroline asked. “And what if she doesn’t stop there? How many families will be shattered?” \n\nI stepped back from the edge. “Oh gods…” I muttered. *What have I done?*",
"The snowflakes mixed with tears as they flurried to his face. Down pronounced cheekbones they dripped, then veered towards his ears onto the bloodstained snow where he lay. \n\n\"You didn't need to do this,\" he said. \n\nI laughed, the cackles muted in the snow-topped pines. \"Didn't need to? I needed to do this just like you'd kill a spider in your house. Just like you'd steer to hit a squirrel in the road.\"\n\nHis face twisted into a villainous snarl. \"You're fucked in the head. Absolutely lost it.\"\n\nThe gun tucked into my waistband itched, urging me to fire another shot so he'd stop talking. But I didn't. Because self-restraint. And because the only one fucked in the head was the guy bleeding all over the white carpet. Probably fatal, unless he got some help quick. But his phone was smashed two miles back at the trail-head, and I wasn't about to lend a stranger my own phone.\n\n\"I have a family,\" he said, tune changing as he realized his dire strait. \"A kid. Just six months old. She'll have to celebrate her first birthday without a dad. Do you really want that?\"\n\n\"Want it? Of course I don't. You chose this for yourself. The minute we locked eyes, you sealed your own fate. I didn't choose a thing for you. This was all of your own doing.\"\n\n\"Locked eyes?\" He scoffed and blood sputtered from his mouth, a Jackson Pollock painting on his shirt. \"I said good afternoon, just like I do to anybody I hike by.\"\n\n\"You threatened me.\"\n\n\"Goddamn, man. I said hello. Greeted you. Nothing more. Let me go. I won't tell anybody.\"\n\n\"I know,\" I said. The itch became too much to handle. I pulled the gun out again, pointed it at his head. \n\n\"Do one thing for me then. Please. In my left pocket, there's a note. It's not finished\"--he interrupted himself with a fit of coughs, blood splattering everywhere again--\"but give it to my wife. Please. You'll find the address in my wallet.\"\n\nI kept the gun trained on him as I pulled the wallet, didn't put it down as I reached into the other pocket for the note. It was the same I'd do for my kids, should I ever have them. \n\n\"We're not so different, you and I,\" I said, opening the note. \n\nHis eyes faded as mine enlarged, as the words came into focus. \n\n\"Fuck,\" I muttered, but now alone in the forest there wasn't anybody to hear. I'd always been the hero to my own story. But this time, in this case of mistaken identity, of misguided revenge, I was the villain.\n\n*****\n\nThanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, please check out more stories at r/MatiWrites. Constructive criticism and advice are always appreciated!",
"It was true. I was the villain. I was the rebel. I was the scum.\n\nAnd I didn't care.\n\nHe took everything from me. All those years, I didn't really notice the disparity. I let him take what was mine. No, I *encouraged* him.\n\n\"We never were different,\" Rel said tearfully. \"You just—\"\n\n\"*I* just?\" I scoffed, my voice breaking. \"'Oh, Serran, I don't know what I'm gonna do if Lady Eve finds out, can you cover for me? Serran, I'm still hungry, can I have some of yours? Serran, will you save the day so *I* can take all the credit again and again?'\" I seethed in a mocking voice. \"They belittled me. Abused me. *Lady* Eve used me like a hammer. But,\" I said with a hollow laugh, \"I make a pretty good hammer, don't I?\"\n\n\"She didn't mean it like that,\" Rel protested. \"We were both top of the brood. There was no reason we couldn't both be her knights.\"\n\n\"Of course there was a reason.\" The words fought hard to hiss between my gritted teeth. \"We were both ambitious, both cunning, both strong. Except for blind loyalty, we'd have been nearly the same. But it's so much easier to shine like a knight,\" I growled with a step forward, \"when they stand you next to a rabid dog.\"\n\n\"Serran, if that's how you see yourself, then we're more different than you think.\" He shook his head, but remained where he stood. \"I get that you're hurt, but doing all this—\"\n\n\"You *don't* get it!\" I marched to Rel and shoved him forcefully in the chest.\n\nHe took a few steps back, but seemed unfazed. He just stared with a strange sort of pity that made fury bubble inside me, like pockets of poison waiting to burst.\n\n\"You never got it,\" I yelled through angry sobs as I threw punch after clumsy punch.\n\nHe silently ducked and dodged my blundering blows. \n\n\"I'll make you all pay,\" I screeched, finally landing an unfocused punch against his cheekbone. \n\nThough it jerked his face to the side, he stood, still and somber. \n\n\"You, the Hive, Lady Eve... you'll all pay.\" My words were labored between heavy breaths. \"I'll tear it all down, Rel. I swear I will.\"\n\nHe hadn't turned his face back to look at me. \"You'd hurt all the Hive? Even the brood? The newborns?\"\n\n\"If I must,\" I said with uncertainty, stumbling backward. \"The Hive... it's evil. It's evil and it's rewarded you all your life so you don't care.\"\n\n\"The Hive isn't out there swearing vengeance against babies,\" Rel spat, finally turning to face me. \"They don't seem like the evil ones from where I'm standing.\"\n\nI knew he wouldn't follow. Not then. He had to report back to his *Lady.* One of the brood had defected, gone rogue. The perfect societal structure was in jeopardy, thanks to my meager existence. \n\n\"No, they don't physically hurt the babies,\" I said quietly, moving further and further away from the boy who'd been my brother, my friend. \"Just brainwash them, train them like animals. And if that doesn't look evil to you, Rel... maybe you should share the view with the rest of the trash they threw in the gutter.\"\n\nI turned and fled, my slim frame blending easily into the shadows of the tall, angular buildings.\n\n\"I'll find you!\" Rel's voice echoing down the alley sounded almost... pained. \"I swear I will. I won't let you hurt anyone.\"\n\nI paused, looking over my shoulder.\n\nAnd grinned. \n\n\"See you next time, old friend,\" I called in a mocking voice before slipping into the night.",
"Well that explains a lot, you almost said aloud.\n\n“Just think of the greatness we can achieve together,” your lips continued, but your head spun as the realization dawned and shed light on the last few months of your life. \n\nYou had built an intricate plan in hopes to save the world, and though the execution did call for some casualties, you told yourself it was for the greater good. In hindsight, that sounds like something the villain would think- the end justifies the means, even if the means is several thousand innocent lives? Yeah that makes sense. What were you thinking?\n\nOh and the interns this year- all that time and effort you spent training them, only to realize now that you’d been raising henchmen. Evil henchmen. It did explain why they seemed to only have one brain cell between them though, and you nodded as that mental puzzle piece fell into place. Now you felt a little guilty for giving Maurice in recruiting an earful for having gathered such an underachieving candidate pool this year.\n\nAnd this knucklehead who stood before you now, presumably the hero to your villain, was the cherry on top. You often scratched your head at how he seemed to always be in the right place at the right time to get in your way of saving the world, even in the most impossible of situations, no matter what precautions you took. To be honest he wasn’t even that... good. He made it all the way here out of pure dumb luck, you’d thought. Now that you’ve realized that what you’d been fighting all along was not the idiot standing there (politely waiting for you to finish your lengthy monologue), but just good ol’ deus ex machina, you felt somewhat better. \n\nYou finished off the now half-hearted speech explaining your motive and master plan. As the hero started proclaiming his version of the “I will defeat you for the sake of...” speech, you quickly turned to look your secretary in the eyes. She met your gaze, then slowly, and silently nodded.\n\n“How long did you know,” you demanded in a whisper.\n\n“From around when you started twirling your mustache, sir.”\n\nEdit: typo"
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[WP] Your job is to document aliens doing various tests before they can go freely on Earth. One of the tests? Leave them alone in a room with a kitten.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 seen it all, I can tell you. As Head of the Extra-Terran Visa Distribution Service's Cultural Education Task Force I've seen everything the universe has to offer in the way of embarrassing cultural differences from interstellar tourists.\n\nAfter the Kashwydzon incident (you MUST remember the horrors, I can't EVEN begin to go into details, but thank god the war only lasted a decade), of course, we had to make sure nothing like it ever happened again. Brian, our resident bright spark, filled out a form D42/664-118/442Z suggesting all tourists should be acclimatised before being allowed through interstellar customs. Well, the upper management just loved that idea.\n\nThe Balzakians objected, of course they would, pedantic through and through; the Deloinster loved the idea, and after much debate (150 known civilisations, 3 years to come to an agreement) plans were made to make a plan to implement Brian's great idea. Much planning was done. Many important documents flew between many more important people, and it was decided to roll it out slowly, starting with the Balzakian Ambassador. Of course, he was on Terra Prime already, but it made for a good vide-news clip.\n\nThe launch day came. Expectations high in the Cultural Education Task Force, Brian was hopping from foot to foot, I even had to loosen my tie a fraction.\n\nI took the case, the oh-so precious cargo nestled within, to the Acclimation Chamber. Ambassador Krezznuk and his wife were waiting.\n\n\"Ah, Norman so GOOD to see you!\" The Ambassador was, as ever, effusive in his greeting. I made polite chit chat for a while and then,\n\n\"Sir, are you ready? Now, you have been warned, haven't you? This case contains the deadliest substance known to man. Proven to reduce the biggest, baddest, bad-ass to mush in mere seconds?\" He nodded, usually jovial face solemn, even wary.\n\n\"I am ready, Norman of Terra Prime. We are ready.\"\n\nI open the carrying case, \"Mr Ambassador, meet the kittens.\""
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[WP] You are a martial arts master who is now training a young person in the way of your art but in only a week they display mastery of your art
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*"
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[WP] You wish upon a shooting star. The next morning, your bedroom floor is covered in gold and silver lamps.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 wish to find love”\n\nI know it’s cliche. It’s boring and uninspired and maybe a waste of a wish, but what can I say? I don’t expect the wishes of a shooting star to come true, so why not give in to the hopeless romantic in me? It doesn’t really matter, it’s just a shooting star, and a wish is just a wish.\n\nMorning sun seeps into my room, uninvited – an intruder. I forgot to close the blinds, and now my sleep is interrupted far too early in the morning for me to even begin to be sentient. My eyes are closed but I leave my bed anyways. The familiarity of my room doesn’t require my sight, but today there was something new, something strange. My carpet is not beneath my feet, but something cold… and oddly shaped. My bedroom floor is littered with gold and silver: lamps piled two feet high and I can’t see my carpet.\n\n“What in God’s name?”\n\nI know I made a wish last night, but I didn’t wish for gold and silver, I wished for love. This can’t possibly have anything to do with a shooting star, but I can’t think of what else it *could* be. My room locks from the inside and I keep all my windows locked; I can’t see how anyone could have gotten in. Even if someone had placed these here, why? And how could I have not heard them?\n\nDid… my wish get messed up?\n\nThink. It wasn’t very late when you saw the shooting star, 10:00, maybe 11:00 pm. People would have been awake, I couldn’t have been the only one to see it.\n\nWhat if my wish got mixed up with someone else?\n\nNo, that’s ridiculous… but so is all of this. I can’t call any of it impossible anymore, not when my room is piled high with gold and silver lamps that look like they belong to an ancient treasure hoard. Somebody wished for this, for riches or gold or something material that’s worth a substantial amount of money. Somehow I ended up with all this instead. Somehow…\n\nSomebody else has my love. All I have are lamps.\n\n***Think.*** Whoever wished for this is probably nearby, at least in the same state. Maybe I can find them, see if I can sort something out. But what is there even to sort? I can’t trade lamps for love.\n\nEven so, I want to find them, but how? Why? I can’t explain it, but I really do want to find whoever wished for all these lamps.\n\nIs it because… somebody has my love?\n\n“I wish to find love”, that’s what I wished for. I didn’t expect it to be so literal."
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[WP] After many years of hating your upstairs neighbors due to all the random stuff they do, you finally confront them and come to realize you are the monster under their bed.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 nerve of some people. Can't they see you're trying to sleep? At least they aren't screaming— \"OH MY GOD, FRED? WHAT DID YOU JUST DO?!\" Nevermind, perhaps you like the shouting. Maybe you're so pumped up you've lost all common sense at started to squish your head. For years, you haven't spoken a single word. Maybe they had a perfectly valid reason? Who knows. But the noises were starting to get louder, and louder, and louder. Today was the last straw, you had to know what was going on. So, finally crawled out of your comfort zone. What you saw were posters. Posters everywhere. They encompassed the messy room. You waded through the comic books and magazines on the floor to observe more. Where could that neighbour be?\n\n\"Oh my god.....\" A familiar voice muttered. You know exactly who that is. You gulp and try to gain a gentleman-like posture, and face your neighbour. However, something was wrong. He was in the corner, borderline crying.\n\n\"Ben? Hello? Where are you!\" The strange cuboid contraption asked.\n\n\"Ben... call the police... CALL THE POLICE!\" What was the police? Why was this rectangular object speaking? You had so many questions. But one raised above all. Why was he scared? Nevertheless, you start your proposition. You barely know English, but you've gained quite the vocabulary from listening to your neighbour's rants all day for all these years.\n\n\"Shut up.\" That must've worked! His mouth seemed like it was sewn shut. You could finally rest in peace. You crept back under to your den. At last, perfect bliss.\n\nSirens. You could hear sirens. Has your neighbour not learnt his lesson? You decide to teach him a lesson. Perhaps he'll learn by force. You crawl back out and launch towards your neighbour.\n\n\"AHHHHHHHHHH\" A scream so ear-piercing came out from his mouth one last time. And then, silence. Actually pure bliss. You've finally given a piece of your mind; Or perhaps he's given you a piece of his mind.",
"Making noise at this time in the morning? The nerve of some people, doesn't he know its 6 pm? That's way too early to be listening to music. The nocturnal monster hissed, why couldn't his neighbour sleep at normal times like everyone else. To be blasting music at this hour was just plain rude.\" He slammed a clawed hand against his ceiling. \"Excuse me, some of us are trying to sleep, I have a very busy day today! I know you can hear me.\" The monster hissed his words out in a low unhearable tone, his words seeming to be snatched away by the sound of the music. \n\nHe turned to the side, trying to drown out the sound, covering his pointed ears as his neighbour continued to make a racket. Eventually, the sound did disappear and instead was followed by loud snoring, eh finally he had gone to sleep, at least he might be able to get some sleep before meeting his friends tonight. That thought was interrupted by the red hue coming from outside of his home, the alarm clock indicating it was 10 pm. Seems the music had been going a lot longer then he realized. He groaned, trying to clear his throat, letting out a small ghostly wheeze. \"Ugh... my throat, am I getting a cold?\" He rubbed his neck as he crawled out from his home, Only to see his neighbour staring up at him horrified, he must have been woken up the wheezing. \n\n\"Monster!\" The man screamed as he crawled back from his bed, falling off it and flat onto the floor. Certainly wasn't how he expected their first meeting to go but you know... maybe it was a good time to air some of his grievances.\"\n\n\"YOU!\" His voice had an unintended cruelness to it, not helped by his throat, he tried to clear it but ended up giving the man a number of loud hisses. \"STOP MAKING NOISE WHEN I AM TRYING TO SLEEP.\" He gave another cough before finally, his throat cleared. \"Sorry about that neighbour, I have been feeling a little under the weather, can you please try to play your music at a reasonable time, I am finding it awfully hard to get any sleep.\" The monster offered him a toothy grin but it was obvious that the human had stopped listening minutes ago, already a wailing mess of tears and screams. \"Sorry, maybe I'll come back another time.\" He felt awkward about the whole mess and quickly skedaddled out of the room, not wanting to be later to his meeting with his friends, telling them the story only to get confused by their puzzled looks. \n\n\"Um, you know what you are right?\" A skeletal woman asked, adjusting her long purple hat. \"We are monsters, you know the monsters under someone's bed. Did you really not know that?\" She couldn't hold back a chuckle, the chuckling soon filling the room, even the monster couldn't help but laugh.\n\n\"Ah, that makes sense, the poor guy I must have given him such a scare, those humans like food right? I will get him a present to try and make it up to him, thank you, everyone.\" The monster didn't even wait for his companions to react to his words, quickly going and getting a nice cow head, placing it on the pillow next to the human, giving the human a pat on the head before slinking back under the bed.\n\n \"̸͔̫̰͆̅̐G̵̳͕̾͗o̴̡̊o̶̼͋̎ͅḓ̵̰̟̎́ ̷̘͍̈́ͅn̷͖͒̿́i̷̼͔͓̇̈́g̷̬͇̞͒h̵̝͎̜̒̕ẗ̷̩ ̵̤͌͝n̵̯͑̒̏e̸̛̫̬͘͜͝i̸̝̪͊̎͌g̷̩͎̍h̵͖̃͐̄b̴̼͙̘̏ǫ̷͔̼͂̐͝ṵ̸̡̩͛͝ŗ̸̫͙͛͝\"̸͙̝̒̉̈\n\n{If you enjoyed my story, Feel free to check out r/pmmeyabootysstories Any support helps! I will also be posting more of my writing there.}"
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[WP] A drunk DND campaign told from the perspective of the characters.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"5 minutes after waking up, Drevin Knotwood, the... wood elf as many would often point out, was already regretting making the decision in the first place. For some reason, which none of his fellow party members would explain, the dwarf bard was attempting to coerce Drevin in to taking on the form of a squirrel. The bard insisted because he was going to... \"finesse\" the half-orc bar keep, Sarha, in to \"taking a wildform for a 'short rest'\". After politely declining and in turn receiving the classic, \"What!? Got a knot in yer wood?\" from the dwarf, Drevin decided to take the company of the paladin, hoping that the righteous holier than thou human would at least keep the dwarf in check. \n\nHowever, he found the paladin outside preaching to the common people about the word of Bahamut, (without any clothes on), of his deeds and goodwill and then went on to elaborate on what he was going to do to those who disobeyed the word of Bahamut. Drevin, in a attempt to find a useful purpose despite being a ranger, went on to search for the young half-elf sorcerer. Avoiding the dwarf and putting the paladin situation on the highest spit, he then went to the wash room. \n\nAnd yet again, proving his keen abilities to track wild beasts, he was right on the money. In the small, water filled room, the wood elf contemplated the sweat-to-water ratio of the liquid he was now knee deep in. Surrounding the charismatic, (and a few unsavory adjectives), high-elf was a crowd of naked fanatics grasping at him and his \"catalyst\". And of course, it wouldn't be a party without the purple, teifling monk dancing around the mass, playing the dwarves flute! After a six seconds of horrible out of tune notes, the trifling clicked his boots, throwing the solution of body-heated fluid in Drevin's face and was then followed with a beautiful serenade. Drevin, contemplating the differences between an orgy and martial combat, and wether he should walk out of the tavern and never into one again, returned to the bar room where the dwarf is now fighting Sarha, both being covered in blood by the paladin dancing with a goat head in his hands.\n\nDrevin the went to bed and decided to take a long rest."
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[WP] There has been an apocalypse and you are now the last living person after watching your friend die. As you take it all it, the sky goes instantly black and you see the shape of a dome fading away. You look up and see scientists staring down at you.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 gasped, and relaxed his head. My best friend, the only other human on earth, has died.\n\nI cry, I cry a lot. His eyes looked glassy, and he didn't look like himself. He looked like another person entirely. I left before I got too sad. \n\nI walk across a field of rubble and brown grass. We used to live here together. Now, all their is is ruins.\n\nThe sky gets dark. It was a little early to start the night, but I lay down anyways. I cried myself to sleep.\n\nI wake up the next day feeling empty, but we'll rested. The sky was still black as midnight. I always sleep late, so it couldn't be this early. Suddenly, a square of light appears in the sky.\n\nMy eyes were still adjusting, but I saw a shadowy figure from the square. Ad my eyes adjusted, I could see it was wearing a lab coat and safety goggles. More and more of the dark sky faded away as he reached down for me. \n\nIt was a human, but I was an ant compared to him. As the remains of the containment device faded away, I saw the dead hills I was walking on. If I looked real hard, I can see where I left my friend.\n\n\"This one survived? It doesn't look particularly fit or healthy. You made sure this was the last one?\"\n\n\"I checked over the stage three times. This is the last human in the test area.\"\n\nTest area? What test? What for? I kick and punch the giant's hand. All these people died for a test?\n\n\"Oh! Well it certainly looks like a fighter. Humans are such interesting creatures. Well, send this one to the breeders I guess.\"\n\nBreeders? Where am I? I'm not an animal, I'm not going to mate just to make more humans. I bite the leviathan fingers.\n\n\"Ouch!\"\n\nHe squishes me between his pointer finger and his thumb. Nor a lot, but just enough to hurt.\n\n\"Should we send him now or wait for tomarrow? I don't think the head breeder wants to be disturbed at this hour, do we have a jar we can keep him in until then?\"\n\n\"There is one on your desk. I will send word that the experiment is finished.\"\n\nI get tossed into a jar, it looked like the ones that I would use to catch bugs. I lay down on the smooth glass floor.\n\nThe breeder will have a new subject tomarrow.\n\nI miss John."
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[WP] Most people told you it wasn’t possible, others called you crazy, and the rest all doubted you could do it in one way or another. Today you’ll prove them wrong, as you run down the street, flapping your arms, then jump and fly...
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"I hated this world. As a woman it was suffocating. No one who was truly free could survive here.\n\nI had always believed I could fly though. After the events of the day I no longer cared if I was wrong.\n\nI ran into the road and cars swerved to avoid me but remembering the cruel words of the people that had called me crazy I kept on flapping. This perverse and suicidal train of thought. I was scared.\n\nI didn't care though so I kept running along the highway my little economy car forgotten.\n\nI remember a flash of red and chrome and a sickening crack as the semi collided with me. As I lay bleeding a warm feeling spread through my stomach.\n\nLaying there impaled on the hood ornament I made a silent prayer to be reborn. I didn't believe in God but surely there was someone out there who would help me.\n\nBlack and white squares made up a checkerboard floor in a vast space whose edges were hidden by the darkness. A single brown wooden chair.\n\nI asked the divine being in the chair what my fate would be. Why I was here.\n\nThe Goddess of Winds replied that I had been answered and that I was hers.\n\nBefore I could ask anything else my vision faded to black. There was a feeling of falling. The kind of falling you experience in dreams that is so fierce that it will more often than not wake you up except it went on for so long that I was broken by the fear.\n\nThen something changed and I stopped falling. I could feel the loving hands of my Goddess remaking my soul and I no longer felt afraid. In a black mirror I could see the fiery wings of my spirit. Forever changed by her gifts I felt like a phoenix.\n\nShe told me then and whispered in my ear. Gently and with love, that it was time for me to go to the new world.\n\nShe picked me up and threw me like a great spear of fire and light and I was going down again. This time though I wasn't falling. I wasn't afraid. \n\nI was elated"
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[WP] "There's a man, a madman. He sits in the execution room, just laughing, cracking jokes at prisoners about to be slaughtered. They call him...the Annoying Orange."
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*"
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[WP] You and your SO made a deal with the devil that would make sure you both reincarnated to find each other with all your previous memories. Now, 1500 years later you hate each other's guts but due to the deal you keep finding yourselves drawn to each other
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Hurried footsteps and harried breathing drew my attention from the book I had been reading. I looked up to behold a pair of women racing each other down the jogging track winding through the wooded park. One was rather homely with dark blond hair pulled back into a braid. Her companion was a gorgeous brunette, physically stunning in every way. Just before the two sprinting women passed me, the brunette's green eyes locked onto mine, and she slid to a stop, her sneakers scraping against the asphalt. \n\nReluctantly closing my book, I groaned, \"Oh, great.\"\n\nThe brunette groaned even louder, rolling her eyes heavily and crying out, \"Why _today_ of all days!?\"\n\n\"Maria? What's wrong?\" the blond woman asked from down the trail a few yards.\n\nNarrowing my eyes at the brunette, I asked, \"Your name is Maria this time?\"\n\nPlanting her hands on her hips and breathing heavily, Maria retorted, \"Maria happened to be my late mother's name and I am proud of the moniker.\"\n\n\"You two know each other?\" the blond asked, joining Maria with a cheerful grin. \n\nI just laughed as I pushed myself to my feet.\n\nSmirking mirthlessly, Maria said, \"Remember that 'soulmate' I told you about, Stacy?\"\n\nI frowned. \"You told her?!\"\n\n\"Is this the guy!?\" Stacy asked with excitement, and Maria chuckled.\n\n\"This is the guy,\" Maria declared, gesturing vaguely at me and looking me over with a judgmental eye. \"Still the most attractive man I'll ever meet.\"\n\n\"Yeah, couldn't you have gotten into a car accident this time around or something?\" I demanded, trying to ignore the intense academic interest practically pulsating from Stacy. \"Disfigure yourself somehow or something?\"\n\n\"That already happened once, remember?\" Maria snorted. \"You still _adored_ me.\" \n\n\"Yeah, that's true,\" I mumbled.\n\n\"So why do you two hate each other now?\" Stacy asked, poking me in the arm as if to assure herself that I was really there.\n\nI rolled my eyes and grumbled, \"So you tell her about our deal with that devil but not what happened afterwards?\"\n\n\"What happened afterwards was _your_ fault, you know--\"\n\n\"Don't start that again--!\"\n\n\"'Oh, let's play a game, durhurhur! It'll be like hide n' seek across the ages, durhurhur!'\"\n\n\"You were the one who thought of it!\"\n\n\"No, I just wondered if it was possible to avoid each other for a single lifetime! I didn't try to make a game of it!\"\n\n\"But why would you wonder that!? I thought you loved me!\"\n\n\"I did! But it was fate that I couldn't stand! Every time I met you, I knew it would eventually end! And I would lose you all over again! I couldn't take the heartache lifetime after lifetime after lifetime!\"\n\nThe entire park seemed to become as silent as a graveyard at the end of her tirade. I stared at her anew, realizing for the first time just what our deal with the devil had meant for the two of us.\n\nMaria seemed to realize what she had just said and nervously glanced at the toes of her sneakers, her cheeks slowly turning pink. I hated how adorable she still looked when she was bashful.\n\nAfter a few more moments of silence, Maria cleared her throat and murmured, \"I didn't mean to shout at you.\"\n\nI shook my head. \"I never cared when you shouted at me.\"\n\nShe lifted her chin resolutely and replied, \"I still shouldn't shout.\"\n\nI stuffed my hands in my pockets to keep myself from reaching out to touch her arm. \"I never thought about _losing_ you all the time... I just liked falling in love with the woman of my dreams over and over again.\"\n\n\"It was wonderful,\" Maria conceded. \"But the lives we lived were better.\"\n\nI sighed, clenching my fingers into fists.\n\n\"I didn't want to play games with fate, Justin,\" Maria said gently.\n\n\"It's Nathan now,\" I corrected.\n\n\"It was Martin when we first met,\" she smiled.\n\nI smiled in return. \"And Alexandria.\"\n\nAlexandria nodded. \"If you like the game, Martin, then play the game. But I am not afraid of whatever life comes next.\"\n\nI looked down, but I didn't even have to mull over her words to know that I wanted to be wherever she was going. \"Then let's go after it,\" I told her, meeting her eyes again. \"Find that devil and demand we want a refund.\"\n\nStacy suddenly began laughing uproariously, massive guffaws disproportionate to her slender frame. I jumped in surprise, for I'd forgotten that she was even there. \n\nHowling with mirth, Stacy cried, \"It's about time you two got it!\" Still laughing, she became suddenly engulfed in smoke, and her vocal pitch deepened, and when the smoke cleared, she was the massive, gargoyle-like devil that had traded our souls for immortality all those lifetimes ago.\n\nAlexandria and I both leapt back, mouths agape.\n\nStacy the demon bellowed, \"So, do you two want your souls back? Because that's what you'll need to get to the next step!\"\n\nAlexandria and I exchanged glances. At the resolution in her eyes, I reached out and grabbed her hand in mine. Looking up at Stacy, I said, \"Absolutely.\"\n\nThe demon cackled even louder as it withdrew two vials from its pocket and uncorked them. Steamers of mist wafted out of them and surrounded us. The light around us brightened in intensity, so much so that I was blinded by it. I heard the demon laugh, \"Took you long enough to finish the tutorial! Good luck on level 1!\"\n\nEnd\n\nThanks for reading! I gladly welcome any feedback to improve!"
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[WP] Every night before you sleep you would always wish for a good day tomorrow. When you forgotten to wish for one night, you woke up realising the world is in chaos the next day.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 no idea how influential my little nightly ritual was on the world. How destructive its absence would be. It isn't even ten in the morning. I haven't even been in this new world for an hour, and already I have a knife to my throat and a gun to my head.\n\nHow many times had I been called paranoid? How many times had my odd little quirks been sneered at or laughed at? But I had been right to wish that the next day would be a good one. I wished that every night before I fell asleep, and I had been right to do so. Because this morning I was awoken by excruciating screams and the sounds of war. Through it all, I heard hoofbeats, the clip-clop of a monstrous horse. I heard hoofbeats on four distinct occasions as I lay in bed, but I couldn't go to the window to investigate. I couldn't even get out of bed on account of the pain coursing through my body.\n\nIf I can just survive until tonight, I think, I can make another wish and tomorrow will be another good day. But my head is pounding and darkness is closing in. Someone (or multiple someones) are breaking into my house. I hear them smashing everything downstairs. Now they're coming up.\n\nI'm a stomach sleeper, and I can't roll over because every movement hurts, but I can guess what it feels like when weapons are pushed up against you.\n\nIt looks like I might not survive to right the world for tomorrow. I just hope I didn't screw everyone else up too badly. But then again, I think, as I hear the scream of a falling bomb from outside, it seems like maybe I did. Whoops.\n\nMaybe in the next life I can set things right."
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[WP] You have finally defeated the Demon King after being transported to a different dimension; however, now you have the chance to escape this dimension. What do you do after you re-enter the real world? How do you adjust?
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*"
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[WP] A story of two girls trapped by scientists to test an aging ray on them they will age in old women and how will they react to their changing bodies?And how will they end up?Make it as sexual as you want
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*"
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[WP] Years have passed and masks have become a staple of daily outfits. As an fashion reporter, you’ve been tracing the mask’s transition from hazard gear to expression of identity and personality.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Before 2020, masks were worn on a daily basis almost exclusively in South Asian countries, and some cities with deadly air pollution levels. The Corona pandemic was pivotal to making this a habit across the globe. Though it took over two years from that point, and a pandemic scare, countries world over wrote it into law- no one can leave their residence without a face mask. \n\nAs the mask became a staple and legal requirement, people began using it as a symbol of many things. The first luxury mask was made with pure 24 karat soft gold flakes on the handles, and auctioned for $1,00,000 in 2025, in a charity auction held to aid struggling families of health care workers who lost their lives to pandemic. By 2030, the luxury mask market was a billion dollar one. Thus, masks became a status symbol. \n\nAnother mask which was auctioned in the above mentioned charity, was made from scratch and painted to mimic the Sistine Chapel's ceiling, was bought for $500,000 and gifted to the Pope at the time. Thereafter, religious value came to be attached to masks. Soon, masks were printed with religious symbols and quotes, which if examined as its own industry now, is worth over nine billion dollars. \n\nThe artist community received a boost as well, since people who could not afford luxury masks, and did not want religious symbols on masks, still wanted personalised ones. Over the initial two decades after 2022, tribal and Aztec patterns were so popular, indigenous communities across the world had experienced major economic growth as well.\n\nHowever, with the increasing communal and religious clashes at the time, masks served as an easy identifier of the community at the recieving end of hate and prejudice. Though a hundred year old incident, the tragic and fatal attack on Ishraf , serves as a reminder for this. In 2027, Ishraf,who was a 21 year old student was beaten to death for wearing a mask which had Islamic symbols. \n\nThis country's government even attempted, in 2029, to pass a bill which required all transgender persons employed with government offices and in the armed forces, to wear a mask with a particular symbol which would identify them as a transgender person. Such attempt did not succeed due to widespread protests around the country, and international pressure against it. It was argued that, if enacted, such law would be discriminatory, a gross invasion of privacy, and make transgender persons easily identifiable to people who may want to harm - much like in Ishraf's case. \n\nIn 2050, a new issue arose. Though people were free to wear whatever masks they saw fit, they had to ensure it covered their mouth and nose completely. When there was a sudden SARS outbreak in 2050, it was largely contained because people wore masks on the daily. However, one person- who was thought to be patient zero- spread the disease to over 20 people. It was found that the material of the mask he used could barely qualify as a protective one, and was weaker that the cotton that is usually recommended. The investigation that ensued led to a frightening revelation, and possibly the biggest scandal to rock the mask industry, which resulted in Amazon being banned from making masks for the next decade. Stricter regulations and inspections were introduced for all mask manufacturers shortly thereafter. \n\nBy the year 2080, there were generations of people who never knew a world without masks. A person's nose and mouth became a more private feature. When we look at pictures people uploaded between 2020 and 2040, we notice that though regulations were introduced and widely abided by, the pictures were most often without masks. By 2060, a study shows that nearly seventy percent of pictures uploaded by people are of them with masks on, regardless of whether they are in public or private. That number increases to ninty by 2080. Another study detailed that of the ten percent of people who uploaded pictures of themselves with no mask on, a majority of them were actors in either mainstream or adult cinema. \n\nIt was in 2080 that we first saw the rise of the transparent mask. Madeline, a 25 year old sex-worker, was harassed online by a conservative group for over 8 months- for her pictures without covering her nose and mouth. A lot of the comments and hate mail sent to her stated that it was immoral of her to publicly share such pictures, and that it was a bad influence. Unfortunately for Madeline, she received a warning from the site she posted the pictures stating that they would be classified as obscene material of she refused to wear a mask. The site's email echoed the reasoning as the coservative group, that such pictures were a bad influence. In response, Madeline posted the now iconic picture- of her wearing a transparent mask. It is noteworthy and laughable that the conservative group in question formed in 2020 during the pandemic, to protest the order to wear masks. \n\nMadeline's picture made headlines, and since the material was within regulation, and she hadn't worn it outdoors, no action could be taken against her. In 2081, a woman was raped and mudered for wearing a transparent mask. In the 'march together' women's marches that took place world over, to protest the brutal incident, saw a majority of them wearing transparent masks. \n\nCurrently, masks have become a method to express yourself and a tool to be heard without speaking. There were many issues which the introduction of masks had brought to society, but I wanted to focus on these since they not only reflect the journey of masks briefly, but also hold a mirror to humans and their mindsets.\n\nIn 2010's, hate crimes were reported in record numbers. The 2020's broke it's predecessors records, with a number of scholars citing how easily identifiable the targets became as direct contributing factor to those figures. In the 2010's, big corporation's greed caused the working people economic hardships and substantial damage to the environment. In fact, it is well known that in 2020, Amazon did close to nothing to protect the health of its employees. In 2050, it was big corporation's greed that nearly put our health systems at risk once again and cost 10 people their lives. In the 2010's women protested naked or barely clothed to drive home a point on rape and crimes against women. In 2082, women wore transparent masks to bring to light the same point on the same issues. \n\nOur mindsets have not changed or evolved, and a mask is the best legally required fashion accessory to prove that.",
"As the superbugs and multi-resistent bacteria spread during the 21st Century, the mask became an increasingly common item of clothing, and today, nearly everyone wears masks everywhere. Starting out with mere cloth masks, this item of clothing has truly evolved since its humble beginning. The usage of masks as everyday clothing has its origins in the early Interwar Period in Japan, as the Japanese people started to wear surgical masks to protect against the Spanish Influenza. Later developments in the early 2020s, saw this spread to a world-wide necessity.\n\nThe mask today is a highly customised piece of personal fashion. Some tend to the more professional masks, descendants of the N95 type used so commonly back then, while others tend to wear highly stylised personal masks of various types. The most common, but also always fashionable choice is the Plague Doctor's mask, originally invented to prevent the spread of the Bubonic plague back in medieval and renaissance ages, this stylish bird-beaked mask can be customised with any number of details. Take the bird analogy further and use synthfeathers as a fashion statements, or adorn it with cogwheels, gears, and other light brass items to invoke that neo-steampunk aesthetic.\n\nOthers have invested in the new cyberpunk brand of gasmasks, keeping their faces lit and beautiful with the patented neon-light fabric, highlighting their eyes behind the bulletproof glass(which for the visually impaired can be made with vision corrective glass instead), and hiding pretty much everything else. Using this choice, you can be sure to avoid any plagues, and possibly also chemical attacks.\n\nBut many people these days simply buys a blank mask, allowing them to customise it completely from the ground up with multiple accessories, to show off their personal identity. These one-of-a-kind designs are becoming ever more prevalent in modern society, allowing for a fun way of showing that you're both hip to the javabean, fashionable, and responsible in not spreading the latest strains of ultra-resistant tuberculosis.\n\nThis has been Tanyanotalia ApDisPep, of Post-Post-Post Apocalyptic News with your fashion update, check back in tomorrow for our review of mutant animal vs extraterrestial animal leather for your raiding armour, and whether human bone jewellery is making a comeback this fall.\n\n[/r/ApocalypseOwl](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApocalypseOwl/)",
"It's hard to believe that people just used to walk around with naked faces. It only makes sense to cover up such sensitive areas as your nose and mouth, right?\n\nI looked at my research in front of me, pictures of people smiling, their teeth showing. It is not surprising people think of the past as barbaric. Not me, though. It fascinates me, that's why I chose to study history.\n\nI click my pen, writing down my new findings. People used to complain about the masks, saying they felt uneasy not being able to read people's expressions. I don't quite understand that. You can still see their eyes and eyebrows, after all. What I do understand is the early masks were incredibly boring. Just white or blue.. Apparently that was so you could see they were dirty, I wonder if they wore exclusively white and blue underwear as well. Gingerly feeling my face through my own mask, I wonder what it would be like to feel the wind on my face, the thought making me blush.\n\n((i am not very good at writing I am sorry)"
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[WP] A man searching for other survivors after an apocalypse, decides to call everyone listed in the city phone directory
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"The man grips the tattered behemoth of a book, pulling the beaded chain cord taut as his cracked fingers work over earmarked pages. Today he'll start on \"St\". So many names he's poured over, and yet, so many remain. With every new line, every set of numbers dialed, his back hunches a little more, shoulders droop a little lower.\n\nThe man punches the plastic buttons and listens for the pre-recorded message signaling a disconnected line.\n\nNo one ever picks up. But the automated voice gives him hope that somewhere in this book of names a real voice might someday answer.\n\n\\---\n\nwc: 100\n\n*See more at* r/PixelProse"
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[WP] The villain and hero don't even remember why they're fighting in the first place and instead decide to go on a date.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Ariella, pirate lady of the North Sea, sat in the tavern with her mates, laughing and joking about their recent escape from the infamous captain Dareth.\n\n“He should know by now that our Lady can’t be bested that easily,” said her first mate Drake, who then stood from their weathered table, placed his foot on his chair, and raised a sloshing tankard of warm ale to the room. \n“May the thrice blasted pirate sink to the depths if he dares think to harm a hair on her siren bewitched head!” Then he threw back his ale, drinking deep, foamy dribbles leaking down both sides of his face. \n\n“Hear hear!” shouted Ariella and the rest of her crew that was present, all raising their drinks to do her honor.\n\nDrake was nearly to the bottom of his drink, bending farther back to guzzle every drop, until he fell with a resounding crash to the tavern floor, the room bursting into raucous laughter. \n\nBehind Lady Ariella, the door noisily creaked open and a rough, familiar voice spoke.\n\n”I knew I’d find you here, woman” said the voice over the tavern noise. \n\nThe pirate lady jumped from her seat, whirling to face him and drawing her pistols at the same time. \n\nThe room erupted into action with every other pirate coming to their feet and drawing their weapons to aim at the newcomer, who didn’t seem to notice anyone in the room except Ariella.\n\n“How did you find us?” she demanded, aiming directly at his chest. \n\n“Ariella my dear woman, do you think I don’t know you at all?” He crossed his arms over his chest, obviously keeping his hands away from his weapons, showing his unconcern for all the ones pointed at him. “This is where you always go when you think you’ve given me the slip.” Then he grinned, just to annoy her she thought. “By the way, by now your ship will have been taken over by my men, who have orders to sink it if I’m not back in an hour.”\n\nThe lady grinned back. “If you know me so well, you know my lookouts always have their lids peeled for your bloody ship, and won’t be taken by surprise.”\n\n“Oh I know, but I have faith in my crew to know how to handle yours.”\n\n“As I do in mine,” growled the pirate lady. \n\nAt this moment her first mate sat up, looking confusedly around at all the drawn weapons, then to who was standing in the doorway.\n“What? My Lady! Dareth! He’s here!” he stumbled to his feet, drawing his sword unsteadily and stepping toward her. \n\nCaptain Dareth laughed appreciatively. “It seems she’s aware my good man.” \n\nDrake scowled, trying very hard to to stand steady in defense of his lady. \n\nAriella scowled too, stepping close to captain Dareth. She lowered one arm, pressing the other pistol right into his chest. With a low voice she said, “What do you want?”\n\nHe smiled at her, glanced down at the weapon, then back into her eyes. The other pirates stood tensed, waiting to see what would happen. He also spoke low.\n“Whenever I come looking for you, I always know how to find you. You know my tactics and always manage to get away just in time. When two people know each other so well, it seems a shame to keep fighting. What do you say we stow the harsh feelings and get acquainted a little more personally?”\n\nAriella quirked an eyebrow. “Says the man waiting to sink my ship?”\n\nDareth shrugged his shoulders and said casually, “We’re pirates love. Did you expect a gentleman?”\n\nThe Lady Ariella stepped back, holstered her pistols, and a huge grin spread across her face. \n“If I wanted a gentleman, I wouldn’t have taken to the seas. You’re right. You’ve chased me long, and I’d be disappointed if you ever stopped.” She turned to the room and raised her voice. “Stow the weapons boys! And don’t expect me back on board tonight.” \n\nCaptain Dareth held his arm out to her with overly exaggerated manners, Ariella taking it eagerly. They swaggered out of the tavern, laughing together over the confused looks on her crews’ faces. \n\nThe pirates went back to their noisy drinking, first mate Drake watching his lady leave. \n\n“It’s about bloody time. Drinks all around!”",
"‘So…’ Arianna said, leaning on her golf club as she watched Pluton line up his shot. ‘You come here often?’ \n\nThe cyborg pulled back his club and swung with perfect form, sending the ball rolling down the drawbridge of the fake plastic castle and onto the other side, sinking cleanly into the hole. He straightened up, expressionless. ‘From time to time.’ \n\nAriana gave a low whistle. ‘How about I pick the place next time?’ \n\nPluton looked at her, she could see the gears turning in his head. ‘So… there will be a second date?’ \n\n‘What do you think?’ She smiled, punching him lightly on the shoulder. *Thunk.* \n\n‘Ow.’ \n\n‘Sorry.’ \n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nTheir next date was at the zoo. Much closer to her comfort zone. \n\n‘The brochure says there’s going to be a dolphin show at 12:00,’ Pluton said, examining the cartoon map. ‘If we start walking now, we can make it in time.’ \n\nArianna snorted. ‘And participate in the exploitation of caged animals forced to perform for the entertainment of fat, smelly humans? No thanks.’ \n\n‘I’m confused,’ Pluton said, tilting his head. ‘If we’re not here to watch the animals then why are we at the zoo?’ \n\nShe smirked. ‘Just watch.’ \n\nArianna walked over to the lion enclosure and instantly, she felt the eyes of the large cats on her. They could sense a kindred spirit in her presence. This human wasn’t like the others. She understands us. \n\nShe grabbed ahold of one of their iron bars and tugged, bending it like it was cheap copper wire. The lions didn’t think twice. \n\n‘You know I’m going to have to put them back, right?’ \n\n‘You could do that,’ Arianna said. ‘Or…' \n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\n‘You don’t have any criminal plans for these lions, right?’ \n\n‘You know I never risk my darlings in my plans,’ Arianna said as one of the lion cubs nuzzled its head against her leg. ‘Plus aren’t they adorable?’ \n\n‘I suppose…’ Pluton didn’t really understand the appeal of animals. To him, they were just big, furry, bags of meat that slobbered over everything. But humans seemed to get a kick out of raising them. Another thing he’d never understand. \n\n‘Well, I suppose I better get going. I got assigned to morning watch tomorrow.’ Pluton stood up, gathering his things. ‘Same time next week?’ \n\n‘You could do that.’ Arianna placed the lioncub gingerly on her bed and walked over to him, hips swaying. ‘Or…’ \n\nThat night, Pluton reconnected with his human side. And it was *glorious.* ",
"Inopia was an angry child, always getting into trouble all the time. Of course, Inopia wasn't her real name, the one on her birth certificate: but it was the one she was best known by. Shewas an angry child, and that had led her into an angry adulthood. Only now she was praised for it rather than beaten down, told she needed to be 'a better child', to 'listen to her betters'.\n\nShe *was* the betters, for a lot of people. Each day standing firm and proud against her foe, battling it out among the skyscrapers and buildings of the sprawling streets of Philadelphia. She was one of Philadelphia's first Protags, an individual with great power who stood up proud against their foes and the foes of their people.\n\nLaetitia, on the other hand grew up as Sylva Eiderfel, rich heiress of a magnificent fortune, who had never wanted for anything, be it belongings or love. Her childhood had been gilded and joyful, filled with precious memories. Told she was a 'genius' and could 'do anything she wanted'.\n\nShe was cursed out each time her pseudonym appeared in the news, tearing down constructions, robbing banks: skittering to avoid Inopia's furious blows, slipping away before she could meet justice. An infamous Antag, greedy for gold and anything that glittered or shone, able to reach through reflections as she liked.\n\nThey stared at each other, the wind tugging at their clothes. Both their costumes were simple and pragmatic, designed to give as few hand-holds as possible. No showing off their bosoms here, both wore costumes that compressed, hid and protected as much as possible.\n\n\"You won't escape this time.\" Inopia seethed.\n\n\"No,\" Laetitia sighed. \"I didn't want to.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\nLaetitia stared over her shoulder at the yawning abyss and held up her arms, shrugging as she did so.\n\n\"I've got nothing left.\" she said.\n\n\"No schemes, no tricks?\" Inopia asked, dubiously.\n\n\"No schemes, no tricks, no life, nothing. It's over. All of it.\"\n\nInopia paused and lowered her fists, hearing that hopeless tone in Laetitia's voice that Inopia had heard so many times over.\n\n\"This isn't like you.\"\n\nLaetitia shook her head, her voice cracking as she said: \"You'll hear about it in the news soon enough. It's all gone. Everything. I've nothing left.\"\n\n\"Oh, you're Sylva.\" Inopia realised. \"The-\"\n\n\"The fraud. It wasn't even his money, it was all *mine*! But they took it off me anyway! And I can't do a god-damn thing about it! For all I'm showing off and posturing here, for all they always said that I was a genius and so damn *smart*, how was I so **stupid**?!\" Laetitia screamed.\n\nShe stumbled back a step and Inopia reached out, grabbing the hand of her nemesis.\n\n\"It's easy to be fooled by people you love.\" Inopia said. \"Was this Antag idea yours?\"\n\n\"No. I wanted to be a Protag. I wanted to do *good*! But he said it'd be easier if I was an Antag, that I wouldn't have to... god, how stupid I was!\" Laetitia half wailed, clutching her head.\n\nInopia pulled her closer, into a tight and heartfelt embrace that spoke more of their shared experiences than words ever could.\n\nLaetitia sobbed raggedly, a cry that came from her deepest feelings and Inopia felt her heart tug with sympathy. She knew her foe didn't have psychic abilities. Frankly, Laetitia's ability was second-rate at best. It was just the way that she'd used it that meant she was one of the best-known Antags in Philadelphia.\n\n\"I just.. I just wanted to be a good daughter.\" Laetitia whispered, fidgeting idly with the seam on Inopia's costume. \"He said he needed me, that he couldn't do what he needed to without my help.\"\n\n\"Was this after the test showed your abilities?\" Inopia asked, leading Laetitia to the middle of the roof, sitting her down on the framework that supported the air conditioning units.\n\n\"Yes.\" Laetitia agreed, blinking away her tears.\n\nThe wind was bitter up here, and their faces were chilled as it was. Inopia mutely reached into a pocket and pulled out a tissue, wiping the tears away and Laetitia smiled thinly.\n\n\"I should've thought about pockets.\"\n\n\"Well, most women's clothes don't have pockets and I thought I might as well let my costume be practical.\" Inopia said. \"Hey, I know you're angry at yourself right now but it's easy to be manipulated when you trust them like that.\"\n\n\"Sounds like experience.\" Laetitia murmured.\n\n\"It's what my therapist has been teaching me. Look, the only time *that man* was ever nice to me was when he wanted something.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Laetitia agreed, simply. \"I think... I think my father has always been the same. I think he wanted a pretty daughter without a thought in her head. So she wouldn't question what was going on.\"\n\n\"So that when all his schemes fell apart he could pin them on you?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nInopia clucked her tongue like a mother hen and hugged Laetitia tighter. \"It's not the end of the world.\"\n\n\"It *feels* like it.\"\n\n\"Well, it's the end of an old world. How about you try to make it the start of a new one? Do you have anywhere to go?\"\n\n\"No. It - I didn't have any money that wasn't in those bank accounts. I should've-\"\n\n\"Ah-ah-ah!\" Inopia said, sharply. \"Should've is a poison word. Should've, would've, could've. It happened, and that's all that there is. You need to look at what you can do *now*. Come on, have you eaten today?\"\n\n\"No.\" Laetitia - Sylva - admitted.\n\nInopia - Crystal - smiled. \"Then let's start with that.\"\n\n\\-------------------------------------------r/Eight_Legged_Pest"
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[WP] A man, returning home after a late night movie show, is being followed by one of the characters in the movie
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Garret was not an extraordinary guy. He was living alone in a modest apartment after his divorce 5 years prior. He worked a completely ordinary desk job and while he wasn't super athletic he was relatively healthy for a 40 year old guy going swimming once a week, most weeks.\n\nOne Friday evening it turned out he had nothing planned so as he was sitting on the couch drinking his afterwork beer, he decided to go to the local cinema to see if there's a movie that looks good. He would normally check the cinema website to see what's on but he felt like going on a walk anyway so why not?\n\nWhen looking through the movies Garret was surprised to see there was a new Taken movie with Liam Neeson. He decided to watch it as he loved the last one he'd seen and he wasn't disappointed. The action scenes were just as good, Liam Neeson's voice was just as badass and he just overall enjoyed the movie.\n\nOn the way home he imagined a slightly different version of the famous quote \"Garret Barnes, I know who you are and where you live, I will find you and I will kill you!\". Garret got chills just thinking about it.\n\nAs he kept walking home he had a strange feeling that he was being watched. He looked around but he could see nothing. Then he heard something around the corner of the block he was about to pass. \"Is anyone there\" Garret tried to be loud but it instead came out quiet and afraid.\n\nThen all of a sudden Liam Neeson himself comes around the corner with his determined face and a silenced pistol in his hand, aiming straight at Garret.\n\n\"NO! PLEASE DON'T\" screamed Garret as loud as he could before he heard the \"VWHOOP\" that comes out of a silenced pistol when fired.\n\nGarret woke up still on the couch out of breath and panting. He had dropped his beer. He decided maybe he'll skip the walk that night.\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\nFeedback is welcome!"
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[WP] You can transform and gain incredible strength, but only after completing a perfect 1-minute tango choreography. The process is complex and confusing for all involved.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 knew a walk in the park would change his life forever? Dave-From-Work had talked him into going for an after work walk to the hot dog guy that was always set up a little ways into Central Park. He normally avoided the area but his cubicle mate had been going on for days about a dog with fried onions and he was pretty sure nothing at home was a better option. \n\nHe’d almost made it out too. They’d already eaten and were on their way back to the car park to go home, almost out of the park when it happened. \n\nA strange woman had bumped into him, grabbing onto his forearm with a grip that was startling coming from her small stature. He had moved to apologize and pull away but the next thing he knew, she had whipped him round and dipped him like he was on a dance floor instead of in a bougie mid-city park. After that it was just a blur. They spun and twirled while Dave marveled and clapped along until she released him with a flourish, and when he steadied himself and turned to look for her she was gone. \n\nThankfully the next thing he touched was his umbrella on the ground and not a human or animal because the moment his fingers closed around it, it crumpled like it was made of tissue paper. He had stared at the umbrella for a good ten minutes before folding the rest of it into a neat ball with his bare hands and tossing it in a near by garbage can while Dave stared openly. \n\nHe had gone straight home and started (gently) googling what the fuck was going on with him. While the academic sources were less than helpful, he had found a treasure trove of information in the form of an obscure fan-subbed South-Colombian cartoon, which according to Google Translate was called ‘Dance Away Death’. \n\nWhile he couldn’t quite remember the steps the woman in Central Park had pulled him in to, it seemed similar to the penultimate climax of the mid-season cliffhanger when the hero, named either Lord Tango or Lord Lazy (Google Translate was indecisive), did a complicated 60 second routine to summon an ancient golem which infused him with the strength to defeat the evil Dark Master (who was a 7 foot tall, green Amazonian woman with four arms, a bit cliche but terrifying in its own way). \n\nAfter practicing a bit over the next few weeks, that did indeed seem to be how it worked. He would do a dance and get super human strength. It wasn’t the most manly super power but it was what he had. The only saving grace was that whoever he chose somehow seemed to automatically know the choreography as long as he led. It made no sense but he didn’t question it; it was hard to find a solid dance partner these days let alone one with a schedule open enough to drop everything just to do a one minute routine so he could go save the world. It really would have been much handier if he could have had a solo number, like Sailor Moon, or maybe even just a nice shout-out with a badass sword like He-Man. \n\nBut no, he had to do some souped up version of the Macarena in order to get his super powers, which thankfully were *not* also dance themed. That would have been too much really. He was all for the power of dance but there was a line."
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[WP] When prison walls start talking
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"They watched me through the slated seasons.\n\nTheir silent eyes ever tracing my movements. Once calm, controlled - distorted slowly. A fall into a retrograde, to a state more animal.\n\nTheir silent eyes judged not, though I think I caught concern. Was it their own safety they seemed to lament? Perhaps. The process continued to unfold, and their unwitting collaboration in my containment grew increasingly difficult to ignore.\n\nWas it after a season, a year, a lifetime? A whisper crashed into my dreams -\n\n\"The mountain worshiped by all who saw it, the boulder that fell away - \nBroken down, into the stream, as pieces cut away- \nReduced to pebbles, along the shore, and carried to the sea. \nA thousand waves had crushed it down, with yet a million more to greet. \nFrom that mountain, into sand, adrift and so alone -\n\nGathered up, combined with intention, mixed with great ambition - \nNow standing strong, and born again - \nKnowing this too is not yet my fate - \n\nArise - \nArise, and find your strength, \nFor this is not your end.\""
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[WP] In this world, people are fragile as their feelings. Some people could trip and die as they hit the ground, and others could survive a fall off of a skyscraper unharmed. You begin to wonder how strong you might be.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"Guess 'e just wasn't stron' enough. His ickle feelings go' in the way.\" Came a wheeze came from the end of the bar. He was looking at the TV droning on about the news. Probably another guy trying to prove how \"strong\" and \"masculine\" he was. It was always kind of pointless- it didn't matter how tough you were. In the end, what mattered was surviving, not how tough you looked.\n\nThe Green Light Event happened just over a month ago. Dr. Malcolm Dravitch from the CDC in America had told a terrified populous that the air quality had changed dramatically. While people weren't dying on the streets, it meant our biological make-up and neuro-chemicals had been altered. Instead of bringing upon mood change and for rare people physical state changes, people's moods now were physical, present and could affect others.\n\nThe news sounded stranger than fiction. I had to stop watching lately, but there were a few stories. A six year old set her house on fire because she couldn't control her emotions. Apparently she was so excited at her birthday party, she had spontaneously burst into flame. She was unharmed but the house had been damaged. Another alarming story were a bunch of Fortune 500 types setting up betting pools and putting mentally-ill people in boxing matches to see who was \"the strongest chump\". Sometimes they would get in the ring and with their self-importance and bloated egos, they beat the crap out of everyone in the joint. It was disgusting. But what got me to turn off my TV and try and forget my troubles in the bar were the latest studies coming out of Manderfeild Health Center in which a young woman was admitted their and proceeded to melt after she had been diagnosed with cancer. She was a pile of biological waste in a mater of seconds- her hope was gone.\n\nI needed a drink.\n\n\"Shut it Reggie!\" yelled the bartender, a scruffy man with salt and pepper hair. He turns to me. \"Refill?\"\n\nI nod absently. Well, now I was thinking about it. \n\nMy mortality.\n\nI don't think I could do those things. But according to the news, the health care professionals, scientists and other intellectuals were trying to stop it. The media was sensationalizing everything, as usual, but they started to do yoga and more positive programming. But still...\n\nI searched my pocket for a few crumpled, lonely bills and handed them to the server. I chugged the whisky and felt the warm tickle scorch my throat before leaving a half-grin across my face.\n\n*Am I strong enough?* I wonder to myself. It was a decent question. Psychiatrists across the county had put out questionnaires to start looking to minimize the damage and look after clients before their emotions took them over. I stared at mine for a few minutes and wrote on a separate piece of paper:\n\n>!I was never really sad anymore, but not truly happy. I am not depressed. I generally have good control of my emotions.!<\n\nI took another slosh and set my drink down.\n\n\"So, wot ya think of dis chic?\" Bleched Reggie from the corner. \"Hooooo-Hiiiii! Found her man cheat'n on her and she' ge's so mad, she punched 'is block off!\"\n\nI start deep breathing. In for 4, Hold for 7, Out for 8. \n\nIn for 4, Hold for 7, Out for 8.\n\nIn for\n\nThe scrapping of the floor got me. The man had pushed his chair back and was stumbling up towards me, hand in a fist.\n\n\"Jus'.\" he takes his fist . \"knocks.\" he taps me in the shoulder. \"his.\" Again. \"Block\". Again. \"OFF!\" he misses and taps hard into my jaw.\n\nI feel anger flow through me and stare at him.\n\n\"BACK OFF REGGIE!\" The barman yelled, coming over to remove him. \"YOU'RE CUT OFF. Easy pal. Next drink on me.\"\n\nI could feel my skin tightening, squeezing. My eyes rolling into my head and my brain swelling. Somewhere, I know that I need to calm down, but it's too much. I've been watching people slave to their emotions. I've never had that luxury. And look at the mess it's made! I'm getting bigger, my clothes are ripping and my anger is exploding.\n\nRage. Rage. RAGE. RAGE. *RAGE.*\n\n\"Shut. **Up**. **Before I knock YOUR BLOCK O-\"** My words don't work anymore. I see him, small before me, white as a sheet. The barman and the annoying man are down bellow.\n\n\"**RRRRRRRAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!\"** I feel strong. Strong and big. No more thoughts, just anger.\n\nI can do anything.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSo this idea came to me by way of the Hulk, who Bruce Banner must be so careful about all the time and not let his emotions loose. He now lives in a world that now their emotions can cause all the damage he can and don't know how to deal with it. But because the world long ago gave up on Bruce, he's still drifting and avoiding the government but staying up to date on world affairs. He is a guy who tries to train his emotions from the pain and grief of a very abused child and resulting D.I.D.",
"Does worrying that I’ll trip and fall make it more likely that I’ll die if I trip and fall? Worry is on the list of feelings. I’d never considered it needing reins. Worry was self-preservation. But that was before. \n\nUnsure if that rouge marble is a continuation of my dream or a foggy early-morning thought. The sun shines starkly through my closed blinds. I should already be awake. \n\nWill worry make me *fragile* like the health department has warned? It’s been six weeks since they told us what’s caused the staggering number of deaths: feelings.\n\nI dress in a rush and throw open my front door. There he is laid out on my sidewalk. An older, fit man, with salt and pepper hair still perfectly coiffed. His pleasant look betrayed only by a slight frown. He knew the mis-step over my sidewalk crack would be his downfall before he even hit the ground. I’d always enjoyed seeing what new life would call that crack home.\n\nNo matter, I don’t know him. I just know he blocks the way to my car, and I’m late as always.\n\nIt has to be an inconvenience, stepping over his body. Yet he was still too young to die. I stop myself. Don’t trip over a thought about an insignificant person. \n\nWe all collectively clamor for the answer to what has changed, what caused these deaths. An about-face after a slow drip of reform. Feelings, they say, are our downfall after decades of increasing sensitivity. \n\nWe’d told little boys it’s okay to cry. Encouraged little girls to speak up, it’s not bossy. The repression we’d fought against was now like a switch, flipped. It was going to kill us.\n\nThe man still visibly emanated warmth on the frigid pavement. Operator, yes, there’s a body at 3142 Brownstone, please come retrieve it.\n\nI don’t wait for the police to arrive because his presence is merely a nuisance.",
"Crash. \n\nI turn my head to the sound and watch with grim satisfaction as the last remains of what used to be Evans shatter against the floor.\n\nSo much for playing the tough guy. \n\nThis new curse that’s fallen on the human race has taught me how deceiving appearances can be. \n\nEvans and his crowd of bullies have gleefully tried to push me off the school’s roof, believing scaredy little me would surely be delicate as crystal. \n\nAnd yet, here I am, standing witness to the end of the last of them. \n\nThis curse has brought the survival of the fittest to a whole new level. It has unearthed bullies’ fragility, exposed them for the cowards they are. \n\nMy eyes roam through the courtyard. Most of the crowd wears bandages or protective gear. Most of them avoid impact with the others, for fear of losing a limb or worse, trip and shatter. \n \nAmong them, there are a few people who walk without a care in the world, their heads held high. \n\nTimmy Carter. The smallest kid of his class. The shy one who always keeps to himself during the interval. \n\nNow, he walks among the crowd, unafraid. \n\nElisa Davis. The smartest kid in her entire year. The mousy girl, her head always bent over one of her books. \n\nNow her wide smile shows the braces she has so relentlessly been mocked for. \n\nI could go on describing each one of them but the pattern is always the same. The kids who have been bullied the most, now are the strongest. \n\nJust like me. \n\nWho would have thought that every humiliation, every punch, every bruise would make us stronger, in the end. \n\nWe’ve been watching out tormentors fall and break and shatter before our eyes. We’ve exchanged grim smiles. We’ve high fived each other over the dust of our enemies. \n\nCold? Maybe, but our ability to adapt to every kind of situation has shaped us into what we are today. \n\nSurvivors. \n\nWe’re survivors and we’re watching society clean itself from bullies and abusers and their fragile egos. \n\nI look around myself, at this new world. I smile and take out the small glass bottle I always keep in my pocket, staring at the dust within. \n\nHello, dad. Hello, mom.",
"The thing is, I'm a sociopath according to the doctors. No feelings at all. So the question is, am I strong or weak because of that lack? I'm certainly not that fragile, I fell and scraped myself as a child many a time on the playground at school, remaining undamaged, however most children are near indestructible anyway, their feelings tough to damage, words not eating our hearts away or any such issues. No, it is when we mature past puberty that our true fragility shows, but most people past high school don't fall as often, we have the hang of walking without tripping over our own feet. In high school contact sports are banned to ensure the more delicate students make it through the day unscathed so it cannot even be tested in PE.\n\nMy diagnosis was not made until I was 21, in school I was quiet and had no real friends so nobody really noticed my lack of emotions. I was just the loner kid, every school has one, it wasn't that odd. But when I started working socialising was sort of expected. I kept getting invited out for drinks at the local pub after work on Fridays, asked to come get to know people at office events like the Xmas party, one man even asked me to visit his home for dinner. Every offer I declined politely but after 4-5 months people started to get suspicious. It can't just be the new girl jitters any more, I'd been working there long enough to be an established member of the team, why didn't I want to socialise? Simply put, because I didn't care about them. I told the HR manager this when he called me in to ask me that very question. He told me my lack of socialising was bad for team morale or something so he had to know why to try and fix it. He can't fix not caring himself so he sent me to a psychiatrist.\n\nThe psychiatrist figured it out very quickly. He asked a few simple questions, how do I feel about this and that type things and when I answered that I felt nothing regarding everything he had his lightbulb moment. \n\n\"So you feel nothing?\"\n\n\"Apparently not. What do you mean feel?\"\n\n\"Let's put it this way, if you saw your mother die before your eyes what would that do to you?\"\n\n\"I mean, not a lot. Dad's still around so my living situation wouldn't change and any inheritance would be up to him.\"\n\n\"You see, that's not a typical answer to that question, most people would be distraught, they would break down in tears, it would affect them deeply, you would not be concerned.\"\n\n\"Oh. I was unaware that this was strange. Thank you doctor. I guess I'll be going?\"\n\n\"Have you injured yourself ever, or done anything to yourself that should have resulted in injury but didn't?\"\n\n\"I don't remember...does it matter?\"\n\n\"Well, think upon it for me, run an experiment on yourself. You may be a medical marvel, if so you could make a lot of money.\"\n\n\"Ok... Yeah, I'll be going doc.\"\n\n\nI wasn't intending to do anything but his words stuck with me. I was walking home from the office the following day still mulling the idea over. Test it how?\nAnd then I saw the cars rushing past me on the road and had my idea. I waited for the next bus to be coming along the road and stepped off the curb in front of it."
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[WP] After a woman is killed inside her home, a detective interrogates the robot assistant working for her
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Min sized up the house from his car. Two floors, maybe a basement. It was your plain old average home. Maybe sold for a $100K or $110K at most before the disaster. There was a small garage and a short driveway in front. A path cut out from the driveway and ran alongside the outside of the garage towards the door. There was a large rectangular window to the right of the door. Brown curtains were drawn across it and blocked the view inside. There was a slightly smaller window above it that likely belonged to the next floor. That might have been the bedroom window of the victim. There was another top floor window on the left side of the house above the garage. This one was small and circular. It looked to be too high to be used by anyone in the house but it was a nice aesthetic touch.\n\nThe police had been by yesterday when the neighbour had called it in. The neighbour was a short, potbellied man around the age of 40. He was the type of guy you expected to find in this neighbourhood. From the pictures he looked like the kind of guy to be peeping in once or twice a week, hoping to catch a glimpse of something he wasn't supposed to. Yesterday, he’d caught a glimpse of something he’d probably never forget.\n\nThis was a routine case. Murders weren't uncommon in this area. Crime here was the product of intense segregation and it was exacerbated by the catastrophe. He'd passed by the landfill and waste hazard centre just three minutes from this neighbourhood. Half the time, murders in these kinds of communities weren't even solved. It was often gang-related or someone looking for a baby, if not both. The money you could make off selling a baby to a rich family was enough to escape this hell hole, and there wasn’t anyone on this street who wouldn’t take that deal. Yet, this case stood out in that regard. This woman's baby had not been taken. It had been killed right along with her.\n\nHeaps of trash littered the sidewalk in front of the home and no one had the time or will to care. The kind of squalor people lived in these days was unimaginable. This might even be a decent neighbourhood compared to the norm. The whole country was turning to shit.\n\nMin wondered why he was stalling so much. He drummed his fingers on the wheel with anxiety and jumped out the car. He crossed the street without hesitation and walked up the pathway. The grass was yellow here with a few patches of green here and there. A small tree stood in the middle of a patch of brown soil bordered by a small smattering of black rocks. Some of the rocks had been scattered, and the outline was broken in a few places. The tree, a short evergreen, looked to be on its last breath. He wondered if it would still be here when he came back.\n\nMin took the path that cut out to the right and then along the outside of the garage. As he approached the door, he thought he caught the curtains flutter in the window for half a second. He looked back at it but the slight ripple had left as soon as it came.\n\nAfter a few moments, he went back towards the door. He pulled out the keys from his pocket, courtesy of Jim at the articles department, and pushed in the door. The smell still wasn't completely gone but Min had gotten used to this type of thing by now. He walked in cautiously, despite the fact the home should've been completely empty. He unholstered his gun and held it at his side at hip level. He knew hadn't imagined the movement of the drapes. Min was too good at his job. After ten years in this field, he'd learned to trust what he saw.\n\nThe doorway lead to three paths: a staircase in front and two rooms on either side. The stairway led upstairs to four doors which were all closed for now. There were two doors exactly across from him while two doors faced each other. He eyed the third door from the left. This one was facing him. The master bedroom. That's where it had happened. He tabled that room in his mind.\n\nHe turned to the right opening. The window had been on the right so that's where he had to go. He pushed himself against the side of the right wall, just before the opening. He looked to the left side but the angle wasn’t good and he couldn’t see much of the room beyond. As he listened, he heard nothing. The whole house had gone still. A woman's life had been extinguished here and the atmosphere of the home had gone with it. Min had never been in this home before, but it felt like a darker and much more sinister version of itself. Once he felt comfortable, he head into the right room.\n\nHe had read the complete description of the home in the files, but he was still shocked when he saw it all. Three couches of different sizes were set around a long coffee table in front of him. The longest of the three lay across the left wall and the second longest ran along the right wall. A small, single-person couch sat roughly a foot from the curtains. He was surprised the entire set hadn't been pawned off. A multitude of paintings and photographs spanned the walls.\n\nSome people held onto remnants of the old world despite the risks, but not in places like this. He wouldn't be surprised if this home was looted through and through the next time he came.\n\nBack and to his left was a lengthy dinner table and a cabinet containing a wide assortment of Chinaware. How a woman in this side of the county could have survived this long with all of this was nothing next to a miracle.\n\n(1/2)",
"He took a long drag from his cigarette. He closed his eyes and released a large cloud of smoke, and opened his eyes to view of robot in front of him. He sighed, and took his fedora off. \n\n\"Listen, scrappy, I'm just asking who come over on the fifth on march,\" the detective asked slowly before taking another inhale from his cigarette. \n\n\"Sir, please keep your shoes by the door,\" the robot repeated in a feminine voice. The detective crumpled up his fedora and sighed. \n\n\"Let's try this again, scrappy,\" the detective said, slowly drawing a six-shot snubnose. \"I swear, scrappy, I'll put the screws on ya'.\" \n\nThe robot simply cocked her head. \"Sir, please keep your shoes by the door,\" the robot repeated yet again. The detective looked at her, looked at the gun in his hand and the smoke in the other, and threw his fedora. The female-robot stood up from the couch she was sitting and retrieved the fedora for the man. \n\n\"You got a burn tray, scrappy?\" The man asked, indicating his cigarette. The robot responded, \"Certainly, sir. Please be patient,\" and the left room. The detective put his gun back in his coat and ran his fingers through his hair before walking towards the front door. \n\nHe frowned. The dead woman's shoes were still by the door, in pristine condition. Obbiously the fruit of the robots constant maintenance labor, but there was one oddity. The woman lived alone, widowed early. So why was there a pair of men's shoes beside hers, in the entryway? \n\nThe robot returned to find the man in the entryway, pondering. She offered him the ashtray. He nodded and took it, snuffing the cigarette out. \n\n\"Put some tea on, would ya scrappy? I think you're on to something.\""
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[WP]"Most of our clients just want to see dinosaurs up close or the pyramids, some want to see firsthand Rome at its apex; pretty pedestrian. However, there are a fairly noticable amount of clients who want to be sent to..."problematic" periods."
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
" “Have a great trip!” I trilled at the amorous couple. The newlyweds take their passes and murmur a thanks, barely seeing me as they make eyes each other. They should have an eventful if eye opening honeymoon in Renaissance era France. No one realises quite how badly Paris reeked in 1550 until they get there. \n\n\nThey move away and smile slips from my face as I tug for the hundredth time at the polyester scarf tied artfully around my neck. How ChronoTrip managed to charge such exorbitant prices but provide such godawful uniforms is beyond me. Glancing across at Cassandra in the next booth over she looks as outwardly coiffed as me, and if I knew her at all she's also desperate to yank up her dollar store nylons. She serves an elderly couple who are just now realising that they were unlikely to see a Samurai and a Shaolin monk in the same trip. Her accommodating smile is a twin to the one I have just let go for a blessed second. I shoot her a sympathetic glance and she gives me that look of hers that makes me feel like we're both in on a great joke together. A camera in the corner swivels with a *whirrr* my direction. Kerry will be sitting in the monitoring room, jowls illuminated by the multitude of monitors and counting the seconds between my clients. \n\n\nI put the smile back on. “Next!”. My jaws ache. A balding man approached my counter. He has more than a little paunch supported by frame that spoke of a successful high school football career and a disappointing adulthood. \n“Good afternoon! How can I help you today sir?” My tone is bright and helpful as always. \n“You can help me” he says to my bust “by getting me out of this godforsaken piece of shit year and back to some time better”. My smile doesn't budge, my scarf feels too warm. \n“I'm sure we can find a time you'd like to visit, however you'll have to be more specific ”. “Specific huh?” an air of mock casualness enters his voice. Lets say oh, June 31st, 1921”. His eyes finally meet mine and he gives me a tobacco-yellow grin. I know the date. I know all the dates people like him choose, the 9th of November 1938, 4 April 1968, the list goes on. \n“Certainly, will you be requiring Geospatial transfer also?” For once I am glad of the full face of makeup that is part of the dress code. Otherwise he'd see the red suffusing my face as he answers “oh I'm not going anywhere”. His grin widens. I don't know why I bothered to ask. ChronoTrip policy is to send anyone anywhere, no questions asked. One day I'll be an tour guide for one of the good ones like Tempus Tours in Cambridge that services historians and school groups. But for now I'm a console operator for ChronoTrip in Olka-*fucking*\\-homa. \n\n\n“Wonderful! Give me a moment to enter your destination into the terminal.” I busy myself with entering his details: year, month, date, hour... I reach the section for ViewSet selection. The ViewSet is the body our esteemed Chrono Tourists wear while they cavort throughout history. I'm told we can't just plonk modern people into the timeline for reasons that have as much to do with microbes as they do with wrist watches. We call them ViewSets so that the squeamish among our clients feel less scruples about using them and knowing they get discarded after each use. Single use plastics have nothing on ChronoTrip when it comes to waste. Another ChronoTrip policy is to select a ViewSet as similar as possible to the user to prevent 'discomfort'. \n\n\nI select male, 51yrs old, 165cm tall. I set the athleticism slider to low. My finger hovers over the final option. \n\n\nHis gaze lazily wanders the room as he waits and settles on Cassandra. Sweet, kind Cassandra with her tinkling laugh and dark humour. Cassandra with her her dark skin and natural hair. He sneers. \n\n\nMy finger slips. \n\n\n“Have a great trip!” I trill and he grabs his pass without a backwards glance and passes through the gate. I smile over at Cassandra. My jaw doesn't ache anymore. I'll miss her when I'm fired, but honestly she's the only good thing about this place. Her clients move on and I motion for her to come over, “I hope you don't mind, I let him take the Tulsa trip but I gave him the honour of looking like you!”."
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[WP] Time automatically freezes whenever you need more than you have. When you said "I can fix this" you may have bitten off more than you can chew.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 never sure of the cause-and-effect aspect of my condition. “It’s either super-speed or complete mastery over time and space,” I told Randy.\n\n“Dude, whatever you’re smoking, I want some of that, too.” He said.\n\nI had made the decision to confide in my closest friend. I need some outside perspective. Even if Randy wasn’t the sanest of choices, I trusted him.\n\n“I told you, it’s a matter of need. I can’t just turn it on and off like a switch,” I said. “Here, I’ll show you.”\n\nI picked up a Rubiks cube from my desk. “Scramble it up and give me a time limit to solve it.”\n\n“Five minutes and ten bucks when you fail,” said Randy.\n\n“Too long. How about 5 seconds?” I said.\n\nRandy smirked and tossed me the scrambled cube. “Five seconds. Ready, set, go!”\n\nI took my time and applied my usual method of solving each layer of the cube in order. From my perspective, it took a few minutes.\n\n“Done!” I said.\n\nRandy’s eyebrows were raised. “Wow! Your hands flew! Who knew you had actual skills, Ricky? It was like 5 seconds on the dot!”\n\n“Now tell me to solve it in one second.”\n\nRandy frowned and re-scrambled the cube. He handed it to me and said, “One second? Ready … go!”\n\nI handed the cube back to him. It was solved.\n\nHe jumped back. “What?! That’s not possible. You must’ve switched the cube with a solved one. I saw something blur. Nice try!”\n\n“Randy, this is what I’m trying to tell you. It took me three minutes to solve. I either have super speed or …”\n\n“… complete mastery over time and space, yeah, yeah,” he interrupted. Randy looked at me for a long while.\n\n“It only works when you need more time?” he mused. “Hey, I’ve got an idea.” He handed me a pencil and paper.\n\n“Write down the winning Lotto number from yesterday’s drawing,” he said. “You have 10 seconds, go!” he said.\n\n“But I don’t know what it is!” I exclaimed. Fuck, Randy had already frozen in space. I stared at the blank paper in front of me, then wrote down six random numbers. Randy was still frozen.\n\n“So much for psychic abilities,” I muttered to myself. I ran into the kitchen to look at the newspaper, found yesterday’s winning numbers, and wrote them down.\n\nJust as I finished, I heard Randy yelling from the other room, “Shit! Where’d you go?!”\n\nI handed him the scrap paper. “Here’s your winning numbers.”\n\n“Really?” he said, a bit too excited. “How’d you know?”\n\n“I had to look in the paper, asshole,” I showed Randy the newspaper. “I told you, to me, it seems like time is running normally. It’s just everything else that slows down. I had to go all the way to the kitchen.” I scowled at him.\n\n“Poor baby!” He made a sad face at me. “Here's the fun part. Now, write down tomorrow’s winning lottery number!”\n\nI gasped in panic. He didn’t know what was about to happen. “Randy, NO!” I started to say, but my words were too late.\n\n“You have ten seconds, GO!”\n\nTime screeched to a halt. Randy was frozen in front of me, the shape of the word “Go” was permanently etched on his lips.\n\n“12, 43, 56, 6, 48, 5” I said them aloud as I scribbled down my first guess. Randy didn’t move. I dropped the pencil. A sense of dread filled my body.\n\nOne down, 300 million guesses to go. Even without sleep it would take at least 10 years to get through them all.\n\n“Well, at least I’ll be rich,” I muttered. I picked up my pencil."
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[WP] For every 10 times you save someone's life, you get 1 opportunity to escape death. Your "lives" is shown as a glowing number on your arm. Waking up with a horrible hungover after a wild night, you see in the corner of your eye on your wrist the number 700.000.000
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[
"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Tensions are rising as world leaders are declaring war on one another. During one of the gatherings of world leaders, a random drunk person stumbles in.\n\nThe world leaders shout for security, but security does not respond for some reason.\n\n“Hey!” The drunk person says, “I have an idea! How about you don’t kill each other and instead talk about your feelings?”\n\n“Oh yeah...” One of the world leaders say, “I’ve been meaning to tell everyone that my daughter is ill... it’s really been taking a toll on my mental stability.\n\n“Oh, I’m sorry for being so rude to you the other day. I guess I could understand why you were so rude now... I hope you the best of luck with your daughter.” Another one of them says.\n\n“Thanks, man. I really thought nobody cared...”\n\nAs the conversation continues, everybody starts to voice their worries and opinions about things, and get comforted from all sides. This makes everyone feel closer to one another.\n\nCongratulations. You just prevented World War 3.",
"Ella's head vibrated as her alarms buzzing noise whizzed around the room and hit perfectly on her ear drums. She reached an angry hand out from under the covers to punch the top as she slowly rose up in her bed. \n\"Oh man, what day is it?\" She thought to herself as she rubbed both of her eyes trying to will her face to wake up. Her room was filled with warm, yellow sunlight as she causally stretched out her legs and arms. She pushed her wild red hair away from her face as she leaned into the stretch, allowing her eyes to casually drift around her bedroom until she saw her arm! \n\nElla had never been the type of girl to \"Point Parade.\" She was disgusted by the thought of racking up points by saving people and then putting it on display for the world via social media. Sure, there may have been money in it if you got a contract with a corporation but that just wasn't her style. She wasnt a \"parader\" on social media. She never even really cared about the points system. Ella wanted to live a quiet life. She had dreams of being a musician and making her own music. She loved playing at any venue that would have her. It was her joy and passion! \n\nThe knocks at the door sent shock waves through her body. She shot her eyes to the door, then to her arm and to the door once again. Throwing the covers off, she bolted into her closet to grab more decent clothing than what she had on.\n\"Oh God, oh God that can't be him!\" Never wanting to have the interaction she was about to have. \n\"What did I do?\" Ella tried to remember what had happened last night as she scrambled to get dressed but she was drawing on a blank and the hangover headache wasn't helping. She paced her self to the door, pushed her hair back, took in a deep breath, tried to smile but sheer fear had control of her body. \n\nAs the door opened, a very large man wearing a dark blue pinned striped suit stood before Ella. His slicked back brown hair and thin mustache gave way to his air of utter superiority. He stepped into her house without a care in the world\n \"Ms. Carpenter\" he looked at her with eyes of dissaproval. \n\"I know you know who I am but for decorums sake I will introduce myself. You can call me Mr. Death.\"\n\n\nElla watched in horror as he played with a toothpick nestled in his mouth. She carefully shut the door and shifted her weight uncomfortably as she turned back to him. \n\"Do you know why I am here?\" He asked making his way to a recliner chair in her living room. \n\"Uh...well...it probably has something to do with this?\" She raised her arm up displaying the number seven hundred million on it. \n\"Hmm...yes...you see that number was much smaller nearly one day ago\" his eyes piercing hers with a hint of anger. \n\"I don't really know what happened. I can't remember last night exactly \" Ella moved across the room as if she was trying to find a safe space to stand. She watched as a grin fell across his face.\n\"Well, my dear, I can show you what happened. It seems some very interesting videos have popped up this morning. Why don't you make yourself comfy and we can watch them...together\" his body shifted as he pulled the remote from off her coffee table and motioned her to sit. \n\nElla knew the night was going to be great as she made her way to greet her friends who were waiting at the bar. She was not usually a drinker and enjoyed playing in bars more than partying in them. Nevertheless she was out because her friends birthday was that weekend and she was requested to join. The bar was packed, more so than Ella liked. After two shots of vodka, a margarita and a beer, she started feeling more light and cheery. She knew she couldn't drink anymore if she even wanted to function tomorrow morning. \n\nElla crossed her arms and sat on the other side of the room from her current visitor.\n\"My, my, why so distant? It's not like I bite\" Mr. Death chuckled.\n\"I'm sorry but you don't have the best reputation\" Ella's mouth spoke faster than her words. She tried to not let the sheer terror escape her face as she looked back at him. Laughing heartily he turned the TV on and pointed. Every news channel had her and a picture of a little boy. Ella sat forward towards her TV as she watch with eager curiosity and shock seeing her own face on TV. Video footage of her running through a crowd to save a little boy who collapsed on the road. Ella watched as she saw herself providing CPR to a young child. Some of the onlookers were filming while his parents were crying. She scrambled to try to remember this but had no memory of doing it. She peered over at Mr. Death, \"Is this why you're here visiting me?\" \n\"Preciously!\" \n\"I don't understand? I saved a boy, I didn't cheat the system or anything? it was only one life? I can't even remember doing this\" she could hear her own panic in her words.\n\"Oh but you have cheated me, my dear, and I am here because I need this fixed!\" He muted the TV and then laid the remote down. \n\"What! How the hell did I cheat you? I saved a boy's life! One. Single. Boy.\" \nElla watched as he sat forward, tightening his mouth in an effort to control himself, \"you cheated me! You have immortality now! You saved a child who will go on to be the number one doctor in the world! By saving him, you have saved millions of lives from what is rightfully mine! And now...I can't have you either! So, what am I to do, hmm?\" Standing up in a fit of rage, he pulled out a paper and threw it at Ella.\n\"Sign this or else I will have all your families points deleted.\" \n\n\nIt was a standard death contract. Any person could get one made or, as was currently happening, be forced to sign one. It allows you to have up to a certain number of points and then, at a certain date and time, they are removed and your life is terminated. Many corporations used them in return for high paying salarys and perks. Some married couples make them together as an act of true binding love. If you found yourself without a job, medical coverage or an education, these contracts were used to give you a \"better life\" although it would be shorter, much shorter. This was what our new societies normal was. The ability to rack up points or to sell out for the ability to have basic human necessities became the freedom we lived by. \n\n\"You know I have the power to take your families points. Do the right thing and give me your life in return for the future lives I have lost because of your...'heroism'.\" Mr. Death walked over to the couch Ella was seated on, slid his hand into his suit and pulled out a contract binding pen. Ella stared at the long feather pen and knew what she had to do.",
"I guess when all is said and done, you truly have never lived until you have one of those: “What the fuck happened last night?” moments.\n\nI never did figure out exactly what I did, but I haven’t let that bother me. Or at least I’ve been trying. If the System is good for one thing, there sure are a lot less assholes around than there used to be. Sure, you do get that one chucklehead every once in a while who tries to rub your face in his respawn count, but small price to pay for an uptick in random acts of kindness. That being said, I’ve always thought that the beauty of existence was that it doesn’t last, and as it turns out, I’m the guy who’s gonna end up outliving everyone else on Earth. Provided of course I don’t get really depressed and pull a Groundhog Day style suicide spree.\n\nI try to think of all the movies I’ll get to see now, all the games, new ideas, old ones, see the ebb and flow of intellectual properties and beloved mascots endure or fade away. I’ll get to travel, meet new friends through the centuries I have, tell my family about their ancestors as I knew them, and hope to God I don’t loose the last of my lives floating out in space, drowning four hours on end.\n\nNot looking forward to hearing people complain about world issues for centuries on end though, I had enough of that after my fifth year of college.\n\nSince I am not a reckless man, I have all the time in the world now and then some due to one drunken night, if there’s anything to be learnt from my experience, I guess it’s this.\n\nIf you wanna mess with Jack Daniels, you’d better be prepared for anything.",
"It was the 25th of September, 1983. A Sunday.\n\nLike most Sundays, the lads headed down to the town with a few bottles of the Stolichnaya, to chase girls and talk big talk about politics. Stan had just gotten a new job with the government, so we liked to joke about his new big boss Andropov and his new big job. Usually we got farther with the politics than we did with the girls since, besides Stan, the rest of us were primarily employed as consumers by Stolichnaya.\n\n\"So KGB, FBI, CIA all trying to prove they are best at catching criminals,\" Boris starts.\n\nWe all laugh preemptively and reach for the Stoli.\n\n\"Not you Stan,\" I jokingly slap the bottle away from him, \"Big man Stan has to work, at least one of us should be respectable.\"\n\n\"They go to forest, and say, whoever catch rabbit first, is best catcher,\" Boris continues, taking a swig.\n\nStan jokingly salutes me as he pulls out a Belomorkanal and lights it up, looking out toward the street with a contented look on his face.\n\n\"CIA go first, they go into forest and recruit all animals as informants. They interrogate all plants and still can't find rabbit. After three months, they write 200 page report that rabbit doesn't exist.\"\n\nWe all laugh and pass the bottle around, as Boris is leaning to hand it to Stan, I reach out and snatch it and gulp it mockingly.\n\n\"FBI go next, they spend two weeks looking around, then burn whole forest to ground, killing everything, including rabbit. They declare success, terrorist rabbit had it coming.\"\n\nGrisha chokes on the Stol, spitting out a mist of the petrol.\n\n\"Hey, hey, come on!\" I slap him on the back as I yank the bottle out of his hand and take a shot, \"Drink like a man!\" \n\nI pass the bottle past Stan, to Boris, who continues, \"KGB turn next, new forest, new rabbit, since FBI make big mess all the time.\"\n\nStan chuckles at that, and waves to a passing pair of girls in the street who laugh and wave back.\n\n\"KGB go into forest and come back in just five minutes with great big bear.\"\n\nGrisha is laughing so hard he falls off the stoop, I drunkenly lean over to pull him back up as Boris opens a new bottle and holds it out to us.\n\n\"Bear is screaming, 'I did it! I did it! I am rabbit!'\"\n\nI can't help myself and fall off the stoop halfway though pulling Grisha up. We roll around laughing at the joke.\n\n\"Okay comrades,\" Stan says, standing up and brushing his uniform down, \"Time for work, pakah!\"\n\n\"Za Zdarovje!\" Boris salutes him with the bottle, then turns back to us, \"So American and Soviet die on same day and go to Hell. Devil says...\"\n\n\n-----\n\nOn 26 September 1983, shortly after midnight, Stanislav Petrov correctly determined that a Soviet warning system indication of a massive nuclear first strike inbound from the United States was the result of a systems malfunction. Twice. Because he refused to initiate retaliatory action, he is largely credited with having prevented a [nuclear](https://www.reddit.com/r/jacktheritter) holocaust.",
"I am immortal, not your usual kind of immortal, I have an expiry date (I think), I’ll age and one day, I’ll likely die of old age but that will not be for a very long time.\n\nI took that drink from him.\n\nIf I’m totally honest I don’t even remember what I did that night in the bar, I remember snippets, but whatever I did I now have just under 700 million tickets, or nearly 20,000 deaths a day for 100 years. I don’t have to worry about anything for quite some time.\n\nThe man in the Floral shirt.\n\nI’ve had a few months to play with it, at first I did the usual things you do when you get your first death tickets, I ran in front of traffic, ate fugu at those restaurants that advertise that it will kill you if you don’t have a ticket, I even stuck a gun in my mouth just because I could. But then I realised, I don’t have to ever try to cheat death because I’m just not going to, for an extremely long time.\n\nSaid something about his job.\n\nYou’ve all heard of the people who have hundreds or thousands of tickets, they become celebrities in their own right, they are usually doctors or diplomats, but they still have to be careful. I never have to be careful again, and I don’t even remember why. \n\nWas there blood?\n\nThe best thing about the tickets is that they don’t cheat death, they cheat the event all together. You don’t get hit by the car and recover with a brain injury but still alive, the car never hits you. Sometimes you only know you cheated death because your number decreases. I don’t even look when I cross the road anymore, and the numbers on my arm barely change no matter what I do.\n\nI broke it.\n\nThe strangest thing is that I’ve realised my number is increasing, by not caring about putting myself in danger I end up helping others out and inadvertently saving them. I walked past a car crash the other day and simply stood there until everyone was safe, after I walked away the whole thing exploded.\n\n“They will find you”\n\nNo matter what I do I can’t fight a feeling that I’m not safe. By all accounts I’m as close to immortal as any human has ever been but there are flashes, splatterings of thoughts that while I cannot die I am definitely not safe. \n\n“No number will stop them”"
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[WP]For the first time in your life you feel brave enough to walk up the basement stairs after turning off the light.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 we go\" Jonathan exclaims, setting another box of old mementos on the new shelving unit he just built. Groaning, he reaches his hands to support his lower back as he puffs his chest out. A solid stretch. \"That should keep the important stuff from getting wet the next time this basement floods\" he says.\n\nHe turns to head for the stairs. \"Shit\" he mutters, looking at an extra box he was hoping would fit on the shelf. \"Wonder what is in this one\" he says, ignoring the faded scribbled letters written in sharpie on the side. He gasps as he flips open the top. \"My old army men!\".\n\nJonathan starts pawing through the box, moving around the dusty old action figures. They were a mix of old war and futuristic army soldiers. All from his favorite childhood action figure brand. They were always the easiest to set in cool poses , plus they had swappable weapons. Customization was his favorite part. He's always battle soldiers from the Great War series against the ones from the Star Guard series.\n\n\"The boys would love these!\" he said. \"I should set them out for them.\"\n\nPicking up the box, Jonathan headed back to the basement stairs. He stopped at the bottom of the stairway, looking at the switch at the bottom of the stairs. The switches orientation was set to the on position, but he never used that switch. He hated causing the switch at the top of the stairs to be backwards. Up should be on, down should be off.\n\nLooking up at the light switch at the top of the stairs, it looks like one of the kids must have flipped the orientation on him. \"Guess I am making this trek in the dark,\" he mumbled.\n\nHe hit the bottom switch, plunging it and his world into darkness. His ears ringing in the silence.\n\nA voice echoes through the black void surrounding him. Breaking through the silence \"Private Fairchild!\"\n\nSilence again.\n\n\"Private Fairchild!\" The voice shouts.\n\nJonathan opens his eyes. The world blurry as his eyes attempt to adjust to the brightness surrounding world. He rapidly blinks and squints, trying to focus on his immediate surroundings. He finds himself sitting in a hole dug into the earth. A muddy shovel, a dirty green canteen, and a heavy-looking backpack laying in the earth next to him. \u000b \n\n\"W-what\", Jonathan stammers, his vision finally sharpening.\n\n\"Soldier?\" A frustrated voice states. Jonathan gazes up to see a burly soldier kneeling on the ledge of the hole he is currently sitting in. The man is wearing army fatigues, covered in crusted mud. A combat rifle slung over his shoulder. J. Baker, reads his name patch, above a few other pins of various color.\n\n\"I see your foxhole is ready\" J. Baker states, sliding down across from Jonathan. \"Is your rifle loaded?\" gesturing to the combat rifle that Jonathan has just noticed he is holding. \"We have multiple Star Guard incoming, I need to know if you are-\"\n\nBefore J. Baker can finish speaking, gunfire erupts from the surrounding area. Baker flings himself across the foxhole, landing next to Jonathan. In one motion, Baker pulls back the action on his combat rifle, brings it to his shoulder, and starts firing. He fires a short burst, shifts aim, then lets loose another burst.\n\nJonathan flips over and raises his head over the edge of his foxhole, adjusting his helmet out of his vision. Gunfire from foxholes to his left and right side. From single shots to fully automatic machine guns, all focused on the hedge line across the field. \n\nThe hedges return fire. Blue beams of light start slamming into the positions around them. Exploding twigs and sending tufts of smoldering leaves flying around their position.\n\nA shot hits the earth right in front of Jonathan's foxhole. Slouching down into the foxhole, covering his ears, he starts to scream. \"Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit.\"\n\n\"Soldier!\", Baker yells, still firing his weapon. \"Stand up Fairchild!\". Baker grabs Jonathan by the shoulder and pulls him up to the edge. \u000b\"Private Fairchild, raise your weapon!\" Another blue streak of light erupts ground in front of their position.\u000b Jonathan slides back down \"No! no!\" he yells.\n\n\"We need you soldier! Get up!\" J. Bakers yells, standing up. \"Return fire! Let's go!\" he yells to the surrounding foxholes as he climbs out of the hole. Blue streaks whizzing past him as if not a single shot can hit him. \u000b\"You can do it soldier!\" he says, firing another burst. \"Stand up Private!\"\n\nStanding up, Jonathan gets into a firing position at the edge of the foxhole. Setting the weapon on a few rocks mounded in front of him. \n\n\"There you go son!\", J. Baker yells, reloading a fresh clip into his combat rifle. \"Fire that weapon!\" he exclaims. Charging his way forward to a new position.\n\nPulling the rifle to his cheek, aiming down range, he breathes in. \n\nThe gunshots fade to silence. \n\nThe screaming of the wounded fade to silence. \n\nIt's just him and the rifle. At the end of his sight, he sees one.\n\nHe squeezes the trigger, a flash erupting from the muzzle of his rifle. Filling his sight with a radiant light.\n\nSilence again.\n\nHe squints, letting his eyes adjust. A door stands in front of him. Jonathan lets out a long exhale, like he was holding his breath, as he realizes he's at the top of the basement stairs. The light switch toggled to his preferred on position.\n\n\"What in the…\" he mutters, catching his breath. \"Why am I so winded climbing up stairs?\" Adjusting his grip on the box of soldiers, he opens the basement door, and flicks the switch to the off position."
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[WP] What an awkward first encounter! An unconscious strange creature, a wizard, a man in black, two wand shaped objects and no memories of the last 24 hours...
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"Any ideas on what it is?\" Hemora, student of magic, capable of harnessing the natural to create the unnatural. But this creature laid out in the dirt before her, this was not her work, Hemora would never opt to waste such as natural essence on the creation of something so... *sloppy.* An apt description of the unconscious creature, a rising mound of hot sludge within which there floated several plump, white orbs.\n\n\"I had hoped you might know.\" a man clad in black, spurred boots, sword in rugged sheath, balaclava drawn tight to cover all but his eyes; bright blue, clouded grey, piercing even in the mists.\n\nThey were caught in crevasse, great walls of ice looming over head, though at least the unseen lip of their deep dungeon had shielded them from the ever-present storm above. Hardened snow, like hail, falling at a rate of knots, able to break through brick, through light-sheet metal, through bone.\n\nThe man in black was stood leaning on an iron shaft, driven so far down into the dirt. There were scratch marks, upon the rusted shaft, and the man was holding what looked to be a feather, \"Found this,\" he held the feather to the light, \"guessed it might have belonged to whatever that might be.\"\n\n\"I don't see any wings.\" Hemora wasn't quite ready to stand, her legs were numb, her joints stiff from a time unknown spent curled up in the dirt. *Best he doesn't see, best not to show him any weakness.* Instead, Hemora snatched the feather from the man in black, with little more than a flick of the wrist, holding the strange specimen lingering in the air. \"A little cold, wouldn't you say?\"\n\nThe man in black, far from surprised by Hemora's display, simply nodded.\n\nWith the careful turning of her hand, eyes brought to a close, mind fully focused on the feather, she called from out the natural specimen a raw cluster of flames. Bringing down her hand she settled the cluster on the dirt, and there it held, a fire without so much as kindling to bring it life.\n\n\"How long will it hold?\" curious, the man in black had come to a crouch to examine Hemora's handy work.\n\n\"Long enough.\" Hemora didn't plan on staying trapped in the crevasse for any longer than was necessary. *I could climb.* She brought her hands together underneath her cloak, massaging the rough and well-aged edges. *No, perhaps I'm a little too old for that now.* Her thoughts turned to the man in black. *Plenty of natural essence there, ripe for the picking.*\n\n\"I wouldn't.\" the man in black was smiling. He produced from his breast pocket a smoke, clicking his fingers as he pressed it between his lips. The smoke was lit.\n\n\"A parlour trick,\" Hemora smirked, \"and nothing more.\"\n\n\"You might be right, or you might find I have a ward.\" the man in back considered Hemora, she seemed to be wary of him, wary, but far from fearful, \"When you work in my profession, it's common place to hire a ward.\"\n\n\"And what exactly *is* your profession.\" Hemora had already sent her mind out toward the man in black, but try as she might she could not penetrate him, his mind was heavily guarded.\n\n\"Let's just say your kind don't take kindly to mine.\"\n\n*A Hunter? A Collector? A Trader?* Anyone of them, and more, could have applied. Those capable of harnessing the essence of the natural were sought for many reasons - to be sold into slavery, to serve undeserving masters, to have their organs harvested for medicinal purposes, the list goes on. \n\nThough Hemora would have to wait to interrogate the man in black further, for the mysterious mound, writhe with white orbs, was starting to wake up. They had both assumed it dead, showing no signs of life, the rising of its body thought to be a result of the air seeping from within. But now those orbs were turning, the faded white showing shades of black.\n\n*Eyes?*\n\n\"You.\" a single word thrown from out the sludge, its mouth slowly forming at the centre of its being. To look straight down the creature's throat you would see a web of tar, a network holding together whatever loose form the mound decided it would take. In this case that form was a head, no body, no limbs, just a head covered back to front in white eyes clouded by black pupils, not one of them a perfect circle. \"Why did you bring us here?\""
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No character in the story is obliged to literally say the quote, but they need to agree with it.
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[WP] Quote: “It’s funny, the first time I ever appreciated my life was when I witnessed my own death”
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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. I never really saw myself as anything special, just a replaceable meatbag. I guess opinions can change when you see yourself as others do.\n\nI was the one who volunteered to be cloned. I didn't really have anything to lose if something went wrong. It was all for science anyway.\n\nBut seeing yourself wake up, it was stranger than I thought. They felt too real, too human. I had a small chat with myself, and I was surprised at how similar to me they acted, even with them being newly born. They were funny, made me smile occasionally, even though they were practically useless and knew very little. I was quite shocked when I felt a little... sad, when the experiment had to begin. \n\nWatching yourself die for science apparently isn't the nicest experience. I'd seen a lot of death before of course, it's part of the job, but seeing someone I knew so well, myself, with the vision of how I'm seen from the outside... this one was different.\n\nI found I actually cared about this test subject, and I couldn't bring myself to watch it die. I didn't want to personify it, it made it more painful.\n\nI returned to my chambers, I didn't want to be present for this experiment. I could just say I didn't feel well or something. I just sat down in my room and wrote this down. I never really was one for writing anything but the results down, but I wanted to get this strange feeling out of me.\n\nI never want to clone myself again. I feel like I learned something about the value of human life back then. About my life. You'd be surprised about who cares for you. That's what I learned, from the perspective of another person."
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[WP] The snake that deceived Adam and Eve into eating the apple has finally been caught in 2020. It is given an official trial in court. You are the lawyer appointed to defend the snake.
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and 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 rest my case, your honour.” I satisfyingly slapped my case file shut, tossing it on the counter as I sat down next to the snake, who was swirling around on his chair. The murmur in the court behind me sounded both impressed and outraged. I merely sat, smirking at the radiant white light on the other side of the court room, in the opposing chair.\n\n\nThe judge’s gavel banged on the podium. “Order, order!” She shouted. She pondered for a moment. “We will have a brief recess while the jury discusses everything proposed today, and will return in ten minutes with a sentencing.”\n\n\nI decided to stay right where I was - no way I was going out into that outraged crowd. Everyone filed out, while Satan and I stayed right where we were.\n\n\n“That was geniusssss” the snake hissed, “I knew you were the right choice.”\n\n\n“Let’s be real here, Satan - I was your ONLY choice. No other lawyer would go up against God himself. You’re just lucky you found the guy who’s already going to hell for sure - just make sure you uphold the deal.”\n\n\n“Oh, yessss. You will have a comfortable seat in my very own royal court.”\n\n\n“Excellent.” I leaned back in my chair and rested my feet up on the desk, taking a little power nap while I dreamed of the afterlife, waiting for the room to return.\n\n\nEventually, everyone filed back in, and the trial resumed.\n\n\nThe judge looked out at the room, and let out a small sigh, trying her best to remain neutral.\n\n\n“The jury has reached a conclusion,” she said. The crowd hushed immediately, and the room filled with tension.\n\n\n“In this trial, of God accusing Satan of dooming humanity, the jury has deemed Satan... Not guilty.”\n\n\nThe crowd erupted in outrage, and I leaned back in my chair, smiling.\t The judge calmed the room and continued. \n\n\n“Furthermore, as per the defendant’s claims, God has been sentenced for egregious child abuse committed against Satan, prompting the apple incident in the first place. God will serve seven years in prison, with chance of parole after three years.”\n\n\nThe crowd was outraged, and riots were nearly starting. I knew the police couldn’t keep this under control. I will likely die from this, but with my guarantee of a cushy life in hell, that’s okay with me. I leaned back to enjoy my last few moments of life - my final win as the Devil’s Advocate."
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[WP]: Your grandfather is the kindest, gentlest, most patient person you've ever known. Nobody in the family can recall him EVER losing his patience, or having a bad word to say about anyone. One day, one name makes him perk up and mutter "...Should've killed that fucker when I had the chance."
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"“Papa! Language.” My mother inherited her eyes from him; her feelings about decorum she had picked up elsewhere. It was not a glare, exactly, more curt disapproval flashed in green. His eyes fixed on his plate, avoiding his daughter as both of them retreated to the salad with warm dressing and mutual agreement that my ears ought remain unsullied by talk of “fuckers” and “killing”.\n\n“What makes Mrs Hagen a ‘fucker’?” The new word tasted better than the greens, fresher and perilous as it dropped onto the table. Heat rose on my neck, prickled hairs aroused in exhilarating fear of what powers opened to me within two vowels hemmed by consonants. No hesitation, no shrinking now: “What makes Mrs Hagen a ‘fucker’?”\n\n“Henry, leave the table.” No tone in her voice, a command cooler than marble as new language burned red against my skin. Brittany-green eyes pulled me at odds: an old man stretching out in a moment of lucidity against her flat will compelling my obeisance. I, awakened by the peripatetic grasp of my weight to heave for either side and the lightness of provocation, refused.\n\n“She was a cruel woman.”",
"**What did you say, grandpa?**\n\nI said, \"I should have killed that fucker when I had the chance!\" (drinks shot of whiskey)\n\n**Dad?**\n\nYour father.\n\n**Your son?**\n\nHe wishes. Sit down, grandson. It's time you learned the truth.\n\n**I don't like where this is going.**\n\nToo bad. This part is as good as it gets. As you know, I spent the 80's working for the government.\n\n**Yeah, you were in the army!**\n\nGoddamn right I was. But I never told you just what I did. I worked on a top secret cloning project. Do you know what clones are?\n\n**Like Star Wars?**\n\nWell... that's the basic idea, sure. Artificial beings copied from one real person. Long story short, your dad isn't my son. It's just a failed clone I brought home from work. I should have killed it when it I had the chance.\n\n**Why?**\n\nBecause that means you're not my grandson, and I really don't want to be at your birthday party.\n\n**Oh.**\n\nYeah. I could have lived every parent's dream -- killing their own child with no repercussions. Even if I had been spotted or caught, both my clearance and the fact that the being wasn't of this earth meant I could have stopped him before he had you. But yeah, kid, you're half alien.\n\n**Like Star Wars?**\n\nYeah, like Star Wars. Christ. Just get me another whiskey, will you?",
"“Take it easy, Grandad,” I soothed, gently barring his escape with my arm. “The nurse said not to get out of bed just yet. Let me call her.” Fresh out of surgery, she’d said the old man might wake up confused or disoriented. I reached for the intercom button, but he swiped my hand down.\n\n“There’s no time for that,” he growled. “*Look*. It’s *him*.” \n\nI looked up at the television, bemused. Someone - probably Mom, when she was sitting up with him earlier - had tuned it to national news. On the screen was a pre-recorded clip of an elegantly-dressed Asian woman interviewing a poised, silver-haired gentleman whose face had become one of the most recognizable in the nation in the past nine days.\n\n“Yeah,” I said. “That’s Matt Jurgenson. State Senator from Minnesota. You were pretty sick when it all happened, Gramps. Let me catch you up-”\n\n“I don’t need you to tell me who that is. I met Matt Jager - or Matt Jurgenson, if that’s what he’s calling himself now - when we were both ten years old. I haven’t seen his face for fifty years, not since that day by the old gristmill. God forgive me, I let him live.”\n\nI stared at him. Grandad’s heart and lungs might be slowing down, but his mind was as sharp as a much younger man’s. Had the anaesthesia from the surgery affected his brain? I quashed the impulse to call the nurse and tried to bring the conversation back to normal territory.\n\n“They’re saying,” I said quietly, “that he could have a real shot as an Independent in 2024, if he plays his cards right. It doesn’t matter what he says or what issue he’s speaking to, people hang on his every word. Hell, *I* want to believe in him. It’s like-”\n\n“It’s like he knows you, cares about you, wants what’s best for you,” Grandad finished with a sneer on his sweat-beaded face. “Yes. He always had that gift. It took me eight years to see past it. Leslie was starting to see - she was my best friend in those days - but she was dead before graduation. She wanted to believe the best about him. About anybody “‘He’s our friend, Alec,’ she said. ‘Let’s give him a chance to explain himself.’” At this juncture, Grandad heaved himself into a seated position, sending the various machines monitoring his vitals into a cacophony of warnings and bringing the nurse at a jog. \n\nTwenty minutes later, we were alone again and a gentle sedative was taking effect, smoothing the lines of pain on the weathered cheeks. Grandad plucked at my sleeve and whispered, his foggy eyes still fixed on the footage of Matt Jurgenson doing the impossible for all the world to see. The nation’s savior, people had begun to call him. The one the world had been waiting for.\n\n“Al, m’boy, I can’t do it. I was too weak back then and I’m too old now. You have to kill him. It’s the only way. Do it for me. Do it for Leslie.” His breathing deepened as he slipped toward sleep. “Do it for the men and women who were on that riverboat.”",
"See him sitting there, in his old rocking chair. Telling a story to one of his grandsons, rocking him to sleep. A man with more patience than the rocks themselves, and more love in him than a golden retriever. To all, he is kind and cheerful. Never have we, in our family, heard him say even a mean word to anyone or about anyone. He is all mischievous smiles, and grandfatherly kindness.\n\nGentle as a lamb, that is what we think of him. When he sings beautifully to make others rest, when he speaks softly towards all he meets, all men must think him harmless indeed. And yet, I alone know his secret. A secret shame, one that he does not speak aloft. One that he does not know that I too know. One that I will take with me to the grave. For it is a shameful secret, in many ways, it is a shame born of mercy.\n\nOne would not think it by looking at him or listening to him. But he fought in First World War. He volunteered, in the Pals Battalion sent from our town, and fought for three years on the Western Front. He never speaks of what he experienced, not to a soul. And we know not to ask, for he does not find it comfortable.\n\nYet something he did, or rather, something he didn't do, during that war, haunts him. His secret shame. I was a young kid, back then, when they were taking care of me for a few days while my parents were on a vacation. We were watching TV, and grandmother fell asleep. On the screen there was a documentary, about the events leading to the Second World War. And when they showed a picture of a young Adolf Hitler, and spoke his name, my grandfather scowled, and thinking I was asleep too, spoke aloud. ''*Should've killed that fucker when I had the chance. Should have taken that shot, but no, I had to be merciful.*'' I said nothing. But then, I had learned the secret. My grandfather chose not to fire his rifle, when he had a man in his sight. A man with a distinctive moustache. A corporal in the Imperial German Army. A man who twenty years after that war, dragged the world down into a hellish nightmare that lasted six years. That is why I keep his secret. Imagine if others could know what his mercy hath wrought. \n\n[/r/ApocalypseOwl](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApocalypseOwl/)"
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[WP] “What do you mean you’re not gonna pay? You do realize there are six of us and only one of you.”
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"\"I don't care how many of you there are,\" Erica glared at the tallest thug; he was obviously in charge of the shakedown. \"Things are different on this Earth, you can have everything you need. You don't need money, you don't need to fall into old habits,\" she said. She hoped she could lecture herself out of the situation. The tall thug shook his head.\n\n\"I know we don't need to, but it's fun just the same,\" he grinned. \"So pay up or-,\"\n\n\"Or what?\" a voice asked behind him. The group of henchmen turned and found a teenage girl about 17. She had short purple air and wore a long black leather duster. Each thug in the group turned pale and nervous almost instantly upon seeing the girl.\n\n\"N-n-nothing,\" the leader said. \"Just showing our new friend that things are different here. She doesn't need to worry about thugs bothering her, there's enough of everything to go around.\" The teenager smiled as a furry brown tarantula descended from the ceiling and landed on the thug's head. The spider's abdomen alone was the size of a basketball; the thug didn't dare move.\n\n\"That's very nice of you, Paulie,\" the girl said. \"I'll take over her tour from here though. You should go make yourself useful to someone else, okay?\" The giant spider leaped off his head and landed on the girl's shoulders, she reached up and tickled its head.\n\n\"Yeah, sure. No problem J.J.,\" The thug signaled the rest of his group with a wave of his arm and they all walked away leaving Erica alone with J.J.\n\n\"Sorry about them,\" J.J. said. \"They work for the guards\" Erica's eyes widened with surprise.\n\n\"Thanks for the help, uh, J.J.,\" Erica tested the name out hoping she didn't come across as rude. Now that they started a conversation Erica realized the giant tarantula was nowhere to be seen. She last saw it on J.J.'s shoulder but didn't see where it went after that.\n\n\"Why are the guards giving me a hard time? Do you work for Sharp Development too?\" Erica asked. J.J. surprised her with a grin.\n\n\"Not at all,\" she said. Erica noticed a brown, furry tarantula tattoo around the base of J.J.'s neck that wasn't there the first time she showed up. \"[I was supposed to be lunch](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/f6664p/wp_on_their_sixteenth_birthday_all_children_get/), like you, but I managed to talk myself out of that. And now I hang around here to help others avoid being lunch too,\" she said.\n\n\"What do you mean lunch? Lunch for what?\"\n\n\"Your favorite number is 33. As soon as [you gave the guard that answer](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/g5ut2x/wp_there_are_many_alternate_earths_but_there_is/), it informed a whole bunch of people. Dana Sharp has a pet that most people don't know about. A pet spider that eats people like you and me.\"\n\n\"Because my favorite number is 33??\" Erica asked. J.J. shook her head.\n\n\"Your favorite number is 33 because of what you are. Unique soul #33, La Arana - the spider. We can control spiders,\" J.J. said. At her words, her black coat disintegrated into thousands of tiny balls with legs. The swarm crawled around her body before forming a leather duster again.\n\n\"Spiders get stronger if they eat other spiders, which is why you were marked as lunch. Normally, the thugs are supposed to give you a hard time until the guards come and rescue you. If you come with me I'll teach you how to use your abilities. If you don't, I advise you not to let the guards get you alone.\" \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year three, story #129. 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."
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[WP] Sometimes humans get out of hand and God can't deal with all of them, so he makes a group to deal with them called "Heaven's Demons".
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"**Welcome to the Prompt!** All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n**Reminders**:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.*",
"Raziel had been waiting for a good hour, and the mediocre beer served by a pale man who reeked of death and guilt wasn’t making it better. *Bloodsucker,* he thought drilling into the bartender with his gaze. This was not a human neighbourhood, or a nice one. Raziel traced his fingers over the handle of his tattered umbrella. Thankfully there was no one else in the bar. The door creaked. She was dressed in black biker gear with blue streaks. Her sword was in her hand, sheathed in a black scabbard but not hidden. She placed her helmet on the bar and ordered whiskey. Shateiel.\n\n“Long time no see,” Raziel said.\n\n“You still have the job, Raz?” Sha glanced at him, her golden eyes dimly glowing in the twilight of the grimy bar.\n\n“Yeah.”\n\n“Good,” she answered in a manner that signified the conversation was over. He knew that one well.\n\nIt wasn’t long until the next one arrived. The door swung on its hinges and whined from the forceful push. A man wearing nothing above the waist entered. His body was covered in tattoos. A baseball bat rested on one shoulder. His eyes were deep red. There was no mistaking this one. Uriel. He grinned and brought his free hand down on Raziel’s shoulder with considerable force.\n\n“Raz! I see you’re still alive, cunning bastard. Even if you do look like you’ve been living on the street for months. So what’s the job?”\n\n“We’re waiting on one more, Ur,” Raziel answered.\n\n“A condition from your mysterious client?”\n\n“I told you already: the order came from Him.”\n\n“Bullshit! But as long as I’m getting paid I don’t care.” Ur chugged his drink in one go and ordered another before glancing at the third angel. “Oh, I see the ice princess is here too.” Sha only flipped him off in response.\n\nThe door creaked again. Before Raziel could say a word, Sha was already at the door, sword drawn. As soon as the blade slid out with a menacing hiss, a deep chill came over the room. Every sound became muted. A woman in a business suit stood in the door. Her eyes were covered with a pair of dark glasses. There was a scent of ash and sulfur. Armaros. *Here goes nothing,* Raziel thought.\n\nUr scowled. “You’re a crazy fucker, you know that, Raz?”\n\n“Orders are orders.” Raziel shrugged. “I’m not the one who came up with this.”\n\n“She’s a Fallen.” Sha looked ready to cut the newcomer in two.\n\n“Happy to see you all again as well,” Armaros spoke up. “Looks like a proper family reunion. I see you got kicked out of dear Father’s house too. Just for the record, I like this even less than you do, and if it weren’t for your charming vagabond of a friend I wouldn’t be here.”\n\n“Seriously, Raz?” Ur gave him a look. “Seriously!?”\n\nIt was naive to think things could work out any other way. Raziel took a deep breath and began to Speak. The Words danced in an intricate pattern of primordial power. One wrong syllable threatened to incinerate his tongue, if not all of him, but Raziel continued. Uriel stared at him, eyes wide from shock. Shateiel sheathed her sword, her movements forced and unnatural, as if someone was puppettering her body. Armaros hissed and doubled over in pain, cursing under her breath. The bartender kept his distance, his shadow morphing into a strange bat-like shape and back. Raziel went silent. Sha collapsed.\n\nArmaros let out a litany of curses in an ancient tongue. “Was that really necessary? Again!?”\n\n“So you weren’t lying?” Ur’s voice was much calmer, devoid of former bravado. “It really is Him?”\n\n“You can believe me or not.” Raziel stood up, leaning onto his umbrella for support. “I need you, all of you, and you will be compensated for your work accordingly. Heaven’s still under lock and key, and that’s not changing any time soon, but we have a job. I hope you haven’t forgotten how to hunt.”\n\nSha got up and dusted herself off. “Fine, I’m in.”\n\n“Who are we hunting?” Ur asked. “This city is chock full of everything from werewolves to Fallen.”\n\n“I hope it’s not bloodsuckers,” Armaros said. “They’re just gross.”\n\n“Worse,” Raziel said. “Tonight we’re hunting humans.”"
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