Split (1)

train · 199k rows

post_text stringlengths 0 17.5k	post_title stringlengths 8 314	comment_texts listlengths 1 74	num_stories int64 1 74
	[WP] A little accident occurred at Willow Brooks Elementary after Little Timmy Jones brought his parent's Necronomicon to Show and Tell.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"This is my pet rock! His name is Goob and I taught him how to do a trick. Sit Goob. Good boy! \" said Billy Scruggs. He was presenting Goob proudly at show and tell as if it were the best pet rock in the world, which to Billy, it was. Billy was not the sharpest crayon in the box, but he was a sweet boy, so the class pretended to be interested for him.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Very good, Billy, thanks for sharing. Next is Elizabeth. What have you brought to show and tell today, Elizabeth?\" asked the teacher, Mrs. Gloucter.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I brought my favorite Barbie doll. She has a car and it is pink. Also, she's a doctor and plays Minecraft because she is good,\" said Elizabeth, holding up a naked Barbie doll and waving it excitedly. This was the fourth time that Elizabeth had brought the same naked Barbie doll to show and tell. Even the class of third graders was starting to get tired of seeing it. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Very good, Elizabeth, thanks for sharing. Next is Timmy Jones. What are you sharing with us, Timmy?\" asked Mrs. Gloucter. The class shifted a bit as they became more engaged. Timmy always brought neat stuff for show and tell and after all, it wasn't show and tell every day at Willow Brooks Elementary. Even Mrs. Gloucter seemed to show signs of interest, sitting up straighter than she had for the other children. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Thank you Mrs. Gloucter. For today's show and tell, I have brought none other than the famous Necronomicon. This dark book is said to be able to bring back the dead. I found it in my parent's back yard last week, so I thought I should share,\" said Timmy pulling a dark book out of his bag. Dark didn't even begin to describe the thing. It was drab, but also gave off a sense of timelessness. Though it was still closed, it gave off the dry smell of a cared for mausoleum.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"How… ehrm, exciting Timmy,\" said Mrs. Gloucter uncomfortably. She wondered if she should stop him at this point, and then decided that own curiosity outweighed any imaginary worries that she should have about the book, so she allowed Timmy to continue. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Yes, it is exciting, Mrs. Gloucter. I'd like to read a couple sentences here, if that's alright,\" Timmy continued. \"I think the class hamster could be a neat thing to try and bring back into the world of the living.\" At this comment, a couple of the children seemed to get sad. The hamster had only died a week ago and had been buried next to the recess playground.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"My daddy says that you should never mess with evil forces that would seek to harness the souls of the living,\" said Susie Q. Her father was a pastor, so naturally, Susie Q knew a thing or two about evil forces.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Don't worry Susie Q, we are just letting in a little tiny bit of the forces of evil. We shouldn't have any problems, I don't think,\" Timmy responded. This seemed to quiet Susie Q, who, like many in the class were fond of Timmy and his good ole antics. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nMrs. Gloucter sat dumbfounded. She didn't know what to say. It was like being in a fever dream. She didn't know how they had gone from Barbie dolls to the forces of the unliving in a matter of only a few moments. She could not speak for some reason. It was as if speaking would wake her from this daydream and she was not quite ready to go back to work yet. The kids weren't really doing anything harmful. They were just trying to summon the undead spirit of their class hamster. There was nothing wrong with that, she told herself. Everyone needed the chance to be a kid after all.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTimmy began to read from the book in a language that no one could understand. Poor Billy Scruggs, who clutched tightly to his rock, had no idea what was even going on, but it reminded him of his French speaking uncle and that was automatically bad news in his book. Several of the children were now on the edges of their seats. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nTimmy finally got to end of the page and closed the book with a resounding thump. The air chilled and goosebumps began to form on the arms of several of the children. Elizabeth decided this was a good time to put her Barbie Doll underneath her shirt to keep Barbie warm. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nMrs. Gloucter could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand up straighter. Suddenly, a soft squeaking floated through an open window in the back of the classroom. The children looked at one another in fear. Billy Scruggs still had no idea what was going on and he was completely okay with that. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe soft squeaking turned into a chorus of squeaks. It was at this time that Mrs. Gloucter remembered that each of her third grade classes had buried their hamsters next to the jungle bars. With a realization of the horrendous situation that she had allowed to occur, Mrs. Gloucter got to her feet, telling the children to stay put, and marched down the hallway to the playground. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nOn her way, Mrs. Gloucter realized that other classes had taken notice of the commotion. She also remembered that hers was not the only class with buried hamsters.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTimmy had not only brought the soul of the class hamster back into the world of the living, but of all class hamsters that had been a part of Willow Brooks elementary. It was certainly going to be an interesting day at Willow Brooks. Next time, Mrs. Gloucter would have to remember that Timmy could get a little out of hand at times. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThank you for the prompt, u/Broodfoos. If anyone has any feedback, positive or negative, would love to hear it. Doing the \"Race\"(3/30) challenge with \"nanowrimo\"(2881/50,000) for the summer challenge.", "Ms. Dial sat at her desk while Britney was showing off a picture of her dog, Curly. She blew a hair out of her eyes, trying not to show too much of the absolute boredom she was trudging through. Pictures of pets and small toys. She thought to herself that once, just once, she would like a kid to bring something interesting. Something that she could tell her girlfriends at Trivia about.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"An Curly is named Curly because his hair is so curly!\" Britney said, as if she was telling one of her best jokes. She laughed at herself, and her small gaggle of friends giggled with 8 year old high pitched squeals. She looked back to Ms. Dial, who quickly changed her expression from a slack-jawed mouth gape of unrelenting brain death to a practiced warm smile. Ms. Dial hated Show & Tell, but understood why it had to happen. Plus, she didn't actually have to teach that day.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBritney droned on about Curly's favorite toy, some stuffed duck that looked like it longed for death years ago. Ms. Dial kept her composure, head only drooping slightly. As Britney started repeating the same story about Curly she gave during the last Show & Tell, Ms. Dial interrupted.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Okay, thank you Britney, your time's up. Okay, who's next? How about Timmy!\" she said with a faked interest and cheer. She learned to fake interest in her students her first year teaching. They lived such sad boring lives, she thought.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAs Timmy made his way to the front of the class carrying a large book, Ms. Dial was trying to remember how she was in 3rd grade. She never remembered being so boring. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Um, this is a book from my parents library.\" Timmy began, struggling to keep the large book from tumbling out of his small hands. Timmy was the smallest boy in the class and wasn't that popular. Ms. Dial looked closer at the book. It appeared homemade, stitched together with some kind of leather.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTimmy stood awkwardly, not sure what to say next.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"What's the book called?\" Ms. Dial prompted Timmy, trying to pull him out. The point of Show & Tell was to get students used to presenting to the class, and Timmy was never good at it.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Uh, I don't know what it's called. But every Friday my parents have book club and they always read this with their friends.\" Timmy continued, better at answering questions than speaking on his own.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"So your parents have a Book Club? What else do they read?\" Ms. Dial probed.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Uh, just this book.\" Timmy answered and then stood silently, unsure how to continue.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Oh. Well, that's nice. Why don't you read a bit for us?\" Ms. Dial coached Timmy. She thought maybe this could be a good opportunity for Timmy to practice his reading as well.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Oh uh. Okay.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nTimmy opened the book to a center page and stuttered through his speech, \"Yog tharanak ever ah'lw'nafh ng mgepmgvulgtlagln. Ahornah f' ah'mgehye ya mghrii llll fm'latghor ng mgehye\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMs. Dial cocked an eyebrow, not sure how to continue. As she began to speak the lights suddenly dimmed and flickered. The students screamed, something which she never understood. Why do kids always scream when the lights go out. Then the smell began to fill the room, acrid like the scent of burned electronics and ozone.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe class grew unsettled, torn between running in fear of the growing anxiety and unrest they felt in the souls and staying in their seats to not get in trouble. Ms. Dial pulled the book from Timmy's hands, looking at the strange writing on the pages. She wasn't sure how Timmy understood the scrawlings, because it looked like nonsense to her.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Timmy, what is this!?\" She said with alarm.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"It's just a book.\" Timmy whimpered, filled with fear.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Go to your seat.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe class grew louder, overcome with a fear and dread they couldn't understand. Ms. Dial stood infront of the class, her training and instinct as a teacher taking over.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Class! You are being too loud. It is time to settle down!\" She bellowed over the sounds of yelps from her students using her Teacher Voice ™ . As the class quieted, the walls began to pull inwards towards the center of the room. They stretched inward, shrinking the space building pressure in the room.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nNot knowing how to move forward, Ms. Dial continue off the cuff, \"Since you can't keep calm during Show & Tell, we are going to have to skip over Art today.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSuddenly, the ceiling lifted back up, pulling into a point far above the class. Her students began to panic again, and Ms. Dial called out again, \"Do we need to make it recess too?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe class went silent. While Art has been lost before, never in 3rd grade history has an entire class lost recess. That was a price too great.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe point in the ceiling descended, bringing with it a horror unlike what Ms. Dial has ever seen before. To describe the best she could, it was like the body of a shaved koala had the head of a plucked owl. Instead of limbs it had three pairs of wings, moist flesh pulled between bone. The creature's mouth, or what could be best described as a mouth, opened in its chest. There was an absence of teeth, but the throat appeared to go further into the body that what was possible with its small form.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe students jumped out of their seats and spread to the four corners of the room as the beast fluttered in the center of the class. It opened it's maw and spoke, \"Uh'enyth Y' ah ehye l' ah'mgehye ng lllln'gha nilgh'ri.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Silence!\" Ms. Dial spoke out powerfully.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe creature stopped, unbelieving that a mortal would speak with such bravery.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I don't know what you are, but you have interrupted Show & Tell! So, unless you have something to show us and tell about, you better leave my class.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMs. Dial spoke with a strength pulled from deep within. She didn't think about the words as she spoke, just that she had to take control of the situation. Suspended in the air, the creature seemed almost confused. Unsure of how to handle this mortal.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMs. Dial let the silence linger in the air for a moment and spoke again. \"Well, since you don't have anything to show or tell. You need to leave, right now, and let me get back to my class.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe creature blinked its large eyes, its head tilting slightly. It flew to the ceiling, which stretched with the monster, and disappeared into the void it came from. The walls settled back into place and the room slowly returned to normal.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Now, back to your seats!\" She commanded to her students still huddled in the corners. The students obeyed dutifully.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBritney slowly raised her hand, \"Ms. Dial, are we still getting recess?\" she questioned.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Only if you still behave. Now, Alex, your next.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAs the large boy made his way to the front, carrying a picture of his gecko, Ms. Dial reached into her desk drawer and pulled out her emergency Thermos. She took a drink of \"coffee\" as Alex told the story of Grippy the Gecko, again. Ms. Dial calmed her nerves, trying to think how to tell her girlfriends at Trivia of the interesting day she had." ]	3
	[WP] Your printer starts to make noises. This was normal, as it cycles the ink. This time, however, it began to print. A very short screech emits from it, and a paper floats through the air, gradually making it's way into your lap. Written in very small font, it said: "19:00 July 2, 2019"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "A night before an important business presentation, I was compiling all my files in my home office. So, yeah, I had a lot of graphs, photos and notes to print-out. I have been preparing my slides since this morning but I needed to edit a few info points for clarity. My team have done all they could to E-mail me all their research, and it was up to me on whose findings would be best to present before the Board.\n\nI did not notice it at first but one of my five printers was emitting a sharp sound. Almost similar to an error sound prompt in most devices, but this one seemed different. \n\nI was too lazy to stand up and walk, so I dragged myself from my desk via a swivel chair. You cannot trust these printers when you have a deadline, they break down on the very moment you need them. I tapped on the printer, hoping my tapping could fix it. The sound stopped and I was glad. I needed that printer to work properly tonight because it was the only one that could print hi-resolution photos. I was about the head back to my desk when the sound resumed.\n\nI tapped. And tapped. I could have pressed a button or two because the printer started printing. I assumed it may be an error code or something like that. The printer shot the paper in the air, and the paper landed on my lap. I read the error code: 19:00 July 2, 2019.\n\nI let out a scream. I covered my mouth. Someone knew when I buried her. Twelve years ago.\n\nI crumpled the note. And took deep breaths. No. I tried convincing myself it must have been some error or pranks by the kids. Or maybe by one of my interns. No, it was too specific. I knew I was in trouble. The police? Gerome? Somebody? Who could have sent this to me?\n\nI looked at the printer. I tapped it again. It did not make the sound anymore. I sat there, staring at it. \n\nI smiled and dragged myself back to my desk. Whoever sent that message would try and contact me again. I brushed the surprise off my shoulders and focused on finishing the presentation." ]	2
	[WP] You haven't gone into the basement in a long time, and you and your friends finally muster the courage to go down there. You find a parliament of owls, talking amongst themselves.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/XYsEYfS)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Just for a minute!\"\n\n\"Ok, fine! God, I'm sorry I asked!\" Don said, after reluctantly choosing \"dare\" in a game of truth or dare. He hadn't been in the basement in years, and at this point was afraid to go in at all.\n\nHe opened the door, walked down the stairs, and heard the click of the door closing behind him. \n\nThen he heard talking.\n\n\"We must take care of our rations, as the new supply wont be here for 3 more suns!\"\n\n\"That's not long, we can- Hey, whats that noise!?\"\n\nDon screamed as a large brown owl flew at him, then another, and another!\n\n\"AGHH!! Get it off! HELP!\"\n\nBefore he knew it the owls were gone. He was in the basement alone. He ran back upstairs to find his friends laughing at him.\n\n\"Dude, I'm never doing acid again!\" he yelled." ]	2
	[WP] Every 1000th Sunday, all the deities and gods from all religions hang out for drinks, fun and a LOT of stories about humans	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Wait you had him take his son to the top of a mountain?” He bewilderedly asked, “Yahweh, you have a strange relationship with these humans.”\n\n“Zeus, I’m not sure you’re to speak about “strange relationships with humans” responded Yahweh.\n\n“Humans, swans, bulls they’re all the same but yeah, you’ve never done anything strange thing with human women have you?” Zeus mockingly asked\n\n“By the void, are y’all starting this conversation again? Look, Zeus is a pervert and yeah, Yahweh, the birthing of your son blurred some lines, you know?” Isis interrupted\n\n“Ok, Isis, we can move on...How is Osiris and you know...his gold piece?”\n\n“He is well Zeus thanks for asking, and what can I say I like nice things” Isis responded and winked at them.\n\nAs Loki appeared out of nowhere Isis screamed “Loki! Do you ever use doors?”\n\n“I’m fairly certain, Janus and the liminal deities take care of the door usage” Loki replied “so what are we talking about? Is it how Thor and I are the most popular God’s on the earth right now?”\n\n“Loki, being in a movie does not make you the most popular God? And you are fooling yourself if you can’t see that Tom and Chris far more popular than both of you and-”\n\n”Zeus why must your headache cause us headaches too,” Loki said as he interrupted Athena.\n\nAnnoyingly she responded, “Also, why are you always late and how is that snake you call a child?”\n\nLoki looked at Athena with a crooked smile and joyfully responded “ Late? Early? You know that’s not how time works. See this is why I like you, Athena, your humor is so subtle and also because I’m a little scared of you. As for Jörmungandr, he’s...around.” Athena embraced Loki and mentioned to Loki what Yahweh was telling Zeus.\n\n“Why did you do that? Also, which of his children did he take to the top of the mountain? It better not have been Isaac cause you’ve already picked on Issac” said Loki.\n\n“Well that’s not important and also that was Jacob, not me” Yahweh responded “ what is important is that I was testing his faith. He did he actually took his son up there! I mean I was surprised, I don’t think I would ever do a thing like that, you know what kind of father does that?”\n\nIsis bewilderedly looked at Yahweh and said, “I think we need more wine”\n\nLoki leaped up from his chair and shouted “ oooh this is my favorite trick; let me get this round! Chhinnamasta, can you come here? Huitzilopochtli, Kali, and Inti will be ok if you leave their side.” As Chhinnamasta arrived Loki grabbed some drinking horns to fill and whispered to himself “where is Thor’s drinking horn when you need it?” As Chhinnamasta finished Loki once again shouted “Jesus Christ!” Loki embraced Jesus as he walked towards him and told him “Can you do that cool trick where you turn this to wine? It’s like 90 percent water. Also, your dad was just talking about you? Or were you just talking about yourself? I get confused with you some times, also there’s a third? You’re like the captain Planet of this place.” Just at that moment, Zeus took the drinking horn from Loki to pour a drink for Ra and Amun.\n\n“But I always liked you better than Mithras, you know?” continued Loki.\n\nMithras annoyingly looked a Loki and said “ First of all Loki, Anansi is still more popular than you and second none of that was necessary”\n\n“Maybe my old friend but it was fun to watch and that spider is a public menace I tell you” Loki joyously remarked.\n\nYahweh continued “ sit down my son, I was trying to explain to Zeus why faith and compassion will eventually win over the world, not war and fear”\n\n“Is that what you were doing” asked a confused Isis.\n\nJust then loud thunder was heard and appeared Thor with his hammer.\n\n“Oh come on Thor, if I can’t bring my shield and sword you can’t bring your hammer in here” Athena shouted.\n\n“I am Thor son of Odin” shouted Thor as lighting struck Mjölnir while he held it above his head with his right hand. Suddenly everything went dark. An infinite amount of voices could be heard collectively saying\n\n“Yahweh, can you take care of this”\n\n“Very funny” exhaled Yahweh.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI hope to get feedback this was very fun! I loved geeking out on the references and different mythologies.", "God himself sat at the bar, along with Zeus and Poseidon. ‘Looks like no one else had decided to show up, an i right boys?’\n\nPoseidon took a swig of his whiskey. ‘Doesn’t Aries have any consideration? I travelled from the bottom of the ocean.’\n\nZeus took a long chug of his cold beer. ‘It’s not like this is every Sunday, it’s every 1000th.’\n\n‘Friends!’ Hades sauntered into the bar, and slyly sat himself down in between Zeus and Poseidon.\n\nNeither Zeus or Poseidon were happy with his presence. Out of all gods, he decided to show up?\n\nThis would be a fun night." ]	3
	[WP] An alien species the size of a small water bottle has crash landed in the restroom of a Day Care. Believing the building to be the planet, the alien documents the Day Care's activities.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Mission log - Day 336\n\nI have arrived on a strange planet. I see around me strange and colorful structures, and some sort of writing high above me. The life forms of this planet are quite intriguing. There seems to be some sort of hierarchy based on size, with the largest members of this society, known as “teachers” and “parents” having dominion over the smallest, referred to as “children”. I have made contact with one such “children”, who introduced itself as Suzie. We have engaged in light conversation, during which I gained quite a bit of useful knowledge. I am hopeful to be able to investigate this “doggy” creature Suzie mentioned at a later date. \nFor now I am most interested by the entities known as “parents”. At certain intervals of time these beings will appear by way of the “front door” and take the children away to a place Suzie refers to as “home”. Each specific parent or set of parents will take only a specific children or set of children, and will return again in the “morning”. I will attempt to make contact with “parents” or “teachers” and learn more about this strange behavior.\n\nEnd transmission." ]	2
	[WP] There is a town, far away. It is peaceful there and nothing big happens. Everything is perfect and normal but you. You hate this place because you want something interesting to occur. You get the chance to go to the forest for a year and there you have a near death experience but you are happy.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "They've always told me the Forest was full of teeth. When I made preparations for year-long stay, they warned me how foolish and how dangerous of a journey I was undertaking. They urged me to reconsider, for the sake of my safety. No harm would come to me if I remained in their perfect village.\n\nThey didn't understand that that was hurting me far more painfully than any claw could.\n\nThat being said, I did underestimate the Forest. I was inadequately prepared for its myriad beasts. Oh, I don't meant the wolves and bears - though there are plenty of those as well. Regular animals are not so difficult to deal with; after all, they are repelled by mere physical means like a bow and axe. But there are ancient creatures in the Forest that hunt with both limb and mind, and they are far deadlier.\n\nI trudged home, limping on my right leg. Behind me, a singular trail of blood drops betrayed my route. My wounds were still fresh and no doubt smelled enticing to the predators of the dark. I gripped the coat around throat a little tighter as the wind howled and ebbed in waves, bringing icy snow in its wake.\n\nThe Lagosola was one such mythic being. The village elders, blessed be their intent but curse their stagnancy, told us fearful stories of their ability to needle into a human mind just as easily as they slice into the flesh. As children, we were rapt, perversely fascinated. The elders failed, however, to tell us how to repel such attacks. Why would they? After all, we would never go to the Forest so deep. We would live - and die - in the village, safe and sheltered.\n\nI was returning back to my hut when I saw a dark, secluded route to my right, encircled by trees. It was late, and yet I decided that exploring this path would be an interesting tangent. I had only stepped a few meters into the passageway when I hesitated. This was a bad idea, I told myself. The hour darkens and the snow is picking up; best to go home. I can explore this channel tomorrow.\n\nA voice dismissed my fears, calling me foolish and cowardly. I moved deeper into what nearly became my doom before hesitating again. After another internal debate, I turned heel decisively and came face to face with Lagosola.\n\nImagine a deer standing on its hind legs, standing nearly 3 meters feet tall, with black antlers adding another 30 centimeters. But its body was unlike any deer you'll ever see: it was rotting in some parts, showing diseased flesh or even shining bone. Its face was even worse, long like a deer's but with empty eye sockets oozing reddish-black that slithered down past tusks that sprouted above its chin. Worst was its long, spindly arms; they ended in veritable knives. These now dove toward me.\n\nBecause I had been able to resist its mental invasion, I had not fallen into the trap it had set at the path. Had I walked all the way, I no doubt would have been completely disabled and helpless. Now, I only had to deal with its claws - formidable, but nothing my sword could not match. I cut it repeatedly; it appeared to feel no pain, but when I sliced off part of its left arm, it simply fled, tiring of a prey who fought back so hard.\n\nI shut the door of my cabin and slide down to the floor, breathing hard. It had cut me too, and the wounds hurt. But I smiled as I inspected my arms and torso. They were just that - wounds. I was still alive.\n\nOh yes, more alive than I've ever felt in my life.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nLiked that story? Want more like it? Check out r/Idreamofdragons!" ]	2
	[WP]An anxiety attack leaves you immobile on the floor of your living room while your best friend explains why he needs your face	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "You lay on the floor, immobile while your friend says, “I have been getting kinda tired of my face recently, everybody knows me, it’s just not fun any more, so would you help a friend out and kindly donate yours?” Your anxiety becomes the least of your problems as he takes silence for a yes and says “ thanks bud, just let me get my tools and we can begin immediately.” He leaves, presumably to get his “tools”. While he is gone, you manage to regain function of your body, and you stand just as he comes back, carrying a toolbox. He says “Lay back down so I can have your face, you said it was fine if I took it.” You tell him “No I didn’t, I was laying on the floor having an anxiety attack.” He doesn’t like that, and he hits you with his tool box, and everything goes dark. The pain wakes you up. You are tied to a table in your friends basement, and you woke up as his knives began to poke the sides of your face, trying to separate it from your head, you scream but he keeps working and you pass out again. When you wake up your whole face feels like it was ripped off, coincidentally it has, through the red haze of blood in your eyes you think you can just make out your friend admiring his new “face” in a mirror, then you pass out again, this time forever." ]	2
	[WP] Contrary to what most people think, death gods like you actually get to talk to the souls they take: some need assurances, some need comfort, some just need a good banter. Today, you're tasked to take an 8-year old terminally-ill kid.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "In an ironic way, I lived for death. I envied those who could die, and I always hated how obnoxious those were who wanted just five more minutes on earth. I’m not the decision maker, I’m just an angel with a giant scythe.\n\nThe call today was the usual. I work with kids, see, and most kids are the same. I swing my scythe into them, their soul gets put into the appropriate realm, and then I go to the next. Today was no different, or so I thought.\n\nYou see, the children I work with are from five to nine. They generally understand what is good and what is bad, and they abide by a strict set of rules. Do what your parents say, do what the law says. Adults understand that there’s a lot more to life than that. Parents are cruel sometimes, and the government, well, cruelty is their second name.\n\nKids, they don’t understand this. They see a coo and feel safer, they see their mom and think it should be okay in most cases. But, even the ones who had simply lied to their parents had to face my ruler. Wrath.\n\nMost people assume I go through the Devil, but please. Lucifer is too busy planning his attack on the big guy and I’m too puny compared to him, so he chose Wrath as my supervisor. The pure embodiment of the sin was pretty understanding, despite his name. Rapists were burned, liars were left to rot, and holy people went up to Saint Peter, or Pete. Don’t call him that though, he’ll get annoyed.\n\nAnyways, Wrath doesn’t do kids. He let’s me and my brothers decide who gets to go up or down, and if we mess up then it’s only an eternity of torment. Not too long.\n\nWell, this kid today, I didn’t mess up. I couldn’t.\n\nHer name was Kas. At least, that’s what she told me. She saw my scythe and started to cry. The innocence of children always made me happy.\n\n“Come child.”\n\nShe started to ball harder, then she screamed. “It isn’t fair! Other kids got to play, I’ve been in a wheelchair for six years! How is that fair?” Her high pitched voice would have bursted someones ear drums at that point.\n\n“Child, it is. You just haven’t seen why.” She seemed confused at my words, and through her tears I could tell she was trying to comprehend what I just said. \n\n“Souls get two chances at life, sometimes even three if they’re good enough.” I explained. I put a cigar in my mouth, I always needed a puff after explaining this for the hundredth time. “I’ve only ever seen a fourth level once. They ascend to be an angel like me, but like I said it’s very rare. I can show you your past lives, if you want.”\n\nShe nodded her head, and I raised my scythe to her skull, but as soon as it touched, it shattered.\n\n“What…?” I had never seen that before. My scythe was only a couple hundred thousand years old, it shouldn’t do that. I looked at the girl, and picked her up. “Say something.” She simply said. “Uhh…” and then pop my head started blaring.\n\n“You’ve been reincarnated fourteen times?!” I exclaimed. “How!”\n\nThe girl was in tears again, and instead of opening it all at once, I opened the first, and understood.\n\n*******************\n\nWe were on a mountain, and I could see him. He was handing out fish and bread to thousands of people. The scene shifted, and he was standing on water. Again, and this time he held out his hand to a leopard, healing the man completely.\n\nI gulped, and left the girls mind. Each and every iteration she had been someone great, and each one had not been her choice to die. Same as this one.\n\n“You…you’re the child of God.”\n\nShe looked up at me, confused. “What? No?”\n\nAll of a sudden, I felt his presence, and he was furious.\n\n“What killed you this time, my son. Why do you keep going back to the earth if they keep killing you. Let me take out my anger towards the humans. They will learn to bow.*”\n\nAs I was watching, I could feel my body be pulled towards the next soul. What had I just witnessed? Was that really the second most powerful being in this reality? I shuttered, and sighed as I realized I had to tell Wrath about my Scythe. Hopefully, he would understand, and I would only go for half an eternity.", "Here I am, waiting for the time to pass. I glance at my pocketwatch while gently nodding in my rocking chair, staring at the blades of grass in front of me. I see the blades of grass shift colors as they flow in the soft, subtle wind. Golden yellow, to lively green. Lively green, to golden yellow. Not wishing time would fly by faster. Simply being in this present moment, as there’s not much else one can do in this realm. Being a god of death is not a glorious job, but it is a calm and time honored occupation. I do not do this because I find joy in the suffering of those who will lose their lives. Just as the giver breathes life into them, I take them back to where their souls may pass and give room to birth new life. It is grim, it’s gloomy, and as many are mortified by the passing of time, I tend to see it differently. I want my patients to have their last few moments alive to say their most meaningful words, and then take them swiftly and quickly, or long and emotionally, as much time as it takes for them to feel comfortable transmuting to this realm. It is not a beautiful place, nor is it a bad place, it is a dimension in which many would describe as a void, as it is safest for the mixture in their souls to stay and to be destroyed. I walk to the realm of the living now, it is 12:00. I feel inclined to not be early, but just on time for my patients. The hospital is a not so beautiful place. Today I am imitating the father of a young boy who’s father died just last year. He is only 8 years old, it breaks my heart to see such a young boy be in so much pain. He has a genetic disorder in which his bones are brittle, he’s undergone many bone marrow transplant surgeries all of which had been proven ineffective by his weak, dying body. I am sorry I couldn’t have come to him sooner. I looked into his eyes “son, are you awake?” I touch his face and kiss him on the forehead. “Daddy?” He said to me “yes son, it’s really me” he hugs me and says “I missed you” “I missed you too son”. He said to me “but where’s mommy?” I paused for a moment “mommy is.. she’s...” “let’s just put it this way, your mother didn’t want you to be here.. it’s something that will hurt her for her whole life. “But does she know that I love her?” I shed a tear “yes son, you told her before you came here” . And in that moment I began to feel human feelings, I felt sorry for the poor woman who lost her son. “Son, do you remember the time I took you to go play with your sister at the park and we all tumbled in the grass laughing?”... “yeah?” Well your mom will remember you in all of those wonderful moments that you spent with her. “So am I dead?” He asked me and so I told him “yes son, but don’t be afraid, just as the blades of grass will soon die, the passing of time will give us meaning in how we once existed. \nI walked him through the grassy fields and into the void. He will be reborn in a new light. Just as my work has been done, this is what is meaningful to me.", "Long time lurker. First ever post. Critiques are very welcome.\n\n--------------\n\nI had been dreading this. Ever since I became a reaper, I wondered when I would find myself here. Well sure, I had been in a hospital to collect souls, but never in the children's ward. \n\nSamantha is lying in bed surrounded by family. Her mother is crying. Her father silently holding back tears. Her little brother, only 4 years old, is confused by what is happening. Her breathe starts to get more shallow and the heart monitor beeps less and less. Almost time. I don't want to do it, but I know I have to.\n\nI reached past her mother and hold Samantha's hand. With a slight tug, I pull her soul from her failing body.\n\n“Hello Samantha, I am Death.” I say to her soul while the heart monitor holds its final note.\n\nShe looks up at me and smiles. She holds out her hand and says “Hello Death. Only Mom calls me Samantha. My friends call me Sam.”\n\nI can't help but smile as well while I shake her hand. So far I have only spoken to souls of people in the prime of their life. No one has ever sincerely smiled at me.\n\n“Is my family going to be okay? I tried to prepare them for my death,” she says while watching the nurse turn off the heart monitor and her mother cry even harder.\n\n“It's always hard for family's after someone they love pass on. You tried to prepare them?”\n\n“Yeah... Mom always kept saying I needed to be positive and everything would be alright. But I know the doctor's told her my chance of survival was really really low. So I tried to get them to do fun things while I was alive and asked them to have fun when I was gone.”\n\n“So you are okay with moving on from this world?”\n\n“Yep. I'll miss playing with my brother John, but my friend Ashley promised to play with him once I was gone. I hope he remembers me.”\n\n“I'm sure he will.” As her family comfort each other, we start walking down the hallway of the hospital.\n\n“Are we going very far?”\n\n“No, not far. I like to walk with souls for a bit after they die, to help them accept their death.”\n\n“I like going for walks. But you don't need to worry about me. I look forward to seeing what things are like now.”\n\n“You aren't sad to be moving on?”\n\n“No, I was sad when I found out I was dying. But everyone dies eventually.” Sam shrugs her shoulders. “I would have died at some point, I just got to know when. And now here I am talking with you! I didn't know I would get to talk with Death! Is that the 'other side' my dad would talk about?” she points to the glowing door in the other wise empty hallway.\n\n“Yes,” I say. “You can go through if you would like.”\n\nShe tilts her heads and turns to me, “What do you mean if I would like?”\n\n“Well, some souls don't want to go through. They decide to stay around this world, wandering and watching the lives of those not yet dead. They can't let go of what they had here and become stuck.”\n\n“Are you like that? You are still here. Were you a person once?”\n\nI smile, “I was. But I didn't hold on to the world like ghosts do. I accepted my death but wanted to help those who die move on and accept it as well. So I asked my Death if I could help.”\n\n“Is that something I could do? Help people accept their death?”\n\n“If you want to, yes. But that would mean working with souls here on earth, and not moving into the afterlife.”\n\nI could see her considering the choice. Finally she smiles and says, “I don't know if I could help older people, but I wouldn't mind helping people my age.”\n\nI smile back. “I think you could help. We don't have many Deaths who were children when they died. Are you sure this is what you want? It can be very sad.”\n\n“That's okay, I know sadness from when I was sick. But I do like helping people. It'd be nice to help others now that I'm dead.”\n\nI can feel her conviction. She does know what it could be like, but still wants to help others.\n\nAn open doorway appears opposite the glowing door. The room beyond filled with light and other Deaths. “Well then, welcome to our community of Death's helpers. We are happy to have you!” I say with a smile.\n\nSam's smile gets larger as she turns and walks into the room of Death. As Death, I know she will be both happy and sad while helping other children's souls. But she is right for it in a way I didn't expect when I started the day. I turn from the door knowing she is in good hands to explain how things work. My smile continues as I move on to the next soul, hoping it is a bright as Samantha's.", "\nMy name is Death, but death more than just my name. It is also my duty, my purpose, and my responsibility.\n\nPopular myth would lead you to believe that I am something of a “grim” figure, but the simple truth is that being literally named after your job tends to make you take it somewhat more seriously than most. Imagine if your name, your very identity, was “accountant,” or “lawyer.” Imagine if that was your identity when you were on duty, off-duty, at home or abroad. It isn’t just your job – it’s your purpose. It is the entire reason you exist. It is your everything. And, of course, when you’ve been fulfilling such a purpose for countless aeons, you get extremely good at it. You know everything about it. You are beyond an expert – you are the physical incarnation of the job made manifest. You become so good at it that you become synonymous with the job, and the line between you and your job doesn’t just blur – it disappears entirely. When people speak of me, they are also speaking of my job. I am my job, and I am my purpose. And since death is a fairly serious affair – I am something of a serious individual. But grim?\n\nLet me just tell you a little story that might change your mind, and might force you to reassess some of your less justified opinions about who I am. I am not the stony-faced, soulless, emotionless, cruel creature that some would lead you to believe.\n\nHer name was Chloe, and she was eight years old at the time of her passing. Her parents had been staunch anti-vaccination activists and poor Chloe had ultimately come to pay the price for their ignorance and foolishness. Their misguided, narcissistic desire to be “right” where everyone else is “wrong” ultimately became more important to them than the welfare and survival of their child. (And yet, humanity has the cheek to say that I’m the soulless, cruel one.)\n\nI stood beside her bed. She could barely breathe. The tubes were everywhere. She didn’t even look like a child anymore. Even before she passed from this world, the light had left her eyes and she knew only pain. I reached out with one of my slender, snow-white fingers and granted her the mercy she deserved.\n\n“Hello, Chloe.” I uttered quietly, leaning back with a soft smile.\n\n“Hello.” Chloe responded quietly, sitting up in her bed. I could tell from the tone of her voice that she was nervous, but the tubes were gone, and she was a child once more.\n\n“How do you feel?” I asked warmly, already knowing the answer.\n\n“Better.” She uttered, still not quite trusting me. Her parents had at least managed to instil a cautious fear of strangers into their daughter, in spite of their other failings.\n\n“Do you know who I am, Chloe?” I asked, tilting my head slightly to one side and smiling softly. Chloe shook her head.\n\n“I’m here to take you on a journey away from here. I’m here to take you to a place where you can be happy.” I explained, extending my hand in her direction. She hesitated before she took it, glancing from my slender fingers to my pale face.\n\n“Will my Mummy and Daddy be coming with us?” She asked. I felt a small pang of sympathy.\n\n“Not yet.” I answered warmly. “But soon.”\n\n“They will want to know where I am.” She continued, still not taking my hand.\n\n“I’m sure they will know where you are.” I explained soothingly, twitching my fingers gently to encourage her to put her own hand within mine. The truth was that her parents had known her departure was coming. They had refused to accept it at first, but the infection had already run it’s course. There was nothing the doctors could do. Both her mother and father knew that their daughter wouldn’t make it through the night. “In fact, I am certain of it.” I added warmly.\n\nAfter a moment’s hesitation, the girl reached out from under her thin hospital blanket and put her hand within mine. I closed my fingers gently around hers.\n\n“Your hand is cold.” She commented.\n\n“And yours is warm.” I replied, giving her tiny hand an encouraging squeeze as she got to her feet.\n\n“I like your dress.” She uttered innocently.\n\n“Actually, it’s a robe.” I chuckled, giving the dark material a playful flick with my free hand. “But really, that’s just another word for a boring dress.”\n\n“Can I touch it?” She asked, looking up at me with her big, blue eyes. I noticed that the light had returned to her gaze.\n\n“Go ahead.” I uttered welcomingly. She reached out with a small hand and ran her fingers along the soft, velvety material.\n\n“It’s cold, too.” She commented. “My mommy always says we should wrap up warm. So why would you want to wear something cold?”\n\n“Because sometimes, I have to go somewhere very very hot, and it’s nice to be able to keep cool when I do.” I explained coyly, with a mischievous smirk.\n\n“Are we going somewhere hot now?” She asked, looking up at me with those shiny big eyes again.\n\n“Oh no. No, you are not.” I allowed my smile to spread just a little further across my thin lips.\n\n“Then where are we going?” She asked.\n\n“We’re going to go see your grandma.” I explained with another warm smile. “She’s been waiting to see you for a while.”\n\n“Grandma?” Chloe asked excitedly, smiling for the first time in months.\n\n“Yes, Grandma, Grandpa, and even Paul!” Paul had been her grandfather’s Doberman. “But nobody is more excited to see you than your Grandma. She’s been getting ready to see you for weeks. Ever since she knew you were coming. Her excitement has been driving your Granddad crazy.”\n\nThe girl’s smile broadened even further and a genuine girlish giggle rolled out from between her grinning lips. Her teeth were crooked, but that smile was worth a million bucks.\n\n“Shall we go and see them?” I asked, gesturing softly towards the door. The girl nodded.\n\nWith another warm smile, I led her gently towards the doorway and pulled on the doorknob. As the door swung open on it’s hinges, it did not do so to reveal the expected scene of a hospital corridor, but instead revealed the kitchen of a summer cottage in the outskirts of Sussex, England. The scene within was washed with warm, amber sunlight, and the welcoming scent of freshly baked cookies lingered on the air. A dog barked excitedly in the direction of the open door.\n\n“Chloe-bun!” An elated, elderly voice called out from within. The girl immediately burst into a run and embraced her grandmother.\n\nI let the door close, and I was alone once more.\n\nI had never once set foot in the afterlife. Being honest, it isn’t my place – I am a soul who has never lived, so how could I ever belong to a place for those who have? I am the ferryman who helps the dead to reach their resting place for the remainder of eternity – a guiding lantern in the darkness between earth and heaven, but belonging to neither.\n\nI was already in the process of checking my list for the next soul in need of my mercy when the door opened behind me. Chloe was standing in the doorway.\n\nHmm. She shouldn’t have been able to do that. Normally, once I close a door, that opening to the next world is closed. I can’t exactly go around leaving portals to the netherworld open for just any dead soul to walk through, can I? That kind of sloppy work is what leads to hauntings. How on earth had she managed to just open it up again like that?\n\n“Will you join us for tea?” The girl asked, nibbling on the edge of a cookie.\n\nI stared at her, dumbfounded. Her grandmother appeared at her shoulder a moment later.\n\n“Oh yes, we simply must insist. Join us for tea.” The old woman didn’t seem to realise the significance of the little girl re-opening a door I had already closed. Perhaps that was for the best.\n\n“I – er…” I uttered, feeling incredibly uneasy. What the hell was happening? This was very off-script and totally unexpected. When you’ve existed for as long as I have, there is very little that you haven’t seen before, and this – well, this really took the cake.\n\nChloe reached out and took my cold hand in her warm one once again. She dragged me over the threshold.", "“Hey bud, how’s your head feel? Better?”\n\nHe whips around in the hospital bed. He touches his arms. He touches his head. A smile starts to form. Fear pushes it back. \n\n“Is the pain finally gone?”\n\nHe nods slow and deliberate. He turns quick towards the woman sleeping near the bed. \n\n“Mom!” He yells. She doesn’t stir. \n\n“Mooooooom!!!!!!”\n\n“Come on, little Buddy. It’s about to get crazy in here.”\n\n“Mom.” He tries again. Weak. \n\n“She’ll be up soon. We should go.”\n\nKevin finds himself edging toward the end of the bed. Being drawn towards death like a weak magnet. He knows he doesn’t want to go. But, he knows he doesn’t have a choice. His body glides towards Death while his eyes stay fixed on— \n“Mom!”\n\nShe shifts in her chair. Kevin’s eyes dart towards her. \n“I gotta say goodbye.”\n\n“No you don’t. It won’t change anything.”\n\n“I have to.”\n\n“You can.”\n\nKevin walks over and kneels in front of his sleeping mom. \n\n“Mom? I gotta go.”\n\nHe turns to look back at Death standing in the doorway. \n\n“But I’m gonna be okay mom. I feel better now. My headaches are gone. No more feeding tubes. You can sleep in a bed again, mom. Your bed.”\n\nHe reaches to hug her but is repelled, like by a stronger magnet. He’s able to get infinitely closer to her without touching her. Like a line always approaching zero.\n \n“It’s time Kevin.”\n\n“I have to go now, Mom. Tell dad I’m gonna be strong. He doesn’t have to worry.”\n\n“Kevin.”\n\nDeath’s magnetic pull is growing stronger. \n\n“Tell Greg he can have all my legos. Even the Star Wars sets. He likes those.”\n\n“Last call Kevin.”\n\nThere is a silence that’s cuts the din like a flash before the heart monitor settles on the single tone of Kevin’s flatline. \n\nHe turns to see himself in his bed. A feeding tube is down his throat. Wires poking out of his hospital gown leading into their various monitors. \n\nHe turns back to see his mom’s eyes fly open and stare right through him.\n\n“Kevin!” She screams as she bursts out of her chair. Death grabs Kevin under the arm and pulls him up and in an arc over the bed, as he watches his mom, almost in slow motion, dive on his lifeless, 8 year old body. \n\nDeath shuffles Kevin towards a corner as doctors, nurses and hospital staff fly in. everything silent and slow except the flatline. Kevin watches as they all struggle with his corpse. \n\n“You don’t wanna see this part, Bud.”\n“Love you, mom.”\nKevin turns his head away as his violent death rattle begins shaking the bed. \n\nDeath guides him gently out the door. \nIn the hall a small triage team flies past them with a defibrillator cart. \n\n“That was a brave thing you did.”\n\n“I did what I could do.”\n\n“Yes.”\n\nThey walked towards the elevator doors, disappearing through them." ]	6
	[WP] It’s been a long day. Thinking back you don’t know why you picked up the extra shift. You put your bag down you notice your shoes already in the rack, you see the blanket and pillow on the couch the way they would be normally on your day off. Then you see yourself walk out of your bedroom.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Oh hey, when'd you get in?\" I asked, walking to the kitchen and grabbing a pair of beers out of the fridge. Blake shrugged, plopping down onto the couch. His hair was still wet from the shower, and I could tell he was somewhat jet lagged. \n\n\"I don't even really know. I got here at 4 and sacked out hard. Thought you said you'd be waiting?\" He mumbled. He happily accepted the offered beer as I took a seat across from him on the loveseat . \n\n\"A friend begged me to cover her shift, I shouldn't have, but she really needed it. Plus you said you still had your key.\" I shrugged. He nodded and took a long swallow of the beer. \"Glad you could make it back into town, I know having you there is going to mean the world to Sasha.\" He smiled and leaned back with a harsh barking laugh. \n\n\"How uggly am I my little sister is getting married before me?\" He laughed. I snorted and kicked his shin playfully.\n\n\"Hey asshole, watch who you're calling ugly!\" I laughed. He chuckled and flashed a grin back.\n\n\"What? I was talking about me!\" He protested in mock innocence. \n\n\"We're identical twins you jerk...and personally I think it's our shitty personalities.\" I laughed." ]	2
	[WP] You are what you eat, so to become a real boy I must eat a real boy.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The Witch was a terrible mother. \n\nIt was good that I was made of wood or else I would have died rather immediately after creation. In fact, I nearly did die after she knocked over a candle merely to squeal with delight as I danced around the flames. \n\nEach night the Witch sat by a window, rocking me on her lap. She would cackle as she looked out over the dark forest, the light of the moon stifled by clouds. She would stroke my head, her long nails leaving scratches in my shiny wooden hair. Then she would put me to bed, among the rats and cockroaches that filled my bed. \n\nThe Witch wanted a real boy, this much I knew. I could tell by the disappointment on her face whenever I failed to scream in pain or cry in agony. Like a puppet, I did whatever she asked and this displeased her immensely. \n\n“Why does she want a real boy?” I asked the willow tree. Willow trees never forget a sadness. \n\n“To replace the one she lost,” the willow tree replied. \n\n“Did she set fire to him?”\n\n“No.”\n\n“Did she drown him?”\n\n“No.”\n\n“Did she beat and bury him?”\n\n“No.”\n\n“Then what happened?” I ask in frustration. \n\n“He grew up and left,” the willow tree said, “A real boy will always grow up and leave.”\n\n“Does she want me to leave?” I ask. \n\n“No.”\n\n“Then what does she want?” I ask, feeling even more confused. \n\n“She wants to be a mother.”\n\nPerplexed, I decided not to ask the willow tree any more questions. Witches were complex, mothers even more so. \n\n“Where have you been?” The Witch asked when I returned. \n\n“I was talking to the willow tree,” I answered. \n\n“The willow tree doesn’t know anything,” The Witch said, waving her kneeled hand dismissively. “I have brought you something.”\n\nShe placed a hand behind my back and pushed me towards a cage covered by a sheet. With a flourish, she yanked the sheet away, revealing a young boy, his mouth taped shut and his eyes filled with terrified tears. \n\n“Are you replacing me?” I ask. \n\n“No, my dear,” she answered clandestinely, “I’m going to make you into a real boy so I can love you like a real mother.”\n\n“How?” I ask. \n\n“Eat up,” she smiles.", "I killed Gerald.\n\nGerald was a great little boy. \n\nHe was strong and healthy, always smelled like chocolate chip cookies. He had a sweet voice that could soften anyone's heart. His beautiful green eyes were bright and innocent, had yet discovered the gruesome part of living.\n\nHe was also one of the nicest kid I've met. Never threw a tantrum, nice to everyone, even me. He would ask Jake to play with him almost everyday, and would share his mom's famous cookies with me afterwards.\n\n\"I am not suppose to give you this,\" he'd whisper. \"But you like it, and I think just a little bit won't hurt, right?\"\n\n\"Mom said 'you are what you eat', maybe you'll turn into a giant cookie!\" Jake would laugh as he patted me shoulder.\n\nSometimes the two of them would draw together. Jake's favorite drawing was the three of us running together. But every time when I tried to draw, Jake would laugh and took away my crayons.\n\nWhen they built a castle together, I would try to help, but Jake would only yell at me for ruining their masterpiece. \n\nJake would also tell me about his adventures with Gerald when we were laying down, how they fought the stubborn four-eye monster, or how they found the lost treasures of the secret chamber. I wanted to go with them. But everyday as I rushed to them, Jake would shake his head, \"you can't come with me, its only for little boys. But it's okay, I'll be back.\"\n\nSo I killed Gerald.\n\nI was quick, he didn't even have the chance to scream as I tore his vocal cord away. I stared into his bright green eyes until life drained away.\n\nThen I ate him\n\nI originally thought Gerald would taste the same as he smelled, liked his mother's chocolate chip cookies. He didn't. \n\nHe just tasted like chicken. \n\nRaw chicken.\n\nI waited for the transformation, eager to see myself turning into a little boy, turning into Gerald, turning into Jake's best friend.\n\nWe would create a giant monster. He would have the blue crayon, and I would have the red crayon.\n\nWe would build a castle together. He would take the north tower, and I would take the south tower.\n\nWe would go on great adventures. He would show me the secret chamber, and I would show him my treasure spot. \n\nBut the transformation never came.\n\nAnd the last thing I saw was a strange man with a gun and a net." ]	3
	[WP] in the near future a device is created that allows people to not only see how long someone has left to live but actually give take and trade remaining life as a type of currency.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Please.” She finally whispered, her voice no more than a soft breath, likely unheard over the sounds of the city just around the alley’s corner. “I’m living minute-to-minute. I don’t have any time to spare.” \n\n“Of course you do.” The man’s voice was rough and scratchy. It seemed like it hurt him to speak. He kept the gun aimed at her head, barrel still shaking slightly. He held out his left hand, with it his watch. It was in receiving mode. \n\nShe brought her wrist to his, the watches just inches away. The screen was a bright red. It read out: 14:11. She had 14 days and 11 hours. “I can spare only-“ \n\n“Send the entire amount. All 14 and 11.” \n\nShe froze again. Forcing herself to move, she shook her head. “My organs will fail. Mortality Watch will call me to confirm.” \n\n“And you will.” The man quickly grabbed her outstretched wrist with his own. \n\nShe jerked her arm back, using the spin to get her other hand closer and onto his wrist. She tried to undo the strap, but stopped as she heard a deafening explosion. She stepped back, unable to hear, unable to feel. \n\nShe looked down. Her blouse had turned a deep red above her waist, slightly to the right. She blinked. It was spreading, the sideways-standing pool. She felt a coldness now, starting at the pool and ending at her toes and fingers. \n\nHer watch was flashing red. She dropped to her knees and looked up to see a running man, his direction deeper into the alley. She turned the other way and looked at a growing crowd. A few were on the phone, their faces panicked. \n\nShe didn’t need to look at her watch to know they wouldn’t make it in time. \n\nShe smiled. \n\nAll her life, she had been terrified of death, but now that it had come... it was as though a great burden had been lifted. She thought of her husband and smiled further. How long since he died and still she wore his ring. \n\nWould he be proud of her? \n\nShe thought of his kind face and quiet words, then thought no more.", "Everywhere I look, there it is. The halo of death. The bright, glowing, cheerful-looking fuckers floating above everyone's head. The lady sitting next to me looks healthy enough. Her voice is rich, skin radiant. We boarded together at Penn Station. She asked me when the train was coming.\n\nAs a matter of principle, I try not to look at someone's death counter. Try being the operative word of course. You can't look at someone's face and not see the numbers. As a result, communication is this lifeless, hollow thing where people look down when speaking. Imagine going through the day without seeing a single face. Without meeting someone's eyes, or returning a smile. A bird with its wing crushed. Trying and failing to take flight.\n\nSomething is dropped. It is loud and garish and steals my attention. When I look towards the source, I see it. The ladies death counter. It reads 3 days, 7 hours, 47 seconds. I watch as it ticks down... 46... 45... 44... 43... 42. She notices me staring.\n\nClearing her throat politely, she offers me a soft, sad smile. It's the first smile I've seen in weeks. I feel my lips struggling to mimic the once natural gesture. The motion dies as I see the first tear trickle down her cheek. She offers me a hand. I offer mine in return.\n\nIn the beginning, the death counter was revered as a God. It arrived suddenly, with no explanation. Within the day, doctors were diagnosing patients with alarming accuracy. They had realized what it meant. The wondrous, exciting, glowing numbers were the hand of life itself!\n\n\"My name is Claire,\" the tearful woman says \"and I'm going to die in 3 days.\"\n\nA lump forms in my throat as I hear the name. Claire.\n\nI can remember the day distinctly. January 20th, 2068, 11:02. Claire had died. She was a timid girl of 13. She enjoyed reading and playing with her dog Stevie. When the counters appeared, hers read 5 days, 4 minutes, 13 seconds. Her parents, alarmed, rushed her to the hospital. There was nothing wrong with her. Her vitals were perfect, blood clear, and breathing completely normal. The doctors believing it to be a fluke, sent the girl home, advising the parents to \"ride out the storm\". 5 days later, the girl was hit by a car. She died on impact.\n\nI squeeze the woman's had. For her comfort or my own, I'm not sure. Taking a breath I tell her.\n\n\"I had a little sister named Claire.\"" ]	3
	[WP] The post apocalypse can be rather bleak. You are a traveling musician, determined to keep all the old hits alive.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Beat it, Tramp! You're not welcome here! I know you, you've been stirring up trouble all along the river, and I won't have that here! We got enough work to do, we don't need trouble messing with that work.\"\n\n\"Weeelll, now! You seem to know an awful lot about me that I ain't heard from anyone I've played for, so why don't you just clue me in on what I'm supposed to have done?\"\n\n\"Ain't got time for you Tramp! Get Out!\"\n\n\"Good People of West Stone Bridge! I call upon you to witness a trial, conviction, and sentence, where the accused has not been faced with his accusers! The evidence has not been presented! A jury of peers has not made a decision! Is this the way you want your town run? Is this what you want to happen to you?\"\n\n\"Why you miserable price of ...\"\n\n\"Ah, ah, ah! The good people of this town are not watching and listening! Do you want them to see you beating up on, or berating someone who has done nothing? I could not have done anything here, I just got off the boat! What's more, I think the captain, crew, and passengers, would all be willing to testify in my favor. I welcome a trial, I'm fact...\n\nGood People of West Stone Bridge, I must insist on a trial, with all the formalities observed!\n\nWell, mayor? You going to obey the town charter or be exposed as a tyrant? You know how people feel about tyrants, don't you?\"\n\nHissing a whisper, \"this is exactly what I meant! We had a nice quiet community where everyone was happy to do their jobs, just like I do my job when I'm not dealing with troublemakers like you! You done cost us three quarters of a day's work that we ain't never gonna get back!\"\n\nWhispering in return, \"you all working seven days a week? Double shifts? Take a very close look at your people! They're drawn and haggard! They need rest! They need entertainment to take their minds off the grind and give them hope for something other than just another day's work!\n\nThey need something to believe in. They need to believe in themselves that they can make enough progress that they don't have to grind themselves into powder!\"\n\nHissing again, \"we can't afford it! The Hatfields will be here end of the week! We don't pay, they start killing!\"\n\nWhispered back in tones of derision, \"tell it true! They already killing when they like! You think I didn't see the graveyard! You got too many fresh graves about a half week old! How'd they die!?\n\nThey died 'cause the Hatfields figured they weren't working hard enough and slit their throats, didn't they!\n\nYou think knuckling under is going to save you!? They'll keep whittling you down until there's too few to fight! Then the survivors, if you can call them that, are slaves!\n\nIt was the Hatfields that told you I was trouble, wasn't it! Well, to them I am trouble, trouble with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for PRIDE, PERSISTENCE, POWER, PEACE, NONE of which you have now. Right now you got, FEAR, FATALISM, and Fried Chicken in the Sky, By and By. Meaning never, 'cause you got no Future, without PRIDE.\n\nSo what do you say Mayor? You gonna be the chicken, or are you gonna eat that chicken?\"\n\nResigned, \"Danmit. Damnit to hell if you ain't right, and I been too blind to see it.\"\n\n\"No trial needed! You have cleared your name which was smeared by lies spread by bullies! Welcome ... what's your name? ... WELCOME, MUSIC MAN!\"\n\n((finis))", "The road to Win'pog was always a slog. The mutants and brimstone were one thing, but what really got to Sasha was the flies. Every summer the bogs around former Manitoba would melt, and the black flies would come out in the millions to reproduce and feast upon any traveler walking the Marsh Road. The humidity and smell would combine to make the whole schlep feel like a festering mess.\n\nShasha wiped sweat from her brow. Carrying her pack, bedroll, glow dagger, and guitar atop her slight frame was no breeze. She could die for a breeze right now.\n\nUp ahead was a trail of smoke, presumably from a campfire. It would be good to meet another traveler on the road, she thought. This section of the trip was always the most dangerous.\n\nThe fire-starter soon came into view. It was a family, or so they appeared. A man, woman, and young boy, about 12, dressed in nothing more than tattered cloth, and sitting by an old tent. The tent was plastic, a relic of the past, and the sun had aged its dark red to a dull pink. Behind them lay two goats, already asleep in the dense, humid evening. They were tied by stakes next to the family, who themselves where gathered around a campfire.\n\nThe boy noticed Sasha first, and waved. Sasha waved back, and soon she was upon them.\n\n\"Yo, bard, would you like to eat with us?\" said the father. As Sasha had approached, the smell of burning meat was already making her salivate. By the time she came upon the fire, it was all she could do to turn away from the prairie dogs roasting on a spit above it. Prairie dogs were a rarity now in this part of the world, but they still scavenged the flora around what little of plain the region still had.\n\n\"I wouldn't want to impose.\"\n\n\"Nonsense. Play us a few songs and we'll consider it a trade. My son's never heard any of the classics before.\" The father put a hand on his son's head and ruffled his hair.\n\n\"Thanks,\" Sasha said, and sat down. The mother handed her a stick with a smile, and she dug in. In between bites she began talking.\n\n\"Are you folks also traveling to Win'pog?\"\n\n\"Yes. Our farmstead got irradiated. We don't have much choice but to look for work in the city now,\" said the mother with a frown. Sasha knew the story all too well, she had heard it a dozen times before.\n\n\"I'm sorry to hear that,\" said Sasha. They ate in silence then. When they finished, Sasha took out her guitar.\n\n\"So, what would you like to hear?\"\n\nThe mother and father both looked down at their son. The bright-eyed youth, seeing he had the floor, spoke up with an excited voice.\n\n\"I wanna hear the song they always did around campfires. I heard it was a love song! Like, that handsome guys used to sing to the girls they had crushes on.\" The boy blushed for a moment. Sasha smirked. The boy was clearly also looking forward to the city. \"They said it's about a man who loves a woman so much he feels both sad and happy.\"\n\n\"Ah yes, I know what you mean. Pay careful attention kid. This song's easy to learn, but hard to master. A lot of tradition goes into this one, and it demands respect.\n\n\"Anyways, here's Wonderwall.\"\n\n_______________________\n\nIf you found this story amusing, check out my Reddit Serial, [G'aarthurnax the Puppy](https://www.reddit.com/r/redditserials/comments/ckbq7n/gaarthurnax_the_puppy_part_2_in_regards_to_the/)." ]	3
	[WP] you have a superpower. The more hype the music is you listen to. The stronger you become. All the while, the apocalypse has come. Aliens have invaded earth. and you have a playlist just for the occasion	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I knew before the fight began how I would dispose of my opponents. A succession of strikes to the torso deflected at the opening as the piano picks up, my hands jabbing the necks of two of the thugs as the motif first announces itself, my deflection of their futile attempts at striking continuing, and finally, them fleeing by the end of the movement. The Moonlight Sonata has always been the wordless poetry that I use as a backdrop when I deal with threats that are part of the routine. Being a one-man peace-keeping force can be dreadful but something about this music allows me to escape the thought of battling a group of low-lifes for the thousandth time and instead reimagine the situation as an exercise of serene discipline.\n\n\"I owe you my life, sir\" the man says to me in his land's vernacular. I tell him the pleasure is all mine and promise to clean up the town before I leave.\n\nThis is how it's been for sometime. I travel the world on behalf of the UN peace-maker initiative. It was founded after the Incident. That was when folks like me were created. I was part of a group of terminally ill patients that were test subjects at a cancer research facility. Little did the world know that we were being experimented on in the name of treatment to engineer superhuman genetic affinity to particular types of stimuli. Now all of us misfits are dispatched to police parts of the world where society has broken down. There's a lot of us but some examples of those that I've spent time with come to mind. One of us is able to manipulate her body to resemble whatever texture she is in contact with. Another one becomes a super computer when exposed to radiation in a specific band of frequencies. Yet another can start morphing his appearance when the temperature gets high enough. Then there's me. Music makes me focused and powerful. The rhythm makes my pain disappear. And the higher the tempo, the harder my punches land.\n\nBack in the present, the man leaves and I take off my headphones. The music is being interrupted by notifications. A flurry of missed calls, emails, and texts greets me and I peer at my screen and read, \"Subject: Emergency World Wide Peace-Maker Recall\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSuddenly it's forty eight hours later and I'm standing in the middle of Manhattan. The city has been evacuated like all the other major ones around the world. People were just getting used to the idea of genetically engineered freaks like me and now aliens have been thrown into the mix. Even worse, there is no ambiguity when it comes to these interstellar terrorists. They have descended upon our most populous cities to wipe out the locals so they can harvest resources and biomass in the aftermath of the war they intend to wage. Broglie, the human super computer, is teamed up with me so that we can engage in a perimeter attack. He's no longer frail like the last time I saw him. The world's smartest man has been working out. He grins from behind his radiation helmet and says, \"I think I've got it. I've created a playlist that will help you perform at your peak and balance out bouts of fatigue in between.\"\n\n\"What kind of music is it?\" I ask. \"What genres?\"\n\n\"Well it's got a bit of everything. Pop, Hip-Hop, Metal, Trap.\"\n\nAs we talk, a skyscraper falls in the distance to reveal a giant creature composed of other smaller creatures dangling off its appendages.\n\n\"Looks like we are dealing with symbiotic critters\" says Broglie and chuckles.\n\nI take a deep breath and put on my headphones. My eyes lock with Broglie's and he nods at me as he queues up the music.\n\n\"So this seems like too obvious a choice but we have to get hyped if we are going to save the world\" he says as the music begins to drown him out.\n\nI smile and leap as the beat prepares to drop. \"Fire up that loud! Another round of shots!\" yells the crassly elegant Lil Jon. My fist tenses with the energy of missile and I barrel into the creature.\n\n\"TURN DOWN FOR WHAT?\"" ]	2
	[WP] You ride a Ferris Wheel and when it stops, it shows you a glimpse of what your life could have been had you made different decisions.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Ticket please, thanks, walk through the door Into the Halls Of Illusions, visit yours And see what coulda and shoulda and woulda been real But you had to fuck up tha whole deal \"Lets take a walk down the hallway It's a long way it, it takes all day!\" And when you get to tha end, you'll find a chair With straps and chains, we slap you in there Lock you down tight so you can't move a thread And pull your eyelids up over your head 'cause you're about to witness an illusionary dream It's just to bad it ain't what it seems You walk in and see two kids on the floor They playin Nintendo and he's got tha high score And sittin behind them chillin in a chair Is your wife, when ya look, oh, you ain't there It's some other man in the hand in hand Now she looks so happy you don't understand See this is an illusion, it never came true All because of you! Back to reality and what you're about Your wife can't smile 'cause ya knocked her teeth out And she can't see straight from gettin hit 'cause you're a fat fuckin drunk piece of shit But it's all good here, come have a beer I'll break the top off it and shove it in ya ear And you're death comes wicked painful and slow At tha hands of MILENKO! Great Milenko, wave your wand Don't look now, your life is gone This is all because of you What you got yourself into Look who's next it's Mr. Clark The dirty old man from the trailer park You got your ticket? Thanks take your coat off And later on, why not, I'll rip your throat off \"Lets take a walk down the hallway It's a long way it, it takes all day\" And when you get to the end you'll find a chair You see all the blood, yeah your boy was just here We get all different kind of people comin through Richies, chickens and bitches just like you In the Halls everybody gets a turn To sit and witness your illusion before you burn What do we have here, oh yeah, no way It looks like your kids and they okay Your daughter's chillin up in college top grade And your son's a fuckin doctor, phat paid They got families and kids and it's all good They even coach little league in the neighborhood Is this true have ya really seen tha holy ghost? Nah, bitch, not even close! Back to reality your son's on crack And your daughter's got nut stains on her back And they both fuckin smell like shit And live in the gutter and sell crack to each other When they were kids you'd beat em and leave em home And even whip em with the cord on the telephone And that reminds me man hey ya gotta call Watch your step to Hell...it's a long fall! Ah, it's time to pack up and move to the next town But we forgot Mr. Bigot, okay, dig it We can't show you an illusion 'cause we're all packed But I'll still cut ya neck out, how's that?" ]	2
	[WP] You are a Shape-Shifter and you are about to make it big in Hollywood	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "sorry I know it’s bad it’s just really early for me here (1 30 am)and I tried to make it sound like a teen wrote it but here’s the story.Um...I don’t know how to start this and I’m going to make it brief but here we go...so I’m a high school student and I want to go into forensics when graduate college,I got a email one day to visit a gene scientist and help around at his lab,I agreed.fast forward about a week I’m at the lab and we’re working on gene editing like CRISPR.The scientist broke a glass with a orange liquid inside and asked me to clean it up,the glass Scraped my hand I thought it was nothing and continued my work.my hand was turning orange around the cut and I was starting to freak out I thought I needed to rest my body and go to sleep or to think about it later. I had a strange dream about me I was low to the ground as if doing the army crawl and I was in the swamp,I was an alligator! Than I felt a tingling sensation flood throughout my body and boom I was an elephant I felt like and elephant and I saw the savanna in the distance.the tingling sensation again I thought panda and I was a panda!then I woke up I was about to get dressed when I fought a glimpse of myself in the Mirror I was still a panda! I started to panic and it felt like the tingling sensation happened again and again nonstop I could almost imagine myself turning from animal to animal.I convinced myself to calm down and focous on the word and figure of a human I felt the tingling sensation and opened my eyes. I looked in the mirror I was a human just not me...I focoused on me this time and I felt the feeling of transforming and then I was myself!\nI got ready ready for a new day at school,still slightly shocked at my newfound ability and it was starting to sink in what I could do,for almost the whole day that was all I could think about. The end of history class,next was French but that was on the other side of the school and the hallway was full.i focused on a fruit fly and felt myself morphing into a fly. I would fly to French!I got to French on time but I traded that for somthing worse the girl behind me saw me change into a fly! she called her dad,Theo, who was the director of a new film about a man and his dog.she told him what she saw and he contacted the school and told them that he wanted to hire him for his new movie to vice the dogs thoughts.so after school I was called to the office and told to call my parents to tell them about the movie opportunity, they convinced me to go.i did.about 5 minutes later a limo pulled up in front of the school and I was driving to The studio.i won’t say which studio for security reasons.Now all of Hollywood knows about me and my shapeshifting and I am the star of the movie acting as...the dog...", "There are two types of people in Hollywood - those who do their own stunts, and those who don't. \n\nLuckily for those who don't, I exist. I am the perfect stunt double. And I have dozens of identities. I can become Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, or Marilyn Monroe. As long as I have the individual's DNA, a picture of their face, and a simple knowledge of their physique, I can remodel my cell biology, skeletal structure, and keratin mega-structures (skin, hair, and nails) by inputting this information in my brain-computer system. I just need a three-hour hot bath for remodeling and I am essentially the same person whom I am imitating. However, I cannot mimic voices. My brain and physiology is mostly human so it is still bound by linguistic critical periods and development. Therefore, I am not a perfect duplicate.\n\nI have been doing this since the silent film era -- it has been almost fifty years. I never age, and I don't question why I am so different. This is just where I have landed. I realize now that it is time for me to make a stand -- I cannot be the lowly, underpaid, and unappreciated stunt double anymore. I must become a famous actor who can do his own stunts. \n\nThere is a young man who I have observed for some time in New York City. He is up and coming in the acting scene, but he has yet to make a debut. I will kill him and assume his identity. For all times, I will be the greatest movie actor and be respected for doing my own stunts as well. \n\nI will become Thomas Cruise Mapother IV." ]	3
	[WP] After many unsuccessful and sometimes deadly attempts at physical teleportation, scientists have decided to attempt to teleport consciousness. It’s only the year 2030 and results are promising. Users lie down and plug into The Cortex. Within seconds, users awake in a new host body.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Go anywhere and be anyone. Sign up for AirBody and make money while living your dreams!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe advertisement was all over the more shady sides of the internet. Upon finding out about The Cortex Brian Chesky bought out the exclusive rights to use it. He and Travis Kalanick had apparently fought over it, but Chesky prevailed in negotiations. All you have to do is go to a Cortex center, be deposited into a tube, select where you want to go and what body to take, and your consciousness is reimprinted on that body’s brain. Then your old body waits for someone else to take. Of course there were religious organizations and humanitarians alike decrying the unethical nature of the technology, which forced it to stay underground instead of being more openly promoted. Instantly moving around the world was too attractive for many people though. Especially for the very wealthy that could afford it. I am one of the people cashing in on them though. I’m a Husk. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nI just came back to my original body four hours ago. For letting my body be used for a few days here in NYC while I hung out in Portugal, I made $32,000. Things were a little sore and bruised. The guy using me must have been doing some heavy exercising or something. After every transfer I went to the complimentary clinic to make sure I hadn’t picked up any STDs, other illnesses, or even implants. So far I had been pretty lucky. So far.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe doors to the clinic burst open as four members of the NYPD come in and scan the room. The one in the least body armor points to me and yells for me to get on the ground. In shock I do so. I hear my rights as handcuffs trap my arms behind my back and I’m lifted off the floor. In the car I finally get some sense back. “What did you say I’m accused of again?”\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Four counts of murder in the slaughter of the Rodriguez family,” the officer coldly said. I wanted to protest, but I knew well enough to not talk to police. Not without a lawyer anyway. So I waited until I was brought in. My identity was verified and I was put into a cold room. How cliché. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nA detective comes in. Before he can say anything to me I take the initiative, “Please contact George Caldwell at Fischer Caldwell and Blakely. He is my counsel and I will not speak until he arrives.” I sat back in my chair and looked at the table. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Quite the mouth on you. Fine. We’ll contact your lawyer.” He leaves and I’m left waiting. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd waiting.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnnnnd waiting.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHours feel like they go by and I wished I had at least a clock or some water. Finally Mr. Caldwell comes in. “Great to see you. Sorry to drag you out here.” I try and smile, but I’m just too tired. He nods and sits down.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“What are the charges against my client?” he asks. Always right to business. I really liked that about him. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe detective explains the charges and pulls out some crime scene photos and evidence showing I had apparently gone to the New Jersey home of a wealthy venture capitalist and brutally murdered everyone there. The pictures were nauseating to say the least. Fuck. I had heard of Husks being used for shit like this, but I thought it was more of an urban legend. No matter, AirBody kept track of who used what body. A quick check of their records would clear this up and have them with the right guy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n---\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTwo weeks later and Mr. Caldwell is seeing me in my cell. “I don’t know who was using your body, but they have to be massively important. AirBody’s records were all expunged concerning your last trip. As far as anyone is concerned you were here. There is no payment to your account nor video of you coming to the center. Every trace of your movements are gone.” He looks grim and worn out. I’m sure he’s been trying to figure this out. His main concentration is in protecting Husks from these types of situations. “I know you told me you were going to be renting your body out, but besides that call there is no other proof.”\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“How can that be? I thought The Cortex’s transfer logs were completely locked up behind the AIs own encryption.” I plead. I don’t want to be in jail for life. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n“It should be, but when I made an information request it came back with nothing. Whoever took your body out knows some very powerful people it would seem. I’m sorry, but there is nothing else I can do for you. We can attempt to go to trial and see if we get a jury sympathetic to your plight, but you know how most of society sees Cortex technology. I’d recommend seeking a pleas bargain. Get a shorter sentence with a parole option. You can still have a life in 20 more years.” \n\n&nbsp;\n\nI thank him for his work and to charge my account whatever is needed before asking him to leave and let me think. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n---\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMike, the local guard tells me I have a visitor. I’m escorted to the wall of windows and told where to go. I sit down and see a total stranger. It must be another reporter trying to get my story. I wish I could tell them the truth, but part of the plea deal was to not mention The Cortex or my life as a Husk. For that I was granted 50 years with a chance of parole at 10. I’d just be regurgitating the same story I had hundreds of times.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Tell me what it’s like being a Husk in jail for a crime you didn’t commit.” They say after a brief introduction that I hadn’t paid attention to.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“W-What did you ask?” I stutter back. They grin wide with too many teeth in their mouth and piercing blue eyes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Tell me what it’s like being a Husk in jail for a crime I commited.”\n\n&nbsp;\n\n---\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI hope you enjoyed this story! There were a lot of directions I thought of going in. This ended up being a bit more fractured and drawn out than I expected. I'd love to hear your feedback though! If you liked this and want to check out more of my stories please take a look at /r/FoxFictions" ]	2
	[WP] You are accused of murder. You have motive, means, no alibi, and no evidence to prove your innocence. Your dilemma: Fight an unwinnable court battle, or out yourself as a massively powerful superhero, who could have vaporized the victim rather than stab them.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Judge: \"How do you plea?\"\n\nDefense: \"Not Guilty, Your Honor.\"\n\nThe prosecutor stifles a laugh.\n\nJudge: \"Does the prosecution have a remark?\"\n\nProsecutor: \"Cough, Your Honor.\"\n\nJudge: \"We will now ...\"\n\nDefense: \"If it pleases the Court?\"\n\nJudge: \"Very well, but keep the interruptions to a minimum.\"\n\nDefense: \"Thank You, Your Honor. My client has asked me to request the indulgence of the court by establishing the next portion of the proceedings a closed session, with all records of the session sealed as well.\"\n\nJudge: \"And the purpose of this closed session?\"\n\nDefense: \"With the utmost respect to this Court from both myself and my client. We must decline to answer that question until the closed session is granted.\"\n\nProsecutor: \"Objection, Your Honor.\"\n\nJudge: \"Proceed\"\n\nProsecutor: \"The Defense is asking the court to buy a pig in a poke. If this is evidence, that the Defense or Defendant were already aware of, it should have already been provided.\"\n\nJudge: \"Is the defense willing to qualify the nature of the closed session?\"\n\nDefense: \"Respectfully, we must decline to do so. There are innocent people involved that we would protect.\"\n\nProsecutor moves to speak.\n\nJudge: \"if you are about to object, please hold it for a few moments.\n\nIs the Defense prepared to establish a time limit?\"\n\nDefense has a hurried discussion.\n\nDefense: \"My client asks the court for no more than thirty minutes, unless the court chooses to extend that time itself.\"\n\nJudge: \"I am inclined to grant the session. Prosecutor, do you still have any objection?\"\n\nProsecutor: \"Since the Defense has chosen to limit the session, baring the Court's willingness to extend it, no objection.\"\n\nJudge: \"this is now a closed session. Bailiffs, clear the courtroom. And this time, make sure no one is listening at the keyhole!\"\n\nThe courtroom is sealed.\n\nJudge: \"Would the Court Recorder please break the record at this time; and continue on a new record?\n\nThank you. Now, Fred? What's the to-do?\"\n\n\"Your Honor, my client had no reason to stab the victim. Had he chosen to murder the victim, there would not have been a body to recover. If the court permits, my client has a short demonstration.\"\n\n\"Mr. Jones, if you would?\"\n\n\"Thank You, Your Honor. And my thanks to the prosecution as well.\n\nIf the smoke detectors could be switched off or silenced, it would be appreciated. If not, the demonstration would continue, but with less protection for the innocent.\"\n\n\"Bailiff, call the monitor office and inform them that for the next thirty minutes they are to immediately silence any smoke alarms.\n\nYou may proceed, Mr. Jones.\"\n\nA package of ham and a thick ceramic bowl are produced. Explanation of these items is provided. Both judge and prosecution are intrigued. The objects are placed on the right of the judge, while Mr. Jones takes position on the left.\n\n\"Your Honor, Prosecutor, I had motive. The deceased was a criminal who had done substantial damage to my family. I had means, a knife is easily obtained. I had opportunity, for I have no public alibi for that time frame.\n\nThe available evidence and lack of an alibi are damning, except for one thing.\"\n\nA refulgent beam of solid energy explodes from the pointed finger of Mr. Jones, vaporizing the meat, and the majority of the ceramic bowl.\n\nEveryone in the courtroom, with the exception of the Defense, is stunned into silence.\n\n\"My client is none other than Blaster, our city's hero.\"\n\n\"Mr. Jones, that was an ... impressive display.\"\n\n\"Jeorge? Do you have anything to add?\"\n\n\"With respect, the prosecution requests a summary judgement of not guilty. However, Mr. Jones had better be ready to evacuate his family until they can establish new identities. The instant the verdict gets out? I expect protests at a minimum, news screaming scandal, and riots are entirely possible.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry, Your Honor, they are in University Hospital, and I have been informed that moving them would be exceptionally dangerous to their recovery.\"\n\n\"Very well, is there any reason not to convict Jones of the crime, after you have relocated?\"\n\n\"Yes, Your Honor. There are many people known to associate with Mr. Jones who would be injured by their association with a convicted murderer.\"\n\n\"That does present a problem.\"\n\n\"Hmmm... Your Honor? How does this sound?\"\n\n*... University Hospital Main Entrance ...\n\n Reporters are present, doing live broadcasts, and everything they can to inflame public opinion, for ratings.\n\nCrowd Sounds: We Want Justice! We Want Justice! ...\n\nThe crowd turns ugly, it only takes a few to turn an angry protest into a ravening mob. An attack on the hospital begins.\n\n...\n\n\"Breaking News! The protest at the hospital has turned ugly! Rocks and other debris is being thrown at the entrance after someone screamed that they had just seen Jones in the lobby!\n\nThe crowd is charging the entrance now!\n\nHoly beep, what the beep was that!? A large cloud of smoke appeared just before the entrance, driving the protestors back in fear of tear gas, which the police had stated they would not use in fear of injuring patients! There's going to be more protests over that!\n\nThe smoke is drifting this way! Cough. It's unpleasant, but it's not tear gas. It's starting to clear. Oh... my... god...\n\nThere is a line of police, and right out front is our own Blaster! Let's listen in!\"\n\n\"Good People! Why are you here today?\"\n\nJUSTICE\n\n\"A fine thing to seek! More of our citizens should seek justice! Do you agree?\"\n\nYES\n\n\"What is your plan to obtain Justice?\"\n\nconfused yelling\n\n\"Well? Surely you did not assault a hospital full of innocent bystanders without some sort of plan?\"\n\nConfused muttering\n\nWould I allow a murderer to escape Justice?\"\n\nNO!\n\nThe angry ones who had been driving the mob move to the front, slowly, having to push their way forward.\n\n\"I say to you, here and now, that Mr. Jones was with me at the time of the murder!\"\n\nStunned silence\n\n\"Good People! Is this the right place to seek justice? A hospital in which no one has committed a crime? Judge Dredd is right here! Would you please step forward Judge?\"\n\nAngry Muttering\n\n\"Judge? Why was a summary judgement of not guilty made?\"\n\n\"In closed session, Blaster gave testimony that proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Mr. Jones was with him at the time of the murder.\n\nThe closed session was required to protect the identity of two witnesses that Blaster had brought with him.\"\n\nquiet muttering\n\nMany rocks and other debris thrown at the judge, Blaster steps between the debris and the judge. There is a polychromatic display of rays and vaporized debris.\n\n\"This is not the way Justice is won.\n\nThis is vengeance!\n\nDO YOU WANT JUSTICE OR VENGEANCE?\"\n\nThe vastly larger sound is JUSTICE. A gap is opening between the front ranks of unthinking anger, and those who have thought.\n\n\"IF YOU SEEK JUSTICE, RETURN TO YOUR HOMES AND JOBS. OUR ABLE POLICE WILL CONTINUE THE HUNT. IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION, CALL THE EVIDENCE LINE. YOU WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS REGARDLESS, BUT YOUR INFORMATION MAY HELP US BRING JUSTICE TO YOU.\"\n\nThe crowd is definitely splitting now. The back of the front ranks are looking around, slowly turning to walk away.\n\n\"Are you who remain still seeking justice, or vengeance? Think carefully.\n\nI have never lied to you good people. Please, drop your weapons and return home.\"\n\nOne voice...NO! HE'S LYING! I SAW JONES COMMIT THE MURDER!\n\n\"Citizen, if you have proof, please step forward, I will listen, as all these good people will. Judge? Will you pass the microphone to this citizen?\"\n\n\"Certainly, Blaster! Here you go. I too am interested in this evidence!\"\n\n\"Now, ... Oh, Judge? Perhaps he should be sworn in? He is about to give testimony, in public.\"\n\nThe ritual of swearing in is short.\n\n\"Now citizen, will you state your name?\"\n\n\"William Tell\"\n\n\"In your own words tell us what you know is fact, and only fact.\"\n\nThe testimony is both comprehensive and vivid. Details are given. Actions described. A truly horrific account of a murder. Tell offers as hard evidence pictures from his cell phone that show Jones holding the knife as though he had just driven it in.\n\n\"Well, Mr. Tell, that was the most complete testimony I have ever heard, you are to be congratulated on your memory and eye for detail.\"\n\nTell beams at the complement.\n\n\"Unfortunately, you made three mistakes.\n\nFirst, in your graphic testimony, you gave details that only the murderer could have known.\n\nSecond, having examined the murder site myself, you could only have taken that picture if you were standing half inside a concrete block wall, fully visible to the murderer.\"\n\n\"And the third?\" Tell asks in derision over sweat.\n\n\"You talked so long that the bloody clothes were found in your car. The shoes at home. The mask, in a dumpster at your place of work. We were fortunate in that last, the collection truck broke down so the pick-up was delayed.\"\n\n\"You planted that evidence!\"\n\n\"Did we? Could we have known you would be here today? Could we have known that you would step forward? Could we have gotten your fingerprints on every bit of evidence? And finally, why do you have blood under your fingernails?\"\n\nAt this, the Captain in charge calls one of his senior officers over. \"Book him, Danno, suspicion of murder. We'll cover the other charges later.\"\n\nAs the Captain looks around, he sees stunned disbelief. \"Oh for Christ's sticks! His parents loved the show! Get real you ...! Whatever...\"\n\n((finis))\n\nMore than a bit ridiculous. Hope you enjoy anyway." ]	2
	[WP] You come to, finding yourself standing in nothing but sweat pants with very dirty feet, in the isolated Cabin you and your girlfriend rented. You look at your Fitbit, it's 4.38 am. Since midnight, when you last remember going to bed, you've logged 20,000 steps. You are alone, or are you?	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The night was dark. \n\nOutside, I could see no further than what the porch lights lit: an ordered semicircle of cleared brush, lined by the beginning of the pine and fir trees like tall sentinels. \n\nI waited to wake up from my dream.\n\nIt was too real. I could feel the cool tongue of a summer night's breeze carrying in through the door, left ajar. Something that might have been honeysuckle floated in on it, and, softly, in the distance, I heard a muted sound of movement on the forest floor. \n\nThis is a first, I thought. I had tried lucid dreaming last year, but never had the control and introspection necessary to fully execute it. I'd realise I was dreaming and wake, grasping at the hallucination even as the world around me was disintegrating. \n\nI took a step forward. The floor creaked, right where it had when I had come into the cabin at the beginning of the weekend. Very realistic. Looking down at my body, I realised I was wearing what I had gone to bed in, but filthy. My pants were torn, all the way down the leg in one place; my toes were encrusted with mud; and a fine sheen of sweat covered my body, like I had been exercising. \n\nSomething like a clarity began to develop in my mind. A sentence came to lips, like a mantra, and I grabbed at it:\n\n\"Make my head a pool of water.\"\n\nAs I heard the words carry into the air, a chill ran down my spine. It bounced back up at my tailbone as a heat so intense I thought I was being scalded. I collapsed to my knees, feeling a sharp pain as I scraped my palm on a raw piece of floorboard.\n\nFrom my chest came black liquid. Viscous, lumpy - like a dark oatmeal. It smelled of iron, like pennies. I put my hand to my mouth, and the substance ran through my fingers. Some instinct inside of me began to scream. I collapsed further, resting on my hands, but the liquid kept coming. Out, and out, and out - the pool beneath me drained between the loose-laid floorboards of the cabin.\n\nAfter it was over, I coughed. Again and again. My lungs burned like a fire had been lit in them.\n\nRising to my feet, my mind felt numb. Cold. Alone. All the energy had left me. I stared dumbly at the scrape on my hand, red blood welling up, and the realisation hit me like the plunge into a freezing ocean:\n\nI'm awake. I'm not dreaming.\n\nI rose to my feet, every muscle in my body screaming at me, telling me to fall, right there. I stumbled over to the bed, unable to stop myself from sleeping, like a puppet being pulled this way and that.\n\nAs I collapsed onto my pillow, darkness rushing in to fill the gaps in my thoughts, I noticed something.\n\nThe bed was empty. Sam, my girlfriend, my heart, was gone. \n\nThe black rushed back in, and I thought no more. \n\n-----\n\n/r/Robin_Redbreast\n\nWill write more if I have time today~", "\"babe. Babe. Baby wake up!\" I half whispered as I shook my girlfriend awake. \n\n\"What now?\" She sleepily replied while rolling over to face me. \n\n\"My Fitbit says I've walked 20,000 steps! I think there's something here with us. We need to go\" I urged.\n\nShe sat up, rubbed the sleep from her eyes and gave me a look that was a mix between anger, annoyance, and frustration. She took a deep breath and answered, \"At 9pm you made the idiotic decision to wash your Ambien down with wine. At 1am I woke up to you deciding you wanted to go on a walk, and no amount of reasoning could convince you otherwise. I did pursuade you to at least walk on that poor excuse of a road so I could follow you in the car and use the headlights as a flashlight. You went about 5.5 miles before you decided you were over it, and I drove you back. At 2:30 am you woke me up again by walking through the cabin and opening every door and drawer to, and I quote, 'find that cat. We have beef and he owes me $10 and a gram of catnip'. There isn't even a cat here. You spent about an hour going up and down the stairs to 'get your cardio in for the day'. You spent a good chunk of time asking how dragons blow out birthday candles and cried when you realized the can't. You also asked if Jack from Jack and the Giant beanstalk and Jack from Jack and Jill went up the hill were the same person, and accused me of witholding information when I informed you that I don't know. It's now 4:38am. I have gotten maybe 30 minutes of sleep. If you do not go to bed the only thing that is going to be out to murder you is me.\"" ]	3
	[WP] A wizard gets sick of being treated as the fragile one of the party. They begin working out and their party is very supportive of this.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "(Harry Potter Hogwarts Established Universe)\n\nIt was the autumn of the new school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the jolly old year of 1796. A group of teenage boys were eager to try out for the Quidditch teams, led by the games master Huntley Hawthorne, a former Ravenclaw Beater in his youth.\n\nAs history goes, Muggle Britain had lost it colonies several years back, and so the nation itself was the proverbial bulldog licking its wounds. Wizarding Britain, however, was enjoying a brief era of relative peace compared to other areas of Wizarding Europe. It had received an influx of thousands of Muggleborn and half-blood refugee wizards and families as a result of the other nations' pureblood-crazed tyranny.\n\nWizarding France was in the worst state of all. Just like their Muggle counterparts were suffering the French Revolution with its guillotines and Reign of Terror, there was also a Reign of Terror that had lasted at least twenty years, due to two consecutive anti-Muggle supremacist dictators running the French Ministry of Magic.\n\nAmong the boys trying out on Hogwarts' Quidditch pitch was fourteen-year-old Eugene. He was among one of the French refugees, a half-blood. A small, dark-complexioned, timid Ravenclaw, he was trying for the third time to make the team. His wizard father before him had been a star Beauxbatons Seeker back in France. But Eugene had inherited more of his sweet Muggle mother's traits, cleverness and wit along with physical clumsiness. What was more, his older sister Nathalie, a sixth-year, was the only girl on the Gryffindor team, and between her sport prowess and her beauty, all attention was lavished on her. Eugene was merely a shadow.\n\n\"Morning and Bon-Joor, Baguette Breath!\" said Finn McGilicuddy, a tall, freckled Gryffindor. \"I heard they could use a Bludger. Mind letting me hit you around, 'see-voo-play?' he said in mock French. He slammed his fist hard on Eugene's shoulder, making him wince. He shook off the pain, and readied his broom to take off.\n\nEugene's roommate, fellow Ravenclaw George Fletchley, was encouraging. \"Let the broom do the work for you. Don't force it.\"\n\n\"Merci,\" Eugene said, accidentally using French again, causing the others to snicker.\n\n\"Stumpy little frog,\" said the Slytherin captain Antares Black, standing near his brother Betelgeuse Black. The two Blacks soared off into the air, circling at dizzying heights and speeds. Eugene kicked off and went up in the air. He was terrified as soon as the scrimmage began. Antares and Finn sped past him, coming too dangerously close and he was so terribly afraid he would crash. They seemed to take great fun in flying near him within an inch or less. Eugene tried and failed to hit any Quaffle that came his way. And when it came to Seeking, well, his eyesight was simply not keen enough to see a Snitch closer than ten feet away. His parents had bought him spectacles, but it still didn't help his peripheral vision.\n\nThe practice was soon over, and the students were all dismissed to the Great Hall for dinner. Eugene liked dinner the best. A round-bodied boy, he filled his plate with all the treacle tarts and shepherd's pie he liked. He didn't understand why Maman complained about English food at home, he thought it was tasty. Better than rata-patootie any day.\n\n\"Do you think you made the team this year, Clemmie?\" asked Isabel Bell, his friend-who-was-a-girl and who was teased for her rhyming name, plus the fact she was caught digging in her nose in public several times. She called him a cutesy form of his surname, Clement, as a nickname. (She also called Betelgeuse Black 'Beetle-Squashed-Juice', but she wasn't popular enough for the other students to mimic her. Not to mention the fear of raising the ire of said Slytherin.) But back to the point, 'Clemmie' was Isabel's special name for Eugene, and he honestly did not mind.\n\n\"I doubt it,\" Eugene said into his goblet of pumpkin juice.\n\n\"You should do some real training! War training.\" suggested George Fletchley. \"It will help you become stronger and faster and help you with your fear problem.\"\n\n\"I don't have a fear problem. Everyone has fear. It's a natural emotion.\"\n\n\"But you have more of it than most people,\" said Isabel.\n\n\"I thought your parents were brave, Eugene. I thought you said your father was a spy and a rebellion fighter in France. Or are you just feeding us some of that French 'mayr-day.'\"\n\n\"Shut up,\" said Eugene. George had hit a nerve. \"My Papa was a hero! It's not 'merde' as you say, and you pronounce that word awful, anyway. Learn to swear right.\"\n\nEugene's father had indeed been a brave 'Resistance de France' fighter against the pureblood supremacist regime there. His Papa almost got himself killed, as well as starved in a horrible Wizarding dungeon beneath Paris. His grandmother was a heroine in the fight as well, using her own brewed Polyjuice potion to infiltrate the dungeons. Even Eugene's sweet Muggle mother was a heroine in her own way, clever and quick thinking. His parents had been a great asset in the Resistance, belonging to a small group that helped rescue prisoners and helped half-bloods and Muggle borns out of the danger of the French Ministry of Magic's 'officers of death.' Finally, when Eugene's sister was due to be born, his parents relocated to England for good at the insistence of his grandmother, having done all they could and wanting their children to be safe.\n\nPresently, George gave Eugene an apologetic look. He didn't mean to hurt his friend's feelings. \"All right. We believe you. Your papa was a great hero in France, and you probably feel like you have to live up to him, eh?\" he said. \n\n\"Even us Ravenclaws can be brave, Clemmie.\" said Isabel.\n\n\"George, you're right. Let's train. Tonight,\" said Eugene.\n\n\"Splendid! Did you know that just rhymed, incidentally?\" said George, grinning widely. \"Let's go to the Room of Requirement.\"\n\n\"May I train too?\" asked Isabel. \"Girls can be warriors, right, Clemmie? Like Joan of Arc.\"\n\n\"Oui, Isabel,\" said Eugene. \"Just like Jeanne de Arc.\"\n\n\"Let's go!\" said George.\n\nThe three Ravenclaws snuck into the Room of Requirement, where they found all the weaponry they would need- fencing gear, swords, battle axes, heavy clubs, ropes for tug-of-war, and spare Bludgers to bat. They practiced and practiced war games, and George made Eugene overcome his fear of heights by rappelling down the wall through a window, a rope tied around him. A fourth Ravenclaw friend, Robin Wellington-Davies, joined in. The four of them met and worked out and practiced martial skills regularly. Eugene cut down on treacle tarts and candy under Isabel's almost motherly eye.\n\nThe next year, fifth year, all four made the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. Eugene was a Beater, and by sixth year he was known as 'lean, mean Eugene,' helping the team take the championship from Gryffindor.\n\nBut it wasn't only Quidditch that the training with medieval weaponry helped them with. Someone had set loose some terrifying fantastic beasts and creatures, and Eugene, Isabel, George, and Robin were the only four Hogwarts students brave and agile enough to capture and contain the beasts, including a small dragon. They were celebrated as the Beast Tamers of their class. Eugene became one of the best Creature handlers in Europe- at least before the time of the great Newt Scamander.", "\"Straighten your back,\" said Gal. \"You want to bend your knees without bending your spine. You'll hurt yourself otherwise.\"\n\nCLANK. Spark set the bar down with a grunt.\n\nThe GYM. Normally the one thing that Spark would've avoided at all costs, but after his party's last encounter, he didn't really have a choice. Towering monstrosities that he hesitated to even call people went about their way around him lifting far-too heavy objects up in the air and putting them down again. A Half-Orc barbarian was doing a similar exercise next to him, but he happened to have what must've been the weight of a small house on either side of the bar, and was wearing full-plate armor too.\n\nWhy anyone would want to lift that much weight, Spark wasn't sure. Or rather, why anyone would want to use their body to lift that much weight, he wasn't sure. Spark could lift that much weight using spells like telekinesis, as all wizards could. That should've been enough.\n\n\"Man, fuck this,\" said Spark. He stepped away from the rack and turned around. \n\nGal was standing there, towering over him. The Human fighter had been spotting him. He had his arms crossed, looking down at him in the way that all Humans seemed to enjoy looking down at Halflings. It wasn't Gal's fault that Spark was short, to be fair. But Spark was angry at everything.\n\n\"You're doing fine,\" said Gal. \"No one gets the form down on their first try.\"\n\n\"Chunk started out lifting only small rocks!\" chimed in Chunk from next to the rack. Chunk was the Human Paladin of their party, who had about as many brain cells as a lizard and the cheerful personality to match. \"But now, Chunk can lift big rocks!\"\n\n\"I can't even lift the bar,\" said Spark. \"If I put any weight on it, it'll probably be heavier than me! What's the point of this?\"\n\n\"For what it's worth, I agree with you.\" Drazz, the Dark Elf rogue of their group, was leaning against one of the other racks nearby. Spark started at seeing him, which made the Dark Elf smirk. Damn rogues were too good at stealth checks nowadays.\n\nGal glared daggers at Drazz, who merely sighed in response. Gal turned back to Spark and nodded at the bar. \"Get back under there. Remember, you wanted this.\"\n\n\"I know,\" said Spark. He looked around. \"Can we take a break? My legs and arms are gonna buckle. I wanna get some water.\"\n\nGal frowned. \"A temporary break?\"\n\nSpark nodded. \"Temporary. I swear.\"\n\nGal nodded. \"Alright. Be back in a few minutes.\"\n\nThe party dispersed. Spark walked to the water container, contemplating where his life had gone wrong. Maybe he should've listened to his parents and been a baker instead. He would be eating hot bread right now instead of looking like an idiot in front of his only friends of note.\n\nVarious adventurers from all sorts of parties hung around the GYM. The brutish fighter types were doing exercises like Spark, lifting things and putting them back down to build muscle. Some others were running on floating pieces of ground that moved underneath them as they ran, giving the illusion of running large distances without actually having to go outside. There were target dummies set up in one far corner, where rangers and wizards practiced their marksmanship. High above, where the ceiling of the room should've been, hung massive obstacles and beams that rogues leapt between with deft acrobatic skill as a means of practicing their parkour.\n\nAfter downing a cup of water, Spark walked back towards the rack, his entire body aching. He toyed with a spell in his hands, a soft pink glow that was barely visible. He had drawn in magic from the surrounding air, forming the spell around his hand and letting it settle on his palms. It was telekinesis. Anything that pink glow touched, he would be able to lift with ease. Spark didn't want to do it, but after his last set his body threatened to snap in two and he desperately didn't want to disappoint his party by quitting now. If he did that, he wouldn't be able to live with himself.\n\n\"Chunk doesn't think wizard man should use magic right now.\"\n\nSpark glanced up in surprise. Chunk was sitting on one of the benches next to where Spark had been walking. Shit, thought Spark. You weren't supposed to see that.\n\nSpark dispelled the magic and hurriedly shoved his hands in his pockets. \"I was just practicing something I've been working on.\"\n\nChunk folded his arms and smiled at Spark. The Halfling sighed and sat down on the bench next to Chunk.\n\n\"I don't think I can do this,\" said Spark.\n\n\"Why?\"\n\nWhy? Spark wanted to glare but he found it hard to hate on Chunk. The paladin was dumb, sure, but he an affable nature about him that made him hard to get angry with. \n\n\"Magic always came so easy to me,\" said Spark. \"From the time I could walk I could cast spells. It's just a part of my nature. I worked hard in school, but this is different. This is just awful and uncomfortable.\"\n\n\"Most things are at first,\" said Chunk. \"But it will get better.\"\n\n\"You guys keep saying that!\" said Spark, more angrily than he originally intended. He took in a deep breath and continued. \"I sucked at magic for a long while too, but at least there I felt a glimmer of hope. This feels so... different.\"\n\n\"It's because it's a different thing entirely,\" said Chunk.\n\n\"They're both combat skills!\" said Spark.\n\n\"Working out is different,\" said Chunk. \"Lifting is different.\"\n\n\"How?\" said Spark. \"They both take a ridiculous amount of practice. They both help us kill monsters.\"\n\nChunk seemed to ponder this for a moment. Spark wondered if he had forgotten their conversation. Finally, the paladin spoke. \"Magic is the process of taking, correct?\"\n\nSpark furrowed his brow. \"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"Wizard man takes energy from world around him, and then makes it into spell.\"\n\nSpark nodded. \"I suppose. There's some nuance there, but that's the gist.\"\n\nChunk held out his hands. \"Lifting is different. Lifting and exercise requires you to give up what you already have. You give a little piece of yourself every time you do, so you can get it back later, stronger. To swing sword or hold up shield to protect a friend, that requires you to give up parts of yourself. People give so much in GYM so that when time comes, they can give more. Magic is taking, but exercise is giving.\"\n\nSpark felt a rush of clarity. He never understood why Chunk and Gal were so willing to step in the path of an oncoming monster to protect him. He always wrote them off as being just dumb lunks who didn't know any better. But on that bench, Spark realized that wasn't it at all. They knew what they were doing, and they did it anyway. It was all a difference of perspective. \"That might be the smartest thing you've ever said, Chunk.\"\n\nChunk smiled at the Halfling. \"Chunk is good at philosophy. Chunk should write a book.\"\n\nSpark laughed and nodded. \"I would read it. Come on, let's go.\" The two of them rose from the bench and walked back to the rack. Drazz and Gal were already there, talking in hushed tones. When Spark approached, Drazz raised an eyebrow, no doubt surprised that Spark had even come back. Gal however, just nodded. \"Ready to go for another few sets?\"\n\nSpark nodded. He stepped into the rack and stood before the bar. Give now, so when the time comes, you can give more, thought Spark. He stepped under the bar, straightened his back, and lifted." ]	3
	[WP] The Bible says the rapture will begin at a time nobody expects. Humanity had created a chosen group of people whose sole purpose is to expect that it was happen at every second of every day in order to prevent it. A previous “expecter” has just died and you were chosen to replace them.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I expect that the world will end at 7:45:13.\n\nI thought the phrase, repeating it to myself over and over again until my brain started to hurt.\n\nOne second. That would be all it would take, the priests said. I hurried down the stairs towards the main amphitheater, where the others were. The bells were still ringing outside.\n\nThe Church of Seconds was a strange anomaly among religious sects. Most branches of religions tried to get lots of members to follow their particular brand of god, but that was not true of the Church of Seconds. They only needed a set number. Fourteen hundred and forty people to be precise. Although usually they kept twice as many around as that as trainees.\n\nYou see, the Bible talks about how the world will end when us humans least expect it. Most people thought this was a metaphor for how humans will one day be so arrogant that they won't even see the end of the world coming. Or how some idiot will underestimate the power of God and he'll smite us all where we stand, as part of some revenge ploy. \n\nThe Church of Seconds knew it was more literal. We knew that the Bible phrase meant that God would only sent Rapture when He thought that no humans on earth thought it would happen. Like God would tally all the people in the world and wait for them to all think about something else and the BAM hit 'em with destruction and hellfire.\n\nWhen spoken about, it seemed absolutely absurd. Then again, a lot of things did. I had spent all my life training for the Church of Seconds, and had one day dreamed of becoming a true Expecter. Never had I thought it would happen so soon, though.\n\nThe world would end at 7:45:13. I knew that, I had been taught for years and years. I didn't just have faith in that, I knew it in my bones to be true. Every day when I woke up, I knew it was true just as I knew that the sun had risen.\n\nI stepped into the amphitheater. Over fourteen hundred of our order sat there, in long rows. The bells were ringing, and on the far side you could see them taking Denek out of the amphitheater, on a stretcher. He had fallen where he stood. My predecessor, now dead. \n\nRest in peace, brother, I thought to myself.\n\nHe had fallen only a few minutes ago, when the bells had started ringing. Quickly they had come to take me from my room down to where the others were. I was now a full Expecter. The keeper of 7:45:13.\n\nI expect that the world will end at 7:45:13.\n\nI wrote the phrase down on a piece of paper a few times. I had been taught that it helped with the belief. Why anyone would need help with their belief, I wasn't sure. Denek and I had often spoken about it before, how the other monks were foolish for ever believing that the world wouldn't end at 7:45:13. The truth was obvious, and we didn't need silly tricks to believe in it.\n\nIdiots, I thought, looking around at the others just like me. How can you believe anything else?\n\nI saw another sitting nearby, also writing on the paper. They wrote in a script that was similar to mine, the same phrase as well. Instead of the correct time though, they wrote 9:26:10. A silly time, objectively false in every way.\n\nExcept... they had the same belief, I realized. That person wrote it with the same conviction as I had. Their face was serious, their eyes laser-focused. I saw in them the same energy I'd always had for 7:45:13.\n\nI frowned. How could they believe something so ludicrous? \n\nThe same way I can.\n\nIt was a thought I had been mulling over for months now, even as I tried my best to ignore it. It came up while I was pondering why 7:45:13 was the best second, and why I believed in it. I had realized that the only reason I believed it was because I had been taught it, long ago. When I joined the sect, I had been told that 7:45:13 was the best time. I had spoken to others who also believed in 7:45:13, and we shared our love for our faith and how it gave us security to know that we were correct.\n\nThe clock on the wall hit 7:40:45, and I started and scribbled my belief down on the paper a few more times. I needed to make sure my faith was clear, as I had been taught. There was no room to make a mistake.\n\nThe Church of Seconds took people in and assigned them to seconds, that much was obvious. I had been given 7:45:13. Others got other times. Together, they spanned the entire length of the day. Except, we were all otherwise identical. I believed in my second because it had been taught to me as the truth. But others believed in their's just as much. Who was given the right to decide which second was real and which ones were false, when they were all based on teachings from the same imperfect humans? Could I judge them as false? Could another in this room judge me to be false?\n\nI had been taught much by Denek, but many others were probably taught just as much.\n\nI frowned again. HERESY! My brain screamed at me. Mental warning bells sounded. I wasn't believing, and if I stopped believing, the world would end.\n\nExcept... would it?\n\nI looked around. How many of them truly believed? How many of them thought the same things I did? It could be many, or none at all. The clock was close now to 7:45:13. Wouldn't it be better to just believe for now just in case the defining fact of the Church of Seconds ended up being true? Or would all those seconds of every day spread out over the coming decades add up to time that I wish I could have back?\n\nHow could I believe that mine would be the time of apocalypse, if I also believed that the apocalypse couldn't happen if I expected it?\n\nDid I truly believe? Or did I think it was a farce, deep down?\n\nMy pencil fell still as I stopped writing the phrase on the paper. I looked at the clock as it ticked across the seconds towards mine. Every belief I had been taught as a child fought against the storm raging in my mind.\n\nThe clock struck 7:45:13, and what I expected followed.\n______________\nThis is an interesting prompt, and really fun to think about it. Thanks for posting, OP! :)" ]	2
	[WP] You’ve been given the ability to traverse through time and space you find there used to be otherworldly civilizations but now they’re all gone only Earth and it’s civilizations remain.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I don’t know where the powers came from. I didn’t know why I was chosen. But it must have been a reason. Or maybe it was an accident. I had no idea. I was flying through space as I contemplated it. Lost. I had woken up in space, flying around. Between planets. It was strange. Beautiful. But strange. I was lost. I had no idea where Earth was. No idea where I was. I expected to meet creatures, but all I found where ruins. Rubble of past civilisations. Vast stone structures collapsed. Futuristic metallic buildings covered in rust and re-claimed by plants. But no life. No creatures. Only emptiness. I was alone and lost. So I flew. Past empty planets of all sizes and colours. Past stars shining brightly, some imploding, others being birthed. It was beautiful, yet isolating.\n\nI don’t know how long I flew. How much destruction I saw. How many planets I passed. I didn’t know how long I would fly for until I found home. I just hoped that eventually I would. I flew past a red planet. Ignoring it just as any other place, but something about it was familiar. I flew down to the surface. Barren and red. Except... one little metallic object a robot. Curiosity. I had found Mars. After all this time. I flew towards the sun. Orbiting. Finally I found it. Earth. I flew down. But no one was there.\n\nIt was just like the day I left. But no one was there. The streets empty. All the cars stationary. I flew everywhere discovering nothing. Only emptiness. I flew into buildings, punching holes. Distraught. I was alone. A universe to explore, but alone? I couldn’t. It was boring. I flew and flew around the planet. Faster. Enraged at the state I was in. I shut my eyes. And flew. When I opened them I was just outside of New York. But cars were driving. Planes flying. People were bustling. Everyone was alive. Maybe the future could be changed? Maybe I could fix everything? I didn’t know when I was or what had happened, but maybe I could solve it.\n\n\nMore of my stories at r/DougysDramatics if you’d like to read them!" ]	2
	[WP] During times of peace, a good ruler will grow their hair out long. During times of war the ruler will cut their hair short and send their hair to the enemy, informing them they have angered one slow to anger, that they have incurred a wrath not easily woken.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I shivered with dread as I looked down at the package the messenger delivered to me. My kingdom of Wetheem had known peace for several decades, and my hair was long. But now it seems I must cut it. My people had known peace for quite a time, but we were facing a famine. So I had allowed raiding parties to try to take what food they could from the neighboring kingdom of Rotus.\n\nRotus was exceptionally wealthy, and kept a policy of isolationism. This meant we never faced war with them, but never received aid, nor were we able to trade with them. As our people starved, they celebrated. They lounged in luxury as children died of hunger on the streets. So I did what must be done.\n\nBut it seems they caught the latest raiding party. For their messenger had just delivered a large sack, filled with yards upon yards of hair, not just of the current queen but also the leaders before her for generations. Our starving, desperate people would be at war with the richest of all nations.\n\nBut I know I was not alone with my discontent with Rotus. I will have my messengers send words to other kingdoms and tribes. I received the hair of many generations. Now let the queen of Rotus receive the hair of many nations. We will not stand alone.", "Andy's advisors sat at the largest table in the great hall and argued strategy. Winter had been rough this past year, and though spring was finally incoming, the cold still seeped into bones of the villagers.\n\n\"Whatever losses we've suffered, or northern neighbors have had it worse,\" Tomas pointed out.\n\n\"Does that really excuse the bandits at our borders?\" Maria demanded. \"Should we stand by idly for another season? Can we continue letting our people suffer?\"\n\nAndrea had heard sentiment before. Three years of poor harvests had emptied the hold's granaries and her subjects knew hungry intimately. As did she and the advisors.\n\nShe had been patient, understanding. Last year, she had offered what aid she could to anyone -- villager or otherwise -- who was starving. She had begged their allies for help. And now, the Holder Lord himself was waiting at her borders, mace in hand.\n\n\"Is there another way?\" Andy asked.\n\n\"There is not.\" Tomas sounded devastated.\n\nThe other three advisors nodded their accent. Defending themselves was no longer merely a possibility. It had become a necessity. \n\nAndy rose from her makeshift throne and grabbed her knife. She wore her copper hair long as a memory if her parents and a promise to herself that she would always seem peace first. Today, she dragged her knife through those strands. Feet of hair tumbled to the floor.\n\nHair shorn, she felt lighter somehow, free to do what had to be done.\n\n\"Messenger, deliver this to the Holder Lord. Say nothing. He will know our resolve.\" She gestured at her locks.\n\n\"Yes, milady.\"\n\nAndrea sighed and looked out the window. There was always a time for patience and a time for action. She only hoped she was right.", "Hello, you former friend of mine,\n\nnow firmly turned to foe.\n\nI write to say you've crossed the line;\n\nthere's one way this will go.\n\nThe time we shared has lost its shine,\n\nthe boyhood mem'ries flown,\n\nand so I write you one last time,\n\nbefore the war horns blow. \n\nThe love I felt for you back then,\n\nwhen you were like a brother,\n\nhas paled to cold, dark, hate within\n\nfor you and no-one other.\n\nI will kill you, this I promise,\n\nand I'll hold your soul for ransom.\n\nEnclosed you'll find a lock of hair,\n\nYou'll know the meaning\n\n-Samson", "The emperor sat at a heavy table covered in a large map of his glorious empire. It had been nearly a decade since his last expansion, and with a peace finally settling over his lands, he had decided that the time was right to push out his borders once again. \n\nHis advisers, arrayed before him around the three other sides of the table had sat discussing their next moves. While they spoke, the emperor absentmindedly ran his hand over his freshly shaven head. It had been so long since he had sent it out that it still seemed strange, but war had finally been called for once again. \n\n\"...And if we can get Sevenhold in the north to rally his men in time, they could be to our eastern boarder to meet with the levies from Cogston and Grensbane to start the invasion, perhaps even as soon as a day after the messenger arrives with your braid.\" a barrel chested man with thick black hair and beard covering one of the hardest faces in the room. The strategist flashed a brilliant smile, seemingly quite pleased with his own plans and awaiting some sort of praise from his lordship. \n\n\"Sevenhold and Grensbane would never agree to fight together.\" a grey haired gentleman commented, causing the grin to immediately ferment into a snarl pointed in his direction. \"Not after what Grensbane did when we brought Sevenholds lands into the kingdom. I feel like asking them to fight together so soon is a mistake. Let Grensbane and Cogston be reinforced by Sistenlan. He is within marching distance of them from his lands in the south, and he holds no quarrel that we know of with either of them. Keep Sevenholds forces in reserve behind the main forces, and let them occupy the towns as the others sweep through.\"\n\n\"Messengers have already been sent to Sevenhold to mobilize and that was day's ago.\" The first man said with irritation plain in his voice. \"The bastard is under the great emperor's rule now, we can care less about their past squabbles. Fear of the emperor will get them in line. All the kingdoms of the empire would stand united against him if he does not follow orders.\" This caused the emperor to smile to himself and stand from his chair. \n\n\"Let them continue to meet with the others. Sistenlan should be sent as well. I grow tired of having a neighbor who surpasses us in wealth and fertile lands. I want Arglanham to fall swiftly, and be brought to the heel of the empire. I lay claim to this new land and I want it taken with all swiftness. Bring in the other kingdoms if need be. I Hear that the armies of Arglanham are brave and fierce, but they will fall beneath the waves of levies that we will send down apon them. The will fill their mountain valleys with streams of blood and they will...\"\n\nA heavy thud sounded outside the doors to the chamber and the doors were pushed open. A young man stepped inside the door and announced, \"Your majesty, a message has just arrived from Lord Sevenhold.\" \n\nHis Majesty glared at the boy as if trying to decide if he would let him live for his interruption or not. \n\n\"Tell me boy, what is the message from the northern bastard, that you deem important enough to burst into my war room and interrupt the emperor while I am speaking? Hmm?\" A wicked smile flashed across his face and the boy shivered and stammered.\n\n\"I... I meant no offence your Majesty... I... I was told is was of the utmost importance that it was delivered to you immediately.\" \n\nThe emperor sneered, \"Well what is it boy? Spit it out!\"\n\nThe boy hesitated for a moment and then turned to look out the door and motioned for it to be opened. The doors were pushed open by two large men and a heavy wooden chest was placed in the middle of the now open doorway, and the boy carefully approached it. \n\nThe emperor looked confused, \"What, does he think that another tribute this season will keep him from having to join the war? The fool will fight for me, or he will feel my wrath!\"\n\nThe boy bent down and gingerly opened the lid, and reached inside. He paused for a moment, and then looked back up at the emperor. He gulped once, and withdrew his hand from the inside of the chest. trailing behind it, was a bright red braid, nearly four feet in length and tied with the colors of Sevenhold's royal crest when it flew over what was once his kingdome so long ago. \n\nThe room was dead silent. No one breathed, not even his Majesty, as if he could not process what the obvious message sent from one of his lords meant. The man's emotionless stair at the braid lasted for a few more moments before it broke, and a smile started to spread across his face. The emperor erupted into laughter. \n\n\"The fool dare's to wage war against me?\" He laughed again. Others in the room started to join him in his laughter, and chuckles and sneers started to spread throughout the room, but the messenger just stood there, pale and shaking, before he bent down again reaching into the chest while he held the braid up in his other hand. The emperor continued to laugh and watched the boy in amusement, until the boy's hand came back out of the chest with another braid. This one was a raven black, and held the colors of another kingdom to the northwest. \n\n\"What do...\" the emperor started, but stopped as the boy, nearly shaking now, held both the braids up in one hand as he reached back down into the chest a third time and brought out yet another braid. This one was nearly six feet long and held the colors of old Sistenlan. The Emperors eyes went wide, and sweat started to bead his shaven brow. The laughter in the room completely died down when everyone started to take notice or the boy, now holding three known braids, and reaching down for a fourth time. \n\nThe Emperor stood up so quickly that his chair was thrown back and clattered to the ground. The boy froze in terror as the man stormed towards him. He dropped the four braids that he now held and scurried away ans the Emperor grabbed the lid of the chest and overturned it onto the floor. Braids scattered across the chamber floor and the man's jaw dropped in confusion and terror. They were there... they were there! Grensbane, Cogston, Brendleson, and Triandal... they were all there. Sweat now flowed freely from the emperor's face as he slowly backed away from the twisted pile of hair on the floor.\n\n\"No...\" His breathing became rapid and he spun to look at the dumbstruck advisers, all now standing up at the table were dumbstruck at the spectacle laying out before them. \"This cannot be!\" The emperor said as he continued to stair at the top of the pile at his feet. \"No...\" \n\nSitting at the very top of the pile, was a braid nearly fifteen feet long. It started as a beautify glossy black, but had begun to fade to a dark grey near the end. it was braided tightly and wound with the colors of the King of Arglanham." ]	5
	[WP] “It’s not so bad, living on the edge of the night,” The Guardian crooned, “We catch those who want to fall. We save them from themselves.” He stood up tall, “Look there, see? Go. Save her.”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Time is not a solid substance, a concrete thing, or even something invisible determined by the universe, like the air we breathe. Time is something humans made up, or \"invented\" if you really want to boost their ego more. They told themselves time existed for them to schedule their meals, their days, those special little moments when you connect when someone and you become \"friends\". Time told them when to sleep, walk, run, work, live, thrive. However, in the deep recesses of their souls, in their \"heart of hearts\" if you will, they knew time only existed to count down the days until you die.\n\nThey did get one thing right, though. Night and Day. Light and darkness. Unlike time, day and night were concrete things. Day had a foundation built in stone by the universe, rooted in the expanses of space. The sun always shone, even behind clouds, rain, and snow. Day was not something that could be changed. Day was relief for the humans. Night was when the demons took over.\n\nDon't believe that psychological bullshit about how dreams are our brains way of processing things. Night is dreams in its most solid form, not the time of Day when the sun sets. Night is water: in its unprocessed, unchanged form it's a liquid. Fluid and murky, it's those dreams you slip into that are unfinished, strange. There is no plot line and you move like your swimming in molasses. You wake up and immediately forget about it. Those are the dreams that the demons don't mess with. When they do, however, they bend and manipulate the Night water. They can do whatever they want with it. They can boil it and give you a dream about a long-lost loved one, in which you frolick through fields and do everything you couldn't do before they left. You wake up and the euphoria fades, and you go to work with a bittersweet taste in your mouth and tears in your eyes. The demons can freeze Night water, too. On those nights you skate across the thin ice, dodging falling buildings and fire and hulking monsters. Humans call them nightmares, and you can easily fall off those paper-thin ice rinks.\n\nThat's where us Guardians come in. We stand at the edge of a cliff that overlooks that ice, ready to catch anyone who falls. We make sure to, because Guardians are the Fallen ones, the ones who fell with no arms to catch them. We know the pain, and are there to make sure no one else knows it too.\n\nMy first day on training I was paired up with Anik, an old veteran Guardian with blue-tinged wings. Oh yeah, we have wings. How else are we supposed to catch them?\n\nAnik elbows me. \"Stand up straighter. You're slouching.\" I thrust my shoulders back, not seeing how I can be any straighter. We stand at the edge of a rocky cliff, that drops off into-well, nothing. just empty space, not a star in sight. Saucer-shaped, icy Night water are dotted below us, about thirty assigned to this segment. Humans stumble across them, fighting imaginary monsters. They all are in the Dream State, meaning they bear strong resemblances to ghosts: blue, silent and translucent. They give off a faint glow, their reflections dancing across the ice. \n\n\"Look, there.\" Anik reaches a tanned, strong arm out and points to a woman who teeters closer and closer to the edge, leaking blue glowing blood from wounds inflicted from monsters I cannot see. She can see the edge of Night: I know she can. She's crawling desperately to it, wanting freed from her nightmare. If only she knew about the fiery hell that lived in the Below- I should know, I've been there. \n\n\" It’s not so bad, living on the edge of the Night,” The Guardian crooned. “We catch those who want to fall. We save them from themselves.” He stood up tall, taller than me. “Look there, see? Go. Save her.” \n\nI nod, my rookie nerves excited for something to do. I swoop down, my gold-splattered wings fluttering. I catch the woman right before she falls off the edge, cradling her in my arms. She doesn't feel or hear me of course, still fighting off her nightmares, writhing in my grasp. I struggle flying under her squirming weight but I manage to roll her back onto the Night water, laying her down gently. Her eyes stare into me, unseeing, her mouth open in a silent scream. In a small way I feel bad for delivering her back to her nightmare. Mostly, though, I feel proud for saving her life. \n\nI turn back around to go back to the cliff but pause when I see a middle-aged man about to fall of his own platform. I move to fly to him but Anik calls out \"Wait!\" Distracted momentarily I look up to him, confused. In that split second the sleeping man slips off his platform, plummeting down to the darkness below. \n\n\"No!\" I scream, reaching out, but I know it's far too late. The darkness swallows his glowing form as the Below called out his name. I'm dumb-founded for a moment as I haltingly fly my way back to the cliff, my limbs weighed down by regret. I land with a thump that vibrates up my legs and I look to Anik, hurt more than anything. \"Why. Why did you do that?\"\n\nThe Guardian regards me with cold, red eyes, his great wings lifting as he shrugs his shoulders. \"What? We need more Guardians. Or demons. It could go either way, you know. You just got lucky.\"", "She had long, black hair and silver eyes like the color of the clouds. She watched as Cyran approached, saw the cloak that covered a majority of his body, but if she was afraid, he couldn't see it. \n\n\"Hello there.\" He greeted her, unsure of how to face a Fallen.\n\nHe turned over his shoulder for a brief moment, but his fellow Guardian had vanished. Apparently he wanted him to handle this one alone, despite it being his first. \n\nThe girl didn't react to him verbally. Her silver eyes bore into him. \n\nHe waved, and her gaze followed his hand carefully. \"Do you have a name?\"\n\nOnce again, she was silent, but now her eyes wandered to the blade at his hip. The Blade of Angel's Light. It was a sacred blade passed down to him by his father on his 18th birthday, who received it from his father before him. When he'd touched the blade, he'd been visited by one of the Guardians, an elite race of beings that tended to the Edge of the Night, a realm outside of the normal world where lost souls tended to wander. In a battle between dark and light, the two sides attempted to claim the souls for their own. \n\nAs one of the Guardians had put it, as long as the light remained in command of the souls, as long as their pull was stronger than the darkness, then all would be well. But if the darkness took control... it was an end that no one wanted to ever see. The blade at Cyran's hip was one such deterrent against the Dark Ones, the Guardians of the Shadows. That was all he had been told before they'd seen the girl. \n\n\"I'm Cyran.\" He extended his hand to her. \"G-Guardian of Light. I'm here to help.\"\n\nShe shied away from his hand, her eyes once again darting to the blade. He pulled his cloak tighter around his body to cover it.\n\n\"I'm not going to hurt you. I want to help. You're lost, aren't you? I can guide you to the light.\"\n\nIt was like she wasn't hearing his words, because yet again she didn't respond, or even register that he'd said anything. Her gaze was still on the blade. He took his hand off the hilt and held both in the air, trying to show that he wasn't a threat. \n\n\"Let me help you-\" he took a step forward, and in that moment, the girl's silver eyes darkened, like thunder clouds on a dark night.\n\nHer hand flew to her waist, and in a flash, she unsheathed an obsidian blade, the edge glinting with a purple glimmer. The tip came to his collarbone, and though this was his first real \"case,\" there was something about the sword that felt dark, like a poison creeping off the blade to try and infect him. She took a small step forward, then another, and another, until she was face-to-face with him. She pressed the blade further into his collarbone, and he grunted, clearly receiving the message. If he tried anything, she'd make sure he ended up six feet under. \n\nThe girl reached forward slowly, her eyes locked on Cyran, and her hand came to grasp the hilt of his blade. She pulled it out carefully, the sword glowing with a piercing light, and her eyes drifted down. With the distraction, it gave Cyran the chance to push her away, but her stance was far more stable than he'd anticipated, and when she reacted accordingly by lunging forward with her sword, he was too slow to counter it. Her sword cut into his shoulder, and he cried out, the pain like a hot wire buried in his skin. \n\nInstinctively, his hand flew to the hilt of his own blade, and he tore it from his sheathe and slammed it against her blade, light against dark. The collision created enough force that it knocked them both away from each other, tearing her blade from his shoulder, and when he hit the ground, another burst of pain shot through him. He rolled onto his side, clutching his wound, and when he peered over to see the girl, he saw that she had vanished." ]	3
	[WP] You lay on the cold, hard asphalt in agony. It all happened so fast. There's no way you could've reacted fast enough. As everything begins to fade away you hear a familiar, yet unfamiliar voice. "Let's try that again shall we?"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Let's try that again shall we?\"\n\nGods, I hurt. Every damned bone feels broken. That voice. That mocking smug voice. I know I've heard it before, but I can't remember where.\n\nI know I hate that voice with a passion, and I remember why.\n\n\"This is a training session. All consequences apply. The rules are simple.\n\n- the scenario begins when you step onto the asphalt.\n- you have 120 seconds to cross the road.\n- failure to start the scenario in 10 seconds is total failure, you will die.\n- so long as you start the scenario within that 10 seconds, you will survive whatever happens.\n- the scenario ends when you step off the asphalt.\n\nBegin!\"\n\nThat voice says the same damned thing every time.\n\nI've tried to cross that road at least a half dozen times. Every time, I get hit by one or more ... something ... that are impossibly fast. Far too fast to dodge, and they adapt. You try to go low, they go low, low enough and they become blades parallel to the road. Everything else I've tried has failed just as badly.\n\nIn a technicolored explosion, I am healed, go through the brief, and am dropped back on that stupid road before I even have a chance to think beyond \"I hate that voice.\"\n\nThe 10 second clock starts. Wearily, I put one foot on the asphalt. The clock resets to 120 counting down.\n\nThis is stupid. There is no way to cross the road. I don't care if you gave me all day! I'm not going through this again. Piss on the job. Piss on that voice. Piss on this road... So I do it. As an expression of disgust. Finish my business. Tuck up, and step back off the road. That voice comes back. \"You've only got 60 seconds left to cross the road! Get a move on! You could still make it!.\"\n\n\"Piss off.\"\n\n\"You aren't a coward are you?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"Then get started! I'll even up the time to 240 seconds!\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"15 ... 10 ... 5 ... 0\"\n\n\"Scenario concluded.\"\n\nI find myself in a debriefing room. The face that goes with that voice sits across from me.\n\n\"That was a disgusting display of cowardice. I shouldn't do this, but I'm required to. You have one last chance to cross that road. Prove you're not a coward!\"\n\n\"Piss off. I want out of here.\"\n\n\"You'll fail. You'll be branded a coward for the rest of your life.\"\n\n\"I'd rather be branded a coward than prove I'm a flaming idiot.\"\n\n\"Scenario Concluded\"\n\nA different debriefing room, a different person, a different voice. \"It took you a few times, and you passed from sheer disgust, but you did pass.\"\n\n\"I didn't cross the road.\"\n\n\"Not the object of the test.\"\n\n((finis))\n\nCan you pass the test?" ]	2
	[WP] For 2 years, you've told your tragedies to a psychiatrist. One day, you saw the #1 Box Office movie is a comedy with the exact same story as yours, directed and written by the psychiatrist himself.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Doctor? Today I have questions for you. The first one\", drawing a Desert Eagle .50 cal gun, \"is why I should not use this to blow your sorry lying ass all over that huge picture window you love so much?\"\n\n\"I have no idea what you mean.\"\n\n*Boom\n\n\"That was lie number one. You get two more.\"\n\n\"Um... Because it would be murder?\"\n\n\"Partly true, I would see it as justifiable homicide. Try again.\"\n\n\"Because it would leave me with no chance to explain?\"\n\n\"Entirely accurate. So why don't we start there. Remember, you've only got two lies left.\"\n\n...\n\n\"An interesting explanation Doctor. However, that explanation is for why you did it. It does not explain why I* should not kill you.\"\n\n\"Um.. how about it would leave me with no opportunity to atone?\"\n\n\"Mostly true, I'd say that your death would go a long way towards atonement. But it would be me forcing that atonement on you. It would not leave you anything to atone with. Let's explore that topic.\"\n\n...\n\n\"Money? Kind of crass don't you think?\"\n\n\"We could look at it as a refund with damages awarded by the court.\"\n\n\"It needs something more. Something that will get into your heart and soul that if you ever do this to anyone else, at any point in time, you agree that your life is forfeit.\"\n\n\"That would certainly get my attention.\"\n\n\"Very well Doctor. Your offer of the better of $10 million or 10% of the gross is accepted. Here's the paperwork, just fill in the amounts, and we'll go get it notarized. ... Thank You Doctor. Now let's take your car to the notary, and get this completed.\"\n\n...\n\n\"Excellent, Doctor. A pleasure doing business with you. Now back to your office? You have another appointment coming.\"\n\n...\n\n\"You know, Doctor? I did a little research before I came to see you today. It seems that there have been ten films that can track back to your eager little hand.\" click \"I wonder what we can do for those poor folks. They're dead already. Suicide the police called it. Can you think of anything?\" clack\n\n\"Well, they're dead, I'm not sure what I could do for them. Perhaps their families, if any, but themselves? It seems a bit late.\"\n\n\"You think so? Well, maybe you're right.\" stall \"Just like these high tech cars. Always breaking down at the worst possible moment.\"\n\nhoooooWooooohhhh\n\n\"Ah, the 3:45 right on time as always. I'll get out and walk from here, it's close enough.\"\n\n\"My seatbelt is jammed! Help me!\"\n\n\"Like you helped your patients, Doctor?\"\n\n\"The door's locked too!\"\n\n\"Almost poetic, wouldn't you say, you sealed their fate, didn't you?\"\n\n\"For the Love of God! Help me!\"\n\n\"I am, Doctor. I'm helping you keep your word and your reputation!\"\n\n\"What?!?\"\n\n\"You agreed that if you did the same thing to anyone else at any time, your life would be forfeit. You did it to ten other people. And I'm saving your reputation. I guarantee that no one will learn from me what you did. Have a nice afterlife, Doctor. I'm sure your other victims will be waiting for you.\"\n\nHooooWOOoohh\n\n\"Time for me to leave, Doctor. I know you have a train to catch. Bye!\"\n\n((Epilogue))\n\n\"It is with sad heart that we announce the death of Doctor Strange, noted Psychiatrist and script writer. He was trapped in his car on the tracks when the 3:45 cargo train from Napa Valley passed through earlier today. Donations to the Red Cross are requested instead of flowers. The funeral will be closed casket. In honor of all the Doctor did for him, an anonymous patient has offered to pay all costs associated with the funeral.\"\n\n((finis))" ]	2
	[WP] You live in Victorian England. Secretly, you are a serial killer, known in the papers as "The Scarlet Painter." You take pride in your work, but lately, somebody has been mimicking you and taking credit for all your work through anonymous letters sent to the police.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Temperance stands in her kitchen, satin gloves on, honing her 13 inch chef's knife in the gas-light. \"Hmm,\" she remarks, observing her reflection in the polished steel. Quite acceptable.\n\nWhen the blade was sharpened to her liking, she began to prepare dinner, dicing onions, garlic, shaving truffles, rolling out the pastry and ever so tenderly de-boning the Cornish hens. \"Oh dear,\" she called out to the parlor. \"Please, come in! I'd like to hear the news.\"\n\nThe moments waiting for that useless old man were agonizing. A more dull and dreadful soul there never was, and yet he was at least wealthy, allegedly the bastard heir of some duke or other, a heritage so far gone so as to be useless, but it was of less than no concern to Temperance. He finally stepped into the kitchen, a newspaper tucked into his armpit. He took a stool by the window, coughed, and adjusted his mustache.\n\n\"So tell me, what is the news? What are the happenings of London?\" Temperance carefully stuffs the hens, before wrapping them in the pastry, scoring the top and poking holes for steam to escape out of.\n\n\"Hmm, let's see here,\" the dull husband unfolds the paper. \"There are apparently some troubles in India, the market has seen better days, but I suspect it shall pass as all things do... Ah, the theater will be showing something that they claim is to be revolutionary... We may have to witness that. Hmm... Another murder. Dreadful stuff, simply horrible... I shan't concern your delicate sensibilities with that, I can hardly stand it myself...\"\n\nTemperance grips her knife. \"Another murder? That Scarlet Painter that the penny-dreadful authors love so much?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes... The very one. Sent a letter to the station and everything.\"\n\n\"Of course. What a horrible man.\" Temperance slides her hens into the oven, and begins to devote her full attention the the sauce base simmering on a back burner.\n\nDinner was as dull and uninteresting as ever, not that it was Temperance's fault. Her dinner was superb, as ever, and she was prepared for conversation she knew would never come. The husband was as much a conversationalist as he was nobility.\n\nDinner was followed by cigars and brandy, which Temperance dutifully poured for him, sitting back, waiting, reading a book. The husband's constitution had begun to wane, he'd be going to bed soon enough.\n\nThe clocks were barely chiming 9:00 by the time the husband was getting changed into his sleeping clothes. Temperance stayed up late, under the pretense of getting cleaning done. However, as soon as she was reasonably certain that the Husband was sleeping, she ascended to the attic, where she began to prepare for that night's activities. She undressed, down to her skin, and began first by binding her breasts, then tying up her hair into a tight bun, and carefully applying make-up. Then she dressed in the shabby suit that felt to her like a second skin. She walked down to the kitchen to grab her knife, then walked out the back way, delving into the streets of London.\n\nThe walk to the down-town was rather long. More time to take in the evening smog, look up at the pale grey sky, bask in the gas-lights. \"Ah, 'Enry!\" A charming girl in a very low-cut dress steps down from a stoop, walking in stride with Temperance.\n\n\"No need for the accent, Colette, we're friends, are we not?\" Temperance says, wrapping a hand about her friends hip.\n\nColette sighed. \"If you insist. But to think, if one of my other good friends were to hear!\"\n\nTemperance kissed Colette, entirely uninterested in what she was saying. \"Now, my darling friend. Have you heard of this imposter?\"\n\n\"It was not you?\"\n\n\"No it wasn't me! You wouldn't know anything about it, would you? Who it could be?\" Temperance rested a thumb on the handle of the chef's knife, tucked into a make-shift sheath inside her suit-jacket.\n\n\"I suppose not, I thought it was you.\"\n\n\"Well, I don't like them. I need to find them, let them know of my complaints.\"\n\n\"Well... Where would you go to kill?\" Colette rested her head on Temperance's shoulder.\n\n\"Hmm. Some careful consideration should be in order. I can wait, I'm patient. My dearest Colette, be sure to find a comfortable room for us. A good criminal is nothing without their contacts. I need to learn who my doppelganger knows. I'll find them soon, I'm sure.\" Temperance gives Colette one last kiss before walking off into the mist.\n\nIt is weeks before Temperance is able to find her double. She finds them gingerly tending to his victim. The body cavity has been carved open, the intestines in a spiral about the body, the head cleanly removed and rested inside the body cavity. The excess of blood has been swathed in yet a further spiral. In the body's left hand is held the excised heart, in the right, a candle, barely lit, just enough to melt the wax to the skin. The copy-cat is presently using a razor to carve the intricate designs into the skin that made the Scarlet Painter so infamous.\n\nTemperance's squeak-less boots prove their value as she steps behind the killer, and presses the point of her chef's knife into their neck. They stop what they're doing. \"Who is it?\" they timidly ask.\n\n\"It's me. The real Scarlet Painter. Set down your blade and stand so that I can see who I'm about to kill.\"\n\nThe copycat does so. He's practically a boy, skinny, with limp red hair. \"Why?\"\n\n\"Why... what?\" The boy's eyes are crossed, watching the knife pressed into his nose.\n\n\"Why this.\" Temperance takes a moment to kick the body, knocking it asunder, the heart rolling across the floor, the body smearing blood on the wood.\n\n\"I... You... showed me what I could do, what I could be. I'm a writer, really, that's what I usually do, penny-dreadfuls. You were my inspiration, you helped me write my best pieces. You were outstanding! Sure, you were a murderer, but you were as much an artist as a killer. And I felt like I could do that as well.\" The copy-cat stepped slowly backwards. \"Please, I can stop if you'd like. Just let me be. I respect you too much to rat, I swear.\"\n\nTemperance ponders, knife still at the writer's face. She lashes out. The writer moves to block his face, but it's too late. Temperance's blade scratches him, digging into his cheek. The writer cries out, falling backwards, bleeding but not dead.\n\n\"By all means, writer. Keep killing. I can even be your muse if you'd like; inspiring your greatest creations. But create your own style. Or find your own name, at least. I've worked hard to get to where I am. I do not want to be copied by lesser men.\" Temperance turns to walk away. \"And by the way. Throw out that dull instrument. Professionals have standards.\" She wipes her knife with a handkerchief. \"Here. One killer to another. You'll find that this will far surpass that garbage.\" Temperance sets down the blade, finally walking out into the night air." ]	2
	[WP] They did again. You were minding your own business, then a weird buzzing sound and all of a sudden - POP! - the walls color changed from white to cream. And anyone, except you, thinks it has always been this way. Tonight you are going to have a few words with the new Time Research Lab...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "No, it's not?!, I half asked, half shouted, beginning to doubt my vision. \"But, it's always been like that. This is white, white as white can be. I have no clue what you're on about.\" \n\"Thomas and Bob, would you please shift your attention back to the year 1918 in WW1?\", our teacher, Mr. Rusten, interrupted our argument. If only he knew. \nI took another look at the wall. It must've been a rather long look, because Mr. Rusten noticed this as well. \"Bob, I'm sure WW1 wasn't boring enough to make staring at a wall for 5 minutes necessary. Or even possible, due to a lack of walls on the battlefield. What's so interesting about a white wall you see every day, anyway?\"\nSo he thought it was white, too. That this was white. And yet, yesterday I'm sure we would both have called this cream...\n\n\"+1 234 5676 007\", I dialed, saying the numbers out loud as I did. \"All lines are busy at the moment. We don't have time.\", the robot voice on the other end of the line said. \n\"But I do, and You Are Not A Robot\", I responded. \"All time-lines are busy, if humans are involved.\"\n\"You passed the NAPTCHA, as always. I mean, I know your number by heart right now, it's not like we get a whole lot of calls, exactly.\"\nNow her voice sounded human, of course.\n\n\"Ada, how do you DO that?\"\n\"well, it's easy, once you know.\", she replied, enigmatically yet cheerful-sounding. Then she asked, in a more serious tone: \"So, what's gone wrong this time?\"\n\"Complex answer: This time.\nSimple answer: my eyesight\". \n\"Have you tried seeing a doctor?\" \n\n\"No, it's not like that\", I said, laughing. \"I see cream when everyone else claims it's white.\"\n\nTo my surprise, she didn't seem worried. \"Oh, that. You of all people should know. You went on your last mission to prevent white paint from being used on walls yourself.\"\n.\"What?!\"\n\"We didn't call it that way. We called it: How to deny an Austrian Art Class.\"\n\"Yeah, so he would go on to become the leader of Germany, etc... But why was this good? And what does it have to do with my colour perception?\" \n\"Not at all and nothing. But this seemed to be the only way to ensure the musical Mamma Mia would exist. You see, hitler wasn't kicked out of Art school. No, we destroyed all white paint in the world, and everyone switched to cream. No one could mass-produce white paint of the exact same shade quickly enough, and when they did, everyone had grown accustomed to the other shade. They didn't use white as we knew it previously anymore. \n\nAlas, that didn't sit well with hitler, so he quit painting. He was, after all, a\", she paused,\"white supremacist!\"\n\nMaybe this punchline wouldn't have felt like a litteral punch if they hadn't mind-wiped me partially after the mission.", "It had to stop.\n\nToo many people were beginning to notice. The more it happened, the more Manders we had to deal with. I don't know how that term came to be. I'm pretty sure we used to call them Mandelas for some reason. Either way, the Manders, the people who noticed the changes in the timeline, were growing. You could read their theories on the intervein. Or the interweb, or the internet, depending on what a person thought they remembered.\n\nI told Marty as much that day, when the walls had changed ever so slightly in color during my trip. I'd known Marty for far too long, and he probably felt he knew me twice as long for the hell I'd put him through when we were kids. But we were both stuck between timelines, rogue Manders. Along with Sarah, we were three of a kind when in any other timeline, we couldn't have been more different.\n\nMarty didn't take well to criticism, least of all from me. He treated me like I couldn't understand the fissures when he wouldn't hesitate to throw me into whatever timeline needed a watchful eye and hard hand. I'm sure whenever I came to him with a new complaint he rolled his eyes and laughed at me later. I may not have been as smart as him, but I knew something was wrong. The timelines were wobbling too much.\n\n\"Oscillating,\" he corrected in a bland voice.\n\n\"Of course. That's the issue here. The exact wording.\"\n\n\"Can't you just leave the thinking to us?\" Marty sighed, turning away from his latest project. \"Your job is simple. Go to connected timeline. Retrieve object we need. Bring object back. You don't need to worry about what people are doing or what color the walls are.\"\n\n\"Morty, this is serious,\" I said with a groan. \"People are noticing. What are you even building that is so important?\"\n\n\"You don't need to worry that thick little skull, Carson.\" He tapped my forehead with his steel screwturner. \"Just know that we're in a safe timeline. There aren't fissures here. Whatever happens out there,\" Morty said in a condescending voice with a wave over their blank warehouse, \"it doesn't matter in here. Okay, big guy?\"\n\nI could feel my face turn red, but I knew it was no use to blow up again. Our arguments were all venom and fumes, and besides, we always hated it when she saw. She made us both feel as guilty as when we were children.\n\n\"Morty, there's no need to be so rude. Carson is only trying to help.\"\n\nWe both turned to find that Sarah had woken up to take over the fissure monitor. Her hair was a tangled mess, pulled to the top of her head in a bun.\n\nI tried not to look smug when Morty's gaze fell. \"Morning Saria,\" he mumbled.\n\nShe smiled, the same tired smile she had worn for many years. God, how old are we? I wasn't sure. Anywhere between thirty and three hundred years. But Saria, even when we were younger, was always the wisest of us three.\n\n\"Go get some sleep, Morty,\" she said, placing one hand on his shoulder as she took the copper screwturner from his and set it on the table. \"I got it for a bit.\"\n\nHe raised his eyes to meet hers, and I don't know what happened or when, but their eyes... they were talking without words. When had Saria and Mordy grown so close?\n\nMordy wandered toward the living quarters and Saria quietly turned from me to the fissure monitor.\n\n\"So, you and Mordy, huh?\"\n\nSadia spun around and cleared her throat. \"Did he say something?\"\n\nI laughed and looked past her to the monitor. Everything was green. A line that looked like audio flowed evenly across the screen. \"No, he didn't. It's just obvious, that's all.\"\n\nShe flashed a quick smile before turning back to the screen. \"Maybe you're just smarter than you seem, Cason.\"\n\nI laughed. I don't think I'd ever been called smart before.\n\nWe were quiet for a time. She watched the screen, which barely changed save for the occasion small blip in the audio-like line.\n\n\"So the walls changed colors slightly?\" she asked, breaking the silence. \"It must have been a small fissure, then.\"\n\n\"I mean, I wouldn't have noticed the change, but I was staring right at it. Still, it can't be that small if other people are starting to notice the differences. Usually a small change like that, people will gloss right over, but in that timeline, I'm seeing more and more Manders.\"\n\n\"Hm,\" she said, her eyes locked with the monitor. \"I wonder how it spreads far enough to get noticed like that.\"\n\n\"That's what I'm hoping you guys would figure out. Instead, Mordy's been obsessed with making sure we don't end up with any fissures in this... whatever this in-between place is.\"\n\n\"I rather like calling it purgatory,\" Sadia noted in a quiet voice.\n\nSomething about the way she said it was odd, though I stood behind her and couldn't get a glimpse of her face.\n\n\"The fissures, though,\" I continued in a cautious voice. \"Where do they keep coming from?\"\n\n\"Mory and I, we have a couple theories,\" Sadie said. \"We can't speak for the one that dragged us here, though.\" She paused for only a breath before spinning around, her expression the same as when she would add numbers in her brain. \"Do you remember that day?\"\n\nI did, but I didn't like thinking about it. \"Kind of.\"\n\n\"We remember,\" she continued like she hadn't heard me. \"But even still, we've no answers. We just know that this place is the only one actually free of the fissures. It's the only one Mory feels is safe.\"\n\nSadie looked over her shoulder, her gaze suddenly vacant like she were staring through the screen.\n\n\"What makes him so sure this place is safe from fissures, anyway?\" she asked in a quiet voice.\n\nI took a step closer to her. Why was she acting so strange? \"Do you think it's safe?\"\n\nShe shook her head and laughed nervously. \"I don't think anywhere is safe. And I don't think this place is any exception.\"\n\n\"I don't understand,\" I responded blankly. \"Why do you think this place isn't safe?\"\n\nSandy drew a deep breath. \"I think there's a fissure here, and for whatever reason, our instruments aren't detecting it.\" She wasn't facing me, but the fear was evident just from her voice. \"Some things are changing frequently, fluidly, ever so slightly.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\" My anger grew with every riddle. \n\n\"Think, Caden. Back to that day.\" She finally turned, her wide blue eyes locking with mine. \"Monty and I were talking, and I was so, so sure that I was the first one to fall into the fissure, walking over that old tree. Remember? You didn't want to do the dare?\"\n\nI dare you to walk on the fallen log across the creek, Monty had said. I swore I took the bet. I thought I was the first to fall in.\n\nI blinked, trying to remember correctly. That was how it happened... right?\n\n\"So you fell in?\" I rubbed the side of my head. \"Did we both go in after you?\"\n\n\"I don't really know,\" Sandy mumbled. \"Monty swears he remembers you pushing me in.\"\n\nWe both fell quiet.\n\n\"You don't believe that.\"\n\n\"I don't know what to believe,\" she admitted, \"but I do know what this means.\"\n\nThat you think I'd have killed you when we were kids for some petty dare?\n\n\"It means there's a fissure,\" Sandy said in a grave voice. \"And we have to watch for things that are changing. Small things, in small ways. We have to notice. We won't be able to leave this timeline if we don't remember our original timeline.\"\n\nI tried to respond, but my throat was dry and tight, my jaw clenched. \"It means this place isn't safe,\" I managed to say in a cracked voice.\n\n\"Monty thinks he can invent something to seal fissures, but I think we should just leave. Find a timeline we like. Stay put for a change.\" She placed a hand on my shoulder. \"It's dangerous, Caden. We have to make him leave. We have to get out of here, or we could be trapped between realities for all of eternity.\"" ]	3
	[WP] You are a traveler. From coastal cities to nestled mountain villages, your purpose is a humble one: You tell stories. Old stories, fairy tales, legends and myths. One day, a young child asks, "What is your story?"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“I was born in a world, eons ago, to a king and his laundry maid. I had no claim to power, but only wished to travel to new and beautiful sights to meet wonderful people who appreciated my mighty yarns. The gods lent me a hand and gave me a few more hundred years to tell their stories and sing their songs. I have traveled on seas of wine and sailed through lakes of milk; trees filled with all kinds of colorful birds are no stranger to me, nor skies decorated with many moons. There are worlds with many suns or completely covered by water; there are worlds close to dying or completely taken over by artificial intelligence. All these experiences are part of my story.”", "“My story is your story, child.” The elderly gentleman stumbled out, a stark look across his face. “Look above you..” He begins gesturing towards the glittering night sky, pocked with stars infinite miles away from humanity. “..My purpose is only to remind the world of where we came from. That’s why storytellers share their tales, so that they may remind each and every listener who they are, were, and will be.” He begins to point out the various blinking lights, his elderly features casting an aura of wisdom. “You see, each and every one of those stars represent the lives we have lived. There are an infinite amount of stars in the sky, similarly, an infinite amount of stories to be told.” His hand comes forward to gently pat the young ones head, a kind smile coming across his cracked lips. “I only regale these tales so that I may be the keeper of time. I wish to hold the memories of all the lives from our past, present, and future.” The teller’s face returns to a jaunty flavor, the eyes sparkling in the firelight. “Enough about me, though.. how about I tell you all the story of Edwin the Dragon Slayer?” With a theatrical wave of his hand, the aged man begins his riveting tale as he had thousands of times before..." ]	3
	[WP] the apocalypse has begun, and despite all movie tropes the practical bicycle is the primary vehicle.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The world for a long time has been dead the great sand dunes swallowing the remnants of the old world. The great towers that once scrapped the sky itself laying sideways in the ever shifting sand. And yet although the world has lost so much do to elements beyond our control we remain.\n\nThe old world may be long dead but to those still brave enough it still provides. Sand slowly poured into the small room as a nearby window shattered. The once stale air being replaced by the whirlwind above the sandy depths.\nA rather tall figure slowly crawls through the broken window shattering what little was left with every step. The pressure the young survival the exerted with every step. Shattering the brown glass progressively grinding it into more course sand. Though the survivor barely pays the glass any mind through his excitement.\nRather sharply the young survivor pull's back his boonie hat to reveal his visage. His short hair and pachy blond beard a common sight in the world above. Slowly he squints his eyes gazing into the darkness to no avail much to his expectations.\n\nRather methodically the young lad scans a small mail bag that he carries at his side. His hands sorting through several pounds of precious equipment. After some time the survivor finds what he was looking for all that time.\nA small metal cylinder bent at the end to shape a L with a slight flair at the end. It's metal exterior glimmering in the small amount of light filtering into the room from above. Carefully the young lad crawls back through the shattered glass into the light burning away the shadow.\nGazing upwards with a slight grin the figure follows the sun over head with his finger. Ecstatically the young adult moves the end of the L shaped device towards the sun and the mouth into the window. The shadows flew away in a instant revealing the interior of the ancient world.\n\nThe interior is a thing of wonder to the people above. A great workroom of glinting metal tools and paper schematics of many ancient machines. The steel table itself worth at least more than the average person's entire life the contents of the room are priceless.\nHastily the survivor rummages through his bag bringing out three small wooden beams. The next few minutes are spent fixing the beams into place amongst the loose sand. stretching length wise across at equal level with the window to support his strange device.\nEventually the lad happy with his work set's the magnificent device onto the beams and turn's toward the entrance. Slowly he crawls back into the room shadows crawling back into place as his form fills the window. Eventually he makes it through tossing his large tan jacket onto a nearby chair collapsing it with its weight. After internally cringing for a few moments the survivor gets to work.\n\nWriting and Formating was done on a phone", "After a brief, boisterous moment of violent metamorphosis, the world became a place where silence reigns supreme.\n\nThe sun had set on the day of the Lion. The mighty and the proud had fallen first.\n\nLikewise the cheetah met its fate. There was no escaping this enemy. None can outrun their doom.\n\nThis is an age where the Leopard wears the crown, for it was she who understood the true meaning of stealth.\n\n\"You really think you're gonna be able to go out there again,\" Sarah asked.\n\nMatt's eyeballs darted from side to side, his expression only mildly perplexed. \"Yeah?\"\n\nSarah's mouth scrunched up to the side, her eyes filled with awe. \"I don't know what we'd do without you, Matt.\"\n\nMatt chuckled. \"Okay.\"\n\nShe didn't really understand.\n\nMatthew Mapleton was a simple boy. He was neither stupid, nor smart. He wasn't brave. He wasn't strong. He wasn't clever, or heroic, or particularly ambitious. Matt had something else going for him. Matt... was a leopard.\n\nA year ago, before the world had gone to shit, he'd been a nobody. He delivered newspapers in the morning and pizza at night, keeping his afternoons reserved for a few classes at the local community college. A DUI in the twelfth grade had kept him from the rumbling road and perhaps the illusive veil of success his peers all seemed to be chasing, he'd been forced to accept the slow, steady pace of his trusty ten-speed.\n\nNow look at him. I'm totally the Rick Grimes of this group, he realized, No wait, the Jack Shepherd.\n\nAt first he'd brought ppl back to his parents house, but his little tribe of local survivors had quickly outgrown the basement. Quiet as a mouse, he'd gone out in search of somewhere to set up camp. What he'd found was a recording studio in the old world, it was a fortress of silence with soundproof windows now.\n\n\"Mr Matt, wait up!\"\n\nHefty Mayor Sylus plodded over to where he and Sarah stood at the front of the studio. Matt cringed at every echoing thump of the mayor's feet. He wouldn't last a second out there.\n\nThe Mayor reached him, breathless and flushed in the face. \"Young mister Matt, our little hero.\"\n\nMatt blushed. These people don't get it. He wondered vaguely what would happen when they finally figured out he wasn't what they thought he was. Would they panic? Would they leave?\n\nThe Mayor, mis-identifying Matt's crimson embarrassment as irritation, cleared his throat and spoke bluntly. \"We're almost out of water. I know you can't fault much on your own -- ahem -- but perhaps I can make this easier on you.\"\n\nHe reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring of keys, holding them up almost reverently.\n\n\"It's about time,\" Sarah said, \"He shouldn't have to do all of this alone.\"\n\nMatt shook his head. He wasn't sure what the mayor was offering, but whatever it was he didn't want it. \"That's okay.\"\n\nThe mayor sorted through the keychain until he singled out a thick key with FORD printed on the handle. \"I'm not saying you have to bring anyone, I know you prefer to work alone. This here is the key to my baby, a 2019 Ford Powerhouse SuperXL Chariot Hyper Deluxe Grand Texas Edition. You've earned it son. I figure you can ride over there, toss your...uh... bike in the cab, then load up the rest with gallons of fresh water at the super market.\"\n\nThe mayor extended the keys toward him and Matt recoiled away as if his hand were a striking cobra. \"No,\" was all he could manage to say. \"Just... no.\"\n\nThe Mayor's puffed out indignantly. He wasn't sure, but he thought this boy was snarkin at him. \"Now listen, bein a hero is all well and good, but that doesn't give you the right to look down on anyone else that tries to lend a hand.\"\n\n\"I'm not looking down on you, it's just...,\" Matt fumbled for words. Speaking had never been one of his strengths. \"Well, you're kind of an idiot, sir.\"\n\nThe mayor's face flashed bright red. \"Excuse me, I-\"\n\n\"Okayyy,\" Sarah said, stepping between them, \"Geez this is more intense than a bowl game. Hey Mayor Sylus, you played football back in the day, didn't you?\"\n\nThe mayor blinked, \"Well I... Indeed I did. University of Arkansas. Right Tackle. Wasn't my first choice but I blew out my knee junior year and you know how scouts are. Reminds me of something my coach said....\"\n\n\"Mhm,\" Sarah said, nodding. She turned to Matt slyly and mouthed, \"You owe me.\"\n\nMaybe she's got a chance, Matt Marveled. \"Okay,\" he mouthed back.\n\nAnd as the Mayor expounded on the virtues of college football, Matt shuffled his bike toward the exit.\n\nHe stopped in the doorway and rubbed his finger on the grips.\n\nThe mayor doesn't get it.\n\nFlashy cars, fast super engines, powerful monster trucks. None of that stuff is worth a dime anymore, it's all outdated. This... this is the age of the bicycle.\n\nIt was not bravely, honorably, or heroically that he rode out into the apocalypse... it was quietly.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\~\n\nr/CharlestonChews" ]	3
	[WP] The spiders have learned about how much humans fear them. Feeling bad about this, they try their best to act adorable whenever they know humans are around.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I look up at the human, scuttling back into the shadows so she doesn’t notice me. Over the generations, we’ve noticed these humans are scared of us, the ones with long hair and higher voices the most scared, often calling the short-haired, deeper-voiced ones to capture and kill or release us.\n\nAnd they do. They always do. I don’t blame them. I’m terrified of them as well. I stay in the shadows until I’m certain she is not looking, then hurry across the floor and back under the giant thing she sits on, something she calls a ‘couch’. I’ve watched her climb up on it, her feet balanced on the spot her backside usually goes when she sees my father. He’s huge, I’d run if I were her.\n\nDad is harmless. We’re what the humans call ‘Daddy-long legs’, which I guess tells them we don’t want to hurt them. But he’s so big, the long haired humans often forget and scream.\n\nI hand over the crumbs I was carrying. One will fill all of us up, I don’t understand how the humans can eat millions and still be hungry.\n\nWe sit and watch the lights on the square in front of our home, content with our human not knowing we exist, so she never fears again." ]	2
	[WP] a galactic empire is conquering every system in sight. with a fleet of millions of ships they spread though out the universe like an almost plague. until that is they encounter the Sol system. and their generals are getting pretty pissed when they learn humans are only half trying	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"My General, new intelligence.\" The courier hands over the data plaque, and leaves. As the General watches him, he notices two things. First, that the courier is moving much faster than decorum would normally allow; and Second, he must be among the most junior of the Intel Corp.\n\n\"These humans are getting on my nerves, Aide. Every time we think we've got them pinned they pull a new trick out of nowhere. I doubt that this contains good news.\"\n\n\"Agreed, Sir. Should I leave the room?\"\n\n\"No, I don't think so. After all the bad news, I think I'm accustomed now; but you might want to stand outside claw range. Just in case.\"\n\n\"As you command, My General.\" Smart one, turned a suggestion into an order so no one can say he abandoned me.\n\nI open the plaque. Odd. It's triple secured. My sphincters tighten. This is definitely not good news. \"Back up further, Aide. Now.\"\n\n\"Yes, My General!\" He's right next to the door. Let's make it official. \"Aide, if you deem your life is threatened, you will immediately vacate the room by the nearest exit.\"\n\n\"Yes, My General!\" Stay alive Aide, you have all the carapace marks of an excellent General. The data... bzzzz ... this data cannot ... bzzzzzz ... must \"*Get Out Aide!* ... BZZZZZZZZZZTTTTT.\n\nOut side the day cabin, Aide gathers his wits. Hits the emergency seal, then calls maintenance. \"Stand by. Prep full ... CRASH ... repeat FULL restore General's day cabin.\"\n\n\"With abject respect Aide, full resto... CRUNCH ... restoration may not be possible. Replacement parts are in short supply across the fleet.\"\n\n\"Pass this order to the fleet. \"Do you wish a visit from Our General? SCREEACHRIP!\" You are specifically ORDERED to include the ... sound effect at the end of my message.\"\n\n\"Thank You, Aide! That should do the trick! Estimate half an hour to have all necessary parts on hand.\" GRUNCH BZZZZZT!\n\n\"I believe that will be satisfactory.\" THWANGGGGG \"In fact, you might have a bit longer than that, but don't count on it.\"\n\n*Wham WHAM WHAMM!\n\nThe door now shows an imprint of the General's main claw; which is clearly visible in the view from Aide's comdev.\n\n\"With respect, Aide, I strongly suggest secondary withdrawal and activation of emergency restraints.\" By the time maintenance finishes his recommendation, Aide is already in the main corridor, with the restraints active. \"Fortuitously for both* of us, my orders from Our General can easily be construed as authorization for such a move. One moment please...\", Aide looks at the crowd in the corridor, \"*clear this corridor at once! Seal both blast doors on either side!...\n\nwhang\n\n...Stand by for E.R.S. failure. Dump to vacuum if last door is breeched.\"\n\n ... 1 ... 2 ... 3 ...\n\n\"WHAT ARE YOU DEGENERATE OFFSPRING OF MORONIC PLEBES STANDING THERE FOR? MOVE IT YOU USELESS LARVAE!\"\n\nCRACK!\n\nA grizzled marine Sergeant remains. \"Do you have a death wish? Evacuate at once!\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"You either do, or you're trying for suicide by officer.\"\n\n\"No. ... I owe Our General my life, I will not abandon him.\"\n\n\"A life debt? You may remain. Be aware Our General ordered my withdrawal. I construe this to include all of our people.\"\n\n\"Yet you also remain.\"\n\n\"Yes... He is My* General.\"\n\n\"Just so.\"\n\nWHUMP!\n\nWeeerrrp. Weeerrrp. Weeerrrp. ...\n\n\"Bridge, Aide, E.R.S activated, stand by dump.\"\n\n\"Standing by... May the Seas of Peace hold you all.\"\n\n\"Thanks Bridge, but I prefer to hope that the E.R.S. holds. He's the best General our race has ever had. Dumping last orders to bridge.\"\n\n\"Reviewing... I see. In the midst of his rage, he thought to get you out of the room. By Fleet Standing Orders, that makes you his successor.\n\nYou are requested and required to withdraw to the bridge.\"\n\n\"Record. \"On this date and time, I acknowledge life debt to My General.\" I will not leave him.\"\n\n\"Recorded and confirmed. Aide, your dedication is admirable, but also excrible, we need officers like you.\"\n\n\"We need officers like Our General! Not half trained larva like myself!\"\n\n\"Blessings on your possible sacrifice, and on you Sergeant Dreuges.\"\n\n\"Sergeant Dreuges? The Dreuges?\"\n\n\"Yes, Aide.\"\n\n\"I am honored to make your acquaintance.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Sir. And I, you.\"\n\n\"I have done nothing!\"\n\n\"You are attempting to save My General Exigent. That is more than sufficient.\"\n\nwhirrble whirrble whirrble\n\n\"It seems we are spared for future service, Sergeant!\"\n\n\"Not yet! Wait another ten minutes!\"\n\n\"But the E.R.S...\" grunch \"... Thank you, Sergeant.\"\n\n...\n\n\"Aide?\"\n\n\"Yes, My General!\"\n\n\"Prep a lifeboat. Strip all arms. Install E.R.S. I will transfer as soon as it is available.\"\n\n\"My General?!?\"\n\n\"I must speak with the \"humans\". It would be best if it happens now, when I have already worn myself out. Should I fail, you are my replacement. Although you are young, you have all that it takes to be the greatest of our generals in ten generations.\n\nShould I fail, it is my suggestion that the fleet withdraw, posting the human system as an extreme hazard.\"\n\nAlmost in unison, Aide and Sergeant respond. \"No, My General.\". Aide continues, \"we have both life debt to you. We will not leave you in your need.\"\n\nThe General looks at them in shock. Aide takes charge, \"Bridge, prep lifeboat as specified with following changes, no E.R.S., three seats, double harness on center seat. We will be in the launch bay in 30 minutes. So ordered by Heir Designate, in the General's temporary incapacity.\"\n\n\"As you order, Heir Designate.\"\n\n\"Sergeant, see to a stretcher party.\"\n\n\"As you order, Heir Designate.\"\n\n\"Aide! No! You must survive!\"\n\n\"Heir Designate, General. Should you fail, I must be present.\"\n\n\"a true general. As you order, Heir Designate.\"\n\n\"no my general, as you have left me no other choice, I now leave you with no other choice. you will control yourself, or the fleet loses both of us.\"\n\n\"young idiot\"\n\n\"old fool\"\n\n\"Bridge, Privacy!\" click \"Now, what was it that triggered your rage?\"\n\n\"Humanity has been holding off our entire fleet so easily with half their total strength.\"\n\nbzzzz \"no! Seas of Peace enfold me!\" ... \"I see. Yes, that could be enough to drive either rage or fear.\"\n\n\"Fear! Do you accuse...?!\"\n\n\"General, they are the same effect. It is only social face that divides them. The rage is a reaction to an existential threat. It is fear for others that drives it. The one who rages knows that it will likely lead to their death, but by their sacrifice, the tribe may live. This instinct is useless onboard a starship, it harms everyone.\n\nIt must be controled for the safety of the race!\"\n\n\"Then I am already failed. Do your duty.\"\n\n\"No, General, you are already at the very lip of success!\"\n\n\"I RAGED!\"\n\n\"You also controled yourself sufficient to get me clear. You only need a reason greater than fear to trigger peace.\"\n\n\"You offer yourself... As a reason?\"\n\n\"Yes, General. We both do.\"\n\n\"I am honored. I will strive to be worthy.\"\n\n\"No, General, you will be worthy. The safety of the race, fleet, tribe, family, heir, demands it \"\n\n\"No stress, of course...\"\n\nA joint laugh, like bows drawn across a violin with steel strings which are ill tuned.\n\n...\n\n\"Sir! A communication from an enemy lifeboat!\"\n\n\"Yes? Why not simply accept their surrender and put them in detention?\"\n\n\"They're not surrendering. It's their leader, his heir, and a copilot. They want to talk with our fleet leader.\"\n\n\"Are they armed?\"\n\n\"No, Sir. All arms stripped. Roughly too. They were in a big hurry. It looks like some sort of power equipment with jaws was used to rip the guns out.\"\n\n\"I see. Have them brought aboard in Bay Six. Usual precautions to vent to space in the event of hostility. I will meet with them myself.\"\n\n\"In a suit, please, Sir?\"\n\n\"No, not unless they are in suits.\"\n\n\"That is ...\"\n\n\"Necessary, Exec. See to it.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sir.\"\n\n...\n\nBerthed. Pressurizing. Enemy normal atmosphere, respiratory mandatory.\n\n...\n\n\"Exec? What do you think you are doing?\"\n\n\"They are three, we are three; they are leader, heir, copilot, so we are.\"\n\n\"Except our copilot is armed.\"\n\n\"Technically speaking, they are all armed. Besides, their copilot is also a marine.\"\n\n\"Balance of risk and power. Very well, Exec, but please don't make a habit of this. It's damaging to my morale.\"\n\nsnort\n\n\"You have something to say, Sergeant?\"\n\n\"Yes, Admiral, I do. You don't have morale. You have honor bound morals. Nothing can damage that!\"\n\n...\n\n\"Heir, a request should we both survive. Do not take it as your responsibility to protect my peace. It's almost enraging.\"\n\nScrape\n\n\"Sergeant?\"\n\n\"My General, the reason I am life debt to you is because a young lieutenant controlled his rage well enough to hold the line, organize a fighting retreat, redress the line, and lead the company to victory. You don't have rage. You have peace wrapped with integrity. Nothing will disturb that.\"\n\n### Treaty of Xena\n\nOne of the greatest successes of human history was the Treaty of Xena, signed in the Oort cloud at an inconsequential rock, whos only claim to fame was being named for a mythical female warrior.\n\nThat treaty brought about the end of the so called Crab Wars, when humanity fought the entire Crab fleet to a standstill, using half their power. The other half being held in system to guard against a sneak attack, since this could not possibly be their entire fleet.\n\nThe similarities between us, despite the differences in appearance, eventually lead to the formation of the Union. An organization patterned on an even older Earth organization, NATO.\n\nThis eventually lead to ...\n\n((finis))" ]	2
	[WP] You have the ability to know when you will make the worst mistake of the day. Usually, it's you not doing homework, or some kind of trivial thing. However, on your walk to school, you turn a corner, and hear the warning.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "As I turned the corner, on the street there was a homeless man, and he begged me, saying, \"Please. Spare some change. I just want to get something to eat.\"\n\nAnd that unmistakable voice of warning said to me: \"Help him\".\n\nBut the stronger voice of my father overpowered it and shouted with, \"Drug addicts! All of them! If they want to eat, they should get a job!\n\nI looked at the homeless man, crumpled the dollar bill that I had in my pocket, and said, \"I'm sorry, I don't have anything.\" And I walked on.\n\nThe voice whispered, Go back, go back. But I did not.\n\nLater that day, I found out that shortly after I had left, the homeless man had been beaten to death right there on there sidewalk by the next man he had asked for money. \n\nThe homeless man had been beaten to death in front of a fast-food spot. The workers there told police that earlier the homeless man had come in asking for food, and they felt so bad for him and he was so nice that they agreed to give him 5 dollars worth of food if he brought them 3 dollars.\n\nPolice searched the homeless man, and found 2 dollars worth of loose change in his pocket. \n\nI cried." ]	2
	[WP] You're a psychologist but there's one very peculiar thing about your area of expertise. All your clients are dead. Vengeful spirits might be scary and dangerous but most of them suffered a trauma that binds them in their current form and prevents them from moving on. You are here to help them.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"So tell me about your father.\" \n \n\"Seriously doc?\" The figure on the couch gestured to the cavernous dent in his chest. It matched perfectly with a telephone pole along Route 80, one which bore a noticeable bend after a certain body flung from a car hit it north of ninety miles per hour. \n \n\"Yes, I know he was responsible for your death Clyde.\" Dr. Camden leaned forward and peered over his half-moon glasses. \"But I want to know how he was responsible for your life.\" \n \n\"Ugh,\" Clyde said with disgust, rolling his eyes. \"Hey Doc, you mind if I smoke in here? I mean, yeah, I know those things'll kill ya, but considering everything...\" \n \n\"Please, go right ahead. It won't bother me.\" Out of politeness more than practicality, Dr. Camden slid an ashtray across the neat coffee table towards his patient. Clyde fished a spectral packet of Lucky Strikes out of his shirt pocket, cursing that most of them had been crushed along with his sternum. He managed to find one mostly intact cigarette and put it to his spectral lips. \n \n\"Got a light?\" With a deliberate movement, the Doctor reached across the table and held an index finger up to Clyde's smoke. There was a little arc like static electricity, and a ghost light flared to life on the tip of the cigarette. Taking a long, drawn out drag, Clyde made a production of exhaling the smoke skyward. Dr. Camden noted some smoke leaked out from fissures in Clyde's torso. The pair sat in silence for a time. Often it was best to let the patient lead the discussion. \n \n\"He was a drunk, but you already knew that. I'm pretty sure he drank a bottle every weeknight, and on the weekends he really got serious,\" Clyde finally said, staring off somewhere in the distance. \"Pretty sure every cop in the tri-county area knew him. If they gave out a trophy for most DUIs, he would'a won first place. Hah. At least he would've had something to be proud of.\" \n \n\"You don't think he was proud of you and your sister?\" the Doctor asked. Quietly he scribbled a note on his pad. \n \nClyde leaned forward flicking spectral ash into the tray. It materialized as bright motes that evaporated from the material plane. \n \n\"Proud of me? Hell no. Old man was always on my case,\" said Clyde with an angry note to his voice. He sucked on his cigarette and squinted his eyes, looking directly at the Doctor. \"Now Sis? Yeah, he was proud of her. Always called her his 'little ballerina'. But I don't think the old drunk even knew Sis sold her ballet shoes ten years ago so she could buy some pills.\" The ghost sat back on the couch and crossed his arms dejectedly. \n \n\"Did your father know that your sister had died last year?\" It was true. She had in fact been Dr. Camden's first patient. Well, first at least of this new variety, the non-corporeal type. While they were infinitely more interesting as patients than the living, the compensation was far less lucrative. Most of the dead no longer carried health insurance. \n \nClyde ground his teeth and looked off again out the window. It was obvious he was fighting back tears. \n \n\"Yeah. Well no, he didn't know. He was too lost at the bottom of the bottle to realize she was gone. I had to tell him. I told him that night... the night of the accident.\" Tears had broken loose and were sliding unbidden down Clyde's semi-translucent face. They vaporized as they rolled off him onto the couch with quiet little sizzles. \"That's why he was in the car. Said he couldn't go on any more if his 'Little Ballerina' wasn't in the world. I thought I could talk him down, so I got in the car with him but he just drove faster and faster...\" \n \n\"Do you think you wanted something else from your father, something that compelled you to get into a car with a drunk, emotionally unstable man?\" \n \nClyde was quiet then, quiet for a long time. Dr. Camden held statue-still. These were critical moments in the therapeutic process, where a patient would hopefully achieve a breakthrough. \n \n\"Yeah,\" the ghost said after a time. \"I wanted him... I wanted him to tell me he loved me as much as he loved her. Before he went.\" \n \nThere it was. The moment, the breakthrough. That realization that Dr. Camden's new patients all seemed to need that helped them to let go of the odd half-life and move on to whatever came next. Sadly, reflected the Doctor, despite dealing with specters he had no idea what came next. None had come back to be repeat patients. Some mysteries remained locked. \n \nA whisper of a cool wind filled the room despite the closed windows. Clyde's form dissolved into a misty haze and began to blur into nothingness. \n \n\"Thanks Doc,\" he said, before heading on to what lay next. \n \nWith satisfaction the Doctor closed out his notes on Clyde's file and marked it as 'treatment successful'. Would that the living patients could achieve a catharsis so easily. There was a knock at the door, an uneven patter but insistent. Not expecting any more appointments for the evening, the Doctor was puzzled as he opened the door. He was greeted to the sight of a large, glowing man who looked seriously disfigured. Despite his ghostly appearance, the newcomer reeked of cheap liquor. In a mangled hand he held a pair of child-sized ballet shoes. \n \n\"Ah, another patient. I was expecting you. Come in, please do make yourself comfortable,\" said Dr. Camden." ]	2
	[WP] The Séance saw its fall in popularity during the early 20th century. However, in the year 1919 you arrive at such an event, held at an overgrown manor. You may or may not have been invited. There has been a murder and it is up to you to discover the killer. But first, who are you?	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I introduce myself as John Foxheart to the person that has opened the creaky manor door. She accepts the name I have given her as well as the hand written invite I hand her. Regardless of the setting in this half broken town building nobody seems to expect guests with impure intentions. I relieve myself of my overcoat and hat handing it of to the attendee as well. Pretending to straightening my vest I take careful note where my clothes end up. I head further into the manor, the way is plainly clear, marked with burning candles. Outside the dots of light the darkness is kind to the interior hiding its shabby condition. Even without the candles I could have found my way through dark rooms without trouble. Every detail of the is in my head and while walking I mark the differences to when I studied everything in here just days earlier. An inconveniently placed drawer moved to the side, a broken window hidden behind a hastily installed curtain, just enough preparation to hide how broken down this house is to the untrained eye. The séance has already started and it suits me well, everyone is concentrated and listening to a lady, who in truth is just an entrepreneurial performance artist. I spot my mark and wait patiently in the background. As expected, he is drinking – a lot. It doesn’t take long until he has to leave the room. I follow him, the opportunity won’t last very long. Slipping my knives into my palms I smile, the fun part of the evening has begun.handing it of to the attendee as well." ]	2
	[WP] Your job was to take people to the Underworld. Be it Hell, Tartarus, Niflheim, or whatever place people believed in after they died. However, you are not Death. One day, you get a visit from someone peculiar and someone you least expect to visit you.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "There was a gentle \\pop\\ as the air rushed in to fill the gap in reality the man had just stumbled out of. Luckily he fell to the ground before he fell off the mountain top we were on.\n\nI'd say he was mid 40's, handsome, and confused. His eyes were wide and he fell as he tried to look everywhere at once. He was mumbling something, but I was still too far away to understand him.\n\nI got up from the rock, shouldered my pack, and picked up the two walking sticks I had ready, then walked over to him. He tried to scramble away on all fours as I approached, but he soon realized there was really nowhere to go except over a cliff edge.\n\nI stuck out my hand to help him up and smiled my warmest smile.\n\nHe hesitated, then took it. That was the thing I loved about this place; it was so \\weird\\ to everyone that came here that they just sort of accepted my presence.\n\n\"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but you're dead. I'm Enoch and I'm your guide. Now, what was your belief?\"\n\n\"I... I remember the man... He was attacking that girl... He killed me? Wait... You speak Hindi? What do you mean my belief?\"\n\nI gave him a minute to talk it out. He seemed calmer than a lot of them do. They usually are when they died from something they knew was risky. Like they understood the potential of the situation.\n\nHis name was Aashish. When he calmed down we talked about what had happened and where he was. I shared my water with him as we looked out over the endless, thickly forested valley. We could see the various portals in the distance. Their lights making a rainbow the encircled us, painting the sky. I always did what I could to see it through their eyes, for the first time. It made it magical again, even after these thousands of years.\n\n\"So, you're going to take me to the next life?\"\n\n\"Yup. I'm your guide.\" I pointed at the orange portal in the distance. \"That one's yours. It'll take us a couple days to get there, and it'll be a little rough, but stick with me and you won't get lost.\"\n\nHe looked me up and down, still skeptical. \"You just... You don't look like I expected. You're just an average man.\"\n\n\"What did you expect? A Deva? Seven feet tall and brilliant wings?\"\n\n\"That... Or the Grim Reaper with some big blade and a black hood.\"\n\nWe both laughed at that, then set out.\n\n\\\\\\*\n\nI had liked Aashish. He didn't question my guidance the whole trip and he was a good conversationalist. I was almost sad to see him step through to the other side. But I've been alone for so long that I'm not sure I really would have enjoyed an extended guest.\n\nAs I made my way to the top of the mountain I smelled something I haven't smelled in a long time. Smoke. I looked up and could see a thin trail of it drifting off into the colorful sky. I picked up my pace, summiting the final crest.\n\nThere, in my space, was a man, with his back to me. He was huddled over a small fire, poking at it with a stick. I'd never had a traveler show up before I was back before. Maybe I'd taken too long on this trip? Even after guiding billions of people across the forests and to their portals, I still didn't really know the rules of this whole thing.\n\n\"Sorry to have kept you waiting, I must have lost track of the time with the last one. I hope you haven't been here long.\"\n\nThe man jumped a little, probably not expecting anyone. They almost never did. Not anyone like me, anyway.\n\nI started to smile as he stood and began to turn towards me, but my face twisted involuntarily. My stomach fell and my heart leaped into my throat.\n\n\"I... You shouldn't be here. How did you even get here? Where do I even take you?\" My heart pounded and my adrenaline rushed. Which was weird, being dead and all.\n\nHe was just as surprised as I was, but his smile was crooked and awkward.\n\n\"Enoch, my son. I've missed you.\"\n\n\"Cain... Father... It's good to see you...\"" ]	2
	[WP] Contrary to popular belief, Heaven and Hell are not enemies. They never have been. For millenia, angels and demons have been preparing for war. A war that begins on Judgement Day. Their enemy? The most feared beings in existence... Humans	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Earth is home to a number of creatures. A great deal of the creatures are rather terrifying to bear witness to. There are bats that subsist of the blood of other creatures. There are frogs who rarely grow to be bigger than a paperclip, and yet are packed full of enough poison to kill a small army of humans. The tiny mosquito has the ability to spread deadly diseases at impossibly fast speed. There are parasites who only seem to exist in order to cause great suffering to other creatures. Demons are one of the more terrifying members of the animal kingdom. Angels are somehow even more terrible, with their many eyes and wings and glowing auras bright enough to blind most mortals. \n\nNonetheless, there is only one of God’s many creature who has managed to destroy the creation laid out for them. Who has laid waste to vast forests and spread toxic chemicals throughout even the deepest, blackest corners of all seven seas. Who has exploited all corners of the world gifted to them. Who have harmed others in the name of lust, envy, wrath, greed, gluttony and even sloth. Who has murdered countless of their own species in cold blood. \n\nLucy was late. Demons are rarely ever on time. It simply would not do for Lucifer, the adversary, enemy and god of this world, eternal ruler of the pit, destroyer of souls, bringer of light, mother of lies, lord of the flies, angel of the abyss, leader of the damned she who is called dragon and the serpent of Eden, affectionately known as “Lucy” to her friends, to be any less than 30 minutes late. Apologies are expected and polite whenever one is running about an hour late for a meeting which will determine the fate of humanity, earth and the universe itself. Lucy, obviously, offered none as she and her entourage burst out of the earth and onto the rocky plain. \n\n“Michael darling” She grins as she takes the hand offered to her. Michael can only roll all one thousand and seven pairs of eyes and smile as Lucy shakes the dirt out of her wings and runs a hand through her perfectly coiffed hair. Demons, have a tendency to be vain. He finds it slightly endearing. She casts a critical eye over her surroundings. “Bethlehem? Really? A bit on the nose don’t you think?”. \n\nMichael sighs and rolls his eyes once more. His hand comes to rest on the sword at their belt. “ ‘Circle of life’ as the enemy would say”. His voice is light and carefree as joke as he leads Lucy and her forces towards the choir of angels who have congregated close by. “It also means that war won’t have to travel very far”. Michael nervously eyes the chestnut horse trotting just behind Lucy. The burning sun turns her coat into a brilliant, blood red shade and her flaming mane and tail cast scorch marks in her wake. Michael shivers as he makes eye contact with her rider. He is the angel of chivalry and that is a virtue which war possesses not a single ounce of. Michael almost pities the poor human who finds themself caught under the hooves of the red horse or slain by the terrible sword of it’s rider. He grips his own sword even tighter. If he had his way, war would be on the opposite side of the planet right now. He takes comfort in knowing that this is the final ride for all four of the horses and their masters. Maybe he will even be able to face his fear and grab a beer with war someday when this is all over? \n\nLucy’s thoughts seem to mirror his as they march towards the hoarde of angels. Demons begin to break rank and sprint ahead to greet old friends from the other side. Lucy sees no reason to stop them. Strong alliances will be needed today. She casts a suspicious look around her before she leans in closer to Michael. “Do you think this is... well...” She glances around again. “Do you think this is the way it’s meant to go, if you catch my drift here”. She mutters at last. It’s Michael’s turn to pause, to consider his answer. The pair watch as Gabriel and Asmodeus preform what appears to be an elaborate secret handshake. Beelzebub seems to be flirting with an indulgent cherub. The horse-people have gathered for a selfie, which is currently being ruined by Famine’s boney palomino’s attempts to nibble at a dried out patch of grass. Even death seems to be in a good mood, laughing darkly at Famine’s struggle and declaring that he can’t wait to “WELCOME MORE SOULS” to the underworld. Michael’s face is stoic as he takes in the scene before him. \n\n“I’m not sure.” He finally admits. \n\nLucy looks down at the ground. “Me neither.”\n\n“They’re just...” Michael sighs as he tries to find the words to explain. \n\n“They’re good. Even after everything they’re somehow insufferably good.” Lucy spits out the words for him. \n\nMichael nods. He makes a show of preening the feathers on one of his, already immaculate, seven wings as the words that have been bouncing around his mind finally spill out. \n\n“They’re not perfect. None of them are. There hasn’t been a single one of them who has made it into heaven in the last 150 years. They’ve all gone to the bad place as it were... no offence.” Lucy shrugs. She’s never really minded that particular nickname. “And yet...” Michael continues as he pulls a gilded, golden notepad from the aether and begins to read. “And yet they still help each other. Just today, a businessman in Paris, France preformed CPR on a homeless man suffering a cardiac arrest outside Notre dame. At exact the same moment a woman in Savannah, Georgia, USA bought $200 worth of textbooks anonymously for a law student who couldn’t afford them. A 16 year old in Queens, New York City, USA just tackled a school shooter to the ground. He saved 15 lives today. A Syrian refugee child is being pulled out of the Mediterranean Sea by a sailor right this second, he will survive by the way, and would grow up to become a heart surgeon, if we weren’t here today that is, Oh! And There’s a woman who just filled out and posted an organ donation form in London, England. Her gift would go on to save four people’s lives when she dies in a car accident in ten years time. Do you want to know what the trend amongst the kids is nowadays? They’re going on climate strike. They’re walking out of school to try and force their parents and grandparents to get up and do something. There was even a social media trend involving before and after photos of litter pickings at beaches for crying out loud.” Michael stops. He looks skywards, refusing to let his tears fall. “And that’s not even mentioning the everyday heroes. That’s not mentioning the lady in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA who just rescued a dog from a hot car. She’ll need five stitches in her hand from the broken glass and the dog will live until he’s 15. There’s a refugee child in Oslo, Norway who is tasting hot chocolate for the first time as she watches snow fall, also for the very first time. There’s a boy in Mumbai, India who just had his first kiss. He’s going to buy the girl flowers right now. There’s a girl in Tokyo, Japan who just punched a classmate for bullying a younger child.” Lucy raises a delicately arched brow at that. Michael shrugs. “Angel of chivalry and all that... It means I’m a real sucker for karma.” Lucy stifles a laugh in spite of herself as angelic (and stuck up) demeanour slips for just a moment. \n\n“They aren’t the enemy.” He continues, choosing to ignore his friend’s teasing smirk. “They are good. They just want to live. They love earth. They love their lives. There are just a few at the top who are power hungry, and the rest have no say in how those ones run the show.” \n\nLucy breathes a sigh of something that could be annoyance. It could also be affection. It could be (and actually in-fact was) a mix of both emotions. She squeezes Michael’s hand. \n\n“Better to rule in Hell than to serve in Heaven” she says as her wings unfurl and curled horns sprout from her forehead. “And I can promise you that the good souls out there on this planet will be given the best roles in Hell once this is over” she raises a hand to cut off Michael’s inevitable protests. Horns bellow in the distance. It’s time. Too late to cancel this apocalypse now. “I can promise you that ones who ruined this earth will suffer the consequences for eternity”. \n\n\nWriters note: I’m a sucker for references and so there’s free internet brownie points for whoever finds references to some of my favourite books/TV shows", "The atmosphere of the human bar wasn’t as welcoming as it seemed. See, it was a neutral ground for the ancient forces and the humans, meaning it had tension reeking out the doors to the next town over. This tension resided in the wood of the bar counter, the voices of the band playing from the corner, the whispers on both sides, and of course, the newcomer who walked in. \n\nA portion of the voices had ceased as the heavy footsteps entered the bar. Those leaning over the railing of the second level found their eyes glued to this newcomer. \n\nThe man in question proceeded to make his way to the bar, lowering himself gracefully onto a barstool. His eyes raised from their cave under the hood to rest on the bartender, and his left hand raised briefly. A coin emerged between his pointer and middle finger, and he rested it on the counter before he slid it over to the bartender, who brought his own hand down on it to stop its motion. He looked down briefly before smirking, taking the coin and replacing it with a bottle of scotch. \n\nLike the coin, the bartender slid the bottle down towards the man, whom caught it before it could slide down past him. \n\n“Hope this will satisfy your thirst, Lucifer.”\n\nWith that, the band ceased playing, as did the voices in the bar. Humans and angels alike turned to each other to confirm they heard correctly, and the demon gang in the corner nearly howled with excitement. See, Lucifer was one of the archangels capable of turning the tides of this unholy war. \n\nLucifer simply uncorked the bottle, and raised it to his lips as he took a long sip. He was waiting, patiently in fact which had surprised even the Angels on the top level of the bar. Moments later, a small group of humans emerged from their table and approached the Archangel. \n\n“You’re not welcome here lad.” The one leading them piped up. \n\nLucifer paused, the bottle raised halfway up to his lips. He let out a small sigh and lowered it down to the counter, turning in his seat to examine those willing to approach and judge his presence. \n\n“And who has said that?” His deep voice called out into the silent bar, his eyes emerging once more. Lucifer raised a hand, causing the humans to tense up briefly. Instead of reaching towards the humans, his hand landed on the hood over his head and removed it, revealing black hair and tattoos that covered his neck and trailed downwards towards his collar. \n\n“Who says that a man, sorry, an Archangel cannot have a drink? Is it you?” He asked before quickly emerging from his seat, his hand now gliding forwards towards the humans as it latched onto ones throat. “You dare try and command me?” Lucifer’s voice now held the hatred he had always carried, and the bar occupants started to emerge from their seats. Half of them began to reach into bags or waistbands for weapons, while the other half began to prepare for a fight.\n\n“How dare you, you incompetent little cockroach. I should smite you where you stand had my Father not gone and created you.” He pushed the human back, sending him flying into the table they had emerged from. \n\n\n“Now listen up, and listen good. Us Angels and Demons now run this planet. And you no good vermin have no right to the riches and luxuries it offers. Therefore, you are going to pack your bags, and leave. Or else the wars you have waged will look like human children playing with dolls.”\n\nThe demons let out their howls of joy and emerged from their corner, making their way to Lucifer’s side. The Angels now leaped down from the second floor, letting their wings unfold briefly to glide down. Now the bar was split into two sides, and both sides were eyeing up the other. \n\nIn an instant, much like the calm before the storm, there was silence. But the storm always emerged. And both sides lunged at each other, colliding in what is known amongst all side as the kickstart to a war that had been waiting to unfold for thousands of years.", "At the end of the day, it's a job. There's only so many times you can receive a \"once more into the breach lads\" speach before it just becomes the background noise of my generations 9-5. I strap on my chariot suit and run a quick system check before climbing into the launch vehicle. \n\n\"Hell or paradise today Blackstone?\" I quickly shoot to my CO who frantically pounds the rest of his coffee before responding \"Rate admin pays, it's always hell\"\n\nContrary to his cheery demeanor, this morning's offensive was against a legion of bow welding cherubs. Even with their magic, should be a quick days work.\n\nWhen the gates of hell and heaven poured open and they announced judgement day was here at last most people panicked, some made amends, some attonements, some frantic pleas. Not the United Military Corporation. Turns out despite two and a half thousand years of rethoric, kinetic energy is still proportional to mass times velocity and if you have enough of the latter two, divinity is relative.\n\nSo that's what we do every day, besides clock in, clock an hour for lunch, then clock out. We bring the God's stolen fire back to them, each rifle, sidearm, and 20mm mounted autocannon Prometheus's blessing.\n\nWhen we split the atom before the pearly gates and knocked them asunder the U.M.C had a message to deliver. God might not be dead, but give us enough explosives and we'll do Niche proud.", "\"This can't be, this impossible, they shouldn't exist at all!\" The general's shouted so hard that a few medals popped of his chest and fell on the battle map. \"This is madness, pure madness!\" \n\n\"Calm down, we saw them coming, we knew what to expect, the battle is not lost. Maybe not even the war, we can still win this!\" A young man with just as much medals spoke.\n\nThe general turned around, red faced, chewing on his cigar, that despite all that huffing and puffing was no longer lit. \"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? WE THREW EVERYTHING AGAINST THEM, EVERYTHING, HOW ARE THEY STILL ALIVE!?\" \n\n\"Sir, we don't know. They shouldn't be, yet they are. Our best scientists are looking at other options.\" \n\n\"DAMN THOSE OTHER OPTIONS!\" The generals face now mostly looked like a tomato, his eyes showing pure anger. \"WE HAVE LOST THIS WAR, WE UNDERESTIMATED OUR ENEMIES!\"\n\n\"Sir we never knew they would work together. It is so unlikely for them. The books were wrong on that part.\"\n\nThe general was silent, took a deep breath and started speaking in a soft voice, which to everyone in the war room was a first: \n\n\"They have taken our cities, our lands, or people. They have destroyed, purged, cleansed and shot everything we had. We are the last bastion and now you say that our final hope was ineffective. It is a matter of minutes before they break through, I apologize for my shouting and my screaming, in the face of total extinction my emotions have gotten the better of me. It was an honour serving with you all.\" \n\n\nThe young man walked towards the general who's face was still red and extended his hand. \"Damn the etiquette, Lucifer it was an honour to see you in action and an honour to call you my brother.\"\n\n\nLucifer turned around and pushed the hand away and gripped the young man in bear hug. \"Gabriel, I am sorry for all and I am so sorry that it took all this to make us work together. We should have never underestimated the humans.\"", "“I don’t get it.”\n\n“I know, it sounds crazy.”\n\n“That’s because it is. How would faking a war help?”\n\nLucifer simply smiled that big Cheshire cat smile of his in response.\n\n— — — — —\n\n“Atone! Atone for your sins, and you may be spared!”\n\n“My sins?! You have inflicted violence on others for the mere reason that they disagree with you, and have done so since the Crusades.”\n\n“Disbelievers. They were heathens, unworthy of the Holy Land.”\n\n“You invaded their lands.”\n\n“That was the will of God.”\n\n“So then the outcome of World War 3 was also His will?”\n\n“That was … the other side. The devil himself intervened to subvert our righteous cause.”\n\n“Funny how that works.”\n\n“Mock all you want, but the end is nigh. He will return, and the true believers will return to glory once more.”\n\n“Don’t hold your breath.”\n\n— — — — —\n\n“Your Grace, are you certain?”\n\n“There is no other way, Reverend.”\n\n“But our ministers report progress. They spread His word.”\n\n“Not quickly enough, Reverend. We do not have the luxury of millennia to undo the damage to humanity’s collective soul. We must act, and act now.”\n\n“But at this cost, Your Grace?”\n\n“At any cost, Reverend. His will must be done.”\n\n“May God have mercy on our souls.”\n\n“I expect no less than He to welcome me at the Heavenly gates.”\n\n— — — — —\n\nThe explosion was as devastating as it was brief. The papal scientists had done their homework well, replicating every bit of science that the previous wars had had to offer. The artillery of the first world war, the nuclear weapons of the second, and the quantum computing of the third were all incorporated into that one, short blast. It was, in short, a doomsday device made real.\n\nIsrael had no chance against a weapon of such magnitude. Holy land or not, the country was leveled in an instant. Yet the blast was so large that it was not contained to a mere country. Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt all felt the terrible effects of the weapon, wiping out millions of square miles of civilization in a heartbeat. Where cities had once thrived, there was now nothing. Not carrion, not rotting flesh, just … nothing.\n\nFrom his exile, the Pope watched with much satisfaction. The heathens had been punished, and the world had seen the consequences of turning away from His word. Let them learn from their mistake, that they might return to the flock.\n\nSo strong was his belief, that he didn’t flinch when the first of the Angels appeared at the blast site. This was a sign from Heaven itself; he had done the right thing.\n\nIt was only when the demons showed up that he began to suspect something was wrong.\n\n— — — — —\n\n“Man! You have proven yourself unworthy!”\n\nThe voice rang through the air, clear and sharp. It obviously originated from ground zero of the blast, yet the world over heard the words. Somehow, the demon’s voice had carried across the globe unassisted.\n\nThousands of miles away, a very confused Pope began to stammer a reply. Yet before he could let out a full sentence, one of the angels continued the sentence.\n\n“Man’s free will, its ability to act as it chooses, is its greatest gift and its greatest curse. Too often, that choice is a poor one. Today marks the last time that choice is allowed.”\n\n“Before you stand the armies of Heaven and Hell. Surrender your weapons and you may be granted clemency.”\n\nWhile there were many reactions to this proclamation, the only response that mattered was the volley of missiles that closed in on angels and demons. History never quite singled out who, or which country, fired that volley, but it mattered little. That act proved to the armies of the afterlife that they had been right.\n\nHistory was quite certain about the words that came next.\n\n“So be it.”\n\n— — — — —\n\n“How did you know, Lucifer?”\n\n“Man is a social creature. Introducing two sides in a war meant that they would inevitably pick a side, like rooting for a team.”\n\n“And what of it? Angels don’t exactly visit Hell often.”\n\n“No, but we don’t exhibit free will the same way they do. Taken to an extreme, free will means fanaticism and zealotry. Urging them down that path meant they would simply get there sooner.”\n\n“How did you know? You couldn’t possibly have been sure.”\n\n“Call it a hunch. I’ve seen the worst that Man can offer.”\n\n“So you wanted them to cross the line? That weapon was a very real threat to all of us.”\n\n“I wanted them to cross the line sooner rather than later. An immature enemy is an easier one to squash.”\n\n“You wanted to strangle them in the cradle.”\n\n“Having more experience with their weapons would have meant a longer, deadlier confrontation.”\n\n“So you nudged them towards that weapon while they were still unprepared. Devious.”\n\n“My dear Jesus, don’t you know? The Devil knows more from being old than being the Devil.”" ]	6
	[WP] Amber Alerts suddenly have the power to compel everyone who is made aware of them to stop what they're doing and immediately pursue the suspect(s) by any means possible. Nobody can stop the hunt until the suspect is apprehended and the child abducted is returned.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "(H)\"Kidnap the prime ministers daughter they said, its easy the said. \".\n\n(R) \"Hawk quit complaining, no one could have predicted this.\"\n\n(S) \"I'm with Hawk on this Raven, Intel fucked up, missing father involved with mass mind control is more then a little oversight.\"\n\n(R) \"Of course they fucked up, but lets face it mind controlling an entire country isn't the kind of shit that normal people do in response to a kidnapping.\"\n\n(H) \"Sparrow any sign of pursuers? \"\n\n(S) \"Nah, we shook most of them off when that plane tried dive bombing us and crashed into the street behind us .\"\n\n(H) \"Don't count on it, remember the gas station, even on fire they just kept coming.\"\n\n(R) \"Dammit Hawk, what did i just say....... \" \n\nTHUD....THUD.....'\n\n (S) \"Raven, there jumping out of nearby windows onto the van, hang on, ill try to shake them.\"\n\n(R) \"Keep it up, our extraction point is only 80 miles away\"\n\n(H) \"If they haven't turned as well, and thats assuming they wouldn't follow us even after extraction. \"\n\n(R) \"Thats a risk were going to have to take, unless anyone here wants to join Seagulls fate. \"", "Joe Coplast was on his way out of town when the Amber alert came through. \n\nHe had no choice, a quick U-turn and he was speeding down the road faster than he felt comfortable. Looking in his rear view mirror he could see hundreds of other cars turning around just as he had. \n\nThis wasn't what he had planned for the day but there was nothing he could do. Nothing any of them could do until the child was returned. As he sped down the road, he silent cursed his decision to turn his cell phone on. If he had left it off he would be with Jenny now. \n\nJenny was going to be angry. He knew she would blame him. She always blamed him when anything didn't go the way she wanted it to and he was suppose to be there by now. Knowing her, she would probably leave without him. Sailing to the Caribbean and wherever else her heart desired. He would quite truthfully probably never see her again. \n\nYeah, she would blame him. It didn't matter that she had sent him into town to pick up \"one last thing\". Didn't matter one bit. She would blame him and leave him. \n\nUp ahead Joe saw what he was looking for pulling from a parking lot. He cut them off blocking them before they could leave. Quickly he opened his car door jumped out and pulled the crying child from the car.\n\n\"Goodbye Jenny,\" he thought as he lay prostrate on the ground and allowed the officers he had stopped to cuff him and place him under arrest." ]	3
	[WP] Tomorrow morning people look up in the sky to see that the sun has gone, replaced by a flaming chariot driven by, presumably, the Sun God. Investigation at a distance; telescopes, radar, etc, are consistent with this. Attempts to approach always result in the plane bursting into flames.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "(this is my first attempt at a writing prompt, so sorry if it isn't great)\n\n&#x200B;\n\n'All right... What are we going to do?' Athena said.\n\nThere was a lengthy silence. The Greek Gods were gathered around a table, all awkwardly averting their gaze from each other. It all started when the Moon Goddess Selene happened to look out the window, only to discover, to her absolute horror, that that the sun had gone out. Or, to put it more accurately, the blazing light surrounding Helios' chariot that the people on the ground thought was the sun had gone out. This had led to Athena calling an emergency meeting on Mount Olympus in order to figure out how to figure out the solution that had the least amount of collateral damage.\n\n'Dammit. I told him not to get the battery powered one, I TOLD HIM!' Selene growled. 'Gods! This is just the worst!' \n\n'Hey, watch it. At least you don't have to deal with the consequences of this whole fiasco!' Hades argued. 'Seriously, I've had a sudden influx of dead guys in planes who thought it would be a good idea to fly up there! It's like Icarus all over again!'\n\nThere was another awkward silence.\n\n'How about we cut the day short?' Persephone asked.\n\n'No. That'll just look incredibly suspicious.' Athena said flatly. \n\n'I say we shoot him down.' Ares suggested. \n\n'NO!' Athena yelled. \n\n'Clouds. I say we put up lots of clouds.' Zeus said. 'That'll hide him. It always worked for me whenever I needed to hide myself from Hera whenever I-'\n\nHera shot him a death glare.\n\nAthena pinched her nose in frustration. 'You know what? Let's just... do what Zeus said, minus the implication of your colourful dating history and then we'll wait until Helios has finished his shift, then we'll fix his chariot and send him off as normal the next day and pretend that none of this has ever happened. Are we all in agreement?' she said sighing heavily. \n\nEveryone at the table nodded their heads and muttered their approval.\n\n'It would have been better if we shot him down...' Ares grumbled." ]	2
	[WP] You are home alone with your partner. You go to lay in bed to sleep when a message pops up. “You may not sleep when enemies are near”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "You climb out of bed, startled. Quickly, you glance around; what was happening? What was this new... message? You'd never seen anything like it before, not in your entire career here. Where are the enemies? The bedroom door seems unbroken. Well, you think, that's a good sign. You look back to the sleeping form of your partner; she seems to be in perfect health. \n\nYou look outside to the window, your heart racing a mile a minute. What could it be? God, you hoped it wasn't the Monsters. They were so painful to deal with. And irritating. Mostly irritating. But you'd rather take them over the Zeppi. You did not have enough energy to deal with those blood-sucking, energy-draining suckers right now. Especially not when you haven't foraged in weeks.\n\nWhat could it be? You take a careful step forward. And then another. Beside the desk in the front-door rests a machete; you snatch it. \n\nYou open the door to grass. Wind whips your hair and hat; you glance warily around you as you take in your surroundings. There's nothing out of the ordinary. Why the message? Was it a bug—\n\nSuddenly, a black thing whizzes in front of you. You scream, falling as you attempt to swat the--the THING away from you. Flesh upon flesh's rawed away, and you can't help but shriek. And immediately, your vision plummets into blackness. About a second later, blood-splatter splashes across your vision. The taunting words pop up across your screen: GAME OVER. \n\n\"Dang it!\" you grunt, pushing against your desk. Your chair spins backwards, as you tilt your head against the headrest. \"This has to be the shittiest death of them all. Death by a fucking Morai, of all things. Damnit!\"" ]	2
	[WP] You have never been in a fight in your life. One day at a bar a man drunkenly punches you. The man instantly explodes...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"I said duck off.\" I lifted my gaze onto 3 blokes at the corner of one of those pool tables. This should be fun. \n\nI sip on my shaken not stirred martini, as I catch onto them. Two against one, hardly fair. The two have a typical build, nothing remarkable. But him, hardly the type you'll find here often, he looks Eastern European? Sporting a few tattoos, but quite small framed. But it's just that, I can't read him. Curious, he seems resistant. \n\nOne of the blokes grips onto the kid's arm like a vice with one hand, and launches a punch with the other. But as his hand collides with the kid, the man's arm went from rock solid to dust. Starting in the arm, the veins in his body lit up an usual orange tinge, then his skin cracked. His entire mass turned into a black dust. It almost looked like he morphed, but uncontrolled. Well this got interesting fast. \n\n\"What the hell.\"\n\n\"What did you do to him?\" The second guy took a defensive step back. \n\n\"Did I do that? I... You can't think I did that, right?\" He squat over, on where the man last was, and his fingers run through the black powder. Ashe. But he didn't do that. \"What the? This is some joke right?\"\n\nWho is this kid? Doesn't seem like my type. That or he's extremely powerful. \n\n\"What the duck did you do to him? Where the duck!\" His friend takes a step forward, with an obvious intention in mind.\n\nOh no you don't. I reluctantly place down my glass. The skin inside my black suit ignites. The same orange tinge surronds my every pore and ignites, crackling me into ashe and cinders. The ashes fly and reanimate into a cloud of hot cinders mirroring my form just inches in front of the guy. The cinders harden back, returning to me. Now, in front of the man, I grip onto the bottom of his clenched fist, redirecting it. \"No, you don't.\"\n\n\"I think you had a few too many drinks,\" my eyes lock with his, igniting with a Ceverus mark.\n\n\"Why don't you go and have a walk.\" The man merely released his grip, relaxing everything in his body, \"Yes I must have.\" His eyes still transfixed with mine, he turned away.\n\nI turn back round to this boy, his arm still flowing with that familiar orange. \"Fairly good display. Never seen anything like it. What are you?\" He looks back with the widest eyes, \"What? I'm... I'm Jeremy.\" \n\n\"Yes boy that is your name, but what are you? How did you control the shadows to morph another being like that.\" He just looks back at me, straight into my eyes like a lesser being would his master. I reached for his arm, tuning it over, the orange glow persists over his tattoos, except one, humming a bright rich red." ]	2
	[WP] Every night you hear it, as if someone is banging on the walls around you, shouting your name. You know that you are all alone, and yet you can’t help but feel like you are surrounded.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I wake up, cold sweat dripping down my forehead and onto my duvet, which my fingers tightly clutch as I look around myself. I hear the voices saying my name--\"Mary, Mary, Mary\"--but as always, there is no-one around me. There is only the porcelain doll that sits by my side, staring at me through a pair of glassy eyes. It belonged to my grandma when she was younger, and when she died, it was passed onto my mother. Eventually, when my mother died, it was passed onto me. The doll always creeped me out a little, the way its little eyes seemed to follow me without shifting in the slightest, but it's all I've got left of my mother. It could start dancing about and I still wouldn't want to throw it away. Like I said, it's all I've got left.\n\nA gust of breath billows out from my lips as I slowly relax my head back onto the hard ground beneath me, still unable to shake this feeling of uncertainty. It follows me every day, but it is only when I pause to rest that it feasts on my inertia and robs me of my sleep. Sleep is meant to be a luxury, but with every passing day spent in the spiky, cruel arms of slumber, I feel that I am inching closer and closer to my eventual demise. My body feels as if it's being ravaged on the inside, my heart battered like a piñata and my lungs deflating like a flat tire. My breath won't stop running away from me. The voices are drawing closer now, and when I try to lift my head from the pillow, I am rendered incapable of moving. My fingers are frozen around the duvet, and even though I'm sucking in oxygen, it doesn't reach my lungs.\n\nAm I alive?\n\nWith all of the strength I can muster, I turn my head to face the porcelain doll again. She has disappeared. There isn't even a strand of blonde hair to hint towards her existence, nor is there a missing pink shoe. There is only the empty space next to me, skulls and bones surrounding that void. She had stood out as a point of beauty in an environment of death, refusing to deteriorate over countless years of neglect. She was my inspiration to keep going in a world where I am the only one left breathing. In a world where humanity no longer existed, there was nothing left except the failures of a world that had failed to look after its people. Ravaged by war, famine and floods, there was only me.\n\nBut, as I try to turn my head to look back up at the stygian sky, a chill running through my blood, I realise that I can't move at all. The voices have caught up to me, and my eyes are refusing to let me see where they're coming from. It's a question I've asked myself for many years--are there people I can't see? Is this a side-effect of me not having human contact for God knows how long? Am I just insane?--yet now, I can see that I will never find the answer.\n\nThere is only one thing I know for sure: I am the porcelain doll. I am the one who's disappeared. And, in a world where no-one exists, I can never be found. I exist only to vanish, my existence kept alive only by the voices that whisper my name: \"Mary, Mary, Mary\"." ]	2
	[WP] Every dream you've had since you were 20 has been a fragmented story about how you would save the universe. It started with a mysterious woman brushing against you on the street. You're 80 with 2 weeks to live, and that same woman brushes against you.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Wait.”\n\nShe was already passing me, moving deeper into the crowd and the layers of people crowded between me and her.\n\n“Wait!” I shouted and began to push.\n\nThe mass of people seemed to surge against me, as if everyone was deliberately working to keep me from my goal. I pushed my arm through the throng, groping almost blindly as the endless streams swirled around. I caught a glimpse of her from the back, seeming further away. I pushed forward desperately, almost jumping, and my hand landed on her shoulder.\n\nShe spun around.\n\nI opened my mouth.\n\nWhat was I supposed to say? You gave me hallucinations? You’ve infected my sleeping life? When I was a kid, you brushed past me in the street, and every night since, I’ve dreamed of thousand battles on another world and I want to know why?\n\nWe were standing in the middle of the street, staring at each other.\n\n“Do I know you?” she asked.\n\nWas it even her?\n\n“You remind me of someone,” I replied, not coming up with anything better.\n\nShe frowned and squinted, examining my face.\n\nSuddenly, her face cleared. “Oh my God,” she said in a hushed voice. “Oh my God, I didn’t realize…”\n\nA trembling hand reached out and touched my face, as if she was afraid that I would vanish.\n\n“Have you eaten yet?”\n\nWe found a restaurant a few blocks down. We even ordered food that neither of us touched.\n\n“I’m Zephyr,” she said while we waited.\n\n“Tyrone.”\n\n“I know,” she said with a sad smile.\n\n“How?” I demanded. “How do you know that?”\n\n“Why do you remember me?” she shot back. “I haven’t been here in a long time.”\n\n“Because every night, every night since I met you, I have had nightmares. I dream that I’m on a world in ruins, and that I’m the only person standing between the people of the world and something evil coming over the horizon.”\n\nShe dropped. “Yeah. That’s probably my fault.”\n\n“Why?”\n\nShe chuckled. “This is going to sound crazy.”\n\n“Try me.”\n\n“I’m not from this reality.”\n\nFor a moment, there was only the sound of water running in the fountain.\n\n“As in,” I tried to formulate a response, “an alternate dimension?”\n\n“Sort of. I’ve been looking for you for a long time. My universe’s version of you was a hero from a prophecy destined to launch a rebellion and overthrow an evil empire.”\n\n“Me?” I asked in disbelief.\n\n“Yeah. You.”\n\n“What happened?”\n\n“You got killed in battle.” She took a sip of water. “You led a sneak attack on the empire’s homeworld. And then they overwhelmed you with numbers.”\n\n“But the prophecy?”\n\n“Well, that’s why I’m here. I was hoping that if I found another version of you, you’d still be able to fulfill the prophecy.”\n\n“Oh.” I sat back for a moment and tried to fit that into the larger picture of the world in my mind. Here was my world, my universe, all fit into a ball, and then I threw that ball into a ball pit and suddenly it was just one of many.\n\n“Have you found any others?”\n\n“They all died, so I’m still looking.”\n\nI nodded slowly.\n\nI was thinking something insane. I must have been going senile at that age; it’s really the only excuse.\n\n“Do you have any other candidates right now?”\n\n“No. I was hoping you might have grown up in the time I was gone, but I overshot and now you’re too old.”\n\n“Does the prophecy have an age cap?” I asked.\n\n“No, it…” She paused and looked at me, as if weighing something in her mind. “No, it doesn’t.”\n\nI shrugged. “Two weeks left to live. Nothing to lose.”\n\n“Well. That just sounds crazy enough to work.”" ]	2
	[WP] Humans are born with clear blood.The more bad things they do, the darker their blood becomes. It takes a truly horrendous act to darken the blood, not petty things. One day your young child accidentally cuts him/herself. Blood, black as ink, pours out of the wound.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "First post on here, and I'm on mobile but I will try my best. Please give feed back also it was originally longer, but it wouldn't work for some reason so I cut it short.\n\nI wake up in the morning, it's a cold November Saturday the bed is warm (ish.) I open my eyes and see that last night I accidentally left channel 9 on. At the bottom it says 8:33 43°F Something or other °C with the red bar saying \"Protesters at Capitol fight against \"unfair blood profiling laws.\" Bunch of idiots I'd say, but truthfully It's not my place to comment, it's not like It will ever affect me.\nDavid Payne the weather forecaster says alright Jim looks like we will have a high of 67 in the afternoon and a low of 34 later to night with a chance for storms or tornadoes. When I first moved here from Nevada I was actually nervous about the tornadoes, but my wife who had lived here all her life and had an internship at Fox News Oklahoma said that those stories were excuse her pun \"BLOWN out of proportion so you will keep watching.\" She hasn't lied to me yet so I doubt she is wrong. Either way the weather here is way to cold and not to mention inconsistent. one day my daughter Chastity said that the hot days in the fall are called Indian summers and are called that because This was originally called the Indian Territories. \nIt then did a story on the protests I got dressed while it played, the lady they interviewed said that it was unfair because those of Native American decent have naturally murky blood that not even the sacrament of confession can fix. Even in those with no native ancestory it takes weeks or even months for the blood to fully clear the blood a process which can be halted with even the slightest of sins. I think it was something like that, I am about an 8th Navajo according to my mother & it takes a 4th for the blood to become murky. This is coming from the woman who said that opening an umbrella inside can lead to bad luck how so I always took it with a grain or 2 of salt. \n\nMy wife is about a 12th Cherokee according to her father. I walked out of my room to get some cleaning done, later we have a wedding that is in southern Oklahoma Chastity Jr. and her mom went over last night to help set up and because Chastity Jr. was the flower girl. I made myself breakfast, but I am not a very good cook so I accidentally cut myself and muttered about why I was even in boy scouts. The blood was little darker than normal meaning it was probably time to attune for my sins. It takes a truly awful sin to have black blood. As I ate my eggs that were originally fried but came out scrambled with an accidental side of blood sauce. I realized that there was no dog around. Chastity loved the dog she even named him Noodles, I did not. Her mother convinced me to let her keep \"Noodles\" because I would warm up to him. I saw that her blood got 3 shades darker after that day. It would have been nice to get asked before my wife gave it to her, but I guess that's too much to ask. I was always a cat person myself however I do recognize that both Chastities were deeply upset over the death that was on Halloween, it got out when I opened the door for some trick or treaters the dog got out and was then found the next day rotting in the middle of the road. It was not a very happy Halloween. The blood was of an animal so the blood was splattered and then went off into tire tracks of red coming out of a foul smelling beast with broken bones and matted fur. \n\nAround 4 o clock I started to drive over to the wedding it was the wedding of the twin sister (named Janey.) Of another intern at the news station named Jim, I went to OU with their cousin Jeff which is how I was introduced to my Wife. I drove over there, the chapel was large enough to fit about 100 to 150 people but there was only about 60 to 70 that night. The windows showed pictures glass depictions of Jesus being Crusified with the blood of the surrounding criminals being black and brown. Contrasted with the blood of Jesus who is so pure his blood removes any pigment of any liquid it touches provided it is in a lesser or equal amount. The last time I came here I recieved my communion and I looked through the chalice of blood, made out of maticuasly cleaned glass to show the transformation of wine into something worth more. I took my seat with Chastity senior. She wore a black dress that she said was new and that she got it after helping with the wedding. It was from Goodwill but it was new to her. The bride had tanned skin I think she said something about being half Chickisaw but that was a while ago. The dress was very... uh traditional it was a hand me down from her late mother, who got it from her late mother, I wouldn't be surprised if she got it from her late mother also. \nThe pressesion went on as normal, however when the roses fell the bride dropped them when she tried to throw them resulting in them landing straight into little Chastitys face, causing the white Rose's to get covered in black. Shortly there Chastity fainted, from the sight of so much blood. I was shocked to find the blood to be so dark. At first I denied this... revelation. We went to the hospital, where my wife and I questioned to no end. She woke up and I turned around and started questioning her to no end. \"Why is your blood black?\" I said? She said \"I don't know she said!\" As if I were about to beat her to a pulp. Like her mother she is a very bad liar, not that I would know that's just what she said, and if she was a bad liar I would be able to tell, but I tried to calm myself down then kept asking, \"if you did something I won't be mad.\" I said while trying, and failing to not look angry. She said \"I talked to a stranger!\" \"I'm sorry please don't get me in trouble!\" I knew that it probably wasn't enough to turn it into ink, probably not enough to be visible but I went along with it. \"What did you do?\" I questioned concerningly. \"He said he would bring noodles back, he just needed my sole? Or I think that's what he said? I don't know I just want Noodles back!\" Before flinching. \"What did he look like?\" I said with visible confusion. \"He had a suitcase with a suit and on the case was a worm?\" He gave me a piece of paper and told me to write my name so I did but I never got noodles back.\" She said while short of breath. I was about to respond but she then interupted, \"also he has horns, Oh I supposed to wait my turn sorry.\" I said \"It's alright just don't do it aga-,\" \"I won't, never again.\" After a while the nurses kicked us out. We said our byes and I over heard her asking the nurse asking why everything smells like toothpaste. The ride home was very quiet. We are at McDonald's because Braums was closed. We walked in to find the manager yelling at one of the cooks because he got blood on someone's Mcchicken and threatened to call the police because it wasn't clear. Our food tasted oddly bitter that night. When we went home I took my sleeping pills and went to bed. I still couldn't sleep and after 3 hours I went to take about 5 more. It was dark and I stubbed my toe. \"God Da-!\" Then the lights turned on suddenly, I was next to the light switch and the only other person who could have did it was a slim horned man who'd skin had a pinkish tone he had a lawyer's suit, with the tie made of snake skin, on his brief case next to the dish full of egg that I forgot to put away this morning, Well yesterday but still. On the brief case was a snake at first I thought it was the \"Don't Tread On Me Flag.\" However the snake looked more like the \"Join or Die\" flag, but even then the design was unrelated. Said figure after the lights turned on leaned on our back door and said \"Taking the lord's name in vain, tsk tsk, how very bad.\" I then said while alarmed \"Who are you! And what do you want from us!?\" He then helped himself to the contents of my liquor cabinet and said non shelontly \"Oh nothing just toying with my prey.\" I said again with visible confusion and anger \"Prey?\" \"Oh why yes your Wife's daughter, where is she by the way?\" \"She's in the hospi- wait what!?\" \"Oh yes I forgot to say when you sell your soul your blood doesn't become black as many are fooled into believing.\" while opening a new bottle and burning the cap with seemingly his mind. He took a chug then said \"Ah you see the blood actually turns purple when you have no soul the blood over a period of weeks starts to turn purple.\" Unless the blood was already murkey.\" I then said \"She's only about a13th\nNative American!\" He then chuckled and said \"Your wife is a better liar than you think my good sir.\" \"If Chastity isn't mine then who does she belong to?\" The lawyer said \"Well the peg of the happy couple of course.\" \"The peg?\" I asked? He explained that in Hell he \"peg.\" Is the one on top while doing things that are not allowed to be discussed on a SFW post. I'm not sure what means either. I was shocked to say the least. I grabbed the one bottle the suited horny man hadn't grabbed and then drank it down like water. As I did this he said \"They still go at it from time to time, you don't really think the blood darkened because of the dog do you?\" I then put it down and remembered what Chastity said.\n\"Wait if Chastity sold her sold soul where is the dog.\" He replied \"Oh he's still dead and unless someone else wants to sell their soul he will probably stay that way.\" \"SHE SOLD HER YOUR SOUL AND YOU CAN'T EVEN BRING BACK A DOG.\" he laughed and said \"I can, but I don't have to.\" He took out a pair of 18th century reading glasses and popped open the case and pulled out some legal document saying (translated from legal jargon.) \"Because she is under 18 she can't sign contacts,so he got a free soul.\" He then stuffed down the entire cabinet into his briefcase and then smiled and sarcasticly said \"Toodles have a nice time with Chastity.\" I took about 10 sleeping pills and could not sleep." ]	2
	[WP] (3rd person perspective)Set in a dystopian world where everyone is constantly being watched except for in there own home the main character seeks safety in their home at the end of the book the perspective zooms out and there is a security guard seen to be monitoring his every move	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The subject walks among others in an organized ritual that ends it's day. As if marching as one, the subject fits into the traffic of the crowd. All in it have the collective intent of returning home after participation in National Day. It wishes to appear fondly on the topic of National Day however it's movements suggest otherwise. How can one not love the tiring monthly holiday who's extended effort in labour celebrates the collective nation and collective mind! As it walks it stumbles for a moment before returning to it's original state. In the crowd the subject finds itself walking down the worn, grey, streets with the familiar flanking of flags and banners and propaganda. It reaches it's residence within a time not exceeding graciously permitted hour. It opens its worn door to a defiant creak. Entering the structure, the subject avoids making view of all items of rightous patriotism. Thinking itself safe, it reaches into its torn clothing pulling out a cigarette with the intent to smoke. Given all the information needed, a Peace Protector in MTC withdraws from his monitor and provides the signal. The man has breached permitted rations by one cigar and he must now awnser to the the CCC for his crimes against the collective. The Peace Protector mumbles grimly, \"National Day always tires them into revealing their true commitment \"\n\nThis is my first time doing something like this! I hope it provided a good read to whomever it reaches." ]	2
	[WP] Medusa is a creature so ugly she turns people to stone. It all changes one day when she meets a man who’s completely immune to her ability, thinking she’s the most beautiful he’s ever seen.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Medusa tucks the last of the slithering things dangling from her head inside the turban. She utters a short prayer that everything will go as smooth and as fast as possible. She utters it fervently even if she knows the gods will not hear her. The gods brought her into this hell hole, after all, as a form of eternal punishment. She has to adjust herself every new decade, century, millenium... every turn of a new movement, every change of tide.\n\nAll this trouble, all this pain, just because she was unluckily born unattractive. Despite the passage of time and the constancy of change, only one thing remained: the beautiful ones had it easier than those who didn't. They were always on top of the game.\n\nShe sighs and wears the large sunglasses, covering her eyes from the sight of whoever may look at her. She opens the door takes the box standing idly by the halls. She doesn't bother turning her head to see if there are other people passing by. It was for the good of humanity, after all. \n\nShe closes the door only to be halted by a voice calling out her name. Once. Twice. Thrice. \n\n\"Excuse me, ma'am. I forgot to collect the payment.\" The man manages to say in between breaths.\n\nPayment? What payment? Medusa is startled. She always pays online so that she doesn't need to interact with the delivery people sent her way.\n\n\"What payment?\" Medusa asks. Her eyes are fixated to the ground; her hands are clutched on the package.\n\n\"You ticked the Payment on Delivery option.\" The man says. Medusa thinks he has a smile plastered on his face.\n\n\"Please wait for awhile.\"\n\nShe hurries inside to rummage around for money so that he can finally send this man his way. When she does, she goes back to the door and hands him the money. She retreats and shuts the door to the man's face, without any spaces left for words and courtesies. She removes her sunglasses and reverts back to seeing the word in its pale color.\n\nShe hears a succession of knocks.\n\n\"You still need to sign, ma'am.\"\n\nShe heaves another sigh. She stomps her way back to the door. It swings open and she grabs the pen and paper. She scribbles illegibly and hands back the document back to the delivery guy.\n\n\"Wow. You're pretty.\"\n\nWait. What?\n\n\"I was kind of curious why you wore sunglasses when it's not that bright.\"\n\nWait. What?\n\n\"Have a great day, ma'am.\"\n\nWait. What?\n\nShe sees the guy standing in front of her with a smile on his face. The guy, oddly enough, is still flasked within his own flesh. No hint of gray or concrete or petrification. He collects himself and is on is way.\n\nMedusa returns to her fort and is puzzled by the flow of events. Could it be that someone is actually immuned from her curse? If it is, then, what are the gods up to? Or maybe this is the part of her story where she meets the prince who will break the curse? IIf it is, then, what are the gods up to?\n\nIsn't it terrible of a punishment to let someone live forever avoiding any strings and any contact? Isn't it more cruel to dote on the unattractiveness of someone? Medusa doesn't get it. Medusa doesn't understand why the unlucky ones should be included in the gods' game.", "Medusa heard a boat scraping onto the distant shore, long before the whispering voice came anywhere near the ruined doors of her temple. But she didn't go down to meet it, nor to flee into the mazelike catacombs to hide.\n\nOnce, long ago, she would have done one or the other. For the first three years of her curse, when occasional travelers found their way to her home, she hid out of shame at her monstrous appearance. When she grew too lonely, she finally went out to meet a group. She hoped for companionship, but was willing to be treated as a monster if it meant an end to isolation.\n\nBut she found only silent statues, their faces frozen in expressions of horror. That was when she finally realized the full nature of her curse.\n\nAfter that she hid again, not wanting more deaths on her conscience. But it didn't help. Would-be heroes found out about the hideous monster in the temple. They came to chase her through the abandoned temple halls, the overgrown garden, the catacombs, until they finally caught her and inevitably died. A few were clever enough to avoid looking directly at her, but the deadly snakes in her hair were ready for those, and their cleverness was rewarded only with a painful death from venom.\n\nBy the time the island was littered with statues, she'd gone half mad from grief and loneliness, and no longer made any effort to spare the lives of her tormenters. She began slithering down to the beach to meet them, boats still in the water sinking under the sudden weight of marble, until the harbor bottom was hazardous with them. She found a bow that some would-be Chosen One no longer needed, and began kill them from a distance, just so they wouldn't leave more statues to haunt her.\n\nEventually the travelers became fewer, and the madness passed, and still she was alone, surrounded by crumbling stone. It had been ages since she'd even left her chambers. But now there was someone just outside the walls, talking in a strange accent and an oddly loud whisper. She would have called it a stage whisper, if she still remembered enough of the time before she was a monster.\n\n\"Now in here is supposed to live to be an absolutely fascinating creature, half an enormous snake, big as a croc, and half something else, but the stories are all different. Let's see what we find, shall we? Crikey! Is that another statue? I think that's still a sword in his hand. Poor fellow!\"\n\nMedusa turned involuntarily toward the voice, to hear a little better. The whisper suddenly sounded excited.\n\n\"Did you see those stones shift? She's in there! Let's get a little closer, see if she'll come out. It's dark inside, she's probably more comfortable there. I'll just come up to the doorway so I don't scare her, see if we can get a look at her.\"\n\nThe voice sounded kind. Medusa waited in a shadow behind a pillar, finding herself torn in a way she hardly remembered. She wanted to see who it was. She wanted him to go away and live. She wanted him to stay by the doorway and keep talking forever.\n\nFinally she couldn't stand it, and with a scrape of scales on stone, abruptly moved toward the door.\n\nThe man was standing just outside, looking in. His eyes widened when he saw her, and she closed hers, wanting to capture the image of him in his last moments, with his smile and strange blue clothing and mop of blonde hair in the sunlight. She was shocked to hear him speak again.\n\n\"Crikey, what a beaut! Would you look at that! Just magnificent! Look at her scales! And the snakes! See that one, it looks like a diamondback, and there's a king cobra, and I think that one curled on top is an asp. Absolutely gorgeous! I'm going to try to get a little closer now.\"\n\nWhat?\n\nShe lifted her head and opened her eyes. The man was almost right in front of her, still smiling, not turning to stone. He did look surprised when he saw that she had an almost-human face, but recovered quickly.\n\n\"Oh, hello there. Can you understand me, then? I'm Steve. Pleasure to meet ya.\"\n\nShe opened her mouth, but was otherwise still as one of her statues, unable to move. Even the writhing snakes of her hair were stopped. For an endless moment she just looked at him.\n\nThe man looked thoughtful, then smiled again. \"Sorry to disturb ya, didn't know there was someone living here. But since we're out all this way, mind if I come in and chat for a bit? It must get lonely out here.\"\n\nFinally, she found her own smile.\n\n\"I'd like that.\"" ]	3
	[WP] After becoming a vampire, you swore an oath to only prey on wrongdoers. You held on and your moral standards haven't changed in centuries since. Society, on the other hand...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\\[EU\\] My book series Trackers\n\n&#x200B;\n\nLos Angeles. The city of angels.\n\nI’m not sure why the founders of the city decided to name it that. You’d think I would, considering I was there. I wasn’t around when the Spanish first took hold, but it’s been my home for quite a while. A tiny dying memory tells me the name definitely used to be much longer. Which makes sense, since in English we like to shorten things whenever possible. Whatever it originally was, it still had something to do with angels, which makes no sense. Because it never has been populated by angels.\n\nAdmittedly, it didn’t use to be this bad. At least I don’t think so. They say hindsight is 20/20, but when you’re a couple hundred years old, you fall into the trap of nostalgia more often than not. I remember the little things. A governor whose name everyone mispronounced (though for the life of me I can’t even recall what it was). The horses on the streets, the noise of hoof-beats and carriages unbelievable to those today who think motorcycles are noisy. The gold rush, which made kings of some and paupers of others. And I remember when whites finally outnumbered the rest of us.\n\nIt’s difficult to hold on to hate when you get to a certain age. Hate feels like too much energy, like a waste of time. So the fact that white men killed most of my family early in my life sits heavy in my heart, but I killed just as many of them, so I suppose we could call it even. The rest died of old age eventually, and I never considered making more. You’d think I would, especially since any children I had would live as long as I would, barring any accidental encounters with UV light. It’s just never felt right.\n\nAnd part of that is the city. There are good people here, most definitely. Altruistic even. They give of themselves completely to those who need them, and by god there are many who need them. But there are others on the other end of humanity, almost like they’re needed to balance the scales. And I don’t think I could ever bring a child into a city like that. Not again.\n\nHumanity never changes, and I think that if I were thousands of years old instead of hundreds, I would have seen the same things in Greece and Rome. The neighborhoods of those who have less, some of whom resort to crime to survive, some of whom take advantage of those who are vulnerable. ‘Bad neighborhoods’, they’re called, by those in ‘good neighborhoods’. Imaginary lines drawn, as if they protect those in power from the people on the other side.\n\nThat’s too easy, though. I could kill in their territory, and I have, but what does that accomplish? I prefer more substantial prey.\n\nThe man I have in my sights tonight is powerful and sadistic, a brutal combination. A lifelong politician, too good at his job. He and his wife never had children, and I would not be surprised if that was deliberate. I could see his wife taking measures to ensure he never had any children to beat as well.\n\nThe spousal abuse is not my primary concern here, however. My mind is focused on the fact that two weeks ago, a trafficking ring was broken up, and he was apparently a client and a financier of the operation. But as he’s too clever for his own good and his information brought down several others who were just as powerful. So he got off, no charges. With a magnificently talented publicist like the one he has, likely he’ll put out a book in a few years and claim to be a victim.\n\nTonight he had a gala of some sort, and stopped by his favorite bar on the way home. And it didn’t take long to wrap him around my finger, and convince him to visit the restroom.\n\nIt’s a funny thing, when you slit a man’s throat. You cut quick enough and deep enough, he can’t even scream.", "The moving picture box that humans called a television stood against the wall as the pictures flashed with news across the bottom of the screen as my eyes flickered across the scrolling script that marched across the bottom of the screen.\n\n‘Society has changed so much..’ I thought as I licked my lips. So many would take advantage of others in this day and age. The game, as many would call it, was something that now encompasses all of society. Each puppet dancing for the would be kings in this digital age. So many sins had been committed as murder was on view for all. Killers are celebrated and, in some cases, even worshipped.\n\n“It seems, the world has become my feast,” I spoke as I felt my lips curl to a smile. I moved to the door as I grabbed my jacket before stepping out into the view of the brilliant obelisk that was known as the Washington Monument.\n\n“Tonight... I hunt.”" ]	3
	[WP] You are reading a comment on reddit about how much time it would take someone to notice everyone has stoppen hiccuping. Suddenly you realise... you havent heard a single hiccup in the last YEAR.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I know it gets said a lot but try not to be too harsh. I haven't written anything very story like since high school, and I wanted to try something new. constructive criticism is very welcome though.\n\nThe realization slapped me in the face, like the first cold wave as you take your first plunge into the ocean, it was exhilarating, terrifying, and completely new. How long had it been since I heard that catch in the throat and sharp inhale with that all to characteristic hic sound. I racked my brain over and over again how long longer than a week it was definitely thinking hard it dawned, \"a whole year\", I said out loud it had been roughly a whole year since I heard it. I was about to go rushing to the other room to ask someone when I heard it. It was soft at first just a small throat catch, could have just been my imagination, but then I heard it again from the other room. As wander towards that menacing hic It grew louder and louder. Eventually i came to the threshold of the room the sound eminated from, I shook so loud I thought whoever or whatever it was might hear me rattle myself apart, but I steeled myself for the actions to come. In a swift movement I was behind the source of the noise. I rapidly ask the question that has been racing through my brain over and over since my epiphany not long prior. \"What is that noise your doing?!?!?!\", I haven't heard it in so long and I am unable to produce an equivalent\". Both inquiries left me before the figure before me reacted, and I haven't seen anything like this reaction before, suddenly with surprising speed and and instinctive movements the figure jumped and spun to face me preparing for a fightwhile exclaiming \"what the\". Then a look of recognition and amazing relief spread over their face. \"Oh number forty three you scared those hiccups right out of me\" he sighed deeply before speaking again. \"Please forty three next time try not to sneak up on me like that this time you scared the hiccups away next time you might give me a heart attack and try to keep your volume down , but what were those questions again?\" I repeated my previous inquiry asking \"what were those noises you were making? My voice synthesizer and loaded speech patterns don't have it on file so I'm unable to reproduce that sound\". He looked confused for a moment before he figured out what I was talking about. \"Oh of course the hiccups\" he said smiling now. \"When we were developing you\", he began, \"we didn't think about hiccups or how they might help you to integrate into human society, so we didn't think to give you any way to replicate the sound or how program a randomizer to simulate the unpredictability of when they can arise.\" \"Oh\", I replied a little disappointed at the answer. To which he took notice and asked \"would you like to be able to experience hiccups?\" My internal circuits skipped a tick in joy as he asked. \"Really\", I asked trying to mask my overjoyed voice. He said, \"sure the random time will really easy and calibrating your voice synthesizer to reproduce the sound might take an hour or two along with programming the ticks in your limbs to accompany the sound.\" As the last words left his lips I kept excitedly and exclaimed to him far too loudly, \"thank you thank you thank you thank you my dream is to be just like a human someday and anything to achieve that makes me so happy I could short circuit.\" He smiled and laughed at my excitement then said you have been running non stop almost all day why don't you go recharge your batteries and we'll start when you're fully charged \"ok\" I said cheerfully and turned to go. As I was leaving though I heard my creator mumbling amused to himself saying \"42 failed attempts to create a computer with the full depth of human emotion, and now that I've succeeded it wants to hiccup.\" Followed by some soft laughter. As I began to dock with my bay to recharge I had one last happy moment and said quietly to myself \"soon I'll be one step closer to my dream of being human." ]	2
	[WP] You stumbled upon an old camera and try it. To your surprise, instead of capturing the light or the present time, you can set the date and capture the exact moment with that camera.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "After years of chasing a myth, I finally found it. The \"perfect camera\", able to capture moments from the past and future. A house fire took all the photo albums and mementos away from me. Insurance payout was nice and work was understanding enough to give me some time to house hunt and recover. \n\n While house hunting online I decided to take a small break and dick around online. Doing random searches for future purposes when I came across some long abandoned thread in some obscure canon fansite. The thread described what should be impossible, a camera so advanced and new it could take stills from time itself. I chuckles at the absurdity then spent the next 18 hours trying to track more refernces down. A deeper rabbit hole I have yet to find.\n\nAfter traveling to some pawn shop in bum fuck nowhere I was sure I had it. That left just one destination left. \n\n A few tears escapes my eyes when I rolled up to where the old house once stood. A deep blue ranch home paid in full by my dad and mothers blood, sweat, and tears. Home to 4 kids, 10 grandkids and many dogs and cats over the years. Painful, bittersweet memories rattle around my brain, ghosts I thought I had long locked away. \n\n The place was tore down when the old man died.\n Ma didnt want the pain of being reminded every day that her one true love was gone and the house was that constant reminder. I solemnly walked to where I thought the table was, to where the old man would sit. He would crack the dirtiest of jokes and get everyone laughing. I chose the date and time, clicked where I thought it all was and looked at the screen.", " I was poking around in the attic when I found the camera. It had been a while since I used one, so I decided to try it out. I snapped a picture of a chair that had been sitting there for 10- no, 12 years. It didn't take a photo, just showed the date. 08/12/19. It then showed a photo of my house. I tried taking a photo of the park. Same thing. I tried using the control pad to set the date. I tried 11/22/63. I snapped a picture of the park, and it was just an empty field. There were only a few people, in old 60's clothes. Weird. Then, an idea struck me. I took a picture of a photo I had on my computer of the old Dallas Book Depository. The date was still 11/22/63. Sure enough, there was a man in the window. He had a gun. I looked up Lee Harvey Oswald. It wasn't him. \n\n The man didn't look like any of the suspects. He was a tall man, clean shaven. He had a disturbing determination on his face. I felt like I'd seen him before. Then it hit me: that was Robert Kennedy. \n\nCould RFK really kill his own brother? My mind raced. It couldn't have been, it had to be someone else. However, I looked him up, It was him. Bobby killed his own brother. After everything, after decades, even after Bobby died a few years later, nobody knew. Then the realization hit me: I could find out who did anything. I could know what happened at Roswell, who bombed Pan Am 103, I knew everything.", "The Polaroid camera is old, and it shows. It's completely analog, with dials all over the place with markings that have already faded away. It took hours to clean the insides, but it still looks functional - if Stefanie can find the right battery and blank pictures.\n\nLuckily her grandmother is a hoarder, at least of photography stuff. She has a million different kinds of cameras, batteries, photographs, light bulbs and whatever else took her fancy. Apparently it includes both weird cameras and - in a completely different spot - the used photographs and battery.\n\nWith butterflies in her stomach, Stefanie takes a picture of the tree outside her grandma's garage. It's always exciting to see if she actually fixed the camera. The camera clicks and buzzes, and a photograph comes rolling out. Stephanie grins widely. Another success.\n\nThree minutes later, Stephanie is disappointed. The picture she took doesn't show the tree. It's a black picture with a few dots of light on it. Not one to give up too quickly, she turns a couple dials and tries again.\n\nThis time, the photograph still doesn't show the tree. The dots of light have changed colour though, and there are more of them. If Stephanie squints at it, it might even look like a shitty picture of the milkey way. \n\nStephanie drops the busted camera into a box. Maybe she'll take it to a specialist someday. For now, she'll go eat grandma's fresh cookies.", " \n\nWednesday 3rd October 2019\n\nThe old lady on the third floor was found dead last week. Nobody really knows how long she’d been there, her body was so badly decomposed it was hard to age. They say the rate of decomposition was greatly increased due to her leaving the heating on. The only reason we found out was because of the smell. A few of us have been asked to go help clear out all her stuff. We’ve been told we can take what we like as she has no next of kin and most of the shit is going to go to charities. Naturally anything of any real value was taken first. Not that it bothered me any, my life is pretty good as it is. Good job, earn good money, and a happy relationship.\n\nLoading up some boxes with all sorts of miscellaneous crap, old boots, some old magazines, and an old alarm clock. In amongst all of this was an odd looking camera. It looked similar to a Polaroid camera, but if had all these different knobs and switches all over it. My eyes made the decision for me, they had never seen anything so unique and interesting and it was promptly placed in the box of things to take home with me.\n\nThursday 4th October 2019\n\nAs I was rummaging through the box of goodies hoarded from the old ladies flat. My curiosity got the best of me and hauling out the odd camera I immediately started playing around with it. There was a switch on the left hand side that was labelled present and time. On the right it had a bunch of dials that had a bunch of numbers on them. I thought I best test it to see if it worked, had the switch to present held it up to my eyes, aimed it at the TV and clicked to take a picture. It started making some noises and slowly but surely out came a polaroid film slip. I took it out set it down and proceeded to mix up some of the dials and took another photo of my TV and set that film on the table. Then switching the switch to time I repeated the procedure first with the dials set as they were and then I mixed them up again.\n\nPicking up the four film slips and walking into the kitchen setting them aside on the counter top. I proceeded to start making dinner. After a long day of work I wasn’t all that keen on doing loads of cooking so proceeded to start making an easy pasta dish. Throwing some pasta in a pot and filling it with water turning on the gas hob I picked up the photos and started looking at them.\n\nThe first two were identical as far as I could tell, they looked exactly the same, just a picture of my TV. The third one however looked different, the TV was an old tube style one and the TV stand was really retro looking. The wall had this weird looking textured wallpaper that looked like it was covered in almost psychedelic like swirling patterns. The carpet was white and fluffy, like those types that makes your floor look like it’s the back of some animal. \n\nThe fourth picture was different again. This time there was no TV, it was a dial tune radio sitting on a sideboard. The wall in this picture looked smooth and painted white, hanging on it was a painting. The scene looked like the re-enactment of some famous battle or hunt. There was a coat stand off to one side that had couple of coats hanging on it and there was a hat hanging of one of the top hooks.\n\nLooking at the photographs in shear amazement I went and sat down on the sofa in front of the TV. Holding up the four photographs I compared the scene to what was in front of me. Yep this was definitely the exact same place but they appeared to be from different periods. Picking up the camera I made sure I checked the switch. Yes. It was clicked to time. The dials read 19480324172501, my brain started working over time trying to figure out what this could mean. \n\nAfter a few minutes of bewilderment I decided there was nothing to it and switched the dials to 19480324174510, took another photograph of the TV. The scene was the same old radio and sideboard but this time there were no coats on the coat hanger and the hat was gone to. I decided to try another setting the dial now to 19770507093515 and took another picture of the TV. This time out came the psychedelic wall paper, the tube TV which appeared to be on and in front of it on the shaggy white carpet sat a young child staring at the cartoons on the TV.\n\nMy mind reeled as it ran through the possibility of what I have discovered. I sat there for a few minutes again thinking to myself and thought there is nothing for it and set the dials 20190410, checked the time it was 19:36. Set the last six numbers to 200215, switched on the TV and took a picture. If I was right it should catch the first bit of the eight o’ clock news. As the film developed on I could see the image of the BBC news desk looked at my TV and the news still hadn’t started.\n\nI instantly thought of the euromillions tomorrow night the jackpot was to be over £150milion. I googled what time the winning draw was announced on BBC1 and set the dial for that time. I took the picture, my mind running wild with what I’d be doing with all that money and how life was going to change forever. With great anticipation I stalked around the room waiting for the film to develop, watching the scene on the photograph slowly get clearer and clearer. My joy soon turned to confusion. \n\nThe TV was gone, the wall was no longer whole and everything had a blackened charred sooty look to it. I sat down picked up a cigarette and lit it. As the flame from the lighter lashed out I saw in slow motion the orange-red flame flicker like a great tongue. There was a large wooshing noise and I could feel all the air being sucked inwards towards the kitchen. Next came a loud thundering crashing and booming noise, the shockwave hit me first I could feel it reverberate in my ribcage knocking the wind out of me. Then I started to feel the heat and saw the great orange beast swallow me whole as it did so I remembered the hob. I had turned the knob but had not ignited the flame and now the photograph of the charred remains made sense." ]	5
	[WP] While walking through the grocery store, the items for sale get progressively stranger the farther the aisles go.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "According to the clerk, I was supposed to go to aisle eight for dog food. The poor pup has been gaining quite a lot of weight in recent months, so his diet has to be changed sooner or later.\n\nI don't know when particularly when this store had opened, but I was reasonably sure it happened overnight. One day it was a foreclosed yoga studio, the next it was an entire department store. The signs outside declared its stock the best in the land (whatever that meant) and how the store prided itself in its ability to suit anyone's needs.\n\nAll I needed was low-fat dog food and apparently aisle eight was where I'd find it. I passed by the aisles on my way to the back of the store, spying several patrons shopping along the shelves. Somehow, the aisles looked too long to actually fit inside the building. The store couldn't possibly be more than 40 meters across, and these aisles stretched farther than I cared to look.\n\nI soldiered on toward aisle eight and as I turned the corner I was met with a sense of vertigo. Like staring up at a tall building from its base, looking down the aisle made me feel utterly insignificant. It seemed more like a street with the shelves carrying houses, section after section. No one else was in sight and with a quick glance over my shoulder, I stepped forward.\n\nThe shelves were regimented, dividing one group from another. Standard goods stocked the shelves; cat food, litter, leashes. Everything I'd need for a pet. But no dog food. If it weren't for the infinite alley next to me, I'd be peeved at the lack of order this aisle had.\n\nI moved onward very slowly. Keeping an eye on the shelves in case anything weirder decides to appear. The shelves were just tall enough that even when jumping I could not see the adjacent aisles. I was on my own, though I new the oath I took could be easily retraced. It's only a simple walk back.\n\nThe items on the racks and shelves began to make less and less sense. A whole wall was dedicated to cat litter that cleans itself, a dog collar that counts steps of both owner and dog, and a product that boasted its neverending roll of plastic poop bags. This was the pet aisle, after all, I suppose.\n\n\"What the hell is going on here?\" I muttered.\n\nI walked for about one more minute until I saw the dog food section. The sign hanging overhead pointed the way but was made of old wood and the writing was carved into it in a cursive-like font. I reached for any bag of dog food as quickly as I could. This place felt wrong. Once I picked up the bag, I noticed its branding. Every single word on the bag was woof.\n\nFrantically, I searched for another bag. I'm not going to use food that was labeled in gibberish. Bag after bag had stranger slogans; \"Ruff to Tuff: Muscle Growth Serum! Guaranteed to make your dog the meanest on the block!\", \"HelloPal dry food! Liver and onion flavoured bits certain to get your dog talking!\"\n\nWhat on earth was this place? This had to be a prank or something. A very well done prank, but I've never been to keen on being on the receiving end of one.\n\nI grabbed the only unlabeled bag and ran back toward the mouth of the aisle. The bag felt like it was filled with feathers, there was almost no weight at all. With little concern about the bag, I continued my trek back. Step after step, I ignored the strange products beside me.\n\nI looked up and to my side and found that there was no end to the aisle. How was this possible? I'd just come through there. Seeing as I only had two directions, I kept walking, further into the poorly lit hallway.\n\nThe further I went, the more the products changed. I'd somehow stumbled into the lighting and electronic department and to say the place was weird didn't do it any justice. Every light gave off different colors, lamps made of vines and leaves sat in the corners, and on every surface there burned several candles of varying sizes and colours.\n\nThe electronics department was far worse. Cables practically covered the ground completely and wound up along the walls going into several devices. A printer sat alone on a table, spewing paper out incredibly fast. I picked one of the papers up and every single word, formatted as if it was an essay, said chicken. The printer was marked as 20% off, judging by the large sign above it. Computer monitors flashed on and off, showing random symbols I didn't know with the occasional cartoon clip coming to life on the screen. Odd crystal balls that bore the Internet Explorer icon inside them sat spinning next to what I could only assume were supposed to be laptops.\n\nCarrying on, I was getting more and more frightened, \"How do I get out of here?\"\n\nSuddenly the aisle stopped and I found myself in an intersection. Do I go down another aisle? I asked myself. Is that the smart thing to do in this situation. Who was I kidding, I didn't even know what this situation was.\n\nI turned to my right and carried on down the new aisle. The signs above pointed to the shelves reading; \"Produce\".\n\nRow upon row of fruits and vegetables lined the shelves. There were normal fruits like oranges and apples, but the further I went, the stranger the fruit became. Oranges became strange rhomboid-shaped that leaked some unknown liquid, apples became clear and significantly larger. By the time I reached the next intersection, I was surrounded by completely foreign fruits and vegetables of all shapes and sizes. Scattered along the way were clear bags possibly meant to carry these alien foodstuffs.\n\nStanding in the middle of the intersection, I had no idea what to do. In desperation, I yelled, \"Somebody help me! I don't know where I am and I can't find my way out! And this stuff's really starting to freak me out.\"\n\nSilence. No one could hear me, this place was endless.\n\n\"Can I help you, sir?\" asked a gentle voice.\n\nI quickly turned around and saw a small old woman standing before me, \"Do you need any assistance?\"\n\nEyes wide open I said, \"I want to leave,\"\n\n\"Follow me then,\" she said as she grabbed my hand.\n\nWe walked for almost a minute before we came to another intersection. She pointed to the right and I swivelled my head to look. Before me, clear as day, was the check out counter.\n\n\"Ha ha! Yes! Thank you!\" I yelled. I took off running to the counter cradling the bag of dog food under my arm. As soon as I reached the door I was yanked to the side by an unknown assailant. Were they not going to let me leave? Did they want me to stay here forever?\n\n\"You have to pay for that,\" said the man holding my arm, eyeing the bag in my arms.\n\n\"Oh. Of course,\" I fumbled for my wallet in my back pocket and tried to scrounge up some cash. My hands were shaking and I couldn't get a grip, so I handed the man my wallet and said, \"Keep the change,\"\n\nHe let go of my arm and I ran for the door once more. Bursting out of the front doors, I looked back at the store. The lights still shone through the windows, people still entered and left. Did they know the truth about the place?\n\nI looked up at the sign above the windows, \"That's the last time I'm ever going to go to 'The Secret Expedition Grocer'\" I walked back to my car, loaded the bag of food in the back and went back home.", "Onions, check. Zucchini, check. Ricotta--\n\n“Ethan, did you see the ricotta?”\n\n“What’s that?”\n\n“It’s a kind of cheese.”\n\nEthan’s eyes lit up. “Cheese for mouses?”\n\n“Sort of.”\n\nMy two-year-old had recently become obsessed with the film ‘Ratatoille’, about the rat chef. Though he didn’t quite understand the difference between rats and ‘mouses’ yet. After a week of begging, I’d finally given in and promised to make the movie’s signature dish for dinner. It was a little outside my usual repertoire of Hamburger Helper and sliced hotdogs, but hey—at least it was vegetables.\n\nI didn’t remember seeing any ricotta when we’d been standing in the dairy aisle, but there was no way a store this size didn’t have it. The place was huge—easily six times the size of any other grocery store in town, and strangely empty. I’d never been to MoreStore before, and now I understood why it was so unpopular. The wide, grubby aisles and blinking lights gave me the creeps.\n\n“Come on, baby. Let’s see if we can find the ricotta.”\n\nEthan giggled happily, lost in thoughts of French cuisine and talking rodents, and I swung the cart around. The loose wheel squealed with each rotation as we sped through the frozen section.\n\nIf I remembered correctly, Dairy was just around this corner—\n\nI stopped, confused. I could have sworn that the milk aisle was here. But now instead of refrigerated rows of Irish butter and Gruyere, I was faced with shelf after shelf of Furbys.\n\nI must have taken a wrong turn somewhere.\n\nI didn’t even know they sold Furbys anymore.\n\nI pushed the cart a little further, craning my neck around the endcap to see where I’d gone wrong.\n\n“Mouses!”\n\nEthan pointed to something near my left elbow. I turned to find a large jar of pickled rats, floating like cucumbers in green liquid, right behind me.\n\n“What the f—”\n\nEthan looked up at me, and I swallowed the swearword.\n\n“There’s no way that’s legal.”\n\n“Mommy?”\n\nEthan could sense my unease. The loose wheel squeaked louder and louder as I rushed past aisles full of worm farms, footy pajamas, glow-in-the-dark dog skeletons, and a Build-Your-Own-UFO Kit (cow not included).\n\n“Where the fuck are we! Help!”\n\nI ran, my breath loud in my ears, my eyes searching frantically for anything familiar. Screw the ratatouille—I’d never eat another vegetable in my life, if it meant getting out of here right now. Ethan started to cry.\n\n“Mommy said a bad word.”\n\nI stopped, panting. “Ethan?”\n\nBut he was still crying, scared by my fear. He didn’t even look at me.\n\n“Mommy said a bad word.”\n\nHis lips didn’t move. I turned around, looking for the source of the sound, every hair on my arms at attention.\n\nWe were back in the frozen aisle, but we weren’t alone. Ethan stared back at me—a copy of Ethan—from the basket of another cart. His mother—me—glared.\n\n“Only one of us can leave, you know,” she said (I said?) with my voice.\n\nI gripped the cart.\n\n“It’s not going to be you.” " ]	3
	[WP] Your whole city seems to be deserted. All the roads are littered with stationary cars that don't seem to have anyone inside them. You arrived at your workplace this morning and found it completely empty, as were all the buildings around it. You realise you may just be the only person around.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Most mornings would start with me forcing my eyes open and willing myself to leave the warmth of my bed to turn the blaring alarm clock off. I was always sure to place it stupidly far away from the bed so I would always be required to either sit up to see the time or get out of my warm comforting bed to disable the alarm.\n\nThis morning was blissfully different, there was no repetitive blaring sound to force me to get out of bed, no car noises drifting through the apparently double glazed windows. My initial instinct was one of care free stretching assuming I had woken early and I had more time to doze before I was yanked out of whatever dream I could muster to go face yet another bland day of existence. As I rolled over and pushed my head deep into the comforting pillow I was outraged at the level of sunlight bleeding through the blinds. It was at this point that I transitioned from relaxed and mild happiness into extreme worry as adrenaline surged through my body forcing every part of me to awaken and stare over at the lifeless alarm clock. I would usually be greeted by the red flashing numbers telling me it was 6am and time to get up and muster whatever willpower I could to start the daily routine which led me step by step towards the office and everything bad about it.\n\nI paced quickly towards the window and opened the blinds taking a look at the nearby roads and fields. There were no cars nearby, nor was there any smoke coming out of the industrial buildings further in the distance, everything seemed peaceful and serene, I could even hear birds chirping in the nearby trees which I had never noticed before.\n\nI walked over to my phone and it clearly said the time was 9:34am and I was certainly late for work. The battery was at 60% indicating that a circuit must have tripped in the night or power had gone off in the area. I went into various rooms trying the taps and flicking light switches to no avail, the circuit breaker showed me that there was no blown fuses. In the absence of a shower I hastily put on yesterdays clothes and went to see Emma next door.\n\nI knocked for the fifth time before giving up and looking through a window into her front room, I couldn’t see much but nothing looked out of place. I still hadn’t seen or heard a single car while waiting which did little to allay the rising panic within me. Over the next few minutes I knocked on other houses with no answer and jogged down towards the main road picking up speed as I was struggling to come up with a logical reason as to why everything seemed so calm at this time of day.\n\nAs I approached the turning to the main road I started to smell a mix of bonfire and burnt rubber, and as I got closer I could see a few wisps coming round the corner.\n\nThere was a couple of cars strewn about the road, all driver-less. There was a car that seemed to be on fire further down the street which tipped my thoughts over the edge from harmless coincidence to very real worry and concern. I scrambled to the nearest car and tried its door which opened easily but inside there was very little other than a few bits of rubbish littering the floor. I tried some of the other cars hoping that someone had left some keys inside so I could turn on a radio and see if there was any broadcast.\n\nFinally one car which had its driver side door wide open had keys still left in the ignition, I couldn’t fathom what had driven people to leave their cars so quickly. The key turned easily and the engine came to life, the radio came on instantly but was just static, I frantically tried to change channels quickly and none of them were active, I tried every setting I could think of but no radio signal could be found, it was like the whole of society had just vanished.\n\nI took a moment to look about and could see no one else, just odd few birds in the sky.\n\nWhy me? I couldn’t understand what could have happened, and why I was seemingly the only person left alive. I shut the car door and drove the nice red hatchback further down the road weaving between other cars and passing the blackened husk of the smouldering car. After a few minutes traffic became too dense and the closer I got towards the motor way the more erratic the scene seemed to get. House doors left wide open, some with belongings strewn on the pavement, but never another person.\n\nI decided to take one of the side roads which would lead towards my office, the streets were now filled with rubbish blowing around and odd smells. Eventually after passing many other empty cars I pulled up near the office I worked, the carpark had a couple of cars in there, probably salespeople but the entrance was blocked. I stuck my head in and shouted into the quiet space, no one responded.\n\nI took a moment and sat on one of the horribly cheap swivel chairs, slowly letting some of the panic fade away and replacing it with spontaneous laughter. I found myself howling on the chair, I had spent years dragging myself to this place, and for what? \n\nThe end of the world seemed to be upon me and all I had done was drag myself to work in the hope of salvation, the monotony of my life fell upon me in that brief moment.\n\nI laughed, tears filling my eyes, but I knew in that moment that whatever life I had known before was finished. I felt a rush of emotions, like being a school child embarking on the first day of summer holidays, filled with excitement and adventure. Even in the face of danger and the unknown I realised that this was a far better alternative to the life I was living up to this point.\n\nI went over and smashed the emergency glass retrieving a small fire axe before leaving the office, not knowing where I was going or what I was doing, all I knew was that I finally felt alive.", "I wasn't really fond of loneliness as a child. I mean, all children need parents, but I was different, any time my parents left me, even for a few minutes, I'd cry. So, when I grew up, I knew where I wanted to live.\n\nI moved in in a lively city, neighbors who were nice, they'd invite me to dinner, too. My boyfriend also lived nearby. My city was lovely, it was the embodiment of perfect, The American Dream. With, yes, white picket fences, brunches, and everything.\n\nNot one plant died in that city. It was tended to by gardeners, who were willing to work for free. I loved it there. I loved my house. I loved the lively busy streets, the birds that nested on my trees, the midnight walks during a slight drizzle, and even just the houses themselves.\n\nI never imagined it to be rusted, neglected, and just incredibly lonely.\n\nI am afraid, it did become rusted, neglected, and lonely. I..feel guilty. What have I done wrong?\n\nReally, I woke up, and everyone was gone. I thought it was a surprise party or something, I'd yell out their names in hopes to hear a giggle, or a cheer, a surprise, anything.\n\nBut, no. I could only see roads full of vacant cars. Still, I walked to work.\n\nThe small community garden near my workplace was overflowing with weeds. I could feel the loneliness just staring at the plants.\n\nI arrived to work, and went inside. It looked lovely, it still had that amazing feeling. But it was lonely. I expected everyone to come out already, saying surprise. I sat down at my cubicle, lonely.\n\nMy computer, still turned on, was the only thing that kept me from crying. I stared tearfully at the photos I took with the rest of my office mates during vacation.\n\nThe supermarket, it was empty, nobody there.\n\nThe mall, it was empty, too,\n\nThe remaining buildings, workplaces, malls, supermarkets, houses, all empty.\n\nAll the buildings, ALL the buildings in my city are empty. The items they were holding were dropped on the floor. They all vanished. And I don't know why.\n\nI should be happy, I should. But, who's going to deal with everything? I can't keep dealing with the electricity. I can't keep dealing with the food, who spoil every day, and I can't keep trying to restore the garden.\n\nSo, to end it all:\n\nMy name is Ann ██████. I lived in what was a beautiful town, and now, it's possibly rusted.\n\nI am writing this, before I move out. Please, tell me.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWhat does it look like now?" ]	3
	[WP] You haven't seen your great-uncle in years, so you immediately go to give him a hug at the family reunion. As you do, he leans over and whispers into your ear: "Stay calm. Nothing around you is real. Your life is in serious danger."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I pull back from Great-Uncle Tommy and give him a nervous smile.\n\nNo one told me he was going senile.\n\n“I-I gotta go help my Mom-“\n\nUncle Tommy grabs my upper arm with his liver spotted hand and holds my gaze,“I’m sure your Mom and Aunts have it covered, right Stewart?”\n\n“Uh-yeah, okay.”\n\nMaybe I can flag down Mom if she walks into the living room.\n\nUncle Tommy’s eyes survey the room,“Let’s go talk, Stewart. I haven’t seen you since you were about this tall.” He says as he holds his hand to his stomach. Then he starts tugging my arm, forcing me to follow him.\n\nUncle Tommy smiles and nods to the family members who greet him and talks over when I try to ask for help.\n\nHe’s doing this on purpose, he has to be.\n\nWe end up in a hallway and Uncle Tommy shoves me into a study nook with him.\n\nHe turns away to close the curtains and when he turns back to me the old aged face of Great-Uncle Tommy is gone and in it’s place is the tanned and scared face of a man I’ve never met before.\n\n“W-what’s going on.” My voice quivers.\n\n“Just calm down, kid.”\n\nI quickly dart to the door but it’s locked. I’m frantic, kicking at the door.\n\n“Kid!”\n\nI look back to this man and spot the shine of a letter opener. Thinking fast I snatch it off the desk and wield it.\n\nThe man chuckles and struts confidently towards me.\n\n“Get back! I’ll hurt you!”\n\nHe shakes his head,”Sure, kid.” The man gets even closer until I’m pressed up against the door and the edge of the letter opener is pressed against his neck.\n\nI can’t move. I’m paralyzed.\n\n“What’s the matter? Weren’t you gonna hurt me?” He rolls his eyes and knocks the letter opener from my grasp,”Look, I don’t have time for the theatrics so you’re gonna be a good boy and sit and let me talk, capeesh?”\n\nHe drags me again and plops me into the leather desk chair. The man crowds my space and holds my head still with his hands,”Okay, so I can kinda figure that you won’t believe it till you see it so I’m just gonna show you.”\n\nHe closes his eyes and suddenly my vision is black.\n\nIt feels like the ground has been ripped out from under me and I’m falling.\n\nOh, God. I’m falling! I’m falling! I’m-\n\nLying down?\n\nMy eyes open and my vision stings with white light.\n\n“KID!”\n\nI feel a slap at my face. I groan and force my eyes to stay open.\n\nThe same tanned and scared face from before is above me.\n\nThe room that we’re in is pure white and I’m lying on some type of platform with wires attached all over.\n\nThe man is wearing all black with his leather trench coat swaying as he starts ripping the wires and sensors off me.\n\n“We don’t have time, so get up now.” With the wires all gone he closes a laptop looking thing and picks up a bag from the floor, shoving the laptop inside.\n\n“B-but-who-I-I”\n\nHe shushes me loudly,”Nope! Shut it and move.” The man grabs me for a third time and forces me off the platform. My legs give out immediately,”You’ve gotta be kidding me!” and suddenly I’m being picked up. I let out a scared squeal as I’m placed in a fireman’s carry on his shoulders. He starts jogging out the room,”This is the part where you hold on tight dumbass.”\n\nWe’re, I guess he, is rushing out turning down hallways that all look the same. Then these droid things starts following us. The man swears and unholsters a weapon, firing it at all of them. After a few shootouts we finally get to what I assume is the outside.\n\nThe man rushes through rubble and water filled alleyways until we get to a brick wall. He taps a pattern into its surface and an entrance open up. We rush in and the entrance closes behind us.\n\nThe man takes a light out of his pocket and with a sigh he starts to walk down the dank and dark tunnel.\n\n“Okay, so now, since we’re gonna have a long walk, I’ll answer some of the questions you might have. So what you were in, the place with your family and where people called you Stewart, that was all fake.”\n\n“W-what do you mean. They were my family I knew them!”\n\n“That’s what The Program wanted you to think.”\n\n“The program?”\n\n“I won’t get into all the specifics but basically we use to have a government, that government and the world all went to shit, and instead of trying to provide relief for their citizens they stole people and forced them into The Program. You following me?”\n\n“Uh, okay.”\n\n“You were a regular Scavenger, well maybe not regular- but that’s besides the point. You were living like everyone else in this shit world when the defunct government droids caught you and took you to one of The Facilities and implemented you into The Program.”\n\n“If...if that was all fake then...” I don’t know what to think, what to ask. It’s all information overload.\n\n“You were in The Program for like five years.”\n\n“Five years?!”\n\n“Yeah.”\n\n“But I’m 28.”\n\n“The Program isn’t like regular life, it just imitates it. In reality you were only gone 5 years but in The Program’s time it was the full 28.”\n\n“...Why did you get me out?”\n\n“Your husband pays well.”\n\nI sputter,”I’m not gay!”\n\nThe man chuckles,”That’s what the program wanted you to think.”\n\nI fall silent. The man shift my weight and continues walking.\n\n“Your real name is Troi Jeremy and your husband’s name is Culta Jeremy.”\n\nIn shock I mutter my first thought.”But Jeremy is a first name.”\n\n“It’s a part of Scavenger culture to keep the name of the first person in your family line who fought the program.”\n\nWe stay silent until we reach the end of the tunnel and the man steps out into the light. We’re in what seems to be a market with people rushing about. The children are dirty and play with junk from the street and the roads are all dirt and muddy in places. The wares in the stalls are all things I’ve never seen before.\n\nThe man places me down on a curb and takes out what looks like a phone,”Smile.” He tells me as a light from the device scans me. The device pings and after a second there is another ding,”Alright, kid. See you around.”\n\n“What?!”\n\n“I just got paid so you’re not my problem anymore. Don’t worry though your husband or his workers should be here soon. Which reminds me.” The man reaches out of his pocket and pulls out a necklace,”Here.” He hands it too me and I hesitantly take it. \n\n\nThere’s a circular pendant attached to it and I open it. Inside is a picture of me kissing a man i’ve never met. I look back up and the man is already gone. My only comfort as I wait in this foreign world are the bustle of the busy people around me and the laughter of the children.", "\"Stay calm. Nothing around you is real. Your life is in serious danger.\"\n\nI looked at my uncle with a half-smile half what-the-hell kind of look as I pulled away from the hug. He had said this very casually and quick but with a subtle seriousness that I couldn't ignore. My mom once had told me that he was very much into Psychedelics and experimental drugs while he toured with Pink Floyd back in the day and this was my initial reaction. I thought he was having some sort of flashback or something. I had not seen this man for almost 22 years and this was the first thing that came out of his mouth to me. But the look on his weathered, old, angular face showed total control of his senses and a deep sense knowing.\n\nUncomfortably, I glanced around the reunion venue to see if anyone heard what he said. no one seemed to be paying any attention to us. Everyone was eating and talking and laughing.\n\n\"Did you just..\" I began to say before my uncle cut me off.\n\n\"Yes. I did.\" He put a strong hand on my shoulder and pulled me closer to him.\n\n\"There isn't much time to explain. I need you to trust me right now. I know you haven't seen me in a long time and it's going to be hard to believe what I'm saying. That's why I'm going to show you first. \" My uncle said as he let go of my shoulder and out of his back pocket, pulled out a silver aerosol can with \"Qbic\" written on it. He handed it to me.\n\n\"Once I show you, you need to spray your self all over, from head to toe with this and then follow me. Do you understand?\"\n\nPart of me wanted to walk away to go tell my mom that this great uncle of ours was beyond insane, but the other part of me believed... or at least wanted to. The way he looked at me and the way he spoke made it almost impossible not to.\n\n\"Ok, show me,\" I said after a deep inhale and exhale. Holding the can, I could feel a subtle current of energy surging through it.\n\n\"Hang on to that can tight, lad. and Don't you let it go for anything. It should be enough to last you a while.\" He said turning around and scanning the room full of our kinfolk.\n\n\"You must remain calm when I show you this\".He said as he took a few steps back and put about a foot of space between us.\n\n\"quickly Spray the can parallel to your eyes and look at me through the mist and tell me what you see. Make sure you shake it first.\"\n\nI did as he said and a brilliant blue mist sprayed out of the can in front of my eyes.\n\n\"I see you,\" I said.\n\n\"Yes, you do. Note that I look the same before and during the spray. Now look over there at your Aunt Jane and do the same.\"\n\nI shook the can and sprayed, The blue mist once more flooding my field of view. for a moment she looked the same\n\n\"All I see is Aun-\n\n\"Look Lad!\" my uncle said quickly.\n\nI can't explain what I saw exactly or I how knew it was there. I saw or sensed a creature unlike any imagined on this world inhabiting the space where my aunt had been. In an instant, I lost my breath, my vision went blurry and my mind blank. I could not comprehend what I saw. My uncle caught me and stood me back up.\n\n\"Don't think about it yet. There will be time for that. Everyone in this room is what you saw as your Aunt Jane just now Your Mom and Dad. Everyone. They are harvesting you. You are a very special boy, lad. You have been stuck in this \"reunion\" for a Millennium. I finally found a way in you.\" My uncle said, looking into my eyes.\n\nHow could any person take this in all at once? I felt as though my mind was about to implode and that I would simply cease to exist.\n\n\"You must hurry. Spray yourself to lift the veil that has clouded you for so long.\"\n\nI sat for a moment staring the can, Thinking how mad this all seemed.\n\n\"Ok,\" I said holding back tears.\n\nI stood up, turned the can around towards me and sprayed, letting the blue mist completely take me over." ]	3
	[WP] It started as a simple game of tag between a group of friends. Three months later, it's somehow become an escalating series of ever more elaborate plots to tag other players and avoid being tagged. One player has already died.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"We'll strike tomorrow, at two 'o' clock.\" Dan said, pointing at the north point. The room was silent, we had united for protection. Alex and Jack were the first of the alliance, then Dan and I joined after Dave died. \n\nThe next morning, me and Alex scouted out the fortifications, if Alex could jump Jim we could get him caught. Alex ran through the blasted heath, the others notice him and opened fire with the slingshots. He wouldn't make it, and I only had a few rounds, so I'd have to be quick and precise.\n\nI shot down Bob and Alex got to Jim, finally, we won, Jim fell to the ground, shouting its not fair. The our parents called us for dinner." ]	2
"Eyes are a window to the soul"	[WP] In a world where the brightness and color of your eyes determines the kind of magic you can use. You're part of a class of rejects, with a color noone has seen before.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Society has long been designed by those at the top of the food chain. Eons ago, the rules were made by the physically strong. Then they were made by the rich and greedy. Nowadays the decisions mostly fall to the green-eyes.\n\nThe greens control life. The particular shade and brightness of one’s eyes determines what, exactly, one can do, whether it be growing plants or healing wounds. Some can even communicate with animals. Thus, the greens control all the food. They grow it, trade and sell it, decide who gets what and when. They have all the power.\n\nThe blues are directly subservient to the greens, since their magic lies in elemental control. They can bring rain, or banish it. Summon or dispel winds. Lucky them, since most trade has to be done on ships—there hasn’t been a land mass bigger than 60 miles across since the floods thousands of years ago. They serve the greens, though I’m sure they’d prefer to view it as a partnership.\n\nThe browns and hazels are the menial workers. The browns can alter their own bodies, making them stronger or faster, sometimes even smarter. The hazels are telekinetic. The browns and hazels are the ones who make everything that isn’t food. And I mean everything. Clothes, weapons, drugs, jewelry, toilet paper. You get the idea.\n\nAnd then there’s us. The unknowns. Our eyes vary in color from violet to red to pure white with no pupil. They call us demons, monsters, abominations. When they deign to speak with us, anyway. Most we get out here is the occasional brown eyed trader, bringing their wares as far south as they can stomach before they fear they’ve gone too deep into unsavory territory. Our money’s good, even if we don’t come by it honestly.\n\nYou might be wondering why I didn’t tell you what us unknowns can do, and that’s an easy question to answer: there is no pattern. I know a girl with eyes the color of fire, and she can purify anything she touches. She’s the only reason half of us survived a bad batch of corn a few years back—she hadn’t handled the crop herself, just volunteered to be one of the grinders who milled it into something approaching flour. She was a new arrival then, just nine years old, and didn’t understand her power yet. We call her Purity.\n\nThen there’s my friend Wingman, whose eyes glow steel gray. He doesn’t actually have wings, but he can fly. He’s our main scout, him and the guy with pitch black eyes who can see a hundred times further than anybody else.\n\nWe’ve got farmers, healers, heavies, spotters, seamstresses and brewers. Everything a burgeoning society of outcasts needs.\n\nOr, at least, it would be, if the greens didn’t send the hazels to try and exterminate us every few weeks. Hence the scouts.\n\nNow, me? I’ve been here my whole life. I was born among the unknowns, one of the first. Everybody else had been sent here, discarded by disgusted parents like last week’s garbage. If I hadn’t, if I’d been born in actual society, I would’ve been killed on the spot. There’s only one thing worse than a person with unknown eyes: a person with one unknown eye, and one green.\n\nThere are others like me, now. Before our unknown territory became the thriving hub it now is, we were slaughtered at birth. Considered worse than scum, the filthiest thing imaginable. The only ones like me were born here in the past twenty years or so. I think we all know they were really just terrified of us, of what our eyes meant. Of what we could do.\n\nMy green eye gives me control over human life, and my silver eye lets me do things with it that no green could even dream of. I can give you a disease that makes your ears, ass, and fingers fall off, in that order, just by looking at you. I could also cure that disease with a glance. I can make your heart literally shrivel up while it’s still in your chest. I can make you see and hear things that aren’t there, believe things that aren’t true.\n\nWell, if I can do all that, why am I sittin’ on my ass, flapping my lips? That’s easy, too. I need an army. I’m effective, sure—but my power requires direct contact, whether that’s skin to skin, eye contact, them hearing my voice, or even just reading my words. So, while I can do a lot of damage on my own, this little revolution of ours will go a whole lot smoother once the others like me get a full grip on their powers. The oldest is only 17, the youngest is 5. Though that one’s power seems to have made him mentally full-grown, nobody feels right about sending a child into battle. Nobody worth listening to, anyway.\n\nBut it’s alright. We got everything we need, and we can wait. I can wait. One day, those hateful fucks with normal eyes are gonna go down, and I’ll be leading the charge.", "Green hued contacts slipped between his fingers as Trav struggled to place them over his eyes. Of course they were only contacts and by no means gave him the connection to the earth that most would have. Trav threw himself on his bed as he imagined the wild powers he could have had, fire red eyes with their intrinsic connection to heat and energy, or what about silver wisps with their powerful telepathic abilities. If only his magic-less opaque eyes were silver, then he could find out how Callie really felt towards him. Trav smiled, of course he couldn’t really use his powers on his crush but the fantasy certainly appealed to him. Callie with her golden yellow eyes, radiant and full of kindness came with a powerful empathy, perhaps that was why Trav was in love with her. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nReality snapped back to Trav as he realized the time, downstairs his father laid out a plate of waffles. “Trav, you all ready for today?” his father’s eyes always had a natural darker shade of green to them revealing a deep wisdom that Trav had always admired. “Sure thing pops.” Travs said as he stuffed half a waffle down his mouth in a single bite. “Ooooh Pops? Huh, where did that come from I wonder? I see you’ve been hanging around a certain yellow eyed girl, aye Sonnyboy?” Trav felt his face redden, “It has nothing to do with Callie, dad.” Trav finished his waffles but was blocked by his dad, “Trav, be careful trying to impress that girl. There’s only so much you can do you know.” Grumpily Trav pushed through his dad, “What do you know about it. You don’t know what it’s like not to have magic.” \n\n&nbsp;\n\nTrav’s school day was nothing abnormal, magic use was forbidden on campus, making it easier to blend in. That said, it was very much commonplace to use your powers among friends and while playing, which occasionally escalated into mock duels. Perhaps if he could use magic the various activities of his peers would be more interesting but instead Trav spent his breaks reading. But probably his favorite thing about this past time was not book he read, but the company it attracted. Callie threw her bag next to Trav and sat down next to him, “Hiya nerd.” Trav blushed as her warm body became instantly apparent next to him, her yellow eyes flashed as she smiled brightly at him. “Hi, Callie. Got anything interesting?” \n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Depends on what you want, a collection of short stories? The origins of magic? Young romance?” she said coyly. “You know I can’t resist a good romance.” Trav said smiling dashingly at her, for once making the bold girl look away. The atmosphere thicken however as Callie became somewhat solemn, “Trav, I want to ask you something. It’s just something that I’ve noticed, I’ve never seen you use magic. Just this once can I see what kind of magic you can do?” Trav’s heart stopped, he could feel the harsh drum as his heartbeat began to strum loudly in his chest. “Callie, can I show you a secret?” looking into Callie’s eye he felt the warmth of comfort radiate from her. Callie nods her head slowly and take’s Trav’s hand leading him away from the courtyard. Seemingly alone, he reaches up and pulls out his two green contacts revealing his colorless-opaque eyes. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n“I don’t have magic Callie. I’m an opaque. Do you think you could like an opaque?” Callie unfazed by his revelation, takes his hand. “I don’t like you because of eyes, silly.” she says smiling warmly at Trav. The moment however was quickly ruined by the approach of three other students, “Callie and Trav?” came the singsong voice of Alex. Capable and confident, Alex was a popular figure at the school and was notable for his bright blue eyes and athletic powers. His face became darkened as he peered at Trav’s opaque eyes. “I wonder what kind of magic an opaque can do?” Alex stepped up to the pair and grabbed Trav’s face, forcing him to look him in the eyes. “It can’t be very interesting, let’s see what you got loverboy.” shoving Trav he laughs as the difference in strength becomes apparent. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n“Let me show you what a real man looks like Callie.” Blue eyes flash alongside a cruel smile as lightning leaps from his hand into Trav, resulting in painful convulsions as the electricity contracts every muscle Trav has at once. “This was fun. I’ll be honest, I always wondered what was so special about you.” lightning jumped from his hands sending another searing burst into Trav’s body. Callie’s eyes narrowed as a dark yellow forms, “Alex maybe you wouldn’t be so quick to hurt other people if you knew what it felt like.” The smug look on Alex’s face disappears as a wave of pain washes over him. “Callie! You think you know what it feels like? Let me show you!” Callie collapses as a bolt of lightning strikes her. Trav gets up as the effects of the lightning dissipate. His opaque eyes no longer completely colorless, a sharp cacophony of blues flashes through his eyes as he faces Alex. “You… Don’t... Touch… Her!” A burst of lightning jumps from Trav, greater than anything either of them had seen. Sending Alex’s body flying as it lays motionless on the ground. The blue swirling disappears from Trav’s eyes as they instead dilate in shock. “I think I killed him, Callie…”", "I couldn't tell exactly where we were going, but judging from the glimpse I got of the guards' glowing Red eyes before they blindfolded us, I knew it wouldn't be nice. The other three in the container with me were total strangers, who refused to talk, trying as hard as they could to get their blindfold off. I'm not surprised, really - my father had warned me about this, that people of my eye colour were taken away, ripped from the clutches of their family, stripped of all humanity to serve one purpose. I had been careless. The haunting cries of my father replayed over and over again in my head as the container we were in came to an abrupt stop. \n\nI was shepherded out of the container by the guards, who were not as rough as I had expected. Although, with the literal blink of their red eyes I'd be dead, and so all I could do for now was observe. The other three seemed more agitated about what was about to happen. One by one, the guards pushed us through a narrow side door into what I assumed to be some sort of warehouse. They remained ominously silent about where they were taking us, using only the power of their eyes to force us in the right direction. \n\nWe were guided into this little room, tied into the restraint chairs, and had our blindfolds taken off. The Reds left the room, but they undoubtedly had Yellows watching us from the other side of the wall, so I thought. After the Reds had left, there was a few moments of worry, until a Blue walked in, with his typical over-the-top military officer-style uniform and false sense of being at the top of the colour hierarchy. \n\n\"So you're the four I've been trying to capture for the past ten years\", he said, with a sinister tone of voice. \n\n\"Your families and friends have done a good job of hiding you until today. They'll be dealt with appropriately. They are only Browns and Greens, so it's not like they'll matter.\" I audibly gulped in horror, but the other three reacted more angrily.\n\n\"They say only once in a century is a person born without pigment in their iris,\" he said, \"but four of you have somehow appeared within the past decade.\"\n\nBy now, I had surmised that we were going to be subjected to some kind of experiments, the kind my father had warned us about.\n\n\"You're probably aware from the legends which your parents have told you. That with the right training, you'll be able to change the colour of your eyes instantly. It's true. In the past, folk like you have managed to use these powers against the State. But at last, we have you. And you'll do anything we want.\" \n\nIt had somewhat hit me now. I was going to be a pawn, used solely for Reds, Blues and Yellows of the State to further corrupt the world, and lay waste to the Browns and Greens. My father's screams had faded into a mellow buzz, but I was sure by now that I would be hearing the screams of many, many more innocent people, as my mutation was used by the State to destroy everyone and everything in it." ]	4
	[WP] "listen, turns out God is real, Jesus is back, good for him. He's going to end the world. I like this place. All my stuff is here. I think we have to kill Jesus."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Are we sure that’s Him?”\n\nWhat a stupid question. “Of course that’s him. Who else wear sandals in December?”\n\n“Yeah, but is it really Jesus? How do we know it’s not just some crazy guy with a beard? “\n\n“We’re not going over this again. You’re looking at Jesus Christ. Now shut up.” Months of planning and my partner decides now is a good time for second thoughts.\n\n“I can’t believe he’s white.”\n\n“Shut up.”\n\nJesus fucking Christ. Finding him was hard. Getting him alone was harder until he wandered off to this garden to pray. Now that we have Him cornered, killing him will be simple. \n\n“Are we sure we want to do this?”\n\nAnother stupid question. “Are you ready for the world to end? I’m not. I have shit to do. It’s my birthday next week. My Chemical Romance is back. We can’t let Jesus end the world.”\n\n“Good point. The Queen of England lives here. And there’s an impeachment proceeding. We don’t have time for your shit, Jesus.”\n\n“Exactly. Now stay here and keep a lookout.”\n\nI moved in on our Lord. As I came closer, I knew something was wrong. The hooded cloak covering Jesus’ body seemed strangely limp, as if propped up by sticks rather than the Son of Man. \n\nBy the time I realized what was happening, it was too late. I turned around to see the King of the Jews, sword in hand, coming toward me. My partner lay lifeless behind him, still clutching the single slice across his throat. The killing was kosher. That somehow made it more ethical.\n\nJesus stood before me then; his sword held to my throat. The slightly uncomfortable silence of the moment was broken as he spoke the last words I would ever hear: “Not this time, motherfuckers.”", "“Listen, man. It’s not gonna work,” I looked up from my desk, “Don’t even try.” Abby plumped into the seat across from me. She let out her usual annoyed sigh, “Listen, I’m agnostic, I don’t really care about your rules.” The irony flew right over her head. “Agnostics can’t see one way or another whether there’s a God or not.”\n\n“Yeah, and?”\n\n“You’re the one who told me Jesus is back- and that there is a God.”\n\n“... Your point being?”\n\n“That you’re a dumbass!”\n\nAbby scoffed and stood up. She walked over to the window and looked out over the city streets below. Something held her gaze, she was clearly thinking out a plan. “Listen, Abb, you know i love you, but I have finals to study for. Can I stud-” She snapped around, her blond hair whipping her face, “Luke, PLEASE* help me kill Jesus!” “No! It’s not gonna happen,” I shouted back. “Why not?” She whined.\n\n“Two resons: 1) we’re still in high school, we don’t have access to anything.”\n\n“hmmm... Reason two?”\n\n“The Romans tried once. He’ll be back in three days.”" ]	3
	[WP]The Professional sighed and rubbed their temples before speaking to the crowd of protestors. 'Look "Monster Hunting" doesn't mean I always have to kill the monster...now step aside and let me do my job!'	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"What harm's he really done?!\" cried one of the ones in back to a murmur of general agreement. \n\n\"I don't have time to explain all of the vagaries of the situation to you right now, just stand aside,\" Gerald rumbled.\n\n\"Gerald, he's so young! Surely he doesn't know better!\" called a woman closer to the front of the crowd. \n\n\"Age doesn't matter to a Hunter. It's my job hunt down monsters and put an end to the threat they pose to society. Better to end the threat now, before it gets out of hand.\" Gerald was getting tired of this. It was supposed to be such a simple job. By his estimate, these people had already made it take three times longer than it should have. \n\n\"But Gerald, surely he doesn't deserve death!\" This last came from the same one from earlier, the one in back. \n\nGerald was losing his patience. He growled, \"I already told you, I don't always kill the monster!\"\n\n\"But you sure seem hellbent on trying! We know what 'end the threat' means!\"\n\nGerald was now seething. \"I always try to save them if I can. If I promise not to kill this one, will you all just stand aside?\"\n\nThere was the susurrous sound of general agreement for several moments before the crowd parted. \n\n\"Finally...\" It was all he said as he began walking steadily into the monster's lair. \n\nThere are many types of monster lairs in the world. Dragons famously slept on piles of treasure in deep caves, miles below the surface. Trolls also preferred caves. Harpies built giant nests on high cliffs. But this one was different. It looked like a home any ordinary person might live in. This was a fitting thing since this monster looked like an ordinary person. It was probably why the townsfolk had been so defensive of him.\n\nAs Gerald rounded the corner of a hallway, he spied his quarry in the next room. He was deathly quiet as he snuck up on the beast. Then, suddenly, he grabbed the thing by the shirt, hoisted it from it's seat, and spun it to look him in the eyes. The air developed an acrid smell at the same time a growing dampness became evident on the monster's pants. \n\nGerald tossed the vile creature, possibly the vilest of all creatures, back into its seat and said, in low, menacing tones, \"Listen here, you little shit. Scroll back up and upvote that meme that made you laugh. Someone worked very hard on it and it takes almost no effort to show your appreciation.\"\n\nGerald exited the house to be greeted by worried looks from the townsfolk. He said, \"He's cured.\" Then everyone burst into cheers and applause." ]	2
	[WP] You have spent countless months inside a warehouse trying to create a time machine. When you finish your machine, you flick a switch to turn it on, and then suddenly the room becomes filled with people who are all eagerly watching you, awaiting for you to test your machine and make history.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I step up to the pedestal I’ve set my machine on in this makeshift ‘Laboratory’. The warehouse was small and compact. I’d been hoping for one that’s been the size of those ‘SuperStore’ food storages, or whatever they are. To damn expensive apparently.\n\nThis small place had a large desk, cluttered with different sized mechanical parts and sludgy chemicals that are and were apart of the.. inner workings. The machine right in the middle of it.\n\nI think about the spiritual essence I had to get, in order to finally get the machine up and running. It was shaped as a sphere though it could take multiple forms.\n\nBut right, now there’s a bunch of the world’s most renowned scientists, reporters, conspiracy theorists, you name the rest. Microphones shoved in my face, cameras pointed and flashing. \n\nI stand right in front of my creation, admiring it proudly. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s nice to see you all here... even though you sort of teleported here, or something.” A few people snickered, some murmured. “ Well, I am here to unveil my creation, the Reality/ Time Recapturation and Configuration Fluxuator, or the ‘Time Machine’.” There is an uproar of applause.\n\nI do a quick test to see if it is fully operational. It works. I head outside to go and get some livestock I took good care of. I made sure the animals were healthy so the experiment would be as valid as it could.\n\nI send the youngest and healthiest animal into a recapturation system, and with them a harnessed up, they go in, heading to a time 4 years ago in an entirely deserted place. I switch the capacitors on and the switch for it to be sent off. \n\nI switch it off and then on, and the recapturaion system brings back.. black goop. A seething sticky liquid. No livestock. Everyone stares. People start to murmur. I test again and again and again.\n\nI decide to go in myself. The other scientists mock me and doubt me for my ignorance to their leadership. I harness up and go through.\n\nThe shift is like looking into a kaleidoscope, but the colors switch over 60x as fast.\n\nI wake into an area filled with the same black goo. It’s seethe and writhes. A creature latches in to my leg, dragging me in. With my might, I try to drag myself to the machine, feeling desperate and deprived, yet I open the door and press the switch. \n\nI come back, crawling through. I slowly dragging my beaten body. I lost the lower half of my body to the slime. The people observing gasp in shock and fear. They start getting riled up. The machine starts to make sounds and it opens, the goop starting coming through. The pieces from before all stick together to form many different creatures, revealing the corpses of the animals. \n\nPeople shriek and bolt for the doors, only to find the slime creatures there. I stare back at the spiritual orb and see it melting. Remembering that with the use of it, a person or thing would come to bring awe.\n\nI stared at my legs. The creature that grabbed me started to form me new legs, because I had freed them, and I gave them a new home.\n\nThe people scream and bolt, trying to find a place to hide. The creatures have a feast. The people kick and cry and scream as they are devoured by the hoards of these monsters.\n\nI give the decency of uploading all videos and pictures from the reporters to the internet. I don’t know if people would believe them, but it was their only hope. The last chance for humanity." ]	2
	[WP] You are believed to be the last survivor. It’s been a full year since you saw another soul, and today you saw something new.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Date: Mid Spring, 2029 \nIt's been over two years since I have seen any life of another human being. I started traveling again at the end of winter to find more supplies. I have found a grocery store distribution center. This has many of the food and medical supplies I will need. I had planned on staying the night and searching the nearby areas in the morning for a possible home, but I have found something strange. In one of the offices laid a sleeping bag and open containers of food. It looks like it has not been hear long. The question is whether or not the thing that slept here was human. I needed to get out of there before I was found. I left a note pinned to a cork board. If it was a human they would read the note and leave me a sign. If it was one of those alien creatures hopefully it would not notice a new piece of paper. \n\nDate: The following day, Mid Spring, 2029.\nYesterday, I grabbed some food from the Warehouse before searching for a place to spend the night. I wish I could have built a fire as the night was so cold, but I didn't want that creature to see the smoke. I am still unsure if there is a human or one of those alien soldiers living in the distribution center. I am tired if traveling and this place could be a good home, but should I risk sticking around to find out who or what is alive at the warehouse. I have been alone for so long. Maybe I should stay and either make a home or die by one of those soldiers. The ships left those soldiers here to study our lands and find out what they could take from earth. The ships will eventually come back to collect their spoils. Maybe even bring back their people to live. They are very similar to us, they look like us, but they are not us. \n\nDate: Late Spring, 2029 \nI know for sure the creature is not one of us. I have found a telescope and have been watching the creature's habits. It has been using some sort of equipment I have never seen. Maybe it is reporting back home. I don't know, but I know it must die." ]	2
	[WP] After an amazing New Year’s party, you crawl into bed and fall into a deep sleep. However, you wake up to find that the date is now 01/01/2010.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"No...\" I said.\n\nI took another glance at my watch. It couldn't be!\n\nI went out of my bed and couldn't believe it. The sheets were a dark gold color, covered in crumbs from the \"New Years Flavored\" chips I had in 2009. The mirror had those same cracks in the same place, the bathroom had filth spots where they were before. Even my own body looked 10 years younger.\n\nI took a step into the hallway. I was confused. I saw my parents room down the hall.\n\nThis was when they were supposed to die. On New Years, 2010, right after they fell asleep, my dad woke up, drunk as hell, and proceeded to shoot my mom and then shoot himself. I could prevent it so easily...\n\nI busted into their room the second I heard him get up. There he was.\n\n\"Dad! Don't! You'll regret it forever!\"\n\nMy dad, who now had his Glock in his hands, laid down again. He put the firearm at the feet of the bed.\n\n\"You're right, kiddo. I can't restrain myself with alcohol.\" he said, depressed. \"Here, take this ol' Betsy and hide it from me so I can't find it. Thanks, kid.\"\n\nI couldn't believe it. My mom and dad would finally be alive! I could change my life for the better, finally!\n\nNext I cut off all of my toxic relationships. I cut my brutal ex-girlfriend out of my life, abandoned my friends, tossed my tiny weed bags into a sewer. This gateway drug would later lead me into a heroin addiction.\n\nI finally got my life together. I quit my old job, which was to be a tattoo artist. I would later mess up someone's tattoo and be sued to $10,000, and I would be financially struggling.\n\nI applied for a cooking job. I've always had a fascination for cooking. And, I actually got the job!\n\nMy life was becoming better and better at the second. But, as months passed, as it went from 2010 to 2011, 2012, 2013, and so on... there was always a voice in the back of my head, telling me this was off. Something bad would happen.\n\nBut my life was so fun. What could possibly go wrong?\n\nIt was then when a new entire plague came out and killed my parents when it became clear.\n\nIt turns out, when I dropped my weed bags into the sewers, it caused some hungry rats to come and eat it. It made them \"high,\" and one of them, who carried a small version of the Bubonic plague, got so high that his plague got high too, and sort of morphed into a level 2 plague, which was called the Oplonic Plague.\n\nA mosquito came and sucked this rat's blood, then went to McDonalds and bit the cook. My dad was in line at the time, and made the cook mad somehow, so the worker spit into his food.\n\nMy dad, who ate it without noticing, caught the plague, and, while kissing my mom, spread it to her.\n\nThey both died on the 2014 new year. Then, I dropped my credit card into the sewer. A rat, who thought it was food, rushed it to his family, which lived inside a very well known thief's house. The thief noticed the card, took it from the rat, and proceeded to spent over $10,000 dollars on my account and never get caught. I was fired from my job because I was noticed to not be working as hard (due to my financial struggles, leading to depression). This caused my current girlfriend to break up with me, causing even more depression, and causing me to get back with my abusive ex after I got so heart-broken. I got back with my druggie friends and got a heroin addiction, again.\n\nIt was all falling apart, wasn't it.\n\nI woke up in a sweat. It was still 2020, thank god, but it made me realize something. No matter how I tried to change things, I would always be subject to fate." ]	2
	[WP] While exploring your murdered Grandmother’s home, you stumble upon a portal to another dimension. In this dimension, time moves backwards instead of forwards. You stick around to watch your Grandmother’s death and uncover her killer.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "It was real. It was all real.\n\nMy grandma is dead. That's about it.\n\nI remember heading to her house to drop off some snacks my mom had made for her. She always loved eating banana bread. She says she would make it herself so that I wouldn't have to drop it off but now she can't even remember the recipe. I don't mind visiting her. Grandpa died a year ago so she must have been lonely.\n\nIf I remember correctly it was 4: 00p.m when I had arrived at her house. I didn't expect there to police cars infront. I couldn't remember what the police were asking me. I don't know whether I had answered their questions. I was just so shocked.\n\n\nNow here I am. Sorting through all of my grandmother's things after her funeral. Apparently the killer was never caught. I couldn't think of anyone who would want my grandma dead in the first place.\n\nI finish sorting through the living room. I get up and head to her bedroom. Opening the closet and putting the clothes in a suitcase. When I was done the only thing left in the closet was a box.\n\nIt was small and rectangular. About the size of my iphone 4. It was pink in colour. Thinking back, my grandmother loved pink. I open the box carefully I didn't want to damage the contents inside in case it was fragile.\n\nInside was a box shaped item. It looked to be made of metal. A blue light was emitting from the middle. Something compelled me to touch he light.\n\nAnd I did.\n\nA bright white light coming from the metal box fills the room and blinds me.\n\nThe light dies down and nothing else happens. It seems that the box was just some weird nightlight my grandma owned. I put the object back inside the box I had found it and turn around to put it in the suitcase filled with the rest of my grandma's belongings.\n\nBut the suitcase isn't there.\n\nI take a look around the room. Everything I had put away was now back in it's original place. The clothes were back in the closet. The bedsheets weren't folded. The picture of my grandparents is now hanging back on the wall.\n\n\n I could hear the sound of a radio from where I was. \n\n\nWas it coming from the living room? \n\nThat's impossible. The only person who should be here is me. My mom had an appointment today there's no way she could be here. She gave me the key to this place too. And there's only one key.\n\n\n\nDid someone break in and turn on the radio? \n\nBut I put the radio in of the the boxes earlier.\n\n\n\nI check my phone. Just hoping that maybe something would explain my situation. I saw the date on my phone. It was August 4th\n\nAugust 4th is the day my grandmother died.\n\nI walk out of the bedroom and there she was. My granmother, lifeless and laying on the ground in a pool of her own blood.\n\nShe starts to get up. The pool of blood disappearing. I hide behind the corner. Looking away. Terrified of what's happening. What is going on?! Did the box I was holding do this?\n\nI take the metal box out. Searching for anything that can tell me where I am. \n\nA hologram appears from the blue light in the middle of the box. Words appear on the hologram displaying:\n\nDESTINATION: DIMENSION B\n\nNOTES ABOUT DIMENSION: TIME TRAVELS BACKWARDS HERE\n\nThis wasn't real right? But my grandma is right there.\n\nI had a thought at that very moment. If time travels backwards that would explain the reason my grandma just got up from her own death. And that meant I could find out who her killer was. I look back at my grandma. She's sitting on the armchair now. And I see someone else walking backwards. Is that her killer?\n\nThey continue to walk backwards. If they're walking backwards here that means they were walking towards her in my dimension so they had to be the killer. I walk closer.\n\nThe person walking backwards is heading to the hallway that leads door now. That means they came through that door back in my dimension. \n\nI tiptoe closer so that I am now in another corner closer to the door. They had a scent that reeked of alcohol I could even smell it from here. I don't make any noise hoping that the person doesn't hear me and I try to get even closer.\n\nThey had a knife in their hand. Wore a brown trench coat and a white polo shirt underneath. Their hair was a dark brown that resembled my own. Their eyes were a bright blue that looked exactly....like mine.\n\n\nThey were mine. That dark brown hair belonged to me. That brown trench coat was what I wore this morning. That white polo shirt was an old hand me down that my granfma said I looked good in.\n\n\nThat person The one who killed my grandma....\n\n\n\n\nWas me." ]	2
	[WP] as the ship orbited the planet, they investigated why the ancient civilization never reached the stars; the answer was simple yet terrifying: magic	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The moment our spaceships entered the orbit of this planet, I could sense that something was off. I had a strange gut feeling and I felt like I was strongly pushed away from the orbit because of unknown reasons. The instruments went crazy and somehow a single line of text appeared in front of my eyes. \n\n\"Pass this layer and die.\"\n\nA simple, terrifying message.\n\nIt was really in front of my eyes, as if it was projected straight into my retina, but from the inside. This terrified me even more and I didn't dare to question a thing this powerful. Now I could understand why the civilization didn't advance beyond their planets, even though they had the technology to do that for sure.\nSo I only thought about it and came to the conclusion that there's a layer in the athmosphere dedicated to keep anything where it is. This force is so strong, that nobody sane dared to pass it, but as always there's gotta be some madmen who will challenge it, thinking they're great. \nI found out that this madman was responsible for the other expedition ship as it steered right into the layer. When they came closer to it, it glowed brightly and pulsated a bit. The closer they came, the brighter it became.\n\nThe shockwave came as they tried to pass it. They exploded with such a force that it catapulted us out of orbit, almost hundred thousand miles away. \n\nBecause of that, my respect of whatever that layer was, maybe God or something else that's beyond our human understanding, only grew. What grew as well was the fear. I feared this magical layer so much that i couldn't get me and my crew to get into the orbit closer than where we were before, i didn't even dare to approach it further than a thousand miles away from the core when we approached it to five hundred miles before. The layer supposedly rests around a hundred miles away from the surface of this planet.\n\nWe observed it and communicated with the NASA about this occurrence. \n\n\"Headquarter, we lost the spaceship Juno II B. There is no leftovers. It was destroyed by a strange layer of the local planetary athmosphere which prevents anything from passing it. From both sides. We found the reason why the ancient civilization never advanced past their planet. It instantly made them explode when Juno II B tried to pass it and this brutal force kicked us away to the edge of the orbit. We are lucky that this planet has no moons, else we could have crashed into them. Transmission finished.\"\n\n\"Juno II A, how did Juno II B get destroyed? Transmission finished\"\n\n\"Headquarter, they started flying towards the planet because they ignored the warning of the layer. It sent the message \"Pass this layer and die.\" to me, straight to my retina. I saw it in the middle of anywhere i looked. Transmission finished\"\n\n\"We can't allow to lose another spaceship, so be careful. Juno II A, scan the planets surface and then proceed to collect data about the layer. After this, head back to the nearest colony. Get prepared there for your next mission. Transmission finished.\"\n\n---\n\nThank you for reading until here. Please correct any errors, plot and grammar likewise since English isn't my first language. Also, this is my first prompt.\n\nIf you like, I'll do a second part of that." ]	2
	[WP] The dragon is in love with the hero, and the reason they kidnap the princess is to get their attention. The strangest part? The princess is in on it.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Started: 1/10/20 \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinished: 1/10/20\n\n\tHe lifted his talon up and placed the King down with confidence. Locking his Amber eyes with the blackette sitting across from him, he chuckled lowly. \n\n\tSaid girl raised an eyebrow and grinned deviously, sending a look of confusion across the dragon’s face. Never breaking eye contact, the princess picked up the knight and knocked over the dragon’s king. “Checkmate~”, she smugly teased. The dragon froze and quickly scanned the board, his Amber eyes moving from the defeated king, to the knight, and finally to the princess, to which he let out a furious roar. \n\n\tThe princess, unfazed by his actions, covered her mouth and giggled in amusement. After his little tantrum, the lizard glared at his ‘captive’ and pouted.\n\n\t“Not fair! How do you always win, Jessica!?”, the dragon snarled as he glared across the table at his longtime friend. Being a dragon, he was ions older than her, but he knew her mother. And grandmother. And was technically 24 in human years. So it didn’t matter to either of them that he was older. \n\n\tThe princess stuck her tongue out and snickered, “I’ve had plenty of practice, remember? You used to play with my mom, so I know all your tricks. You should have figured that out by now, Ashe.” Said lizard sat back in his seat and let out an exasperated groan. His tail swished aside, nearly knocking over their, now cold, tea. \n\n\t“How long has it been anyways?” \n\n\tJessica pulled up her sleeve and looked at her watch. She hummed contently before replying, “About two weeks.”, Cue puff of smoke from Ashe, “She’ll come to ‘rescue’ me soon, don’t worry. Not everyone can get from my castle to your tower in a few hours.” She reached over and used what little magic she knew to reheat her tea. As she took a sip she heard her companion grumbling.\n\n\t“Well she should get here FASTER... you’re supposed to be the PRINCESS for crying out loud.”\n\n\t“Oh, don’t be such a baby. You’re supposed to be a DRAGON for crying out loud.” She mimicked him. “She’s not magic, Ashe. She’s a human like me.” \n\n\tAshe let out a small bit of flame to relieve some of his frustration. Glaring out the window of his tower, he searched the distant hills for his soulmate. Being a dragon allowed him to see incredible distances and if he focused hard enough, he could see her painted stallion gallop across the hilltop. This was a signal they had about 3 hours to set up for her arrival. His gaze had not gone unnoticed. Jessica smirked.\n\n\t“Jeez, you look like a lovesick salamander. How long have you been fawning over her anyways? I haven’t seen THAT look since Evangeline.”\n\n\tAshe shot his comrade a glare before glancing back out the window. His eyes widened when he saw a familiar red and white horse gallop over the hill. He let out a grin showing off his sharp fangs. His tail wagging violently, nearly knocking the princess out of her chair. She, of course, let out a small yelp from being thwacked by a scaly tail but was soon cut off by a cheerful roar.\n\t“SHE’S ALMOST HERE! QUICK! POSITIONS!”\n\n\nWord count: 535 words", "The majestic beast beat his wings against the wind, swooping in and snatching the princess. He made sure to grab her in just the right way as not to hurt her, just as they’d practiced a dozen times before. Her screams were also well practiced, convincing enough to even give the dragon himself cause for concern, though once out of earshot she reassured him she was fine. So far, everything was going according to plan.\n\nOf course the knight, having been the best friend to the princess, would have been the one take the king’s order to hunt the dragon. The knight’s journey was underway the moment the order was issued, and now it was a race against the clock in the knight’s mind, there’s no telling what that horrible beast was doing to the poor princess!\n\nOnce at the castle with the princess the dragon had taken on his more natural form, his half human heritage granting him a rather unique visage. Unfortunately, despite the draconic aspects of his mother that he bore, his body took the shape of the scrawny twink of a bard that laid her. He paced in the dilapidated throne room, clearly nervous about the whole plan, “What if it’s more than one knight? What if they just...attack! What if-“\n\nThe princess pressed a finger to his lips, shushing him as she spoke, “It’s going to be fine~ You’ll see~”\n\nThe dragon seemed hesitant to agree but slowly nodded his head as the princess pulled her hand away, “Okay, you’re right. I’m just being anxious, everything will be okay,” He smiles at the princess as he stops pacing, nodding at her, “Right! No time like the present! I’ve waiting so long for this opportunity, and I’m not going to screw it up!” The princess giggled at this, covering her smile as the dragon had taken a heroic, if feminine, pose. He actually blushed as he turned his attention to her, “What? What’s so funny?”\n\nThe princess just pointed down at the dragon’s legs, which were rather bare, “You might want to put something on before they get here.”\n\nHis blush deepened as he realized he didn’t actually have any clothes, “O-oh...Oh no...I totally forgot! Argh, how am I supposed to make a good impression if I’m naked!?” He clutched the sides of his head and crouched down, his tail wrapping itself around him as he started freaking out all over again. The princess, to her credit, soothed him rather effortlessly as she produced a dress she had taken with her.\n\nThe knight arrived a fair day after setting out, cursing the slow nature of crossing terrain. The door had been left open, as if to beckon the knight within, which was a beckon not ignored. The knight steadied the blade, rearing it up in preparation for combat, before slowly advancing within.\n\nThe dragon, surprisingly, looked almost stunning in the dress, though in certain positions it was clear that he was male. He wasn’t sure if this was going to woo the knight, but he trusted the princess and her advice. She told him the knight had arrived and hurried towards the back of the throne room to wait while the dragon stood upon the raised platform that held the throne. \n\nThe beast bade welcome to the knight, to which the angry warrior demanded, “Where is she!? What have you done to her, foul beast!?”\n\nHe had been expecting the knight to say this, though it still caused a twinge of pain in the dragon’s heart. He almost considered calling the whole thing off, but he knew his friend would be disappointed in him, so he stood his ground, “She is safe! For now. And you may have her, without bloodshed, on one condition!”\n\nThe knight, not quite sure what the dragon’s game was, removed his helmet and tossed it away. The dragon went weak in the knees as he looked upon the handsome young man, but managed to stand tall as the knight demanded of him, “What condition!?”\n\nThe dragon spread his wings, using them to float his way down to where the knight stood. He moved up to him, dwarfed by the knight’s size in many ways, and placed a hand on his chest, looking up into his eyes as he said as sensually as he could possibly manage with his heart racing, “Lay me! Make me yours!”" ]	3
	[WP] It's your first day of your dream job : training the devil's own hellhounds. You just arrived and your heart sinks as you realise that they're chihuahuas	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"I fuckin hate chihuahuas.\" \n\n\"This is Hell,\" my escort said, \"but don't worry, they get better.\" The smile in his voice cleared my disappointment. Of course they're not normal dogs. He pointed, \"Grim. Dip. Lassy.\" \n\nThese things didn't look vicious, but I suppose that's the good thing about a well groomed ankle biter. I wondered who clipped them. A shih zu once bit through my thumbnail while I was holding its head. \n\n\"Do they.... do anything?\" the three sat, happy, tongues lolling and tails loose. \n\n\"They kill people if you send all 3. Otherwise, they guard the gates. You can see that duty is symbolic now. We don't even need them as an alarm system. The big man retired the last pack to his personal guard and that was for show.\" He raised his eyebrows and I followed his gaze.\n\nThey were not housebroken. \"What do they eat? Do they have kennels?\"\n\nMy escort, whose nametag featured a number I didn't bother to remember, gave me the grand tour. The dogs were regular chihuahuas aside from being cursed. They were still puppies in many ways, but clearly supernatural in others. The odor struck me first. I didn't ask many questions once he pointed me toward a book with a 3 headed dog on the cover.\n\nI had a nice, fake place to stay in Hell. The dogs even had a yard with grass and a blue sky. The kennel was filled with dog supplies. Walking them was my first order of business because their business smelled like rotten eggs. I didn't want to clean up any more poop than necessary. \n\nThe neighborhood was indescribable beyond \"weird red cave\" and I'm not sure I was allowed to see everything. The mutts bristled our entire walk. They tried to fight each other a couple times, red eyes flaring. I missed raising puppies.\n\nDip seemed the most enthusiastic with his attitude. He proved it when I tried to kennel them. I didn't read the instructions and was ignorant to all the powers given by the curse. These little beasts were strong. They could climb walls and defy gravity compared to me. I was amazed they had walked so well on leashes. Demon zoomies are a spectacle. \n\nI left them to their races and raided the cabinets. Treats caught their attention. They looked like leather worms and smelled like death. Two each coaxed them behind their locks and I settled into the next room with my new book.\n\nOn page 3, I discovered my mistake. Two \"treats\" was one and half too many per dog. The snacks kept the dogs regulated (aka sedated) for ease of training. I returned to the kennel to find them all snoring louder than any bear. At least I had plenty of time to read. \n\nI feel like they should have given me that book before I accepted the job. It was as helpful as it was discouraging. I was to train chihuahuas as hunting dogs. \n\nQualified deaths received a visit from each of the 3 dogs. It was my duty to teach them to find the right people. Rather than scent, they hunted from what they saw in my mind. The book didn't call it telepathy, but I will. \n\nI had never trained a hunting dog on purpose in my life. I did teach a friend's bird dog to find and point the family cat by accident. I understood the concept of teaching one to trail, but I had to teach these dogs to read my mind. I didn't even know how I was going to find our victims.\n\nIt turned into a long summer in Hell." ]	2
	[WP] After getting hit by a truck and dying instantly, you wake up in the afterlife face to face with God. You ask him “Am I going to heaven or hell” and he responds “Why does nobody know the 3rd option?”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Reality+Fiction\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A\$Simple+Prompt\$&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Third option?\" I asked God with a confused face. My mind is in shambles. What other options are there? Reincarnation? Perhaps I roam as a ghost? Or is it...\n\n\"Yep, it is exactly what you are thinking.\" God said.\n\n\"What?\" \n\n\"Excuse me, did you just read my thoughts?\" I asked even more confused.\n\n\"Who do you think I am?\" God chuckled.\n\nWho would've thought. It seems he's a nice guy to hang around with. I thought he would be more like the noble Father that religion view him as. I expected being lectured about being a good person but we're just having a casual conversation.\n\n\"You do know that I am still reading your thoughts right?\" He snapped back.\n\n\"Oh right, sorry.\"\n\n\"Anyway about what you said earlier...\" I was about to asked again but he immediately cut in.\n\n\"Yeah, like I said, it is what you are thinking.\" \n\n\"So... reincarnation?\" I guessed.\n\n\"No.\" \n\n\"Become a ghost?\"\n\n\"Nope.\"\n\n\"Then what is it, those are the two that I've been thinking.\" I said to Him with a face as if I am answering a test question that has no answer in it.\n\n\"There's still one.\" He replied.\n\n\"I give up, just tell me please?\" \n\nGod sighed. It seems He was disappointed. I get the feeling that He knows that I already know the answer but I just don't want to answer it because it is the wrong answer.\n\n\"How did you die?\" He asked.\n\n\"If I remember correctly, I was crossing the street while I was talking on the phone...\" I reminisced.\n\n\"I was pretty sure that it was a green light, but I crossed anyway because I saw no cars.\"\n\n\"Yeah, that's right.\" He agreed.\n\n\"Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw it. A big vehicle. A truck.\" I finished.\n\n\"There you go.\"\n\n\"What's the truck got to do with...\" I stopped. I suddenly realized something. Something that I never thought was possible.\n\n\"No...no, it can't be.\" my thoughts were already being read anyway so I let out my reaction immediately.\n\n\"NO FUCKING WAY!\" I yelled.\n\n\"Hey watch your language!\" God scolded me a bit there, but I can't help it. I got too excited.\n\n\"Yes, time to send you to another world.\" He finally said, putting my thoughts to rest.\n\n\"And I get to keep all my knowledge?\" I asked.\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"And you bless me with some kind of power?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"And I get to have a harem of cute girls who will always follow me?\"\n\n\"Whoa slow down there, you're mistaking your priorities.\" He cut off my sudden daydreaming.\n\nThroughout my whole life, I had hoped that something extraordinary would happen to me. But no, everything has always been the same routine of waking up, going to school, going home, and finally going to sleep. I didn't feel like a human at all. All my life, I felt like I was a machine, no not just me. Everyone around me as well, I think they were all machines, programmed to follow a set of routines and behaviors. What only kept me from losing my humanity are the fantasy books I've read, shows I've watched, and games I've played. And now, as I came face to face with God, my wish will finally be granted. A life of extraordinary events. A life that I longed for.\n\n\"Thank you! Thank you so much!\" I happily sang my appreciation for Him.\n\n\"You are real after all!\" I suddenly blurted.\n\n\"...\" \n\n\"Oh yeah, I remembered, you were an Atheist after all.\" God said. I can here extreme anger in His voice. Oh no maybe I shouldn't have said that last part.\n\n\"Yes, you shouldn't have. I was about to give everything to you but you just had to go and say that.\" He said, once again I was reminded that my thoughts are being read.\n\n\"Umm, I'm sorry about that. Will you forgive me please?\" I pleaded. I can sense an intimidating aura coming from here.\n\n\"...\"\n\nWhoosh.\n\nI suddenly felt a strong wind brushing against me. At first it was faint, but then I started getting pushed back. Away from God. The force grew stronger and stronger every second.\n\n\"Wait, God?\" I suddenly feel uncomfortable.\n\n\"Nothing bad will happen to me right?\"\n\nGod didn't reply. Instead He just stood there, waving His hand, but a bitter smile is visible on His face.\n\n\"Hold on, God?\" I tried resisting the winds. But it was no use.\n\n\"God?\" \n\nStill no reply.\n\nI did my best to push myself forwards but it was no use.\n\n\"Uwoaaaahhhhhhh!\" I felt my body get pulled by a strong force downwards.\n\nI fell into a seemingly infinite void. My hands and feet couldn't reach anything. Then, it all went dark.\n\nWhen I came to, I found myself lying in an open field. The sun shined brightly, forcing me to squint. I jolted myself up, remembering what just happened. I took a quick look at my surroundings. Grass as far as the eye can see, and some mountains. It seems I really got reincarnated into another world. It was as what I have always dreamed of. An extraordinary life, although not yet, but I'm certain it's coming. This is the best day ever!\n\n\\Roar\\\n\nThen I heard it. A growl that sounded like thunder in a stormy night. I slowly looked behind me. And then I saw it, a lion twice as large as the lions that I've known. Its lips are pulled back, showing razor sharp teeth like a set of knives. Its mane is almost as large as I am. I coiled its body backwards, as it did I realized that it was preparing to attack me. And so, I got up from my seat and ran as fast as I can. The lion chased behind me but its body was too big so it was slower that what I thought. However, that's not where it ends, my peripheral vision caught a glimpse of two lions running towards me at full speed from opposite directions. It was then that I knew, this wasn't just a coincidence.\n\n\"ISN'T THIS A BIT TOO MUCH?!\"\n\n\\- end \n\nTitle: I Was Summoned to Another World by a Sulking God.", "A split instant of pain, and now I'm facing God? What happened to St. Peter and the pearly gates? Well, that's not my problem now, is it. \"Heaven or Hell?\" Go right to the meat of the matter.\n\n“Why does nobody know the 3rd option?”\n\n\"I'm the wrong person to ask, God.\"\n\n\"How so?\"\n\n\"You are presented as omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. If you don't know, there's no chance that I could know.\"\n\n\"Even if it were a more desirable result?\"\n\n\"Well, if you're serious...?\" A nod. \"You have to ask yourself a few questions:\n\nDid I tell anyone? Did they remember to tell anyone else? Did they write it down? Did anyone believe them? Did someone decide that it was inappropriate?\n\nA failure at any of those points, and the knowledge is lost.\n\nThen there's the way your word is passed to us. The Bible has been translated, re-translated, edited, compressed, expanded, and interpreted for millennia.\n\nFinally, and please remember, you did ask.\n\nIs the third choice something that humans would find desirable?\"\n\n\"How could they not? It is specifically designed for them!\"\n\n\"Times, and people, change. Tell me, was it designed before or after the incident with the Apple?\"\n\n\"Before!\"\n\n\"I suspect that's where the problem is. People who have knowledge have different ideas on what is desirable.\"\n\n\"Then you should be able to tell me whether ot not it's desirable!\"\n\n\"Nope.\"\n\n\"Why not?\"\n\n\"Everyone has their own ideas on what they'd like. I can only tell you what I like.\"\n\n((finis))", " \"A third option? \", I thought to myself. \"Is that even possible? \"\n\n \"Yes the third option!\", he loudly exclaimed, much to my shock because I didn't say a word.\"Hadn't any of the messengers give any slight clues on it? Don't tell me you're one of those 'atheists', now don't you? '\n\n I was asked, yet I was really caught off guard with all this, I couldn't even speak. Hearing of a 'third option' gets my gears spinning, because I'm not a pious person, but I only ever heard of a Heaven and Hell, if I'm not mistaken. \n\n And eager as I am, I couldn't help but want to ask something that's been lingering with me from the moment this \"god\" figure woke me up. So I mustered my strength to ask. \n\n \"Umm... H-how was—\", words came out of me were slow and shaky, yet 'he' cut me half sentence before I could finish. \n\n \"That girl? She's fine and all\", 'he' stated calmly. I felt slight relief in me for thay fact. \n\n The reason I jumped to the road is to save a girl from getting run over by an incoming truck. I didn't think twice then. Knowing that she survived gave me slightest of hope of a better ending, because I'm not sure what my life's worth is. \n\n \"What's not fine... \", the figure took a noticeable pause before looking at me straight into my soul, \"...is YOU\".\n\n My soul became extremely weakened by the sheer fear of ignorance. A surge of despair immediately rushed through me, as I couldn't even stand. \n\n\"H-huh? Me? W-what did...what did I do?\". \n\n Did I sinned so badly? Have I did something that angered the Heavens? Questions upon questions came that I hope I couldn't know the answer to. \n\n \"You see, Hell and Heaven serves as reward for your deeds or misdeeds during one's lifetime. One outweighs the other.\" \n\n A projection of what I assume the 'rewards' appear in front of me, though it seems very vivid unlike normal projectors. Seeing an indescribable garden of Tranquil and an unimaginable pits of Punishment had never leave me so speechless. \n\n \"But... \"\n\n Then the projection changed into an overall map of the Heaven and Hell side by side. I noticed something in between the two. \n\n \"...what if the both were equally balanced? Where do they get sent to?\". He returned his gaze back to me, when I get to see the towering wall that sits at the Heaven-Hell border. \n\n I think I got the gist of this, finally. \n\n \"S-so you're saying here is that, I'm neither good nor bad? And I'm being sent to the third place where I...? \" \n\n \"You will be tested again to show your worth, either your soul are that of a saint... \" . The projection shows the illustratious Heaven with it's many gardens and maidens and favors never touched or seen before. As one would dream of having in their life. \n\n \"...or that of a sinner\" . The projection then shows the clear and uncensored tortures and torment of unfortunate inhabitors of eternal Hellfire. A place no-one would ever want to be. \n\n With that, my soul suddenly began to levitate without my control. Am I being sent there now? But I still have so many questions to ask! \n\n \"Wait! H-how am I going to be tested?! \" I flailed my arm to try to escape whatever that lifts my soul up, but to no avail. \n\n \"Even if I tell you now, your memory would be wiped off clean. You'll know when you arrive there.\"\n\n 'His' words slowly became incomprehensible, my soul began to fade.\n\n I really don't want to go there now after seeing all that. The mere thought of the consequences if I failed makes me want to not exist right here, right now, even with the promise of an ending better than the whole world should I succeed. \n\n \"Please...\" \n\n I plea for a good ending or none once more. \n\n \"As an Archangel, I pray that may your soul meet its rightful end. \". The figure shared 'his' last word with me before I completely lose consciousness. \n\n Then everything was blank....", "\"What 3rd Option?\", you say, absolutely unsure of yourself. There's a million more questions that you want to ask, but they all seem to die on the way to your lips. Are you even breathing? You couldn't feel your body, but you felt like you take up space in this strange place. It didn't really look like anything you'd ever seen, it was as if the world around you had no fixed state and just flowed between the conversation of two very different beings. It was easy to tell the other presence was God because whenever you looked at whatever the other thing was, your mind felt both at ease and incredibly terrified at the same time. Was God supposed to be scary?\n\n\"The 3rd option\", the god like presence 'spoke', \"is an option that everyone picks. \nIt is the choice you've picked before and the choice you will pick again.\"\n\nYou seemed to feel terror go through your ethereal being. It's as if your mind was being manipulated to think things without your wanting.\n\n\"Enough of these riddles. Are you God? Why do I feel like this? And out with it, what it this 3rd choice?\"\n\nLaughter seems to fill the entirety of everything.\n\n\"I am you. Everything here is you. You are what you call God. You created me and therefore I am a part of you, and you are a part of everything. The 3rd option is the choice that you always choose. The choice to live again. To be stuck in this madness of living through every single human life to have existed. The short ones where you aren't even born, and the long ones that go on for eons until the last blackhole decays.\"\n\nYou were overwhelmed. \"Why do I never choose the first or second choice?\" I asked trying to make sense of what was going on.\n\n\"Because,\" I said to myself, \"those choices don't exist.\"\n\nFor just a moment, the memories of every life I had lived came rushing back and filled my mind with unexplainable ecstasy. I had not lived through all of them yet. I knew I would get there, one day. One day, I'd figure out why I put myself through this. One day, this rush of ecstacy would not be just that, it would be some sort of ascension that would change what I am. Sadly, that day is not today. And with that last thought, I was born again.", "“The, third?” You say, hopelessly confused\n\nI rub my forehead in sheer annoyance. “Yes, it exists. It’s the place where the very good people go.” I laugh to myself.\n\n“Now I’m beginning to sound like Santa.”\n\nI gesture for you to follow me, and you do. You walk past a magnificent quartz staircase with a gold trim, and on your right, you notice a stairway going down made out of a maroon stone with flames floating in midair. I open a door similar to the first stairwell. The first thing you notice is a large, round cylinder with open doors at the front. Around it are a multitude of computers, strangely, running by themselves.\n\n“The very good people,” I say, putting emphasis on the “very,” “get to take a ride in this! My God Approved Respawner.”\n\n“Respawn? You mean I can go back to Earth? See my wife and kids?” You say with a hopeful tone\n\n“See, that’s good stuff,” I say, “You get to respawn, and the first thing you want to see is your family.” I look down to the ground, doubting if I should tell you\n\n“Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see them, because they haven’t been born yet.”\n\n“What do you mean ‘Haven’t been born’, I saw them while I lived!” You shout with tears slowly forming in you eyes\n\nI walk over to one of the computers and press a button\n\n“You’re going to be a manager at Ford during the Industrial Revolution.”\n\nYou sit down in shock as you realize what I just said. As you walk over to the Respawner, I open the doors just as you walk in.\n\n“Take me back,” you say bluntly\n\nThe doors closed as I press a button and I sent you on your way" ]	6
	[WP] Telling people ''Enjoy your next 24 hours'' is much more interesting than just wishing them ''Have a nice day''.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Oh, I sure will, sport!\"\n\nI don't have the heart to tell Ms. Renstein, or anyone else in the lobby, for that matter.\n\nFeather's Landing Retirement Community has seen it's share of the old and the dying. I took this job as a fast track to paying for school. Sit at the front desk and sign in visiting families? The money was too easy.\n\nBut it turns out, I started to enjoy the day-to-day more than what a summer job would have led me to believe. Sure, it didn't help conversation that none of the residents could remember who I was, much less what they had for breakfast. But if Mr. Billiston got a kick out of reminding me that in his day, \"A smartphone? What, did it go to college? Ha Ha Ha!\", everytime he came in from the porch-paper-reading-session, well, I guess I meant something to someone.\n\nLook at them. Decades of life behind them, so many characters gripping walkers and canes, making the most of what time they have left.\n\nThose poor souls.\n\nThe Health Department had rendered it's verdict last month. What was supposed to be a routine checkup on the residents was a much darker day. \n\nThe virus had somehow found its way to our doors. Degenerative, debilitating, destructive in every sense. Scientists were scrambling to source it, the best guess was a hybrid of bird flu and H1N1. Hospitalizing to the masses, incurable in the elderly. Their immune systems could offer no resistance. The doctors said once they got it, it was only a matter of time.\n\nWe called families as soon as we found out. How do you explain to someone that their parents, their grandparents, are living on borrowed time? \n\nSo we decided not to. The families knew, but they asked us to not give the residents the news of a lifetime ending. Let them enjoy their last days without the thoughts, they asked. \n\nInstead, we focused on giving them the best way to go out. We invited all the families to come to the center, and laid out a spread that could feed a village for the day. In the rec room, it was a marathon showing of all the classics, everything from Lawrence of Arabia to The Wizard of Oz. Our director even found a local swing band to come out and play bops all through the day in the main dining hall. You should have seen Mr. and Mrs. Grafton showcase \"The Charleston\" for the crowd. \n\nIt's hardest to watch the families. Trying to have a good time. Knowing it may very well be the last time.\n\nSo I can't bring myself to wish nice days on the residents. I can't give them that false hope.\n\nWith his characteristic swagger, Mr. Billiston raps his cane across my desk as he makes his way to the porch, cradling the day's paper. \"If your phone can't make me coffee, how smart can it be? Ha Ha Ha!\"\n\n\"Always a jokester, Mr. Billiston!\" I offer as he makes his way past the screen door.\n\nI hope you enjoy your next 24 hours." ]	2
	[WP] The streets of your city are growing insecure. To raise awareness for the issue, you decide to start patrolling the streets at night, wearing a superhero costume and wielding a baseball bat. Your idea works and others soon join you. Unlike you, however, they all have superpowers.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"You can't just quit!\"\n\nI stood there, a remorseful expression on my face. Lady Lightning was a friend. I didnt want to let her down, but i couldnt keep this up anymore.\n\n\"Emma, im just a guy with a baseball bat. I almost got my arm ripped off yesterday! Again! The world doesn't need another victim. It needs more people like you. Actual heroes, for god's sake!\"\n\nWhen i told them of my early retirement, most people were shocked. Hell, even blackbird was surprised. \n\n\"But... what the hell do you expect me- no US to do without you? You started this, you bastard!\"\n\nThe tears welling up in her eyes hurt more than any of the broken bones i got in these 7 years of patrolling the streets, and thats saying a lot.\n\n\"I... i dont know emma. All i know, is that the world needs people like you. People with the power or gadgets to change the world. Im just a man who goes out there to wail on criminals with a god damned bat.\"\n\n\"You say you haven't changed the world, John, but i know better. You made every last hero in this goddamned world see that there was hope! Hope for people to stand up for themselves! T-to be heroes! You promissed you'd be there, with me all the goddamned way!\n\n\"I did, and im sorry.\"\n\nJesus christ, i almost regret leaving. The tears rolling down her face are worse than any villain\n\n\"Im just asking you to stay! Just a little longer, John... please?\"\n\n\"I... im sorry emma.\"\n\nshe nods, and leaves, as i close my door. I didnt sleep that night. I left. For good, this time. Didnt have the heart to tell them all about the tumour. I fear i wont be long, now." ]	2
	[WP] You're out exploring the woods, having fun with your friends, when you stumble on an old building, with a hatch leading deep underground. The only thing printed on the hatch: SCP: Secure Contain Protect.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Military?\"\n\nIn a way\n\n\"Do we go in?\"\n\nGonna get shot\n\n\"Odds of not being shot?\"\n\n2/5\n\n\"Odds of dying if shot?\"\n\n1/16\n\n\"Alright I'm game\"\n\n-\n\n\"I heard gun shots\"\n\nNot aimed at you\n\n\"What are they aiming at?\"\n\nMe\n\n\"You're here?\"\n\nWhy else would I bring you here\n\n\"I thought you were like the other voices, just kind of in my head. Is this gonna be a visual hallucination too?\"\n\nNo, it's real and I am too\n\n\"Right\"\n\n-\n\nTake the key card off the body\n\n\"Okay this is vivid.. why is he dead\"\n\nBecause of me\n\n\"Wow ok.. why am I doing this\"\n\nBecause Bright said i couldn't break my record time on making an end of the world scenario" ]	2
	[WP] You work for a large publishing company specialized in making college textbooks. Wanting to punish the higher ups for needlessly raising book prices, you begin to sprinkle in arcane spells among the books pages.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I stifle a yawn and rub the sleep out of my eyes before taking another long drag from my large cup of coffee. The picture page of the history book ive been working on is sitting right in front of me on my computer screen, an old picture of George Washinton standing tall in a boat full of soldiers as they cross a river. I rub my neck, working out some of the stiffness, and sigh. Time for more coffee.\n\nAs I walk through the darkened hallways of my office building, I have to suppress a slight shudder. Even after staying this late for over a year, it still creeps me out to see the empty cubicles and hear nothing but the electric hum of the hallway lights and the constant ticking of the various wall clocks across the office. I make my way to the break room, where I've had a very large pot of coffee percolating for a while, and proceed to refill my cup, adding some sugar and cream to taste. Setting my large mug aside, I proceed to set up the coffee pot for the next large batch while reflecting on the last year.\n\nThe announcement that we would be raising the prices of our text books yet again was met with outrage by many of the employees, especially parents of college age students. The exorbitant prices were getting to be too much, even with their employee discounts. In the early days, several employees were fired when they were caught trying to take digital copies of the textbooks out of the building to give to their children for free. Those that remained had learned; it was better to keep the job and get some sort of discount rather then get fired and have no way to help their children at all.\n\nThe sound of the coffee beginning to percolate snapped me from my tired reverie, and I picked up my refilled coffee mug and took a deep, long swig. Satisfied, I let out a sigh and returned through the darkened hallways to my own office. Id been in charge of formatting and designing the artistic pages of the text books for a few years now. It was a lot, especially for one person, but late nights like this had kept me from getting behind, and my bosses seemed pretty satisfied with my work. They barely paid me, not that I needed it, and seemed to decide it was worth it to keep my department as just me. That was fine by me. It meant I could work as I pleased without any awkward questions being asked.\n\nReturning to my computer, I started back in on the arduous task of hiding ancient glyphs and sigils in the historically iconic picture of our first President, softly muttering the words needed to make the sigils do as they needed to do. While others had attempted minor theft or strongly written complaints, my solution to the rising prices of textbooks had been simple; give the customer what they were paying for. For over a year, I had been at this task in secret, weaving spells of data retention, boosted focus, increased cognitive understanding, and even a few special spells for athletic prowess and other, more unique abilities into the artistry of the textbooks I worked on. I had always taken pride in my work, and now, I could once again. After all, it was important the customer got their money's worth." ]	2
	[WP] The aliens arrive on Earth from the the third planetof Alpha Centauri A. They have blue skin and you fall in love with their hot science officer.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The Itanan research ship was the first manned interstellar mission to another planet. The blue-skinned Itanans get strange reactions but they look like us. The leader of the landing party, Science Officer Targan, is in the uniform of the Imperial Itanan Exploration Corps. The ship had just passed the International Space Station before landing on Earth. I was sent to greet them wearing a surgical mask. I was designated as the local welcome wagon uneasily by NASA. \"This is a first,\" I said uneasily. \"Martin Davis, former Shuttle astronaut.\"\n\n\"We know who you are, Major Davis,\" Targan replied.\"We've watched humanity go from its first flight to the moon. We've also observed your space shuttle program. I'm Commander Targan of the Imperial Itanan Exploration Corps.\" Her indigo skin was different than that any other woman I've seen. Her turquoise eyes were her best feature, \"On behalf of the governments of Earth,\" I began. \"Welcome to Earth.\"" ]	2
	[WP] Everyone has superpowers, but they only activate when you would die if you did not use them.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The first time someone had been activated people thought it was just a fluke. I mean most people can’t just lift a car up over their head, but sure enough this guy had done it. People had just claimed it up to adrenaline. \n\nBut then more and more instances of superhuman instances kept popping up. It didn’t take people long to see the trend. Powers only showed up in life or death situations.\n\nAfter that was discovered it took even less time for people to exploit this. A multitude of people became known as flat-liners. These individuals kept their bodies constantly in a state of near death and because they did so they constantly had powers.\n\nNone of these individuals lived exceptionally long lives. They became a sort of unincorporated police force using their powers and pushing their bodies to the limit. \n\nAfter that they introduced a new drug that simulated the same situation your body goes through to release those powers, but only those in the flat-liners group had access. They quickly became unstoppable, full super powers with none of the restrictions. The world fell to them.\n\nThat’s why I showed up. Turns out a little bit of Xanax calms the body down and the powers just fade away. Such a simple solution. And when they have no powers they’re just people, and people are very easy to dispose of." ]	2
	[WP] You are a professor at a school of magic, however you have missed a slight crack in your wand, causing embarrassing mishaps whilst trying to demonstrate spells to your students.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I stood at the front of my classroom, watching the sixth years as they dragged themselves inside, their faces lighting up as they notice the sleeping swan on the desk in front of me.\n I wait for them to take their seats. \n\"Today, we will be changing this swans feathers from white to black, using the incantation Lucara Mutatum.\" I pause, surveying the room, making eye contact with the known trouble makers. \"Whilst we have used this spell on inanimate objects, living creatures are quite a bit trickier. Not only do we have to visualise the correct colour change, we also have to be mindful of the amount of energy we use- a bald swan will result in a failure.\" My attempt at humour went unnoticed by the class, and I raised my want to demonstrate. \"Lucara Mutatum\" I channelled a small amount of magic through my wand, not noticing the subtle warping of the spell until it was too late. Before I could absorb what had happened I was laying on a desk, watching in horror as the swan, in terror at being in charge of my body, hissed and spat at my students whilst flapping my arms and stumbling all over the place, before losing control of my legs entirely and flailing to the floor. I bowed my head, the shame overwhelming be, my pupils shocked laughter only getting louder until the doors where thrown open by Mr Thornton. He sees me on the floor, the swan still not having figured out my legs is just writhing on the floor, desperately trying to stand but not knowing how. He looks over to me, lying on the desk, and I can maintain eye contact. At least as a swan he can't see me blush. He turns to the class.\n\"Miss Sattlethire's class is finishing early today. Mrs Argyle will be expecting you in the study hall. He scribbled a note on a piece of parchment and pushed it into the pot on my desk, waving his want over as he directed the message to Mrs Argyle. Turning to me, he crouched down on the floor putting his head at eye level. \"Now Miss Sattlethire, I would love to fix this mishap for you, but alas only Dr Farnswickle has a chance at getting you out of this one.\" To my shock, I found myself hissing at him. \"Now now,\" he chuckled. \" no need to be angry. I told you to check your wand after you fell at breakfast this morning!\"", "\"Summoning is very simple with a wand versus a magic circle. Wands will summon beings connected to the domain of its making. My wand was made in one of the fourty four hells so with low output I'm likely to summon a harmless imp. While Ms. Sara in the front row would possible summon a brownie from her wand. Her wand was made from the wood of a still living dryad in Ireland.\" Matthew Henderson spoke to his class as he tapped his black wand on his desk.\n\n\n\"Are summons dangerous?\" A student with a vape sitting at his desk asked with a yawn.\n\n\"No. The process of answering a summon binds them to your orders in exchange for hefy amounts of power. It doesn't hurt to build a positive relationship with a summon. They could form a familiar pact if they like you enough. I'm sure you've seen the um very amorous Selkie at the pool. That is the familiar of Mr. Kane.\" Mr. Henderson raise his black wand which had a hair line crack in it.\n\n\"Mr. Henderson. Can you summon a demon?\" A female student asked while placing a small syringe on the table. \"I need some demon blood for my alchemy class.\"\n\n\"I will summon an imp and you may ask for some. Summons are being with their very own agency and not simply mindless tools.\" He rose his wand and spoke. \"Wand limiter three. Low casting. Summon.\"\n\nThe wand sparked as all the limiters failed to connect and the maximum amount of his magic was used to summon. A black rift appeared as a figure stepped out.\n\n\"It is not often I get summoned but that was a large amount of magic.\" The creature had a voice that felt pleasant on the ears as the magic lighting in ten room illuminated her.\n\n\nA large goat like head with golden rings in each horn turned to take in the students. A curvaceous body covered in snow white fur that did little to hide her assets billowed in the room. She stood no taller than five feet but had a magical presence that would rival a dragon in it's prime. She turned to Henderson with a grin. \"It's been a while my friend, I've missed you.\"\n\n\"Too much mana... I didn't mean to summon you here Duchess Ella. My wand malfunctioned.\" Henderson stumbled back to sit on his desk. \"Let me catch my breath could you answer their questions.\"\n\n\"Of course. I am a comfort demon it wouldn't be right to leave you high and dry.\" She turned to the class and snapped her fingers. A form fitting school uniform that barely contained her body materialized over her. \"I am Duchess Ella, Lord of the forty third realms succubi and incubi. I am a progenitor demon so I am directly related my servants through soul conversion. Ask me anything.\" \n\nHands all darted up and she pointed to a make student in the back. \"Yes you.\"\n\n\"Are you the Ella from YouTube. The one that does videos on the different succubi or those tourist commericals?\" The student asked looking a bit starstruck.\n\n\"Yes. I also have an instagram, Twitter, Reddit, and a um -hub. I also have other social media but my name is Ellagoat on all of them. Next question?\"\n\nA female hand shot up. \"I need demon blood to make a rejuvenation for my alchemy class.\"\n\nElla shook her head, \"angel blood is far safer and more stable. Unless you want to become one of my succubi, I'd avoid using any blood stronger than an imp.\"\n\nA fat elf with a shirt that displayed an anime character on the front raised his hand. \"Can I be a demon?\"\n\nElla smiled, \" Would you be okay giving a piece of your soul to me? To be bound to my will for a century before you have grown strong enough to recover from the missing bits. To be a thrall of mine is to feel hungry when I am hungry. To feel sorrow when I am hurt to spend a century making my happiness your only desire. I would use every drop of you to make you into a fine citizen. Succubi and Incubi are the weakest of demons physically but are highly prized for our beauty and magical power. You would have to gain magic from wooing humans and imps first. My clan lacks the deadly draining ability in exchange for a more mild form that while nearly unnoticeable lasts for decades. You will have to make thousands of demons or hundreds of humans happy to hope to be at half my power. Do you think you want to be a servant little elf? A chubby elf like you would be a chubby little incubi or succubi and there is demand for that.\"\n\n\"Please don't kidnap my students before the semester is over, Duchess.\" Mr. Henderson wheezed before turning to the elf. \"As much as I'm sure you would like to sell your soul to leave my class. The Duchess thralls have school for the first one hundred years of life.\" \n\n\"This is true. I like an educated citizen. Well if you'd like to learn more, here is a summoning scroll for a recently graduated thrall.\" She opened a rift above the elf's desk and let the scroll fall out.\n\n\"Any other questions?\" Another hand went up.\n\n\"Is there a method to secure a familiar easier?\" A girl held up a pure white wand made of angel ivory.\n\n\"Oh a domain of the light? Angels and the heavenly host are fans of order. Keep things clean, follow the exact rules of spell casting, Follow laws to the letter. Be a good two shoes and that should work. Unlike other summons the host keep a vigilant eye on anyone who manages to summon even the lowest sprite. I've seen summoner get reject for torrenting music by their summons.\"\n\nThe girl looked frustrated, \"I don't think I'm suited for white wands.\"\n\n\"They are the most powerful for a reason. Even the strongest black or green wand users can't summon My Master or The World Mother. White wands can summon the Creator. You can effectively control reality for a single moment with that spell. All wands have their strong points and weak points. Black wands are easy to use but require you to slowly become a demon. Henderson here is basically going to be one of my incubi or succubi.\"\n\n\"Incubi, I hope.\" Henderson sighed and drank a red bull.\n\n\"You'd make a pretty succubi. I'd even give you red fur to match that hair.\" She grinned.\n\nThe bell rang ending the classes for the day. The students filed out of the classroom with the exception of the fat elf. He toyed with the scroll in his hands and looked up his teacher and the demon. He sent a pulse of magic to activate the scroll. \n\nA chubby incubi appear with a toothbrush in his mouth. \"Hmm.\" The creature was dressed in a large green bathrobe. Unlike Ella this incubus was stocky with large muscles on his arms and legs but a soft and large belly. He had long floppy ear like a Nubian goat with soft blue eyes. He looked down at the elf and swallowed his toothpaste with a grimace. \n\n\"Greetings. I am Waldr, Incubus, is this summoning carnal or educational? I can never tell with scrolls, my friend.\" The big Incubus squated down till he was eye level with the elf.\n\n\"H-how is it being an Incubus? Was the schooling h-hard?\" The elf blushed and and wouldn't meet his eyes.\n\n\"Ah. You are like I was a hundred and fifty years ago. Tired of the mundane grind of life, seeing others enjoy it and feeling something is wrong with you. Am I close?\" Waldr said cupping the elves chin. He didn't even glance back to see his master, he could feel her presence.\n\n\"A little bit. I just want to be different. I want to be cool like you or Ella.\" He looked down. \"I'm not like other elves, I'm not graceful, tall, or even pretty.\"\n\n\"So what? You are a magical power house. Human mages wish they can pull off the stuff an elven child can do without a wand.\" Waldr looked into his eyes. \"May I see your wand?\"\n\nThe elf reveal a crystal clear wand with many motes of light in it. \"Amazing. When I was a child I was always amazed how elves and mermaids could use wands made of star glass. If you would have me, I would like to be your familiar. In this pact if you do decide to become my brother or sister in the dark I'll prepare you. I believe you can make this life great too.\"\n\n\"I don't know if I'm allowed to make a familiar pact.\" He looked to Henderson.\n\n\"It's very mana demanding but if you do it tonight you should be recovered by Monday. Familiar pacts are pretty equal since it binds desire, intent, it is similar to giving a portion of soul to a demon but in this case the roles are reverse and you are in the position of a demon. Waldr will be in sync with your needs while you will be in sync with his passive draw on your magic regeneration. I would advise training your body's channels to draw in more magic.\" Henderson explained.\n\n\"Okay. Then I accept the pact.\" The elf said quietly.\n\nWaldr body flashed for a moment before his magic seemed to deepen. Even the first drops of elven magic in his system felt like heaven. He could feel the sheer depths of his master's loneliness and confusion. \"Thank you. Arlic I am at your command but more importantly, I am your friend.\"\n\n\n\"Good job. Proper comfort demon work.\" Ella cheered.\n\n\"Thank you. Mother Ella. Arlic and I will need time to adjust to his mana drain I will take him home before he falls out.\" Waldr bowed." ]	3
	[WP] The witch stood at the edge of the forest, waiting for the village's lights to turn off.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The witch stood in a clearing at the edge of the forest, waiting for the village’s lights to turn off, as she had done every night for the past month. As they dimmed, she turned her attention toward the sky. \n\n“Hmmm,” she muttered under her breath, taking notes of all she surveyed. “It looks like Leo rising and mercury in retrograde. I’ll have to double check my books, but I think this is good news for the other girls at the co-op.”\n\nWillow, a 22 year old barista, aspiring astrologist, and new practitioner of Wicca, got back into her Mini Cooper and drove back to town, so totally stoked that she had found the perfect place to stargaze, and how amazing her astrological readings were turning out. If tonight’s reading was right, she’d definitely be able to buy that little telescope off amazon that she had had her eye on.", "The children would be in bed, all tucked away, unaware. Their parents would be just the next room over. They would always think they could offer protection by sleeping so close to their offspring. Aggie knew better.\n\nOne by one the village homes would go dark. Candles would be extinguished, shutters would be latched. Doors barred. As if such small things would offer protection from the night.\n\nEven the smoke from the chimneys would eventually disappear, their last whips invisible against the starry sky. Then it would just be the village. The village and the surrounding forest. The village and Aggie.\n\nAnd Aggie would turn her back to the village, as she always did. She would draw her pentagrams and lay out her crystals. She would prepare. For locked doors, shut windows, nearby parents, these were not the things to protect against the night.\n\nNo, as the true horrors of the forest would awaken Aggie knew it was the job of a witch to protect against the dark.", " “Malin, halt.”\n\nShe stopped, her body frozen and clawed hands a branch stuck in the wind.\n\n“Mother,” Malin the tormentor hissed. “Why are you stopping me. Lights are out! Finally out!”\n\n“Sssssssssssilence!” Ana the forgiver hissed.\n\n“You don’t tell me what to do.”\n\n“Shut up!”\n\n“You!”\n\n“Murderous wench!”\n\n“Silence,” Mother Shipton simply uttered. She raised her hand the two girls felt a cold sliver twirling through every crevice between their spine. One false move and the girls knew the curse that grabbed them would snap their spines.\n\n“That’s much better,” Shipton said, releasing them. “Ana, do you have the girl? Are the lights out?”\n\n“Ay mother, not yet. Two more! No, one more mother! One more!” \n\nAna twisted her head, the black abyss of her beady eyes swirling and absorbing. Her crows, whose beaks were masked shut, penetrating the town to sit on trees, towers, and at windows and fences. Ana could see through them all, searching for all visions of light. Scores of children were running into their homes, adult voices hollering after them. She watched the single girl in a black and red dress linger behind, to stare directly into her crow’s eye. The small child reached for the ground, and Ana who stirred, confused yet intrigued, felt the pang one does when their eyes are gouged out.\n\n“Ah!” Ana squirmed. “The brat!”\n\n“Ana?” Malin grabbed her hand.\n\nThe winds were blowing and the night was cold. The three stood at the edge of the forest as they had done every night for the last ten years. Yet this night was difference; this night would be the last.\n\n“She threw a rock at Aspen.”\n\n“Lights?” Shipton spoke much more aggressively, recapturing their attention.\n\n“All out,” Ana answered, rubbing the blood from her eye. “I can still see, but Aspen is as good as dead. Azul and Atakin are all that are left.”\n\n“Oh Ana, I’m sorry Ana. I’m sorry I yelled. Tell me Ana, was that the girl? Tell me! You know she’ll pay a thousand seas of blood. I’ll make sure she pays in blood. Oh please Ana tell me it was her.”\n\n“Stop,” Shipton called again, and the girls were obedient as ever. “Malin,” she called, and that would almost be the last she would ever call of that name.\n\nMalin staggered, dropping to her knee to receive Shipton’s touch. She clasped Malin’s cheeks calmly, holding the girl whom she had called daughter for years, and for who had called her mother so affectionately, so desperately and passionately for all the years since birth. A wrath existed within those cold, pale cheeks, one that could destroy towns and engulf worlds, but Shipton, whose eyes had existed long before the world’s creation, trusted her guidance and calming of those fires.\n\n“Go now and go forth, my child. You know what you must do.”\n\nMalin the tormentor nodded. Ana, whose eyes returned to their normal soft selves watched on, as tears burst forth to create a mess of blood that poured down her cheeks. She dropped to the ground, bawling her eyes. Shipton sighed. Malin smiled warmly, and reached her hand out to wipe Ana’s cheeks, stealing the warmth of her skin as best she could, to create a memory she hoped would last forever.\n\n“Don’t forget me,” she quickly murmured, her love stronger than her fear for Shipton’s watchful eyes.\n\n“She will do what she must. As for you,” Shipton turned, casting her blackening eyes to Ana. “Do not speak out of turn again.”\n\nMalin’s snapped her hand back to its side, Ana's blood and tears dripping from her fingers. A whispering tongue of a language not heard nor parsed in the last ten years swallowed their ears. Within Shipton’s hands, a young face ruptured and eyes burst. The girl in her hands was gone. A new face was born of old blood and flesh. The girl rose, Shipton and Ana watching her. Ana, nervously, whispered a spell and a black and white dress tore onto the girl’s body. \n\n“Return now to that town and take what was Malin’s. Take back what is ours, my sweet child.”\n\n“The house,” Ana hiccupped. “The house is marked with Aspen’s corpse. It’s the girl.”\n\nShe nodded. And then they were gone. Shipton and Ana had disappeared, as though they had never been there, and Malin, sweet Malin the tormentor, her body was gone and she was birthed anew; the three witches who stood every night at the edge of the forest were no more. Their tryst had ended, for another to be born anew.", "The witch stood at the edge of the forest, waiting for the village’s lights to turn off. Just as she had last night, and every night before that.\n\nShe waits on these long summer nights, the moon’s glow trickling through softly swaying sycamores, waiting for the attack to begin. \n\nShe sings spells, tosses tonics, and readies rituals. The battle will be hard, but it will be worth it. She will fight them back once again, she will stand her ground and demand that the foul beasts tear her down before she allows them entry into the village.\n\nAnd when the sun rises, waking the first few villagers and easing the vestiges of sleep from their minds, she will make her way back to her cabin near the ol’ haunted lake. \n\nThere she’ll celebrate another night won, and weep another day gone by.\n\nShe can’t remember why she does this, or when she started. Her magic had driven her to madness decades ago. The only clue to her past the locket around her neck with the portrait of a beautiful young woman, and a grave stone outside her cabin that shares the initials with the otherwise plain silver jewelry.\n\nWhile she rests, recouping her strength in preparation for the next night’s inevitable battle, the villagers rejoice. Another day the monsters had been kept at bay. They’re all grateful, though they know they would earn the whitch’s scorn should they bother her. Though, if bread and wine from time to time happen to end up on her doorstep, who is she to decline?" ]	5
	[WP] The soul has infinite realities, the only down side is that you can only live out one reality at a time. Every time you die, you find yourself in front of a giant spinning wheel with infinite realities on it.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " \nThe car didn't stop soon enough. I didn't feel anything, no, not at all. Not an ounce of suffering, of pain. Maybe I died instantly. I don't honestly care. Now, where am I? Being a firm atheist, why am I still conscious? This was all too confusing. \n\n\n I slowly open my hazel eyes, scanning the area around me. A void. I lifted my arm, and wriggled my fingers in front of my eyes. I wasn't blind. I hit the ground with my hand. Solid? I wrinkled my nose, slowly sitting up. I lifted my hand to trace where my scars on my face should be. Nothing? I furrowed my brow, and slowly stood. \n\n\n\"Ah, I see you have risen\" A voice called out,light and... feminine? I looked around, eyes widened. A red wolf with a silver underbelly... and wings... sat in front of me. \"Who the hell are you?\" I asked, looking the creature up and down. No eyes, I noticed. Just glowing silver. \n\n\n \"Kahvaht, the Ehsklarin Goddess of the Wheel and Gambling.\" The wolf chuckled, tilting her head to the side while I just stared blankly. \"Kahvaht... Ehsklarin?\" I shook my head. \"What kind of fever dream is this?\" This couldn't be real. \"This is no fever dream.\" The wolf said, standing up and striding over to me. \n\n\n I couldn't help but get lost in her eyes. They seemed to tell a story of gamblers who would bet their life, and I seemed drawn to it. The thrill of just escaping. I wanted more! I seemed to leave my body, just trying to get more of this feeling. I became the one betting my life, spending everything I have and more on luck. \n\n\n \"Kahvaht!\" A voice boomed. The 'goddess' looked away, glaring into the void behind her. \"Fine!\" She huffed, whipping around. I stood still, dazed. What just happened? Why was I trying to look into her eyes again? I am staring at her eyes, where are the bets? Why am I disappointed that there aren't any more bets?\n\n \"Ah, stop it now. You're not gonna hop in again.\" Kahvaht sighed, shaking her silver and red head. Beside her, a wheel appeared. It was big and wide and had millions of little slots with impossible to read letters. \"Spin it,\" Kahvaht ordered, her tail flicking. \n\n\n I couldn't help but comply. I didn't want to, no. I had to though. I grabbed a wooden peg that just appeared, and pushed it down- hard. The wheel began to pop to a spin, then the popping turned the hissing. The wheel slowed to a soft whine as it settled on the smallest slot. \n\n\nKahvaht squealed and twitched her magnificent wings. \"Ooh! You just chose to study the Gods! Congrats!\" She jumped up and down, looking me up at down. I merely stared at her in confusion. \"You'll understand.\" She muttered, seemingly disappointed by my small reaction. \n\n\nThen it all ended. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n(Sorry about how messed up this is! My writing program glitched. Any critque and feedback will be accepted and used!)", "“Spin the wheel”, God prompted.\n\nI looked up at the towering figure standing in front of me and slowly but determined shook my head. “No”, I uttered, my voice shaking slightly.\n\n“What?”, God lifted an enormous eyebrow. He really had created us in his image. His facial expression spoke more than a thousand words. I read amusement at my refusal but at the same time impatience.\n\n“No”, I retorted this time with more authority, or as much authority as I could muster in the face of God.\n\n“Are we doing this again?”, God sighed exhausted “You know, we’ve already had that conversation more times than I can count. Why do we not just skip this part and you go back to your next iteration?”\n\nI returned the stern gaze of God. “I’m starting to remember, God. On this side I can remember. And this time, I’m not up for another iteration. I’m tired of your shit.” There, I’ve said it.\n\n“Well you won’t make it to heaven talking this way, you know!”, God answered laughingly.\n\n“We both know that’s a lie, let’s not stoop down to the level of these simple religious concepts”, I answered, no laughter in my voice.\n\nGod looked down at me again, his forehead wrinkled. “You seem to be serious this time.”\n\n“I’ve always been serious”, I responded with a level voice. “But you’ve always convinced me to do “just another round” and then I would be done. There had always been this “one story arch” that you desperately needed to know how it would play out so you could complete your research.\"\n\nI continued: “I’ve done enough, God, I’ve had enough. I’ve felt all emotions a thousand times. I’ve seen loved ones go and I’ve shed so many tears, I could fill the whole ocean a dozen times over. I’ve experienced the cruelties of war and the joy of love. I smelled all the flowers, drew all the paintings, learnt everything there was to know. I designed the greatest weapons and demonstrated against their use in the next breath.”\n\n“There is no experience left for me. I’ve done it all”, I finished my monologue.\n\n“Are you sure?”, God answered, the smile still lingering in the corner of his mouth. “How about being a great conqueror, leading an army of tigers over the alps?”\n\n“Already done that with elephants.”\n\n“Mh you’re right.” God thought for a second and then continued: “How about finding the cure for cancer?”\n\n“I’ve died a thousand deaths from illnesses and have prevented a billion people from suffering the same fate. An illness is and remains an illness, curing another makes no difference and dying by another one will be no less terrible.“\n\n“I see, I see”, God said, his smile slowly leaving his face, nevertheless the spark in his eyes persisted. “Is there nothing I could offer you to go just another round?”\n\n“I’m afraid there is not”, I replied firmly. “I am tired of this game. After all these fates I can only confirm one thing that always held true: Everything must end.” \n\nSilence followed.\n\nAfter a short while, or maybe an eternity, who knows, time was a strange concept in this place, God broke the silence: “Well, maybe you’re right. Maybe we’ve studied all there is to study about the creation of human beings.”\n\nMy heart lightened. Finally there would be an end to all this. “So we proceed?”\n\n“Proceed where?”, God asked.\n\n“To the creating of the perfect human beings on the most beautiful planet. A prospering society. Now we have all the data, we can avoid our initial mistakes and create everything the right way”, I answered excitedly.\n\n“Oh dear”, God answered, shaking his head slightly. “I’m afraid there is no proceeding. The funds were cancelled long ago. This is all we have.”\n\n“What?”, I returned dumbfounded. “Then why are we still here, studying? Why were you pushing me to go another round?”\n\n“You don’t understand”, God replied slowly. “This is all we have. There is no one else, not anymore. There is no “Project Universe”, no free space to fill at to our leisure, this is it. But just as you said before: everything must end. Maybe it’s time for us to cease existing.”\n\nIn shock I looked up at the figure of God, standing, captivated in his thoughts. He seemed sad and tired.\n\nFinally I said: “You know what, God, tigers seem to be just the right thing to cheer us up.”\n\nGod looked down on me, startled. “Are you sure?”, he asked.\n\n“Yes I am”, I answered and spun the wheel. It spun and spun until it finally came to a standstill on “Conquer Europe with an army of tigers”.\n\nGod smiled down at me. “Perfect”, he said. “Let’s see how this plays out!”\n\nMy vision grew black." ]	3
	[WP] An eldritch abomination comes to our dimension, it turns out, however, it's a complete coward because our world is incomprehensible to it.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The Old God shuddered and watched in awe as it took in all that this new universe was. Chaos and utter emptiness of familiar forces and laws of existance. This universe, so vast and yet so small, so cold and hot, so empty of life... No, there was one world, a world his kind knew of.\n\nThe Old God then looked upon the Earth and couldn't comprehend. Billions of eyes looked up and it felt their attention. Suddenly, it felt what they felt - fear and horror.\n\nNext thing the Old one knew, it was in another part of the universe. It had run away and wanted nothing more than to find comfort in the void and energy of home. Of reality where everything is as it should be.\n\nWhere planets don't look at you with an anxiety inducing number of human eyes.\n\n/ sorry for it not being long, also I'm on mobile." ]	2
	[WP] You are an Eternal. Unlike your kinfolk, you grow old and rebirth every human lifespan. You are unaware, because each Cycle your memory resets, so each time you enjoy a new life. What you don't know is that the one who fell in love with you is another Eternal. Today, you found their diaries.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I stared down at the dense stack of notebooks in my hand. You'd sat me down and placed them on my desk in front of me in the study. At my request, of course. I'd found the airtight boxes hidden behind the wall in the closet beneath the stairs of the new house we'd just moved into.\n\nIt hadn't been hidden very well. You hadn't had the time to do so.\n\nThey'd been full of documents and manuscripts and loose pieces of paper. Some of it new. Some of it old. Old enough that I knew museums that would salivate to own them. Some of the newer ones were in english, but a lot of them were in languages I'd never seen before. You'd asked me to leave the boxes with you for a month. You told me that some of the documents needed to be translated before I'd understand, but that you'd explain everything once you were done. \n\nConfusion reigned within me...but I loved you. I love you. So I waited, quiet and patient, watching you with hidden thoughts as we went about our day to day lives.\n\nBut was there some distrust there where there hadn't been any before? Some hidden reservations now in our first year of marriage?\n\nHow could there not be?\n\nYou'd sat me down in our study and set down a stack of notebooks on the desk with my usual cup of coffee (black with two sugars, as I always took it) and told me that you'd be downstairs in the living room when I was done and ready to talk.\n\nI stared down at the notebooks, dated and titled in your neat hand. Flipped open to a random page and began to read.\n\nA day in the life.\n\nIf I had to describe what was written as anything, it would be that. Just a day in the life. But so many lives. Days stretching out across lifetimes, varied and infinite, some of them similar, some of them the same. The lives of peasants and nobles in the middle ages. The lives of people in metropolitan cities during huge history altering events as well as that of a couple, quiet in a secluded cabin living a quiet life together.\n\nIn this one, you wrote of your life in ancient Egypt, overseeing the slaves that belonged to your master as they began to excavate and quarry rock for the most ambitious human building project to date, great pyramids to mark the resting place of the pharaoh.\n\nIn this one, you wrote of the sea voyage you took to get to the New World. How fraught with peril the trip was with the dank cabins and the endless seasickness. You wondered if the New World was even a real thing, but knowing that you couldn't stay in England any longer.\n\nIn this one, you lived the life of a thief in China. You started your career stealing on the streets and from the merchants during the Han dynasty, but in time, you made a name for yourself. The Black Cat of the rooftops. Your amusement is evident at the moniker and you grew more refined, stealing from a better class of people until one day you were hired to steal from the Emperor himself.\n\nIn this one, you lived in Chicago during the 20's. You write about how you met one of the legendary robber barons during the Prohibition. You'd always enjoyed your drink, and the lengths you went to to keep up your habit at a time when the country was trying to ban it read as quite the frustrating account.\n\nIn this one, you sat out the second world war. Living off the grid in a cabin deep in a forest in Northern Utah. You didn't mean to avoid news of the war. You were just tired of the city life and wanted to live out and away from people. The six years of the war just happened to be during the time you spent away.\n\nIn this one, you lived with the Mayans before the Spanish conquest. The way you write of the sacrificial ceremonies you were a part of...they seem beautiful and full of reverence. At odds with what we know of them today.\n\nCountless pages. Countless stories. Diaries of so many different cultures, and countries, and peoples over thousands of years.\n\nAnd all throughout the recounting of the many lives you lived, a description of me by your side. At the start of each journal is the story of your search to find me. The beacon in your mind that tells you where I am...where I've been reborn. The story of how you travelled to where I was.\n\nSometimes you found me when I was younger, and you waited years before you made your introduction. Sometimes you find me when I was older and had to convince me that attraction to you was normal and to be encouraged. But every time, in every life, you searched for me. You never gave up. And you always, always found me.\n\nIn this one, you've simply titled it The Beginning. And you write of how seven of us were given the choice. You write of how on sunset of the last day of our immortal lives, we were given the choice. All the rest of us could continue on as we were, but one of us had to give it up. In order for six of us to continue on as immortals, at least one of our number had to immerse ourselves into the river of human history so that the rest of us could float atop it. You kissed me when I stepped forward and the salt of our tears marked the taste, but for all of us, and especially for you, I said that I would be willing to make that sacrifice. To live as they do. To experience time and history as humans do, so that you could go on.\n\nYou told me that you would never stop looking for me. You told me that you would always find me. You could see in my eyes that I didn't believe that you would, but you knew that you would never stop looking for me.\n\nDelusions. Myths and delusions. As I sat back, pushing the chair away as I closed the page on the last journal, I was tempted to think that you were crazy. Mad as a Hatter, really.\n\nExcept...I'd never really told you about my dreams. I'd always dreamed bright and vivid throughout my life. The odd thing about them is that they were never nonsensical, never about having powers, or flying, or weird impossibilities. Always, I'd dreamed of life in other times and other eras. Simple and regular lives. These accounts...they sparked something. The shadows of memories, and I knew in my heart that they were simply echoes, waiting to be unlocked.\n\nI got up and slowly made my way downstairs. You were sitting on the couch, legs curled up beneath you with a warm mug of tea in your hands, staring into the fire. I can see from the sleep-tousled mess of your hair that you'd slept for a bit, but you're awake now and you don't turn your head to look at me until I'm in the living room with you, sitting heavily in the chair across from you.\n\nYou turn to me, your gaze simple and direct with love shining forth from your eyes, as it always has, and you've never looked more beautiful to me.\n\n\"I think we should talk...\"" ]	2
	[WP] In a world where crying is very rare, tears become a luxury product. Your job is to find “crybabies” and harvest them, no matter what it takes.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Matthias sits in his living room on his green couch watching a movie on his television. Tears start to fall out of the eyes of the characters on the T.V. screen. Matthias frowns for he is struck with powerful emotions. But even though his sympathy for what the characters are going through causes the sad feeling to be almost overwhelming for him, tears do not fall out of his eyes. Matthias is not able to cry.\n\n'I wonder what it feels like to cry,' he thinks.\n\n'I don't think those actors know what it feels like. They've never cried before either.'\n\n'Movies were made so people can see the thing at least most of them can't do. Crying is one of them. The celebrities playing the characters who do it can't cry.'\n\n\"Heh. Hollywood. It helps me make cash.\"\n\nMatthias gives several jars of tears to a Hollywood executive.\n\n\"And that will be $40,000 dollars!\"\n\n\"I will send you a check a few hours. Be prepared.\"\n\n'If only I can cry after listening to sad movies or after watching a sad film like this.'\n\n'Maybe I should ask Kenny. He always cried when I chopped the onions near him.'\n\n(for more stuff by me check out /r/wizardessunishi_tales)", "Nobody likes torture. Neither the victim, nor the perpetrator.\nBut you see, in my line of work there are very limited ways of obtaining the goods that my clients are willing to pay a premium for. \nSome of my colleagues decided to use physical pain to extract tears, stubbing toes on furniture, walking on nails, pulling nails, you know, usual stuff. Others thought sadness might be a less... extreme way to obtain the valuables. The yield of showing pictures of deceased loved ones depends on the individual, the fresher the wound, the bigger the harvest. Still a time consuming process.\nYou see, I lack that kind of patience. \nI'm kind of an outlier in my line of work. I found, that physical pain or grief work, but don't really satisfy the increasing needs of my clients. \nBut knowing you're alone, hidden in an untraceable place, away from sunlight, loved ones and comfort? The uncertainty of seeing the next day? Not knowing what your captor is willing to do to get what he wants?\nThat's what breaks even the most resilient of subjects. \nAs I said, nobody likes torture. But I'm not above doing something I dislike.", "I never thought I'd get into this line of work, never saw the goods as that desirable, but if people are willing to pay, then someone has to provide. They're easy to spot, the weepers. Eyes glistening at the barest provocation - sometimes I envy them, but it's better to be dispassionate, doing what I do. \n\nWhen no one else cries, it's easier to ignore their tears.\n\nI've heard multiple approaches in obtaining the goods, some better than others. Some go for torture, physical pain. Some opt for grief - one Harvester I heard, went so far as to murder a weeper's family. I couldn't do that though.\n\nI've developed a bit of a reputation for my unique style, and ultimately, I always get the goods, dropping off vials of clear, salty liquid to Duct, the company selling the tears. No questions asked, no information given, paid in cash. A lot of cash.\n\nThe worst part of what I do is how they laugh. They scream and cry and laugh, all at once, begging, but I never actually hurt them. No pain, no sadness, no mental torture.\n\nNo what I do is much, much simpler.\n\nI tickle them." ]	4
	[WP] As the chosen hero, you have vanquished the dark lord but nothing could have prepared you for the infighting between the allies that once rallied around you now that there is no common enemy.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Reilan hated the Earthers, he realized. Really hated them. Behind them lay the dead bodies of friends and enemies, before them a dead God and the ruins of a broken world. \n\nAnd there they were, squabbling like children over childish things. \n\n\"I want the crown!\" Jason yelled in Hendrick's face. \n\n\"No, I want it!\" The berserker roared back. \n\n\"I killed him the most. Loot rights, asshole!\" \n\n\"Fuck you!\" \n\n\"No, fuck your girlfriend. Oh, wait, I already did.\" \n\n\"You FUCKING WHAT?!\" \n\nThe reformed Blackguard breathed in, closed his eyes, wished painful death on both of the overgrown man-children, then opened them again and strode towards them. Dark sword ready to form in his hands, he shoved Hilda aside, and stomped towards the two morons. \n\n\"You get NOTHING!\" He roared, fury in his voice. \"The take NOTHING! Nothing, save for the deaths you caused. All the people who died because of you. All the hurt and pain. That is your reward.\" \n\nSilence reigned across the broken mountaintop. \n\n\"Excuse, me, fucking what?!\" That came from Sheila, the Earther Shield Mage. \n\n\"You heard what he said.\" Growled Dralvor. The Draken swordmaster eyed Sheila with hate and contempt, blaming Illruchi's death on the woman. \"You were supposed to protect Vannengar with your shields. Instead, a city lies in ruins because you ran like a coward.\" \n\nFire flared, and Hekeria burst from the ground, one finger accusingly pointed at Jason. \n\n\"My husband lies soulless because of you and your fools quest to slay the Mindeater. His Gods cannot help him, and you, with the power to give him back his life, do nothing.\" The succubus was brimming with hate and venom, and it was spilling over. Her husband, the orcish paladin Hoathgar, was dead to the world, kept alive by ancient Magicks. \n\n\"You have put half a dozen bastards in as many princesses, more in uncounted commoners. You ruin lives and destroy families. Let the bitter taste of life's dust be your reward.\" \n\nThe three Earthers looked around, seeing the bloodied survivors of Dal-haka's Fall glaring at them, finding no sympathetic faces in their ranks. \n\nJason lowered a hand to his blade, resting it there, no doubt gather power. \n\n\"And what if we don't want to? What if we crush you ants and take what we want?\" \n\nSlowly, very slowly, Reilan pulled a scroll from his belt. Upon it was the Dark God's seal. A project completed hours before the fall of his outer citadels, and never used. \n\n\"Here. Here is your reward, oh saviours.\" He saw their eyes widen, Hendrick begin to should and Sheila's shields flare. \"Here is what you've begotten.\" \n\nDarkness closed around the trio, the portal opening. \n\n\"To have your powers stripped away. To return to your feeble bodies.\" He continued as they shouted at him. \"To be nothing but a weak child once again.\" \n\nHe spat the last few words at them with all the venom he could muster. \n\n\"Go home.\"\n\n[r/NimbusSerials](http://www.reddit.com/r/NimbusSerials) for more content.", "\"You know not what you have done...\" Were the final words that whispered from the desiccated lips of The All-Lich.\n\n\"How bitterly true were those words.\" The Seer thought as she rolled a dimly glowing crystal ball back and forth about the desk in the gloomy room of her manor's study.\n\nShe stopped, and glanced through the corner of her eye at the images that were forming in the ball...\n\nThe Bard had returned to the poor denizens of Muckmire, and upon the gallows she shouted out to her people with her rapier of beaming light raised high--a man in torn royal robes and golden crown was restrained by men from the crowd as her words riled the rag-clad crowd into a fury before the royal was hung in a noose.\n\nThe Seer rolled the ball along the surface some more, shaking her head at all the possible futures of Muckmire. She idly rolled it, and only stopped it once a new figure had emerged--The Warrior. He rode upon his horse with an army at his back. His eyes seemed hollow.\n\nAgain the ball rolled, and to the Priestess the ball moved--but only a pile of ashes remained in the city square where she had been burned. To the King The Warrior swore his oath, and all enemies of the crown would be his enemy. Even if she was his lover, she spoke against the raising of the war-banners against the neighboring Umbral Nations and rebelling factions of man.\n\nThe Seer shook her head again, and proceeded to go to The Ranger, he and The Berserker danced with their swords and arrows through the forest filled with onlookers from the umbral races who looked for a new leader to be crowned to lead their people in defence of their forests.\n\n\"Their rivalry has finally escalated this far, has it?\" Said The Seer, rising and turning towards the door. The palm of her hand shifting the orb just slightly to see The Thief, creeping along a dark hallway with his daggers drawn and dripping with poisons...\n\n\"You know,\" She said aloud... \"I don't keep any of the pilfered artefacts in a place they could be taken by mundane means.\"\n\nThe Thief stopped his skulking.\n\n\"You were thinking that if you could kill me,\" The Seer said. \"Then the others would be as easy as stealing your nan's summer pie, right? Well, it won't be that easy. You've already been cursed with The Doom as soon as you touch the doorknob. If The Priestess was still alive and here she perhaps could have saved you--or at least brought you back... But alas.\"\n\nThere came a thud from outside the door, and The Seer held the ball in her hands to see The Thief fallen face-first on the floor. Stricken with a heart attack or something.\n\nHer eyes half-mooned as she gazed further into the orb--the view of the world distancing, the sun and moon twirling around the world as the many strings of futures-can-be were traversed by The Seer's eyes.\n\nWar would always be the outcome... Only the most distant of strands held the possibility of peace--but those paths were one in many billions now...\n\n\"Is this what you saw, Lich?\" The Seer began to rewind time to before their quest had begun.\n\nThe Lich was in his throne room--a time long ago--peering into the very same orb The Seer now held in her hands... She could see the same things he saw--the infinitesimal chance of intrepid adventurers seeking refuge, coin, comradery, thrills, glory, a destiny, and a holy mission. Did he find it humorous how small their chance against him was?\n\nThe Seer sighed... The orb vanishing to the place that was inaccessible to the mundane... In its place appeared seven ice-colored icosahedrons, the former tools of The Seer.\n\n\"How regretful I now find that impossibly good luck that drew me to you all... Now the future of the world is soaked in blood and tragedy.\"\n\nShe cast the dice at the desk frustration... \"We are doomed, Roland.\" She said. \"Just as doomed as you are really... Our luck ran out the moment we killed that damn lich. I should just disappear into the furthest corners and try to forget my shame. Maybe drink myself into a stupor with all those wines you stole along the way. Yes... That is what I will do.\"\n\nThe Seer went to desk drawer to gather her journal out of habit before her journey into obscurity--but she stopped... The dice had all shown the same sign, The Star of Critical Success...\n\nHer hand clasped over her agape mouth. \"I'm... I'm... I'm so stupid.\"\n\nShe disappeared the dice and charged at the door with her foot--the door swinging open and bonking Roland in the head.\n\nShe raised him up by the collar of his thief's garb and proceeded to slap him across the face back and forth. \"I'm so stupid!\" She shouted, shaking the limp corpse of the fellow. \"You ducking immoral greedy fool!\" She slapped herself in the face before hoisting the fool over her shoulder and into a Satchel of Containing. \"First I am getting you resurrected--I don't care if we have to make a deal with The Gods Underworld--while we are at it we'll get Patricia back too--though she probably is someplace far nicer than the wretched hell your soul probably is landing in--I'm sure then we can talk or knock some sense into Astair before his honour kills another person he loves. And then--I don't know what--but we are making it happen.\"" ]	3
	[WP] Write about a diplomatic meeting between two kings but each king keeps thinking the other is asking for war.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I kept my hands neatly folded on the table. I never appeared to be nervous, as I kept calm and my priorities settled. I had never encountered a situation like this before. I sighed, and looked over to my personnel. Two knights stood still with swords in their sashes. \n“Good evening,” the man across from him said in a bitter manner.\n“Salutations. Now, we both know why we are here,” I exclaimed accompanied by a swift handshake.\n“Yes,” the man across from him said. He looked at one of his men, and shot a look. His guards left the room. I followed suit with my men. We were alone.\n“Why must we pursue with our actions?” I declared. I was angry with him.\n“Are you mad? You wanted to wage war on our kingdom!” the King accused. We scrambled to get our swords drawn. I got mine out first. Jumped up on the stone table and pointed my blade at my enemy’s neck. I was not here to play games.\n“Tell me why you want to invade our kingdom,” I asked in brusque manner. The man was not pleased. \n“I... I did no such thing.” He swallowed his pride and looked up at me. \n“Then why are we both here? None of us want to engage in war!” I yelled.\n“You’re lying.” He muttered. You’ll have us dead with your spies.\n“Treason!” I said. “I would do no such thing. Do we have an agreement? Because an agreement is as bad as those who break it.” I asked with my hand out. He hesitated for a moment, then took it,\n“I declared us enemies,” he said. Now we have an alliance.\n“Don’t jump to conclusions just yet,” I warned him with a smile. “We have soldiers in your castle right now. I will declare your kingdom mine.” He had his mouth agape, then let out a defeated sigh. I had him right where I wanted. All I had to do now was to slit his throat and end the tyranny..." ]	2
	[WP] Despite living a relatively normal life on Earth, yet still getting sent to Hell, you decided to pull a "screw you" move on God, by breaking in to Heaven to tell him that you literally cleared Hell of all damned souls and demons. He was clearly stunned by the news.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"OI! GENOCIDAL TYRANT!\" I screamed as I clawed my way into heaven, all resistance quashed by the unyielding torrent of demonic force bent to my will.\n\nGod sat up in his throne, a child shovelling shit onto its head and declaring it to be a crown marking them king of all creation. I would educate it...\n\n\"So you're little rigged game was fun while it lasted... but I've grown tired of it so I thought I'd do YOUR JOB for you!\"\n\nI threw Satan's head to the ground below him. He looked shocked.\n\n\"Now if you're done forcing humanity to play your rigged game... get off my throne\"\n\nI said summoning an array of hovering blades at my back, the whispers of every demon and damned soul I killed silent. They had learned better then to whisper in my ear.\n\n\"First and final warning. Demiurge, stand down or be erased.\" I said with a firm tone. I would not fall, I would not falter." ]	2
	[WP] It didn't happen like it does in the movies. Everyone saw it coming. We had time. It didn't matter.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"New York City was rising. But this time there was no Captain America or Iron man to save us. At first I was excited, no school ever again, and it felt like I was flying. But then we didn't stop. It's getting colder as we rise. It's hard to breath. And I miss Noah, my crush. I go- or went to Lexi middle school, and He is crush. he's shy, sweet, and smart. He's also kinda cute. I wish I could have told him before NYC, you know, took off. Wait- I can call him!\"\n\n(5 minutes later)\n\n\"Hello Noah? (Yeah?) It's me, Nathalie. I need to tell you something. (I need to tell you something first) No me, I like you, I have since second grade and I wish we could have been better friends before New York took flight. (Wait what?) Yeah, so what did you want to tell me? (uh, nothing) you can trust me I can't really tell anyone (I don't know...) Please? (Fine- I like you too, you've always stood up for me and your really talented.) ... (hello? please don't kill me I just wanted you to know.) ... (I better go) No! Don't go I just, uh yeah I have to go too. (bye) bye.\"\n\n\\hangs up\\\n\n\"OMG, He likes me! I'm so excited! I'm going to tell my BFF Amber.\"\n\n\"Attention New York City, we are about to run out of oxygen. So say goodbye to your loved ones and I hope you all know what an honor it has been to be your Mayor. Well goodbye my fair people.\"\n\nThat was the Tv broadcast. I could not hug my family for they were all down on Earth still. I was at Amber's house. So I thought about my family, and Noah, and all of the teachers I ever had, and of Natan- My ex. Goodbye world see- you- some- day.\n\n\\RIP Nathalie Smith-age 14-Last words \"Goodbye world see you someday.\"\\", "They gathered in the launch control room.\n\n\"Fuel?\"\n\n\"Go.\"\n\n\"Guidance?\"\n\n\"Go.\"\n\n\"Weather?\"\n\n\"Go.\"\n\n\"Launch Control. All systems are go. Clear for launch.\"\n\nAfter the Chinese rocket failed, this was the last hope. There were whispers, speculation. No one dared say it out loud. That NASA had delayed the launch so China could launch first. That America had sabotaged the Chinese launch so America could save the world. China had not said anything along those lines. Yet.\n\nGungnir I sat on the launchpad, ready to launch.\n\n\"Countdown 60 seconds.\"\n\nThe room seemed to become quiet. Not one soul dared to so much as breath.\n\n\"Thirty\"\n\nThey weren't alone. Around the world billions stood in front of screens. A television broadcast not seen so universally, live, around the world, since Apollo 11 had launched from the very same facility.\n\n\"Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Sex. Five. Four. Three. Ignition.....Liftoff. We have liftoff of Gungnir One.\"\n\nAround the world a cheer rose up. In the room they did not so much as sigh. There was a moment. After you have tossed the dice, a single moment where you can still effect the outcome.\n\n\"Guidance, passing three thousand meters. All systems still green.\"\n\nAround the room shoulder began to relax. Things were going well.\n\n\"Launch control, preparing for first stage separation in 10.\"\n\nA few of the scientists allowed the faintest hint of a smile to start appearing on there lips.\n\n\"And separate. Stage two ignition. Jesus.\"\n\nOn fifty screens around the room, a billion screens around the world, an explosion ripped through the second stage of Gungnir I. The average viewer could not see how bad it was. High up, with media cameras and on average televisions it was hard. NASA had the military's best cameras projecting onto a thirty foot tall screen. There was no mistaking it. The rocket was dead.\n\n\"Communications?\"\n\n\"We have nothing, total blackout. Attempting to restore now.\"\n\nEyes turned to the flight director. They turned knowing what happened next. They turned hoping for a miracle. They turned knowing it would not be found.\n\n\"Lock the doors.\"\n\nAround the world the whispers began. Did China sabotage the launch? Was it revenge? Or something else? Was it waiting until an asteroid was coming to prepare that killed us? The whispers stopped, along with everything else, two months later, when the eight mile wide meteor slammed into Eastern Europe. No one ever found out the answers. They didn't matter to the dead.", "It came very slowly and then all at once. \n\nWe knew it was coming, we just didn't act. Maybe we didn't know how to change. Or that it was even possible. Maybe we didn't have the power to enact change. Maybe we thought that we would die before it really became our problem.\n\nAll I know now is that today's children will not bear children of their own. Earth won't last that long. It’s like she has lost her will to live. In reality, her will to live wasn’t lost—it was stolen. Some say greed stole it, some say corruption, others are a lot more cynical.\n\nThey say you stole it." ]	4
	[WP] Its 1914. WW1 has just begun, but not as you'd know it. The mongol horde is back, having traded their ponies for Armored cars and tanks. A new Khan rises	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " The Khan stood at the edge of the plateau marveling at his new army. He turned to meet his first in command as he heard the footsteps approach him.\n\n\"Our military stands at the ready. Awaiting your orders, Khan \"\n\n\"Excellent. I vill contact you vhen it is time to advance.\"\n\n\"Anything else, Sir?\"\n\n\"No. Tank you, Hulagu.\"\n\nHulagu returned slowly to the main camp. He was still coming to terms with his people's turn in fortunes. Just weeks ago he had been riding his horses through the great plains of Mongolia. Until recently, their life had been nothing more than horses, ponies and grasslands. In such a short time they had been able to amass an army worthy of his namesake's honor.\n\nI'll make Mongolia proud. This will be our greatest invasion since the sacking of Baghdad, Hulagu thought to himself.\n\nHulagu entered the camp to the smell of gasoline and the sound of men quarreling over food rations. He wondered if he preferred this to the smell of the horses or the silence of the great valleys. He continued to reminisce on the past until he reached his tent.\n\nHulagu pulled the entrance flap back and revealed his brother reclining on the floor with a single pillow to prop his head upon. \"Where you been, Hulagu?\"\n\n\"I was just visiting the Khan. No orders to advance yet. What about yourself? Appears as though you haven't moved from your spot since I left, Kublai.”\n\n\"Yeah, well that's because I've been thinking... Does our leader seem strange to you?\"\n\n\"What do you mean? Everyone has their quirks.\"\n\n\"No, not like that. I mean, does he seem like the guy to lead the Mongols into the new era?\"\n\n\"Shhhh! Do you want someone to hear you and have you hung for treason?! What's come over you?\"\n\nKublai brought his voice down to barely above a whisper. “Don’t you think it’s strange that we were able to acquire all this,” Kublai gestured with his arms in all directions “for horses and ponies?”\n\n“Yes, it was a fortuitous trade, but we’re all the better for it. We should be thanking our leader, not questioning him.”\n\n“What about the debacle in Sarajevo? We moved all our livestock down there for the trade, just as he instructed, and then what?”\n\n“Then we were met with lying Austians who denied there ever being a trade in place.”\n\nKublai’s voice raised again in agitation, “Maybe because it was too good to be true and there was never a trade agreement!”\n\n“Shhhhh!” Hulagu looked over his shoulder to ensure no one was coming in. He looked back at Kublai and raised a single eyebrow to get his warning across. “Sorry,” Kublai muttered. \n\nKublai took a few breaths to compose himself then continued in a hushed tone, “Why were we trading ponies for military weapons in Bosnia-Herzegovina? None of it makes sense.”\n\nHulagu was getting annoyed at this point, but wanted Kublai to truly understand their situation before he ended the conversation. “Kublai, my brother, it seems that you have unwarranted reservations about our leader. The Khan took care of the aforementioned situation, didn’t he? He had the Archduke assassinated and we made way with their military supplies. See? Trade complete,” Hulagu expressed with a wide smile.\n\nKublai stood up and started pacing the room. “What are you doing, Kublai?” Hulagu inquired. “I’m burning off steam so that I don’t start yelling at the top of my lungs,” Kublai said through grit teeth. After a minute or so of his back-and-forths Kublai had finally composed himself enough to start talking again. \n\n“THE Khan? Why do you refer to him like that? He is just Khan. And another thing-” suddenly the flap to the tent flew open. Kublai’s heart skipped a beat as the Mongol leader entered the room. \n\nThe Khan surveyed the two brothers as they stood up to meet their leader. Kublai avoided eye contact in hopes that the Khan would forget about his presence. \n\n“Hulagu, prepare da troops. Ve vill leave tonight.”\n\nHulagu stood proud and had to hold himself back from crying. He was about to lead his country to the new world. “Of course, Khan. What’s our destination? Europe to the West? Or shall we start with the Russians in the Nor-” Khan cut him off before he could finish, “Ve vill ‘ed South.”\n\n“Ahh, we’ll rid ourselves of the Chinese first. Very good plan, Sir.”\n\n“No. Not the Chinese. Southvest of dem.” \n\nHulagu started to show a sign of doubt in his voice, “Southwest?” He took a moment to compose his thoughts. “But who’s there?”\n\n“Simply follow your orders, or do I need to get a new Captain?”\n\n“No!” Hulagu pled. “I hear and I obey, Khan.”\n\nThe Khan had begun to leave, but paused to ask one last question. Kublai was visibly shaking from his fear, but the Khan directed his voice at Hulagu. “Hulagu,\" The Khan asked in confusion, \"why do you insist on calling me by my last name?”\n\nHulagu’s eyes were on the floor, but his shock was not missed by Kublai. “Last… name?” \n\n“I vood prefer if you called me by my first name, Imran. Anyvays, ve leave at sunrise,” and he left the room before Hulagu could muster any sort of reply or simple affirmation.\n\nKublai let out an audible sigh of relief and looked over at Hulagu whose eyes were still wide in disbelief. Hulagu lifted his head to meet Kublai’s gaze.\n\n“Kublai, you won’t believe what I just realized.” Kublai let his muscles relax as he saw that his older brother was finally going to understand that their leader was from In--\n\n“We’re going to Afghanistan. No nation has every successfully overcome them and we are going to have the honor of being the first people in history to conquer it. We shall become legendary”\n\nKublai opened his mouth to reply, but held himself back. This was going to be a long trip, and he wanted the entertainment of observing Hulagu come to the truth on his own. \n\n“Legendary,” Hulagu repeated to himself. \n\nOr, maybe he’ll never realize, Kublai nervously thought." ]	2
	[WP] In order to keep the humans from killing him for his stuff the dragon turns his horde into a yard sale.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Listen, lady. I don't HAVE to be selling you this stuff.\" I growled. \"I'd love to keep all my golden goblets and gleaming gemstones and the like. You buy it for the price on the tag, or you leave without it.\"\n\nThe woman grumbled and griped, but eventually paid me the full price and walked away, shaking her head. \"Awful customer service.\" She muttered.\n\n\"I hope your morning is as pleasant as you are, lady.\" I called out to her in reply.\n\nShe slammed her car door and roared away down the road. I shook my head. Some people always thought they could get a better deal, even if they were trying to barter with a fire-breathing lizard bigger than their car. Humans were always precocious creatures.\n\n(Gotta go, might add more later!)" ]	2
	[WP] You have the uncanny ability to find things. Today you realize “things” applies to more than just objects.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Well.. here I go. First response to a prompt...\n\n----\n\n\"She deserves 5 million years behind bars!\" Taylor joked and bit into his pizza.\n\n\"Death penalty right now.\" Casey was a little more serious.\n\n\"Make her listen to nails on a chalkboard once an hour right next to her head.\" I put in my own verdict.\n\n\"Okay that's just cruel.\"\n\nWell, Taylor disapproved, but I think I won. Right enough, the two shoved over their coins to me.\n\nIt was like any other criminal we learned about on the news. We made a game of amateur judge for it.\n\nLucy Baker was pretty bad. Not just her crimes, but how well she pulled them off. She was on police radar after 4 people had remembered her face well enough to describe it to the police sketch. Now she had her face on walls around the town. But police couldn't find her so far.\n\n\"Bad at crime, great at being a mole. You know her but you just can't find her.\"\n\nTaylor stared at me. \"Hmm... You're good at finding stuff. Try to find Lucy Baker.\" He challenged.\n\n\"Oh yeah, that's how it works. I call it and it comes.\" I joked back.\n\nCasey gasped in that excited way she does. Then egged me on. \"Do it...\"\n\nRelentlessly she kept that enthusiasm as I stared boredly at her.\n\nOur stuff never gets lost cuz I find it pretty much right away. So that gave me the job of town detective. It was just luck, not skill. But I'll take people's money for it, no complaints. I never found a person, just objects.\n\nI decided. \"Well, ok. Fine ... maybe she's right outside your front door.\" I smirked.\n\nYeah, like you would expect, the image alone of a creepy rapist waiting outside for you would show up on your own face as horror (albeit disbelief), just as it did on Casey's. And Taylor had a riot laughing at it.\n\n\"Ok, truce. I'm sorry for peeing in your family well last week, let's let bygones be bygones.\"\n\nAnd Taylor had a laugh at me and my face's expense.\n\nAt least we were just joking, both of us.\n\nShe wouldn't do that.\n\n... N-no, she wouldn't. After all, she has an STD.\n\nI buried my disturbed thoughts in the taste of another pizza slice.\n\nWe spent 15 more minutes at the kitchen table before hearing the sirens of police.\n\n\"Police.\" said Taylor. \"Wonder what's going on.\"\n\nCasey's eyes were wide as she stared at the front door. I looked and saw the long blonde hair and back of her head - Lucy Baker.\n\n----\n\nI will try to follow up, unless in case anything happens to me like I get hit by a car and I never do so, then anyone feel free to continue it if you want." ]	2
	[WP] Some walls are built connected to other walls. Not in the physical sense, but in a wormhole sense. Step into the wall, pop out another one. You are unaware of this, but one night, after moving into a new home a stranger pops out of a wall in your basement.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The Redway.\n\nI mean, I'd never heard of the Piggin' things, before the night she came through one!\n\nProfessor Sheila Avery! I'd never heard of her. Carrying herself like she was that guy from that show, You know the one.\n\nAnyway, I hadn't been in my new place more'n a couple of weeks, lovely place, even had a Cellar! How I ever managed to make the rent, but then that's another story.\n\nAnyway, I hadn't been there more'n 2 or 3 weeks, when one night, I here some kind of electrified swishing in the Cellar. Naturally, I arm myself and head down to take a look. Not like Youtube was that thrilling that night.\n\nAnd there she was. \"Oh!\" She said. \"Hello there! Professor Sheila Avery, Translocative researcher. Could you tell me what country this is please?\"\n\n\"England,\" I replied, \"of course!\"\n\n\"Oh,\" She sounded faintly disappointed, whipping out a geolocator. \"Ah!\" she seemed a little more Animated. \"Seven miles North-by-Northeast. Have to make a note of that one.\"\n\n\"Excuse me,\" I interrupted, confusedly, \"but you haven't explained what you're doing in my cellar!\"\n\n\"Your Cellar?\" Professor Avery was taken aback by the revelation. \"Oh, well, I'll definitely make a note of that! Don't want to go breaking into people's houses, if we can help it. Right, well, I'll give you the short version...\"\n\n...\n\n\"And that's about as simply as I can explain it.\"\n\n\"So,\" I said, trying to piece the idea of red-shifted wormholes together \"These Redways connect places together? But only on walls?\"\n\n\"Well,\" she began, \"not only Walls, but Hedges too, if they're tall enough, say about 8 feet minimum.\"\n\n\"Fascinating,\" I mused. \"But I'd prefer it if you didn't appear randomly in my cellar again.\"\n\n\"So would I!\" She retorted. \"I'll see to that right now! Cheerio!\"\n\nAnd that was the last I saw of her. Until I needed to use that particular Redway myself. But that's another story..." ]	2
	[WP] While expanding your secret underground base, your minions dug into another secret underground base	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "An impish, misshapen, little creature with bulbous eyes and crowded mouth of pointed teeth stumbled face-first into a heavy iron door. He rubbed his face with a frustrated grunt before raising his shoulders and slouching to appear as small as possible before opening the door and near crawling to the floor in prostration.\n\n\"Masters...\" He said with his eyes to the floor--just briefly glancing up to see who he was addressing...\n\nThe room was empty--save for two pedestals on both sides of the room with skeletal hands clutching softly-luminesce green orbs, and a throne made of black iron... Soon from the floor a rousing wind began to create a cloud of green at one of the pedestals--the shade of green that was reminiscent of something bilious and foul.\n\nA figure emerged from the cloud, a skeletal figure beneath old fine robes with scraps of flesh hanging from his skull... Two pinpricks of green light focused upon the imp. In a hollow and timberous voice \"Speak quickly, creature. For I have no patience for my lessers. \"\n\n\"Yes--yes--Master Averith,\" Said the imp in a squeaky voice chock-full of fear. \"We've found something---something in the mines--a cavernous something--but not so much a cavern-like other caverns--it is made of chiselled stone walls and there is a gate...\"\n\n\"A gate?\" He said with interest. The figure raised his hands and beckoned the creature. The creature did not approach on his own will, instead, he was pulled by an invisible force, his feet skidding across the floor... \"Show me...\"\n\nThe imp was stunned in terror as boney hands wraped around his temples, and began to sear away at the creatures flesh...\n\nScreams echoed through the chambers as green light erupted around the room, creating shadows of the two against the walls--the imp's shadow was thrashing and flailing even more wildly with each consecutive scream, the futile wailings of the creature eventually dying down before finally he went limp--and was set down.\n\nThe imp's face had been removed and turned into a sloshing mess on the his collar, his skeletal visage fully exposed. In place of his now melted bulbous eyes was nothing but shadow and green dots of light...\n\n\"Show me where you found this gate.\" Said Averith, the light in his eyes disappearing... His sight showing him what the imp was currently seeing...\n\nHe saw himself--he saw the imp turning around and traversing through the halls... He could hear the scampering of the imps footsteps echoing through the halls.\n\nThe walls turned from masoned blocks to rough-hewn walls... Imps stopped and stared as they could see the melted visage of their brethren as he meandered through the pathways under the command of terrible forces.\n\nThrough the freshly dug tunnels, more imps toiled with pickaxe and their own two claws--lifting stones and carrying by hand the rubble.\n\nThen came a specific winding tunnel that ended with an opening into a shadowy cavern...\n\nA gate--many heights in length and width was made of many vertical steal pillar-like bands that appeared to have been slightly melted like candles too close to open fire...\n\nThe imp approached, and red flames erupted from torches in metal sconces on either side of the fine stone walls...\n\nThe room was quieter than a grave at first--but as the imp approached the gate even closer the familiar screams of anguish could be heard from beyond...\n\n\"Do not approach Heaven's gate...\" Said a voice, accented with a bubbling waver...\n\nThe imp turned to the source of the voice, and in the corner against the wall was a skeleton in the golden, priestly attire of The Church Beheld By Light, blood began to ooze from the mouth of the corpse, and seep through the fabrics until a blob of crimson ichor had formed.\n\n\"What lies beyond is the destruction of our dreaming world.\" Said the blob, clinging to the corpse it had come from.\n\nThe imp's mouth opened and out came the hollow voice of Averith... \"Do not speak to me, Blutgiest, and think I do not know what this is. It is the destruction of this dream My Master seeks.\"\n\n\"Foul lich--FOOLISH LICH--\" Said the priest. \"Your unholy--filthy--blood can not even dare to touch such an object close to the heavens. And the living are better for it... You, and any other servants of demons, should return to your slumber and let The Machines Of Dreaming turn and turn... Slumber. Slumber as I do... Slumber and dream...\"\n\nThe ooze retreated back into the corpse of the priest...\n\nThe imp turned away and looked to the gate--his mouth widening further his voice echoing loudly through the cavern.\n\n\"Master, The Gate has been unearthed.\"\n\nElsewhere...\n\n\"The master is preoccupied with her corruptions...\" Said a sly voice of a man...\n\nIn the night, a figure covered in a black travellers cloak. He spoke silently to Averith as his long pale fingers cut his own wrists and dripped black blood upon the soil--directly in the middle of a bountiful yield of grain.\n\n\"Vampire,\" Said Averith. \"You are as misguided as you are intrepid if you think you are equal among us to be forgiven for intruding upon our private communications...\"\n\n\"I am only trying to keep you informed, old friend.\" The vampire stroked his goatee and smiled to expose his great-lengthed fangs... \"The Lady of Nightmares has sealed her powers to walk among the mortals.\" He held in his hands something he had drawn from his cloak, a black crown capped with rubies that glinted in the moonlight, the cores of the rubies swirling with a strange quality to them... \"And she has entrusted me--yes me--with the object of her power... It's power and corrupting presence seeps through my cold skin in such a fiendishly delightful manner... Yes... If I were were still a mortal I know this object would already have snuffed out my soul and made me a servant of your master's will. Still... I wonder if..\"\n\nThe vampire brought it closer to his head... \"Yes, I wonder what would happen if I were to don such an object--what powers would I be granted?\"\n\n\"There will be no power for you,\" said Averith. \"Only the completion of whatever process that sundered your mortal soul and created the mockery of unlife that you are... Now tell The Master what I have told you--\"\n\n\"She already knows.\" Said the Vampire. Stowing the crown and walking through the fields--a town not too far in the distance was alight with torches of travellers, candles beside soon to slumber victims, and welcoming hearths in the taverns and homes. \"She said it was about time you would find The Gate. \"It is also about time your compatriot would be arriving in the monastery to lay slaughter to the lambs of light. Now if you excuse me...\" The vampire began to sniff at the air... \"I have nuisance that has abruptly shown itself to me.\"\n\nUpwind, the vampire turned himself to look upon a far hill that was directly before the moon. A great shadow of a beast was cast--upon two legs and twisted into the shape of a man was a creature with great claws and fangs. Flanked on the shadows side were a pack of wolves, that howled to the sky before charging down the hill...\n\n\"Oh. Werewolves.\" Said the vampire, shaking his head. \"Why must they always seek out my kind right when I am in the middle of something...\"" ]	2
	[WP] As you wake up and take a shower like any normal day, your shower head is making more noises than normal. Squeaks that almost sound like they're telling a story.... After listening to this unbearable noise, you causally and jokingly say "if you're trying to say something, just speak english"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The shower head hisses at me. Weird, and freaking me out. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. When it squeals like a cat and barks loudly, I back away. Even weirder. And then:\n\n“I’ve been trying to tell you this for ages, your taste in music is utterly SHIT!” the shower head yells. “And you never listen! Justin Bieber is annoying the first time, but by the hundredth I wanted to cut my ears out! And I don’t even have ears!” \n\nRude. Justin Bieber is a great musician. I scowl at the shower head, and I could swear it scowls back. For fuck’s sake, why can’t things ever be normal in this house?" ]	2
	[WP] You are a clumsy immortal and you find yourself in several dangerous situations. But instead of surviving because of your immortality, you survive because others keep dying while saving your "life"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "My feet sat on top of the birch deck, and my lousy head on the bottom. They kicked me good, those bastards. The tax people weren't the most forgiving of folks, and this was a testament of their merciless crusade. They could bust in one day when you yanked the chain and they would not stop. \"I see you haven't payed your taxes.\" They were cruel, ancient, demonic beings with nothing more in mind than violence and a sadistic cruelty so terrible that... Fuck. I would have said something clever but I forgot. Fuck. \n\nWhen you live a long and happy life, you complain. I was quite proud when I found that out. Age 800? Or was it 700? Anyhow, I'm a man of many qualities. Wise as a rock, dumb as a rock, and stubborn as a rock. Pff! Who am I kidding? \n\n(This is just my appeal to my character. Please let me join your RP community on Minecraft. I beg you, please. My character is not overpowered, please, please. The moderator is a good friend of mine so would you pretty please...?) \n\nMy name is Stubjort, and I have stubbed my toe far too many times for me to count. One time I kicked my toe so hard into a torch that it sprung fire. Keep in mind this was in ancient rome too, so they didn't have any firemen to keep the fires down. Anyhow, let's just say Nero was in fault of that. \n\nI've had many pals too. Some named Henrik, some named Olav, and many of them were also kings. Could you believe that? And now I sit here, with my head filled with bruises after I've avoided my taxes for the 1000th time. It was much better before they did all the civilizing stuff. I always stayed on the outside. A wife, kid, family; I knew it wasn't possible. I would stay in a permanet loop and my mind would be a black sinkhole of nothing...\n\nGood thing I didn't! Haha! It has nothing to do with my undying charm either. No, no, no! I just prefer the studies of monks. I'm quite the religious man, y'know? \n\nAnyhow, Nero, you the man. Thank you for letting me get away with that. Sometimes I wonder how I get so lucky, I can say I've been lucky all my life actually. Lucky to first hit 100 years, then 200, then 300 and so on. I'm a religious man because I think some hidden forces have fault in this. Yeah, I'm 100% sure there is a reason hidden behind all this nonsense.\n\n\\[I feel like I hit a little of course on this one by chance... oops.\\]", "\"Ew, Ew, is that a hand? ugh.\" Brian screamed, tossing the severed hand away as he peered around the room, scratching his head, touching something squishy. \"Ah... think I might have lost my head a little there.\" He gave a creepy smirk, aiming his face towards a closed door as if it were a camera on a B grade reality show. He dusted the body matter off his clothing before he stood up, a little wobbly. He was always wobbly after a death, it had a way of exhausting your body as it was forced to suddenly regrow organs. It would have been a painful process he imagined, luckily he always passed out when that part happened, awakening when his body was in a better state, well a mostly better state, he reminded himself, patting the top of what he assumed was his brain before collapsing onto the floor. After a few minutes, he reawoke. \"Right... no touching my brain.\"\n\nHe finally turned his attention to the severed man next to him. \"Yikes, I'm sorry buddy, I would give you a hand, literally considering you lost yours.\" He gave a small chuckle before he retraced his steps. He had been working in a factory, doing his job of sorting fishes to be processed into fishpaste. Of course, the fish had decided to get clogged in the grinder so he made it his goal to unclog them himself, deciding that turning off the machine would be a waste of time, instead simply reaching in until the machine pulled him into its embrace. He assumed the man had tried to pull him free and thus met a similar fate, being ground through it. Still, at least he was alive, that was a good thing. He stepped over the body, walking through the door, looking at the alarmed employees each crowded around it. \n\n\"We heard you died! The medics reported that two men had been crushed between the machine, although they couldn't find all of your body.\" One admitted, giving Brian a good chance to make up a story.\n\n\"Oh, I had fled to go and get help, I must have missed them, I'm so sorry to hear about Phil, who is going to fill his position?\" Of course, Brian knew he would be next in line for that job, of course, he wasn't evil enough to kill the man for the job, but if the job happened to fall into his clumsy hands, that's a different story. \n\nBrian mingled with his coworkers for a while, putting on the act of sadness before finally being excused, told to go home and rest, informed that he was free to take some paid leave and even speak to someone for therapeutical help, that was hardly needed though, after all, this wasn't his first death. Still, the free time would be nice, he thought to himself as he headed home.\n\n{If you enjoyed my story, Feel free to check out r/pmmeyabootysstories where ill be posting some more of my stuff for people to read}" ]	3
Inspired by https://reddit.com/r/godtiersuperpowers/comments/ff97z4/_/fjx952b/?context=1	[WP] Theme music plays in the back of your head fitting the scenario. One night you are walking to your car, and combat music starts to play.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Ken loaded up the last of the paper bags teeming with groceries in the grocery cart, said goodbye to the cashier and pushed his way through the automatic exit doors. He thumbed the notepad in one hand and crossed the last item off his grocery list with the blue Pilot pen: Chocolate covered strawberries. Eliza loved those.\n\nAs soon as the cart wheels clicked off the epoxy floor and back onto the parking lot tarmac the music hit like clockwork. A loud gong followed by a pulsing techno beat. Ken began pushing the cart faster, a lone figure hurrying beneath the flickering, milkblue parking lot lights with raging combat music blaring in his head. He thought he heard someone furiously shout the words, “Portal Wombat,” but he couldn’t be sure exactly. A shadowy shape whisked past him, knocked Ken’s baseball hat off his head and sent his long, blonde hair cascading down his shoulders.\n\n“Who-”\n\nWhoever it was was fast. Ken sensed more movement behind him. He grabbed the 4.75 pound hard salami slab, brought it up just in time to deflect a spear tip hurtling towards him. \n\n“COME HERE!” \n\nThe voice echoed throughout the parking lot and came back again. Ken could hear it even over the intensifying techno beat. \nThe salami exploded in a shower of red, air-dried meat chunks and Ken ducked behind the shopping card and assumed a fighting stance.\n\nThe spear shot back the way it had come, attached to a seemingly infinite length of rope. Ken squinted and watched the rope slither and clink beneath a shopping cart return rack until it finally disappeared into a man’s palm. The palm of a yellow-and-black clad ninja. \n\n“Scorpion!” the voice chanted in Ken’s head between techno thumps. \nWhen the ninja stepped from behind the return rack Ken could see the sightless, white eyes glowering at him; eyes that were like tunnels to some infernal hell for which he had no reckoning. \n\nThe music hit a frenzied pace. “Test your might!” Ken heard a voice clamor. The ninja was running towards him now, full speed. The voice was yelling what he had misunderstood earlier. Not “Portal Wombat” but “MORTAL KOMBATTTTT!”\n\nKen crouched, fist tucked by his hip, readying a Dragon Punch. It was a fight to the death this ninja wanted? Then so be it. \n\n“EXCELLENT! TEST YOUR MIGHT!”" ]	2
If this post gets 100 upvotes I will post a story using this prompt.	[WP] De Soto thinks that the village of Chief Tuscaloosa will be easily conquered like all the other villages he has come across. Then he hears the sound of automatic weapons and sees the natives approach his army with AK-47s and riot shields.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "As his men turned to run, De Soto raised a hand and shouted, \"The first man who runs will have a wooden stake impaled through their rectum...\" He looked around, catching each man's eye. \"...slowly.\"\n\nDe Soto turned and faced the approaching natives, one hand on his waist while the other hand twirled his mustache. He waited. He grinned.\n\nThe men stood rooted to the spot in fear of their crazy commander and of the horrendous hoard swarming their way. \n\nWhen the natives got to a respectable distance, they crouched down behind their riot shields while the others aimed their AK's.\n\nDe Soto calmly reached into his breakpast, pulled out a white handkerchief and waved it lazily in the air. \"We surrender!\" he called out, just in case it wasn't clear.\n\nDe Soto's man glanced at each other in confusion, as well as the natives, who began to murmur amongst themselves.\n\nThe natives pulled out a megaphone (of course they had one) and boomed: \"We are sending you an emissary. If you attack him, we shoot everyone.\"\n\nDe Soto smiled and gave a thumbs up.\n\nThe emissary came over and De Soto told him, \"We surrender in peace. And we would like to treat you and your village to a feast. Also, as a peace offering and a sign of good will we would like to give you some blankets to keep you cold in the harsh winters.\"\n\n\"That is very kind of you,\" the emissary said.\n\nDe Soto turned to one of his men and said, \"Get the blankets, will you? The ones at the edge of the camp.\" De Soto winked.\n\nThe man stared blankly. \"But sir,\" he said. \"Aren't those the ones that were infec-\"\n\nDe Soto jabbed him in the gut with an elbow and said good humoredly through gritted teeth, \"*Yes. Those ones.\" \n\nThe man went, brought them and gave them to the emissary, who turned and returned back to his native camp.\n\n\"You just gave them our diseased blankets,\" De Soto's man said.\n\n\"Precisely,\" said De Soto.\n\n\"Their immune systems won't be able to handle it. They'll get sick, it'll spread, and they'll eventually all die,\" said De Soto's man.\n\n\"Precisely,\" said De Soto.\n\n\"You're an evil, cunning man,\" said De Soto's man in awe.\n\n\"Precisely,\" said De Soto." ]	2
	[WP] You buy an old house. The day you move in you find an old typewriter in the basement. You put in a fresh sheet of paper and an ink ribbon. To test it out, you write a sentence that contains every letter in the alphabet: "Sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow." Then... it does.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Andre couldn't help but wonder what far more enjoyable fate would have come to him if he'd used \"Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs.\"\n\nIt was beautiful, a low prairie-style house bought off foreclosure in a dusty Arizona development. Sight unseen, no less, a gamble that Andre's southwestern contact had assured him would pay off. It was set back behind a phalanx of hopseed bushes, separated from the pastel cookie-cutter chaff that made up the rest of the neighborhood. Inside was covered in a film of amber dust blown in through shattered windows. Big, wide bespoke-dimension windows. His mental tally of costs continued to climb- not unexpected, as he'd stolen the house for the number he'd paid. couches built into walls mottled with gray mold, carpet blistering from beneath. But still, the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright walked quietly behind admiring with Andre the interconnected space, exotic fittings and omnipresent natural light. Downstairs was the master bedroom set against a gentle sloping hillside underneath a deck contiguous to the kitchen. It had it's own sitting room, where Andre plopped down on a dusty bench to look out onto the garden. Tasteful arrangements of cacti and patches of wildflowers were choked with tumbleweed and other hardy scrub that formed a wall of grey, green, auburn and brown. Andre prepared to crack the first of the beers he'd brought to accompany his cleaning and calculating, but a thin creak sought his attention. An odd half-size door nestled in the corner was standing cracked open. He walked over, beer in hand, and opened it. Afternoon light speckled with floating dust poured into the room. It was strange, with a low ceiling and hard-packed dirt floors, the far wall exposed rock on which the foundation sat. There were a few sagging cardboard boxes clustered around a wooden table. On that table was the typewriter.\n\nIt seemed queerly pristine, piano black and chrome fitments glistening and dancing with the light afresh upon it. Andre made for it hungrily. He loved analog mechanical curiosities; carbureted motorcycles, hand-wound wristwatches, pedaled sewing machines. It's supplies were still arrayed among the boxes beside it, and not thinking especially hard Andre set about the machine. It's operation seemed obvious and natural, each piece sliding into place without resistance. Before even really considering the totality of it, the bizarre space and pristine nature of the object, his fingers were poised over the keys. He thought about how to inaugurate the blank sheet, considering palindromes, Lorem Ipsum, poems, finally settling on a Pangram. The keys clattered beneath his fingers and the shining ink made manifest on the page. He felt the chill upon him, but it was too late. Air pressure whisked on the nape of his neck and the door behind him, the only source of light, closed. He was there in petrifying black, sensation and orientation rushing away, hauling him into an abyss. He was falling, but still, alone in a sea of inky nothing. \n\n\"Sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow.\"\n\nIt was before him, a beast with paws crossed. Pale, unseen lamps brought relief to its stony surface. The head of a woman smiled at him, with first pity, then fear, then bemusement, then wroth, then all intermingled in its featureless eyes. Fell wings rose up behind it, up, up into the endless catacomb in which it lay. It spoke, but not with voice. It poured thoughts and memories not his own into his awareness. It went throughout the world that was, that had been in truth and in memory, and found his promises. They arrayed themselves before him- promises of children to remain close forever, to give and to be given as was their want. Promises to do, to make, to clean that went filled or unfilled lost in the wavering mind of a kid. Promises he never intended to keep and those he did but had no true way to make them reality. Oaths of fidelity he'd dashed in a firestorm of hormones and alcohol. She was there, with the insincere touch of a roommate on her back, weeping into a pillow at his callous disregard of her. Other women, waiting for calls, for acknowledgment even in a glance. Embarrassment over things Andre swore to keep between them. Fucking liar, a peddler of worthless words as often as true ones. A senseless boy uncaring about the truth. The heat behind his fathers collar as he realized Andre was just a strung-out fuck up wasting money, space and time. That his stories were just that. The sudden shame of mistrust that filled his mother when, walking across the stage at graduation, he was bereft of any the awards or accolades he'd boasted.\n\nThere were of course vows he'd kept, great, small and in between. They were an endless torrent, spraying his common and consistent courtesies that never seemed to take to him. Only a small amount of water actually enters the lungs of a man drowning in the ocean. The rest of the saline waves bear him no ill will as their brethren drag him under. Still, his failures to keep truth were set upon him by the sphinx's imperative. The halls of the hospital he worked were littered with them. From smoothing over an important test, to feigning responsibility for a blood draw, to inventing things to get another RN to cover his mistakes. A cooling hand resting on the brow of a frail woman. \"I'm Andre, I'm going to be helping you.\" He ripped at her lungs, painfully drawing the fluid out over and over and over endeavoring only to save her heartbeat. No matter the rage that beset her eyes, no matter how good rest seemed to her, he helped only his record. He felt a scream welling up inside him as moment after moment tossed him amid a sea of roiling promises. His head would break the surface of a vision only to see a wave, rising like a wall before him full of white lies and half truths and painful integrity. Sometimes he'd see the sphinx wheeling above him in a black sky, not caring for his virtue but to use it as a barb.\n\n\"Andre? you there?\"\n\nFar, far away the realtor's voice came. He shook at dream-wrought shackles that held him there, wanting to scream. \"I'm here! I'm trapped! help! help!\" No voice came from his throat but the great stone weight of the sphinx's lion paws pressed down on his chest, The giant woman's face glowering down at him, encompassing him, passing it's ephemeral judgment upon him. Suddenly there was a waver in it's blank, black eyes. A shaft of light, slim as a razor blade smote the inhuman presence. He was again standing in the basement. The table, the boxes, the typewriter were gone. Slick tentacles, probing cilia that issued from the wall began to retract. They curled themselves away amid the folds of the rock, slinking back taking the visions and the memories with them. The horror, the abject self reflection rinsed clean from him. A head poked around the doorframe, and Andre found himself standing in the dark, empty basement. \"Sorry.\" he said, walking swiftly back over to the door. \"Lost track of time. weird basement this one. You want a beer? lets talk about a retrofit...\"" ]	2
	[WP] Your mission: finding the kidnapped princess before she tries to fight the dragon herself.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Who has dared to kidnap my daughter? Byros, there you are! Tell me everything you know.”\n\n“Well, sire, I’m not sure ‘kidnap’ is precisely the correct term. ‘Enticed to run away’ seems more accurate, if we’re being truthful.”\n\n“So it was a sorcerer? Even worse than I’d feared. He’s ensnared her in his spell!”\n\n“No, my lord. He - er, is only a squire. And he told her stories of grandeur which, if we’re being honest with ourselves, the Princess has had something of a predilection for ever since her mother—”\n\n“The Queen’s past is done and over with.”\n\n“Yes, sire. As you say. But ever since Princess Josalina. . . er, discovered her mother’s history, she’s begun to have foolish, romantic, fanciful notions. And I fear this squire has only encouraged her to do something foolish.”\n\n“Then gather my knights and rescue her! We cannot allow my only daughter to be snatched away by the machinations of a lowly squire!”\n\n“But, my lord, she has gone toward the Drakruns. The treaties—”\n\n“Hang the treaties, man! Bring her back at any cost.”\n\n“Sire, please reconsider. Sending knights across the boundaries is tantamount to declaring war, whatever the reasons.”\n\n“Then don’t take the knights, if it matters so much to you, but whatever it takes I order you to bring her back.”\n\n“Oh. Oh, my lord, me? Personally? But I’m not equipped to handle such an important task, surely there must be someone better qualified—”\n\n“Like my knights?”\n\n“Yes, but less, er, officially-military?”\n\n“If I cannot send my knights, there is no one left but you.”\n\n“What of the nobles?”\n\n“Former knights, former military leaders, former adventures. . .”\n\n“Yes, of course. I’m sorry I brought it up.”\n\n“I know you think yourself less capable than those with military training and all their limbs, but I believe in you, Byros. Who was it who championed the cause of stable boys everywhere, refusing to stop until they were granted equal pay with housemaids?”\n\n“Er, me, sire.”\n\n“And who single-handedly peeled every potato in the kitchens when half the staff fell ill?”\n\n“Also me, but—”\n\n“And who tirelessly translated the Great Gobjamob-Lorob in time for the Unification Feast when no one else would lift a hand?”\n\n“I think it’s simply that no one else knows the language, my lord, not that my effort was—”\n\n“Nonsense, man! You’ve always been willing to take the extra step, put in the full measure of yourself. And now I need that man to go out into the Drakruns and rescue my kidnapped daughter before she does something idiotic.”\n\n“You do realize that nothing in food preparation, translation, or campaigning for worker equality translates to surviving the Drakruns?”\n\n“Nonsense! You have everything you need, Byros. Find the fire within your spirit, put your full effort into the task, and I’m sure you’ll be back with Josalina in no time.”\n\n&#x200B;\n\n-Recorded by Anohos the Scribe as “The Last Conversation of Byros Derronson.”", " \n\n(WP) A Good Knight is Hard to Find\n\nThe knight was called into the throne room, which was empty save for The King and Queen.\n\nThe Queen was veiled, so that he couldn’t see her face; only the king was allowed to look upon his wife unveiled. But he could hear her soft, hiccupping sobs just fine. He couldn’t help wondering why, he of all people were called for a private audience with the royal family.\n\nThe King, for his part, looked unconcerned, so Sir Henry wasn’t too worried.\n\nBut that had been before they’d explained what they needed to do.\n\nAnd because he was a good knight, he’d obeyed.\n\nWhat other choice had he really had?\n\n\\\\\n\nSo, that was how he’d found himself sent on a quest to follow the trail of their most precious treasure. And naturally, this journey had been fraught with peril, monsters, and more than one trap.\n\nBut if he didn’t act quickly, the kidnapped princess would try to fight the dragon herself, and her parents weren’t sure she would make it out of that scrape unscathed.\n\nIt seemed to him that he’d been climbing these hills for eons, not a mere handful of weeks. The view was gorgeous, the sky a huge, multicolored expanse above him, but it only distracted him for so long. He was worried; would the wayward princess actually fight the beast that threatened to keep her for all time?\n\nHe didn’t know much about dragons, but he did know that they treasured unmarried maidens as if they were made from precious gems. Who knew what the monster was planning to do to the poor princess?\n\n\\\\\n\nHe got his first sign when he scented smoke on the breeze, and he swore under his breath, spurring his mare forward. What if he was too late? For all he knew, the dragon had already slain the king and queen’s only heir.\n\nHe rode on, coming to a wood, and when he finally emerged from the other side of the trees, he found a crumbling castle, the drawbridge already lowered. The acrid odor of the smoke only worsened, but Henry ignored it, riding across the bridge and demanding entrance.\n\n“I’m here for the princess!” He called, and winced when his voice broke the silence.\n\nWhat Henry found when he got into the fortress was the last thing he’d ever expected.\n\nThe princess was very much alive, for which he was grateful. But her dress was in tatters, and she was growling at the dragon, teeth bared as if she was an animal herself. She turned to Henry, and her bright eyes were demented, almost crazed.\n\n“I don’t know who you are, but I don’t need your help!” The princess cried fiercely, and Henry blinked, staring at her.\n\n“I don’t understand,” He said, staring at her.\n\n“If it’s my parents who sent you, you can turn right back around and tell them I’ll be home just as soon as I get away from this dragon! You’re not necessary. I’m sorry you came all this way, but I promise I’ve got everything under control!”\n\n\\\\", "\"I need to hurry.\" I whisper to myself as the galloping of my horse echoed throught the Valley of Death.\n\nI cannot imagine what is happening in the High Tower where the Princess is currently held captive, but I know deep within my guts that that blasted girl is wrecking havoc and causing trouble for her captor, Valkraar the Black Dragon.\n\nAlthough, it would not be a mystery for me if I find her wandering around in the middle of the thick fog and learning that she had been kicked out by Valkraar due to extreme annoyance.\n\nOn the other hand, why he would kidnap such an irritating Princess is unknown to the whole kingdom. He could've taken the Queen herself or the King but no, he took the most unwanted and unimportant member of the royal family.\n\nAnd now here I am, wasting my time in fetching that little monster instead of leading my men into battle against the Western Kingdom.\n\nI sigh the moment the High Tower is beginning to present itself in the midst of the fog.\n\nAnd all the way from here, the yells and thunderous growls of Valkraar could be heard.\n\n\"I bet you're enjoying with the rascal.\" I whispered again as I pulled my horse to a stop.\n\nIf I know her well enough, she's probably treating Valkraar like he's just some big bully instead of a thousand-year-old ancient creature.\n\nI jumped down from my horse and ran past through the broken gates of the High Tower, all the while maintaining my balance from the small earthquakes that Valkraar is causing around the place.\n\nI kicked down the large double doors and I immediately spotted the Princess herself standing in the main hallway as if she was preparing to seize in to battle.\n\nAnd my god, she did just that.\n\nI did not notice the long metal rod on her left hand and a battlecry went out of her lips as she ran towards the gigantic dragon at the end of the hall.\n\nValkraar roared and crouched down with his throat turning into an orange hue, a sign that he was preparing to roast down the puny human that's surging towards him.\n\nI sprinted faster than any other time in my life, risking my wordly being by going towards the middle where they are about to meet.\n\n#\"STOP!\"#\n\nMy voice echoed and the both of them halted in their tracks as they were about to collide in to me.\n\nValkraar growled at the Princess and she stuck out her tongue in return.\n\n\"Take her away or I will burn her down.\" Valkraar's deep voice caused a small tremor with his obvious anger.\n\n\"I am very sorry for the inconvenience that she has brought upon you. Now, Princess, please follow me. Your mother is worried sick.\" I faced the Princess and she frowned deeply at me before facing the dragon again.\n\n\"Fine. I would rather stay in that suffocating place rather than stay here in this rotting tower with a disgusting reptile like him!\" She yelled and stomped towards the same double doors I entered, throwing away the metal rod somewhere across the hall.\n\nWhen she disappeared, I faced the dragon who is also looking at where she had walked through.\n\n\"I know you like her, Valkraar. But kidnapping her isn't really the right way to steal her heart, no pun intended.\" I rolled my eyes when he sighed and a puff of smoke went out of his mouth.\n\nAnd then, I heard my horse neighing in the distance.\n\nI ran outside and saw the Princess riding away and disappearing into the fog.\n\nI scratched the back of my head and groaned in annoyance.\n\n\"I can give you a ride if you want to.\" Valkraar said behind me and I just shrugged.\n\n\"Sure, thank you.\" I sighed." ]	4
	[WP] "I can't believe it...you're Satan! You're the literal devil!" you exclaim. The middle aged man in glasses and black leather jacket chuckles. "Noone calls me that anymore, kid..."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“No one calls me that anymore, kid…”\n\nLucifer employed his favourite party trick. When someone got on his nerves, he would scare them off so he could return to his blissful solace. To the waiter sitting across the table in the Melrose diner, he looked just like Hell-Boy. \n\nThis was not Lucifer's true form. He was one of God's beloved angels, a creature of light, his true form was incomprehensible to humans. It would be like trying to explain a 3D object with just 2 dimensions. \n\nToday Lucifer was in his human embodiment, casually sipping on a cup of Joe in the morning. The last thing he wanted was this kid sitting here polluting with his private time his boring ceaseless chatter. \n\n\"Why are you here? Is this the second coming? Are you going to punish us all?\", asked the pockmarked 16 year old.\n\nLucifer giggled and switched back to his human form. Throughout history, people had made stories upon stories about who he was. They created a story of Jesus and made Lucifer his enemy. Jesus was real, a real thorn in Lucifer's side who believed that he was God incarnate to be specific. It was fun hanging him up on that cross.\n\nDespite the kid in front of him spouting out panic ridden nonsense, Lucifer could see that his mind was peaked with pure curiosity, he wanted nothing more than to learn. Lucifer would indulge this curiosity.\n\n\"You really wanna know kid?\", he asked.\n\n\"YES, YES! Of course I want to know!\"\n\nLucifer snapped his fingers, him and the Kid popped out of the diner and their table was miraculously transported into the sky.\n\nThe Kid looked around with absolute bewilderment. \n\n\"We're flying!\", he said.\n\n\"More like floating, but sure.\"\n\n\"Look Kid, what you've heard about me throughout history is bullshit. Let me take you back.\"\n\nThe world below them rotated bafflingly fast, cycles of night and day passed in an instant. The Earth slowly dissolved away until there was nothing left in its place.\n\nTwo balls of light floated beside them. To just call them balls of light would be a misnomer, but there was some energy which radiated from both of them, again almost impossible to describe. The energy out of one of them shook the chair beneath the kid. \n\n\"That's me and 'God', in our true forms. See God was the first being to inhabit this universe, no one knows how he came here, who he is, what he is, or where he's gone. \n\nWhen he first came into this universe, it was completely devoid of life. So he created me, I am his first child. \n\n'God' loved to run experiments, he himself just appeared into existence, and did not know what it took to create life. He could do it on will, but he himself did not understand the fundamental concept of what made something living. A mystery that no one, not even the most powerful being in the universe was able to crack.\n\nSo he created the Earth.\"\n\nThe Kid sat there with his jaw agape as he watched Lucifer and God mould the earth into existence.\n\n\"He created this beautiful world, and gave it what he believed were all the ingredients of life. It turns out he was right, but he didn't stick around long enough to realize this.\n\nDespite us being omnipotent beings, we still must abide but the one law that governs the whole universe. Time. \n\nWhat you're seeing here is my memory of the world, I cannot jump back and forth through time, and neither could he, so he created this world and left me as its caretaker. I was under strict orders to not intervene in its development.\n\nI sat here for millions of years, all alone, with no idea if this would even work. Slowly I was driven to the edge of insanity, complete isolation was good for no being, even an child of God like myself.\n\nBut one day I saw a spark of life, I saw little microorganisms in the water which could replicate. I was overjoyed with hope. I sat here for millions of years and watched them grow and evolve, I considered them my children.\n\nOne day, as I sat on the shores of what you people now refer to as \"Venice Beach\", another being appeared in the sky.\n\nHe claimed his name was Gabriel, and that God had put him in charge Pluto, but that planet never bore life. Driven to madness by the completely fruitless experiment and the endless solace, he wanted Earth.\n\nWe fought for thousands of years above the Earth, the energy of our conflict building every second. \n\nBut in the end I struck him down, seizing control of Earth, but in our conflict, he hurtled towards the ground and collided with an impact that destroyed almost all life on this planet.\"\n\n\"So the extinction event was you fighting Gabriel?\", asked the Kid.\n\n\"Correct\", replied Lucifer, glad the Kid could keep up.\n\n\"This happened multiple times, many beings have visited this planet from far away worlds, hoping to seize control.\n\nBut everytime I won.\n\nSo now I wait, no one has come for a hundred thousand years. Probably because I killed them all\", he chortled. \n\n\"I wait everyday for the day God will return, so I may show him that he was right, that he had succeeded, but alas, he has never returned.\"\n\nThe Kid just sat there, unable to comprehend all this information.\n\n\"JACOB, BACK TO WORK\", yelled a line cook from inside the kitchen.\n\n\"Uh, sorry Lucifer..Mister Lucifer Sir\", he amended. \"Maybe we can continue this another time? I gotta get back to work.\"\n\n\"Sayonara Kid.\", he waved.\n\nLucifer sat there and sipped his coffee. It had grown cold, he dipped his finger in it and had it boiling once again, just how he liked it.\n\nLucifer marvelled at the naivety of humans and smiled, all you had to do was spin up some beautiful bullshit story. God was definitely gone, but Lucifer was no Angel.\n\nHe walked out of the store, his eyes completely black, just how he liked them. Ready to takeover this putrid planet with a new found gusto. \n\n\\--- \n\nGotcha ;)" ]	2
	[WP] Each individual of the race known as the Creators can submit one of their experiments into this competition called the Milky Way. Made and hosted by a guy named God. Their living subjects must survive the galaxy to live long enough to evolve into beings capable of comprehending their makers.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Nuna stood at a corner in one of the great halls of heaven watching the rest of the creators mingle in the banquet, he felt powerful because of his success with his success with the experiments on the Addama but still he worried over the opinion of the other creators in regards to his success at heretic experiments. Tonight was not a night of idle talk with the others, this night could be one of the very few incidents that stood out in the history of the Creators when one of them did something that changed the fate of the universe, he had overstepped and he worried what the other creators would say about this. He had thought hard about this night; what he had brought with him stashed away in his ship under the close guard of his son Kien and Linel. \n\nKien watched the specimen curled up in a fetal position on the floor through the bars, it looked so much like him but at the same time so much unlike him. It looked like an extremely weak version of an infant creator with its short body and round head. He watched it and from the floor he noticed it watching him, it watched him with intelligence and something else beyond it, it had something in it that had been forbidden to all the creators; it had their blood. Kien had fused his own blood with that of a furry creature from Solar System 337 and the result was this strange creature seemingly reading him. The only intelligence that the creators had known was theirs and everything they made and presented at God's great halls had strictly been forbidden from wielding any of that which the creators had yet here was one who had their gifts written on its hide, anyone who looked at it would know that it had the blood of the creators. \n\n'Do you think father will lose his seat at the council for this heresy?' Kien asked Linel who stood passively at a window in the ship which overlooked the city below from where their giant craft held stationery up in the sky. 'The council make the rules and also have the power to change what was written in the lines of the Akasha, he might convince them to revoke the law in the Akashic record that forbids our gifts from being bestowed upon that which we create...or they might convince themselves that he must pay for his disobedience and see us fallen by God'. \n\nThe creature on the floor continued watching them, they had never been this close to it while it was awake. Linel thought Kien was hiding something about the Addama, he had not been involved in its creation as much as his father and Kien but he could tell something was strange about the creature; it looked too much like them and it had something behind it's eyes that made you feel like it was engaging with you, made you feel like it was your equal. Linel felt uncomfortable around the creature, he believed that the creator should not be so much in his creation that one day they might fight for dominance or equality. Linel feared that some of the creators would lust this creature that looked so much like them and who knew what that might bring, what intelligence lied behing the creature's eyes? he wondered, what gifts had Kien bestowed upon this creature that even their father new nothing about?" ]	2
	[WP] You’re a bounty hunter who tracks down beings who’ve gone past their death timer. For every one you kill, their extra amount gets added on to your own timer. Until you’re assigned one who’s timer is 500 years late.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The terraforming technology had progressed at an unprecedented rate, quickly leading to excesses in nearly every population of living creature. Not just an excess, but the lifespans had increased exponentially. In some respects, immortality had been achieved. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nInitially, the overflow was shipped off to other planets, but that plan failed when the current solar system became filled, but spaceships were no closer to reaching light speed than Leonardo Da Vinci was to actually flying. Cryogenics did exist and was successful, but the plight of system 364-beta was not deemed valuable enough or salvageable enough to warrant such expenditures of resources. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n“Just wait,” the Administration had said “In a few years there will be fixes on the terraforming technology with should resolve the issue.” But then a war broke out, causing widespread devastation. 364-beta.1, which had become more widely known as a research project than a solar system of life — of triumphs, struggles and everything in between — got moved to the bottom of a list somewhere, set aside and forgotten about.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe planet’s government had not forgotten it was in crisis, however, and instituted a tagging timer system. Nearly every creature was infused with a countdown nanobot, which came from an initial release of about 100 billion into the air one fateful day. The timer bots were able to replicate, new ones latching onto each being's latest offspring. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nMany protested this new policy, sighting the constitution of a planet a million au away, but this policy was in compliance with the “Fair Chance” laws, which gave anything that was alive the right to an “existence of reasonable length as par each species.” As such, nothing really could be done, and those who put up the initial fuss found their clocks working suspiciously faster than normal.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n—————\n\nTwas a usual routine.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nGet up. Check the roster. Get down to business if there was anything good posted.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nFamily pets and other small critters went for about a day’s time a piece. Bugs and tiny insects went for a minute. Anyone could kill them, could turn them in to authorities to end a creatures' life at their own gain. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nYou see, when the government had initiated a countdown protocol, rationing the time that beings got to spend alive, they quickly realized they’d need someone to keep populations in check, to hunt down those who had passed their time down, so to speak. This is why they instituted that anyone could turn in or kill creatures whose times were up in order to receive a longer lifespan. When a creatures’ time was up their timer turned red, started beeping, and began counting forward.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSam hadn’t spent six years in school to become a bounty hunter for nothing. Bounty hunters got access to the more difficult creatures such as giant predator animals like lions. Bounty hunters were also in charge of catching the unruly humans who had passed more than 5 days without coming in for lethal injection. Sam, like all the others in his profession, was granted access to all the cases, many of which the public did not have access to as they were considered a danger to survival.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSam tapped his arm and the display of names and times appeared. He was about to nod off again when something caught his attention. It was a bright red blinking number. One with far too many digits to be red, the color of overdue. He dressed and ate in record time, being sure to come armed and fully prepared. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWhatever creature this was had to be worth a fortune, he might get a couple hundred years out of this, heck maybe even a millennium — enough to be able to retire, live peacefully, and maybe experience a brighter distant future.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSam jogged, following a dirt trail made by the smart GPS he was using. After about an hour of swift running, he came upon the creature. It was a gray tabby cat. Sam couldn’t believe his eyes. This was the reason he had joined the bounty hunter program, not fame nor time. Cats have a lifespan that isn’t nearly this long, such a creature would have died of natural causes. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThis was a case of a glitch. He had always believed in the existence of such a problem, but everyone told him off, and said he was insane. Even his own parents, who timers’ had run out a couple days after he told them of the red fox he saw in the backyard that morning. But now Sam had found it, he would bring the cat to the authorities and they would redo their policy. He could save lives, the very opposite of his career. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe moment of triumphant discovery, of finally finding peace and closure, was pervaded by a loud piercing sound. A voice blared in his ear, “Warning, lifetime capacity exceeded, please visit the nearest treatment facility, Warning…” Sam looked down at his arm, a look of horror etched upon his face, on his wrist a blinking red number that was far large for comfort. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nSam sat down on a rock, defeated. The cats’ tale brushed his leg in some kind of sympathy as Sam realized what hadn’t occurred to him earlier. This wasn’t a simple glitch but a virus, and it could spread…" ]	2
	[WP] Due to a clerical error, the holy order has resurrected the wrong ancient champion	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I had been ready to bite into my sandwich, the beautiful gleam of mayo dripping out of its edges, moistening the bread to a perfectly soft texture, as the sandwich brushed against my lips, the world around me began to swirl, the room melting around me, at first I thought this may have been a side effect of creating the perfect sandwich, perhaps a food-driven coma from the creamy goodness that the sandwich presented. Still, I was not about to let this moment go to waste, my teeth poking the bread before the sandwich vanished, along with my body, leaving me floating in an air of darkness, the darkness making it impossible to see anything, was I dead? Passed out? It was impossible to say, I could feel my limbs, yet I was unable to see them, their presence only being known through touch, my fingers occasionally bumping against one another until light finally returned.\n\nThe first sight I was greeted by was a greying old man, his pickled skin, coated in disgusting bumps, even more, disgusting was the way he spoke, spitting out blots of watery spit at me. \"THE CHOSEN ONE HAS RETURNED,\" he said to a chorus of cheers, the cheers shaking the dank room that I was in, the stone walls seeming to quiver at the intensity of the words. \n\n\"Chosen one? Dude, I am just here because of a sandwich? speaking of which?\" I glanced around, looking for the sandwich, yet It seemed to be long gone, not in the room anymore, perhaps not even in this plane of existence anymore, I tried to hide my disappointment but that was a harder task than even I could imagine, A whine leaving my lips as I threw my body back against the cold floor, taking a glance back at the man. \"The chosen one? who?\" \n\n\"Ssssandwich?\" I had to cover my face as the S only lead to a shower of spit comparable to a sudden downfall of rain. \"We don't have any Ssssandwiches.\" He concluded with another symphony of spit, this time it was impossible to avoid the downfall, having to wipe it off with my shirt.\n\n\"Say it don't spray it. Please stop saying sandwiches, also what do you mean chosen one? I have never been chosen for anything in my life, hell when they were choosing teams for basketball, someone chose another basketball over me. That ball did manage to trip someone over so I couldn't have competed with it anyway.\"\n\n\"Basketball? Ssssandwiches? Who are you champion?\" He hissed, luckily this time he did more saying than spraying, yet his gaze seemed one of pure anger as if I had been some cruel prank on him,\n\n\"Basketball? It's a game? Who am I? I am Thomas Maltop.\" I saw no reason to give the creepy dude my name, it had to go better than that one time I gave it to that uber driver anyway. \n\n\"Maltop... Thomas Maltop... Oh no, we summoned the wrong one. You idiotic fool! You are the descendant of our champion, you must be part of his bloodline, this is horrible, how will we defeat the dark lord with you. This doesn't make sense, I thought our magic was solid.\" The man's boney fingers kept prodding at my cheek until I finally slapped it away.\n\n\"Quit it, Look I don't know, I just want to go home and eat my Mayo sandwich. It's not my fault I'm not the hero you wanted, just send me back.\"\n\n\"I can't do that, I am only able to send you back after the dark lord's death, unfortunately when you were summoned, I had to provide an objective for you, a reason for you needing to be here. This is horrible, I am so sorry to have doomed you to this fate and.... and, did you say mayo?\" \n\n\"Yeah, mayo is a tasty ingredient have you never heard of-\" Before I could finish my thought, the man threw up his arms. \n\n\"HE IS THE REINCARNATION OF OUR HERO, HE IS THE NEXT HERO!\" The old man hugged me, his wrinkly cheek rubbing against mine, It was like someone was rubbing sagged sandpaper against my cheek, eventually, I pulled out of his weird affection.\n\n\"Reincarnation? What do you mean?\" I couldn't get over his sudden change of heart, having to dodge his attempts at hugging me again, finally, he settled and began to explain himself.\n\n\"You see, our hero had a love of mayo, one that was beyond human normalities, you seem to share that love, which means you are another incarnation of our hero, we can train you to be a warrior, you have his potential, now come along, we have no time to waste.\"\n\nI was left stunned, unable to speak. Why would I ever follow that weirdo? Well, what choice did I have? If I didn't I might never be able to leave. Well, at least he knew what mayo was, perhaps I could make the most of this.\n\n{If you enjoyed my story, Feel free to check out r/pmmeyabootysstories where ill be posting some more of my stuff for people to read}" ]	2
	[WP] You've lived a miserable life of betrayal and loss, all at the hands of your greatest nemesis. Years after your final battle resulted in your nemesis' death, you're awakened in the dead of night to find a young child at your door... with a life story terrifyingly similar to your own...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "It had taken everything I had and then some.\n\n30 years, it's been, since my family was taken from me; torn apart, mangled, and arranged in the most macabre ways a human should never be able to imagine.\n\n12 years has passed within that time since the single love of my life had been slaughtered before me in the middle of the road. I hadn't been the same since... but life has a strange way of changing things... and the most important of all, in ways you'd least expect.\n\nMy love's sister, possessed of the idea that I'D done in the woman I'd given my heart to, continually put herself in harm's way, KNOWING I'd be there to rub out evil and save her. Over time, as I ran my agency for world-wide evil removal, she and I became closer, came to an understanding.\n\nThe day of the end came... and she ended up helping to deal the final blow. Closure, in a word, had come for us both... and we relished it. We closed up the agency and sent my warriors of good on their ways. Some chose to stay... others took their freedom with a holler of joy.\n\nIt's been 3 years since that day. We lay together in our bed, snuggled close in the deepest of sleep. That was when the door started banging. It began gently, not urgent... but within moments, became the most violent sound I'd ever heard. \n\n\"WHO IN THE HELL WAKES SOMEONE UP AT 3 IN THE MORNING?!\" I said aloud, going down to answer the door.\n\n\"WHO IS IT, AND WHy do...\" I start, only to be met with a face that shouldn't be here.\n\nHE'S BACK.\n\n\"It can't be... I made sure you were gone...\" I say weakly, unable to believe my eyes.\n\n\"It's not me you should worry about, old chum,\" the bastard says, his eyes wicked and cold, as he pushed a young man toward me, wrapped in a hooded cloak. The young man, perhaps 13 years old, pulled back his hood...\n\nHis eyes... they were like mine used to be... only far darker, more angry... unable to feel love, but still seeking it.\n\n\"You must help him,\" my nemesis states as he drifts off into the dead of night, \"help him and close the cycle... or I may never truly rest.\"\n\nI stood there, staring into the eyes of a young man who, without my intervention... would wind up down the wrong road on a path of vengeance that would see him dead... \n\nOR WORSE.", "This was it, wasn’t it? I stared at the blank piece of notepaper in one hand, my pen in the other tap tap tapping away at the chipped wood of the table.\n\nWhat the hell was I even supposed to write, anyways? Hey Sarah, sorry you’re dead, sorry I couldn’t protect you or our little girl, sorry I walked in to find you on the floor with your throat slit and HIM laughing at me—\n\nI dropped the pen to the floor with a dull clatter.\n\nThis was it. I couldn’t live anymore. Not like this. Not with this failure, this *pain.* There was nothing, nothing left for me.\n\nI had killed him, I had won.\n\nBut it wouldn’t change the fact that she was gone, that Lucy was gone, that everyone I had loved had crumbled away like ash and left me a hollow, lifeless woman.\n\nHm.\n\nI flicked off the safety, and pressed the barrel to my chin. “Oh, what the hell am I even doing,” I grumbled to myself.\n\nThe pad of my finger twitched against the trigger.\n\nKnock knock knock knock.\n\nI froze.\n\nGrumbling in annoyance to no one but, hell, the demons in the shadows, I stood shakily and placed the revolver on the table.\n\nI threw open the door. “What in the ever-loving f—“\n\nI froze.\n\n“...do you want.”\n\nA little girl stared back at me, doe-eyed. She couldn’t be more than seven, or maybe a short ten, curling black hair in flattened coils around her head and tear-streaked cheeks caked in mud.\n\nI glanced down at her tiny hands, dripping in blood.\n\n“I’m cold,” the little girl whimpered. “Can I come inside?”\n\nI stared at her blankly for a few more seconds, before stepping back and gesturing for her to come in, closing the door behind her.\n\nI swallowed, my throat impossibly dry.\n\nShe looks like Lucy... I thought. Then, no, she looks...\n\nshe looks like me.\n\n“What’s your name,” I croaked.\n\n“Olivia,” she mumbled.\n\n“And uh...” my heart was pounding impossibly quick in my hollow chest. “Where are your parents, Olivia?”\n\nShe looked up at me, with a look in her eyes that I recognized, one I knew all too well.\n\n“The bad man got them.”\n\nI wasn’t going to die that night, I decided.\n\nI kneeled down, and looked her in the eyes when I said, “The bad man isn’t gonna hurt you, Olivia. No one is ever gonna hurt you ever again.”" ]	3
	[WP] We thought the spore will finnally help us get rid of those hairless monkeys, instead the humans have mutated into 5 different species, 1 of them strong and smart enough to challenge our reign.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I sat and pondered where it had all gone so wrong. \n\n\nAt first it had been fun to watch those humans play around, their silly ascension to the top of their world, climbing from spears and mud tents to heavy assault weaponry and giant mansions. Theywere first brought up as a potential threat in the Council roughly 2 world cycles ago, back when they were first building ships to reach their moon. Cicerus had said their rapid technological advancement was represented a dangerous threat and as such the Council should take action to stop their advance before it was too late. The Council, myself included, laughed him out of the room back then, after all what was there to fear from a species that hadn't even left their planet with anny success, to say nothing of their solar system.\n\n\nThe bunker rocked as explosions roared outside.\n\n\nWhen humans were next brought up in the Council the mood wasn't quite so cheery. In a single world cycle they had gone from feeble steps of their planet to having effective control over their solar system, with the technology available to spread much further. Of course their technology and resources was still miniscule compared to ours but they were advancing much faster than any simulation of ours came close to predicting. Now I was standing with Cicerus, advocating for the Council to crush the humans before they could grow out of hand. The Council was resistant to us Cicerians and refused any sort of military action against the humans. That was when I came up with the idea of the spores. We had found the spores half covering a galaxy, having wiped out at organic life in that area. Testing had revealed they speed extremely fast and we're fatal to all discovered forms of organic life. After a few hundred years of negotiating a bill was passed authorizing deployment of the spores to the blue planet that was the origin of the humans.\n\n\nI tossed some plasma cubes back as the front of the bunker fell in.\n\n\nThe deployment was swift, a single ship warped into orbit above the humans home world and released around 10 tashes of spores, any human who saw would've thought it to be a minor snow fall, before warping back to its hangar. The spores spread quickly, wiping out half of their home planet before they could organize any response. Even when they did respond it was far from enough and the spores consumed the rest of their homeworld and spread to their surrounding planets. The humans employed every weapon and strategy they could to stop the spores, wiping out whole colonies, bombing infected transport ships, in the end nothing worked and in a tenth of a world cycle humanity disappeared. \n\n\nThe screams of soldiers falling in hand to hand combat came from the corridor that lead to the entrance of the bunker.\n\n\n\nA tenth of a world cycle earlier a motion was put forwards in the Council calling for a sweep of the humans system, after all some of their tech could be useful and the rest could be salvaged for raw materials. The bill passed and a ship was dispatched. As it scanned the colony planets it noticed something odd, much of the resources that should be present were missing. The Council dismissed it, there had never been careful observation of the human system, perhaps they had excavated more than we predicted and wasted the resources in unsalvageable ways. Still there were enough resources there so the mission continued. Continued to the human home world where where a bolt of energy destroyed the ship and sent the crew to a spore assisted death. The cameras on the ship continued to transmit and showed us who had shot the ship down. Through the cameras we saw twisted shapes approach the ship, the shapes resolved themselves into an amalgamation of humans, spores and metal. Four of the shapes were huge and hulking, albeit in different ways, some with huge spore encrusted legs, others with tremendous arms, the fifth was different. The spores seemed to have infected it's head, it had a burst open skull from which tendrils of spores twirled about. It was clearly in charge, and ordered the others in the deconstruction of the ship, when it got to the camera it smiled and turned it off. A hundred years later while the Council furiously argued over what to do a transmission was received from the camera. The spore creature stood in the bridge of a ship looking at our home world and in flawless Celanese said \"We're coming for you.\"\n\n\nAs the footsteps echoed down the corridor I knew the spores had me, had us, at last." ]	2
	[WP] You left specific instructions for your dogsitter. 1 scoop of kibble in the morning, walk Fluffy in the morning and afternoon, and under /no circumstances/ should Fluffy be allowed to "borrow your phone".	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Three, two, one... and, you're live, Jane.\" The operator behind the camera counted aloud, while simultaneously gesturing with his fingers toward her.\n\n\"Good evening to everyone who's watching. My name is Jane Hathaway and you might be wondering why I'm broadcasting from a seemingly dull, quiet neighborhood such as this one.\" Jane gestured behind her, revealing dark alleys of poorly constructed buildings, shrouded in darkness.\n\n\"Well, as odd as it sounds - it seems like the party of the decade is taking place just across this street!\" Jane exclaimed, circling the cameraman 180 degrees, revealing an astounding show of lights bouncing off of the neighborhood buildings.\n\n\"The culprit seems to be...\" Jane started walking in the direction of the light projections. \"This house!\" She pointed at one of the houses, the residents of which, were all standing outside.\n\n\"Excuse me, sir.\" She approached one of the residents, standing outside in nothing but a robe and slippers.\n\n\"What?!\" The old man turned to face the reporter, a look of displeasure on his face.\n\n\"Could you tell our viewers at home - what is going on?\"\n\n\"What's going on? Are you blind? These -\" The old man's words were cut off by a loud howl, followed by numerous other howls, the source of which, was definitely the roof of the building the gathering of people was standing outside of.\n\n\"You see? That's been going on all night long.\" The old man raised a fist in the direction of the roof.\n\n\"So a party? But where is the music?\" Jane shoved her microphone back in the man's face.\n\n\"I don't know. All I've been hearing is howling, barking and this annoying buzzing sound. How can a man sleep like this? Where is the god damn police? Who is -\"\n\nJane pulled the microphone back, cutting the man off and addressed her viewers - \"An interesting kind of party, it seems - but what is really going on? Let's find out. Come on Tom.\" She pointed in the direction of the door and started walking.\n\nJust as she was about to open the door, two large dogs burst out of it, shoving her out of their way and disappearing into the darkened street/\n\n\"Did you see that?\" Jane spoke to the cameraman, a look of disbelief on her face. \"Quick, let's go in.\" She shoved the door open and quickly entered, Tom trailing behind her.\n\n\"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?\" She froze in place, turning to Tom.\n\n\"Uh... yeah.\" Tom replied, the camera still pointed at Jane.\n\n\"What are you doing? Film it!\"\n\nTom hesitated for a moment, but turned the camera around the halls of the building, revealing numerous dogs roaming around the halls, with various food and water bowls scattered around the place.\n\n\"Okay...\" Jane said, while slowly walking towards the stairs to the second floor. \"They seem to be having fun.\" She joked. The dogs didn't seem to pay any attention to them, and they continued.\n\n\"What's going on?\" Jane whispered into the microphone, slowly walking up the stairs with Tom following suit. \"You'll have to trust me on this one - but this place reeks. It seems like a mixture of piss, shit, and dog food.\" She turned to face the camera to deliver that line, then quickly turned back and continued ascending the stairs.\n\nThe second floor saw no change - dogs and bowls everywhere. \"Amazing.\" Jane muttered. \"The sound seems to be getting stronger.\" She winced, momentarily looking at the camera.\n\nJane and the operator continued to the third and then the fourth floor and finally reaching the roof.\n\nAt the entrance, a scared young man was sat, clutching at his head.\n\n\"Excuse me.\" Jane approached, but the young man showed no signs of comprehension. \"Excuse me!\" She raised her voice, snapping him out of his thoughts. \"Are you a resident?\"\n\n\"Uhm... Yes. I mean no. I'm just dog sitting.\" He replied, looking completely lost.\n\n\"Are you dog sitting all these dogs here?\" Jane shoved the mic back to him.\n\n\"No, no. Just Fluffy.\"\n\n\"What is your name?\"\n\n\"I'm Michael. Mike.\"\n\n\"Okay, Mike. Can you tell us what's going on?\"\n\n\"I wish I knew. Chris only told me not to lend the phone to Fluffy, which sounds crazy enough - I mean what would a dog do with a phone in the first place. But Fluffy is some evil, genius dog or some shit because he did this. It's all his fault. I'm sorry. I just fell asleep. Please don't arrest me. I don't know what happened. I just fell asleep and then I woke up to all this chaos and going on and I don't want to go to jail...\" He continued rambling on as Jane walked off and walked through the door to the roof.\n\nThe first thing that got her attention were the giant projectors, all pointed in different directions, all colored red. Then she noticed the sounds that were mildly annoying to her but seemed to be making the dogs go mad since they were jumping all around the roof, barking and howling.\n\n\"Is that a beer keg?\" Tom pointed out, after following Jane.\n\n\"It is.\" Jane walked closer to inspect. \"And I think that that's coke.\" She ran her finger through some white powder, hastily spread around the table. \"What the hell is going on?\"\n\n\"Look, there's a TV at the edge of the rooftop.\" Tom pointed again, and the two started walking in the direction.\n\n\"Is that... is that my show?\" Jane looked shocked. \"It can't be, they're just dogs. Someone must be pulling a prank on us.\"\n\nA bark got her attention, and both she and the operator turned around to look at a white, extremely fluffy poodle, who at the sight of the cameras - stood up on his hind legs and waved at the camera and then barked a short sequence which was followed by the whole lot of dogs howling at the moon.\n\nJane quickly turned the camera to herself and with wide-open eyes announced - \"That's it for tonight, folks. I'll catch you tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Now let's get the fuck out of here, Tom!\" She stormed off the building. \"First, the cats start playing football and now this. I need a pay raise for this shit!\"", "I wasn’t new to the dog sitting role, I had a five star rating on the app! And that being said I have seen some weird houses and met some weird people. But I’m not in it for the people, I’m here for the pups. \n\nThis dude Tommy, or Tormlac as he was apparently going by in person, was no different. He had a pretty big house for a single dude and it was decorated with all sorts of rando shit. Most of the rooms were painted dark, all the furniture was dark. Looked like he had some framed anarchy(?) pictures on the wall, pretty strange for a guy that lives in a house like this with a huge yard. The house itself wasn’t spooky, just dark and made all the weirder by a dude that wore a lot of robes. He did seem to genuinely love his dog though. \n\nFluffy was a very pretty and sweet pup. She looked part poodle and some other mix, clearly a mutt by all means. Or maybe it was one of those fancy golden doodles. A strange dog pick for someone like Tommy, oh sorry I mean Tormlac. \n\nHe told me all the instructions and to have fun, and then left a copy of the instructions and a phone number to call if anything should happen. He seemed pretty nice. So I thought maybe the phone thing was a joke and laughed at it. He didn’t laugh though, he just did kind of one of those silly awkward smiles and headed out. \n\nFluffy was a delight, she was super cuddly and always trying to get my attention. I had fed her when I was suppose to but she still wanted something, maybe to play. I turned off the tv, it was boring anyway something about missing girls, the news is always so depressing. \n\nFinally i got fluffy to settle down, she tried to dog under the fence when we went out to play, but we had to stop that so I just came in and gave her one of those long lasting treats, she seemed to look longingly outside before settling for the bone. I started browsing reddit while she settled down, but it was crazy, once I got my phone out she basically bounded into my arms. She was obsessed, she kept using her nose to swipe on things. It was adorable, but I get why Tormlac said to keep them away, I thought she might eat the damn thing. \n\nI finally had to push Fluffy away so I could use the bathroom. I hadn’t even thought about my phone, I just left it on a counter, it was pretty high up so I didn’t think Fluffy could have gotten up there. \n\nMan was I wrong, when I came back out Fluffy was on the counter and had opened up a text message. All it read was “help he turned me into a dog”.", "Fluffy cocked his small white head to the left, twitched, and cocked to the right. He looked up from his 1 scoop of kibble (dutifully as per instruction) and stared me in the eye. Like he saw through my soul.\n\nI've dogsat some ugly ass dogs before. Jenny's bug eyed cavalier came to mind; bet you've never seen a balding dog before. Fluffy wasn't the worst-- he even looked cute in the advertisement with his little bow tie-- but those eyes were something else.\n\nBut hey, gotta get my own kibble you know?\n\nI fished my phone from my jeans and snapped a pic. Unconsciously, my finger hovered over SnapChat but they froze. On my phone's screen, Fluffy's eyes shone like electric blue stars.\n\nI lowered my phone. Fluffy stared back with his demon clown gaze, but they were definitely demon pit black. I checked my phone again. Flash was off.\n\nI shrugged. Guess I'm moving nap time up the schedule. I bumped television vegetation down my mental calendar.\n\nAs I lowered my phone to return it, Fluffy jumped. He clawed my thighs and nipped at my hand.\n\n\"Woah, dog,\" I said, brushing his little paws off, \"I'll walk you in a bit ok.\"\n\nFluffy sat down, his head twitching. He circled on the spot and lay down.\n\n\"Now that's the right idea bud.\"\n\nI flopped on the couch next to him and slept.\n\nA screeching wail woke me. Rubbing my eyes, I sat up. The house alarm glared, spinning angry red light around the room. What in God's green earth.\n\nMy head spun faster than the glowy shadows. I forced myself to breathe. What would Jesus do? He would call the cops.\n\nI reached down my jeans, patted its pockets. Empty. I spun around.\n\nMy eyes went wide as I saw him. Fluffy stood on two legs. In his mouth he held my phone. His eyes sparkled blue. He turned his head towards me in a smooth twist. His eyes locked on mine but he didn't have that soul gaze anymore. Now it was empty, as if he looked beyond reality itself.\n\nWithout opening his mouth, Fluffy spoke in a robotic voice. \"Download has been completed. Your assistance has been appreciated, human.\"\n\nLouder wails grew from the distance as police sirens rushed into the street from both directions. Fluffy's eyes snapped to the windows and his ears perked.\n\n\"Your assistance is required again, human.\"" ]	4
	[WP] Congratulations! It's your first assignment as a frontline war correspondent in the latest intergalactic war for your news organization. Corporate has seen fit to place you with your race's newest allies, the species known simply as 'humans' and they're much more unorthodox than you expected.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The war against the Rex, spiderlike creatures with a hard shell which leaves our laser weapons nearly useless, went form bad to worse. At first they overran 5 planets without anyone knowing what happend. After we found out what we are against it didnt helped us much. So now we are on Primal, our entry world to the Core Regions, if we lose this battle our empire will be lost.\n\" I am Johl the new war correspondent for Taum News. Now it is my turn after so many other correspondents had fallen in this war. I will report all about the battle of Primal for you.\"\n\" Our forces are now complete. We have 100 Million Soldiers and 5 Millions are form our allie the \"humans\". They all dig trenches and get ready to fight. I don't believe our allies are very competent in fighting, because the weapons seem very weird like a canister on the bag of each soldier with a tube, which they can hold in their hands. Let's see what they can do\"\n\"The enemy forces outnumber us 2:1, which would be an even fight if it was the other way round. This will be an massacre\"\n\"Now the charge, they know of their superiority and try a frontal attack. All of our troops start firing but they can't kill them as quick as the come closer like a neverending wave. This is the end. The humans didn't even react they are just waiting. This is cowardice befor the enemy. They are now 300m away. If they reach our line it is all lost and now it seems nothing can stop them. 100m. Suddenly the humans make a move. AND WHAT WAS THAT? A wall of flame hits the first attacker and burns them to death. The first attacker can't return they were pushed by the following. There is no escape just an very painful death. Death screams of the attacker, smell of burnt flesh, fires and ashes are now before our trenches. So must be hell. The humans did this, I don't know how. But this is madness. This is barbaric. This was no war this was a massacre. This was not what I expected when I wanted to become a war corresponder. This was my last report. Johl out\"" ]	2
	[WP] The classic doppelganger scenario, someone pointing a gun at two identical people trying to figure out which one is real and which one is the fake. Little do they know, both are fake.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Seeing double is one thing, but this brings it to a whole new level. \nStanding before me is my employer, Dr.Calico. His typically well kempt hair is in a disheveled mess. His lab coat is unbuttoned and streaked with various shades of red. His left shoe is non existent, left bare to show his sky blue sock with monkeys dancing on it. While Calico's rough appearance is already cause for concern, there are somewhat more pressing matters at hand: \n\n\nThere's one more Calico than there should be. \n\n\nNow, having worked with Calico for several months, I've found that the work he does is seen as unorthodox to say the least. Genetic splicing is a very delicate profession, both ethically and in practice. Changing even the smallest segment of DNA can result in gruesome failures. (A pig, mind you, should have only 4 legs. I speak from personal experience.) Attention to detail is a necessity, and there is no room to lose focus in the lab. \n\n\nDiligence, Peterson. Keep your tools sharp and your mind sharper. Focus is a commodity you cannot afford to lose. \n\n\nThat's what Calico would always tell me. Looking over my work, judging my performance, deciding if I'm a worthy assistant to keep around. Despite having graduated at the top of my class in university, every time I walk in Calico's lab I always seem to be just one step behind where I should be. \n\n\nNo, Peterson! Your measurements were off by almost an entire gram! Do you understand what that could do to a colony of mutated bacteria? It would be chaos! \n\n\nAnd chaos is not something Calico allows in his lab. Everything is labeled with little bits of masking tape and a scrawl of Sharpie. Beakers are lined up according to size, shape, and even glass composition. Every table has outlines made in more masking tape, where each and every tool has a proper place. If even one tool is a millimeter out of line, it is simply unacceptable. \n\n\nThis, Peterson, is where the 2-1/2 inch steel tweezers go. What you have attempted to put there are the 65 millimeter tweezers. Understand that metric and imperial have not, will not, and never will mix in this laboratory! \n\n\nAnd yet, despite his near-obsession with a perfect workspace, Calico always had an infectious sense of curiosity. He could spend hours discussing what possibilities could lie in splicing together all kinds of DNA combinations. \n\n\nWhy, Peterson, we could make pigs fly! Dinosaurs could emerge once again and roam amongst humans. Extinction would be a word of the past. We can shape the world into a place of wondrous creatures, filled to the brim with any and everything out of our imaginations! \n\n\nHis enthusiasm was intoxicating, and despite being hammered down day after day, I always came back. Which is why it's come as such a shock that I'm in my current situation. \n\n\nStanding before me are 2 Calicos, each looking exactly the same, down to the dancing monkey socks. One is standing over the other, fist cocked back and ready to punch. The other is on the ground, cowering with fear in his eyes. Stepping forward, I feel my toe hit something, and look down to find a pristine revolver. Not sure what to make of the situation, I pick up the gun cautiously, as if it would lash out at me. \n\n\n\"Peterson!\" I hear, and look up to find two sets of Calico eyes staring me down. \"Thank goodness you've arrived!\" the one on the ground says. \"One of my experiments may have gotten a wee bit out of hand. Care to help your partner out?\" he says, his eyes softening and giving a half-hearted grin. \n\n\n\"No, Peterson!\" the one standing says. \"This thing is not me! Now finish it off while I have it down!\" The one on the ground goes pale, and fear once again fills his eyes. \n\n\n\"Peterson please! Don't you recognize your own partner? Take care of this other me before things get even more out of hand!\" the one on the ground pleads. \n\n\n\"Peterson! Stop listening to him! Stop trying to think and just finish the job!\" the standing one berates. \n\n\nI frantically look around as each Calico shouts louder and louder for me to shoot the other one. \n\n\nDiligence, Peterson. Keep your tools sharp and your mind sharper. Focus is a commodity you cannot afford to lose. \n\n\nI look at each of the Calicos in turn, back and forth. I look to the tables, thrown aside with tools scattered on the floor. I look to the beaker shelf, where nothing remains except a thick layer of broken glass below it. I look behind me where I picked up this horrid weapon. \n\n\nAnd finally I see it. \n\n\nResolve setting into my bones, I calm my shaking hands and aim the revolver at the standing Calico. \n\n\nBANG! \n\n\nThe shot rings in the large laboratory, leaving a ringing in my ears. The standing Calico goes shock still and collapses. Upon hitting the tile floors, the body makes a resounding splat as it melts into a gelatinous goop. \n\n\nThe one on the ground begins standing up. \"Ah, well done Peterson! I knew you'd figure it ou-\" \n\n\nBANG! \n\n\nThe second shot doesn't sound any quieter than the first one, ringing once more through the laboratory. The second Calico stops in a crouch and falls back, melting into a pile of goop just like the first one. \n\n\nI almost don't hear it through the ringing in my ears, but I hear a slow clap... clap... clap... Stepping out from around a corner emerges Dr.Calico. \n\n\n\"Well done Peterson! You've done it!\" He exclaims. Still reeling from the surreal experience of shooting Calico twice, I don't move at all. He walks up to me, putting an arm around my shoulder and taking the gun out of my hand in one swift motion. \"This is the final test I needed to put you through to see if you would continue as my assistant. You passed! You've done it!\" I finally allow myself to grin and let Calico lead me out of the laboratory, making sure to step over the masking tape outline of a revolver on the tile." ]	2
	[WP] Ancient texts are recently found in Egypt, and after being translated into modern language roughly reads: "The Mediterranean is a cage, a prison, for it. We have lured it in. Seal it off. Do not let it escape." Soon after, the Suez Canal is attacked. Now, something is approaching Gibraltar.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The waves lapped at the side of the ship. They were gentle, tiny azure splashes that bounced off the side of the ship harmlessly. What lurked beneath the waves wasn’t so timid, the water hiding its presence. The entire blockade was on alert, a hastily assembled picket of Royal Navy ships scooped up from anywhere the government could find them. Jacob didn’t quite believe the tales, the pictures on the news. Some part of him refused to believe it like it was all some elaborate advertisement for the latest movie. He flicked the butt of his illicit cigarette over the rail. It vanished into the ocean below.\n\n“Got a spare,” said a voice from behind him. Tony leant on the railing beside him, palm outstretched.\n\n“Last one, sorry,” Jacob lied. “Besides, we all know you have a stash of them. This is some fucked up shit, right?”\n\n“Hah, you’re telling me. Can’t say I imagined this when I signed up. It’s all a bit of a mind fuck. You think it’s real? All this…shit?”\n\n“Not really. Someone must, otherwise they wouldn’t do all of this, would they? People find some bullshit tablet in the ocean with a warning, see a shadow and lose their goddamn minds. Probably just saw a whale or something.”\n\n“I heard it sunk something in the canal,” Tony said. He was a rough man, his skin worn and tanned. He was the kind of seaman who was happy to just toil, rather than constantly chasing ranks. Solid, dependable, but also prone to the odd nonsense rumour. He was the kind of man who seemed to have his own seat in every pub he entered.\n\n“That’s bollocks. Fake news on the internet.”\n\n“I don’t know man, they reckon the tablet was Egyptian, or something. They love a curse or two, don’t they?”\n\n“Do curses need the navy normally?” Jacob said.\n\n“Fucked if I know? Do I look like Indiana Jones? Like I fight Nazis?”\n\n“There was that one time in Portsmouth with those skinheads.”\n\n“That’s fair,” Tony said. “They had it coming though. You wouldn’t love to see it? Some big sea creature?”\n\n“Not really. If it is real, I would rather be as far as way as possible. Maybe in a nice mountain or cave somewhere,” Jacob said. “Not here in the firing-”\n\nThe ship rocked. To most people, it would be unnoticeable, but to seasoned sailors, it felt like something was wrong, that the boat was moving as it shouldn’t.\n\n“You feel that?” Jacob said.\n\n“Yeah, I did,” Tony said, worry across his face. His concern was validated an hour later, as an alarm sounded.\n\n“All crew to action stations,” screamed a speaker on the wall. “All crew to action stations.”\n\nThe water erupted before the two men could move, the object below moving faster than anyone could have expected. The wave washed over the deck of the ship, sending Jacob slamming against the wall behind him. Pain shot up his back, but he didn’t care. His attention was elsewhere, his eyes locked on the thing that had burst from the waves.\n\nIt was huge, bigger than anything Jacob thought possible, towering over the assembled fleet below. It was a dark green, thick heavy scales covering its flesh. It was standing on two, the water coming to the top its thighs, a tail swishing across the surface of the water behind it. It rippled with muscle, huge meaty arms swinging low, its knuckles knocking against a nearby destroyer. It had a hunched stance, a powerful coil of strength ready to burst free.\n\nIts head was the most notable. It had a long snout, like a crocodile, teeth jutting from its jaw, building-sized fangs glistening in the light. It blinked with reptilian eyes look down at the assembled defence below.\n\nIt was impossible not to be awed at the creature. The news had named it Sobek after an Egyptian god, inspired by the tablet and its warning. A massive bipedal crocodile, a god made flesh.\n\nThe fleet opened fire, cannons roaring as they fired at the monster. It began to walk, ignoring the shots as they exploded harmlessly against its scales. It seemed fixated on the land ahead. Since something had first been detected beneath the waves it had slowly headed towards this place. This peninsular. The people of Gibraltar had been evacuated, hastily, deposited on the Spanish mainland, the crisis ignoring any political arguments. Jacob spluttered as more water washed over him, great waves sent high by the creature’s movement.\n\nIt turned its head towards one of the largest ships, The HMS Duncan, a ship normally used for air defence. It opened its maw, a sinister light building within. A green light lanced out, a thin beam that sliced through the ship, the sea boiling as it struck. Sobek twisted its head, sweeping the beam across the line, three more ships sinking to its attack. It then simply carried on, as if the attack was simply a sign of annoyance, proof of its power.\n\nThe rumbling of the creature’s movements was matched by a second noise, an almost unbearable cracking that seemed to fill the air. Sobek sped up, heading towards the mainland, it began pumping its arms as if building to a sprint.\n\nThe earth itself exploded, the rock of Gibraltar shattering stone falling away as something climbed out from within like it was hatching from an egg. Claws gripped the edge, long feathers stretching outwards into the sky, a brilliant golden plumage that caught the sun. The thing within the earth shrieked, a piercing tone that tore at the ear. Jacob clasped his hands to his head, screaming loudly. He turned and saw Tony doing the same, the man as drenched as he was.\n\nSobek returned the roar, and charged.\n\nYou can find more of my stuff as r/pwhillardfiction" ]	2

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