Split (1)

train · 199k rows

post_text stringlengths 0 17.5k	post_title stringlengths 8 314	comment_texts listlengths 1 74	num_stories int64 1 74
	[WP] As a child trained in necromancy, you were at the top of your class, but your classmates hated you because of it. One day, you were caught in an accident and lost your hand. Unfortunately there were no doctors around, but being a necromancer, you reanimate your hand as your new best friend!	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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.", "Dead newts dance, rotted birds sing songs, and the horse head on the workbench breathes out stinking, steaming breath. Theatrics. Aptitude had met mockery, and loneliness brought time. \n\nTime to study. Time to practice.\n\nNatural ability nurtured - a prodigy, a label not self-made.\n\nA ring of toads hop about my study, a cacophony of unlife at my command. Theatrics. I’m showing off to everyone. Look what I can do. Grew used to the noise and the mayhem.\n\nCan’t study without it.\n\nRank death and burning botanicals, the common stench of necromancy. My study door opens, closes. No one there.\n\nNo need for theatrics. My friend doesn’t care and is more than enough proof of my skill to others. Tip-tap-tip of bone on wooden floor, usually he would be faster but he is burdened.\n\nI reach down and grab my hand off the floor, my one true friend: Left. No longer skinned. A few unneeded ribbons of ligament lash black bones together. He'd hold shape without them though.\n\nI take the cookie he has stolen and eat it. Drop the creature on the table and of it runs to chase the toads.\n\nDownstairs, Mother screams. Which one of us has stolen cookies. Her parent teacher night cookies.\n\nHeaven forbid.\n\nEdit: Typo, clarity. I like this guy. Might use him later." ]	2
	[WP]: On Earth, werewolves could be concealed rather easily as they transform only once a month at the full moon. On Jupiter's colonies, however, the 79 moons are beginning to become an issue.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Your arrow lands on the 9 with a thud, making you lose the round and match. You move to congratulate the winner and leave for the showers, angry at your defeat and your own lack of skill.\n\nYou open the tap and let the warm water fall on you, sliding down your body, calming you, soothing your anger and relaxing your muscles. You stay like that for a long time: 30 minutes, maybe more. Definitely more.\n\nYou awake from your drowsy calmness when a shiver runs down your spine. You look at the time, as you go out of the showers, getting dressed as fast as you can with your hair still wet. \n\nYou grab your equipment and leave for the tube stop. There are three people there, an old man out from his daily swimming, an airball teacher with long red hair and a little boy in tights. \n\n4 minutes, not enough time, you decide to call a fast-ride, they're expensive but better than the alternative... \n\nWhere to, mister? \n\nyUpla, E-184. One chip if we make it before 8.\n\nYour voice already sounds strange, deep, dangerous as the black vehicle speeds away, zigzagging between tubes and rides and stations. You're going to make it, you think, when the tall yellow building heaved into sight.\n\nAt that moment it happens: Hair grows from every last inch of your body as you twist in agony, deforming, turning into a monster. You howl in pain, so much pain. When the driver screams you try to calm him but your words are but growls when your 'other' takes control.\n\nYou brake the glass and jump, falling through the orange sky onto a station. You start running, as fast as your legs can carry you, pushing people aside and destroying whatever lies in your path until you arrive at the Euport, the concrete island. \n\nYou move towards gate 7, for it is your only chance to escape, your salvation, your sanctuary... The armed men arrive then, carrying weapons and guns and looking at you with murderous intent.\n\nThey shoot all at once, bullets raining like daggers from the red sky. One hits you on the knee, slowing you down, increasing the pain. They are everywhere, shooting, hitting you with their tasers and batons.\n\nYou continue onward with pain and gate 7 as your only thoughts when a second bullet hits you with a few meters left. It hurts, more and more when another bullet hits you, and a fourth. It is there, you reach out and...\n\nYou kneel, exhausted at the other side, a triunfant smile forming in your hideous, monstrous face. Just then, a spray of bullets forces you to the grond and the last thing you see is a blonde woman. The last sound: a bang.", "He looked at his wrist terminal and grew pale, he had been doing crazy overtime and his reserves were particularly low and that could lead to complications, as luck would have him he was alone in the office so that was a blessing, he searched his contacts for \"Bloody Raw\" and was almost instantly connected, one of the perks of being a Platinum member with a VIP Status and 5 years of loyalty. Emilie answered and he loved it, she had a voice that make her want to marry her, she talked in her sweet voice full of energy \"Bloody Raw here for you Love, how may we help you?... Let's see my system says that your fridge have received your usual order so are up for more munchies?\" he enjoyed every second of her talking, after the deafening silence of the cubicle he worked in her voice was an ambrosia. He snapped back into the moment and confirmed the time \"Hey M, i have a bit of an emergency, a 23 minutes to be exact emergency in my current location\" he share his location with her and felt proud of keeping a steady voice, she on the other hand gasped \"How bad is it love? Like really\" Erick made mental calculations that were simple and he had to redo them and he became even more paler as his voice started to break \"Umm... Well, about DCC bad, it's been two days since i have had anything\" there was silence on the line for a long and excruciating moment \"Okay Love, i need your permission for this, we need to send you some Tamers with your order and you know how it is\" his knees almost gave up on him but a sudden jolt of power put him on the move as he spoke \"I am popping a Muzzle, im Premature and Stage one just begun, i give my full consent for Tamers.\" He worked inhumanly fast as the jolt of power coursed through his body he ripped open his safe with his bare hands and removed the single shock proof case and removed the Muzzle.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe terminal was bulging as his arm continued to slowly increase in size, this in turn send alarms to the DCC giving his exact position, he took off his jacket and tie and ripped the shirt, place the muzzle in the middle of his chest and press the button, immediately the device attached painfully to his muscles with metallic spikes made of chromium and those in turn deployed barb calcium structures to stay in position, the device made a popping noise and sent an emergency request to the Demihuman Control Center and the Shrek City Police Department it also transmitted his current biological data to the Alma Mater Private Clinic for Demihumans. He saved the file he was working on and saved it to the central storage, feat that was extremely difficult as his body started stage 2 which included explosive cellular growth in different parts of his body, then he sat down on the floor breathing and trying to ignore the growing hunger that slowly built up in him, something that would eventually consume him, normally it was controllable but he had been working non stop and forgot to eat he chastised himself for that.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"E-e-e-erick is that you?\" the terrified man peeked in the cubicle where Erick just stared at him in disbelief, with precious seconds left Erick quickly opened the shock proof box and removed a spray bottle and threw it at Oshaje which barely caught it, and clawing at his last threads of sanity he half screamed half howled \"SHAKE AND SQUEEZE!\" the man backed away in terror as the stage 3 came to life and Erick explosive growth triplicated breaking his skin while forming a new array of stronger muscles and the rapidly growing patches of fur. Oshaje however had been briefed in the monthly safety meeting and recognized the spray bottle, he shacked it vigorously while he remembered N.O.P.E Neutralize Odors Perform Obfuscation, he squeezed the bottle and sprayed himself with the odour neutralizer, as he did so he remembered the secure emergency shelter next to the Stair Entrance and sprinted, once there he heavy lever and he was brutally pulled into a Reinforced Titanium Pod that immediately activated the alarms on the entire building and send more emergency codes to thee DCC, the SCPD and the Shreck Metropolitan Hospital. Oshaje let out a deep breath an tried to calm himself, after all Ceramic Reinforced Titanium could not be broken by flesh right?\n\n&#x200B;\n\nErick howled as the raw brutally of his transformation shook his very core and clawed at his humanity, tearing it apart, now he was a predator and he wanted blood and flesh, his powerful muscles ready for action as his primordial heart pumped blood and spread the adrenaline to his whole system, he was a killing machine a brutal mass of flesh that would rip, tear and eat, the beast took a step forward and a deafening tone blasted from his chest in a frequency that made him hurt badly, his claws went to his chest and something in it exploded in tendrils of darkness as the nanoforge inside the muzzle produce hyper dense nanocarbon tubes that in an instant where shaped into thick flat rope that tensed all around him at such speed that he could not react, leaving only his head free but the rest of his body completely immobilized in a Shibari.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBloody Raw team went in slowly, the Tamers in their full titanium reactive armor, a bit overkill but the clients could take it. The batons on their hands where simple neural neutralizers, deadly to humans but mild to Wolfs. On the other hand each tamer did carry a Pulverizer 663 Revolver of course only for emergencies. As they went up the blood boy was shacking and probably pale but the red lights hid that, they pressed on checking their heartbeat sensors, they had done this many times but you couldn't get complacent with Wolves, at least you couldn't do that and live long. They got to the correct floor and even if the HS didn't gave them a clue the rabid howling sure as hell did, both of the tamers checked their gear and armor, sprayed themselves and the blood boy with Odor Neutralizer nodded and both went in, slow and steady leaving the boy at the stair entrance near the Wolf Pods, they walked shoulder to shoulder more nervous than ever, the Wolf was not moving but was making a lot of noise, maybe they would need a clean up crew and that was never good. They came near the entrance of the cubicle that by sound and sensor was the right location and both of them got ready to rumble, Vargas went in first with his Neural Neutralizer held like a spear and moved to the side to give room to Jade, for a second both tamers where looking at the scene in utter disbelief, the Wolf was muzzled which usually was a DCC tool and many considered inhuman because of how many surgeries it took to remove but the DCC was still a couple mins away, which meant that either this guy muzzled himself WHILE IN HUMAN FORM or somebody did after and there was not nearly enough damage or blood to suggest that, they used their terminal to send the signal to the Blood Boy, and Jade went on hunt mode just to be certain that there was only one wolf and not a pack.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nGreg loved his job, many considered him weird or downright loco, but who else could say that they would hand feed Wolves while they were Lunatics, he could say it and he loved it. As he walked to the cubicle his knees grew weak with excitement and as he entered the cubicle he put his gloves, you had to respect them or you would die or join them. He expected to see the Wolf on the ground being poked by Neutralizers or with holes the size of his head on his flesh but no, the Wolf was muzzled, Bloody Raw personnel didn't carry Muzzles he looked at Vargas and the Tamer just shrugged. The smile on the blood boy was sincere as he placed his cooler down and pulled out a big raw piece of cow, which sounded like a fake animal by the way, but if the clients wanted to pay top credits for fake Terran meat then why not right? The wolf snapped it out of grasp and devoured it as soon as he got it in range, he kept on feeding him content, hell they were majestic and apparently this one was ballsy too.", "\"Werewolves should have gone extinct centuries ago. What the hell is going on here?\" Head Scientist Zro studied the video feed displayed in front of him. The thing that used to be Junior Scientist Leni growled and scraped at the walls of its cage, but the reinforced steel of the central ventilation shaft was more than up to the task.\n\n\"We checked Leni's genome and family history. It looks like one of his great-grandcestors was one of the last werewolves, and the rising of three moons at once was enough to reactivate the dormant genes,\" Junior Scientist Tish said.\n\nZro narrowed his eyes. \"What percent werewolf was he?\"\n\n\"About... five?\"\n\n\"And it only took three moons rising to bring out this level of transformation?\" Zro swiped a hand in the air; star charts and lunar data materialized in the holographic environment around him, surrounding him in a swarm of numbers. \"Aren't all the moons of Jupiter due to be in opposition soon? All seventy-nine of them?\"\n\nTish paled. \"Oh, no. If it only took that much combined moonlight to awaken genes a few generations distant...\"\n\n\"Get all the genetic information we have on every person—no, on every living being on this base!\" Zro shouted at her. \"I'm paging home, letting them know what's going on here. Computer, put the base on lockdown, and alert us if any more moons become full.\"\n\nOrders acknowledged. Warning: S/2003 J 2 is now on lockdown. Warning: S/2003 J 2 is now on lockdown. Zro heard the comforting sounds of forcefield generators popping and crackling to life. He started to open his mouth to speak—\n\nWarning: Syzygy in process. Six out of seventy-nine moons in opposition.\n\nZro coughed up a hairball.\n\nTish stared at the Head Scientist, horrified.\n\nZro's mind snapped to the correct conclusion in seconds. In a shout, mangled to a roar, he yelled, \"RUN!\"\n\nTish fled as Zro's body warped and shifted.\n\n\"Computer!\" Tish gasped, \"Forcefield bubble, centered on Head Scientist Zro, now!\"\n\nZro's lupine form snarled and lunged towards Tish—but with a pleasant chime, the ambient nanomachines in the air snapped together, forming a bubble of translucent energy around Zro. He snarled and hacked at it ineffectually.\n\nTish sighed with relief. \"Alright. Computer, page ho—\"\n\nWarning: Twelve out of seventy-nine moons in opposition.\n\nZro suddenly bulged, veins popping out, fangs lengthening, and Tish swore she saw an extra set of arms pop out from his ribcage. With a high-pitched, ululating whistle, the ancient, primitive thing tore through the forcefield like butter.\n\n\"Teleport me to the medbay!\" Tish shrieked.\n\nOrders acknowledged. With a sparkle of light, Tish vanished moments before the proto-wolf's jaws would have slammed down on her head.\n\nIn the medbay, she let out a sigh of relief. Hardly anyone got sick enough to use the medbay, so it had been retrofitted into a mostly autonomous biology lab. Tish looked around the lab. Tropical fish placidly swam in a nearby tank. Several potted plants lined the walls. Tish took a moment to center herself.\n\n\"Computer, synthesize something calming. A patch of trimesomite.\"\n\nOrders acknowledged. Warning: Nanomachine usage is currently peaking. Performance may be significantly diminished. Nanomachine rationing is in effect. With a faint pop, a circular disk whose underside was covered in tiny, skin-piercing spikes materialized. Tish slapped it onto her neck; the chemicals, injected into her bloodstream, immediately went to work calming and focusing her.\n\n\"Nanomachine usage is peaking? Well, I suppose that makes sense, if the entire base is having these problems. Alright, computer... whip me up something to block lunar-induced polymorphisms. Something antimagic. Maybe... make an alloy of three parts telekill to one part mithril, and give me a helmet made out of the stuff.\"\n\nWarning: This action will consume the remainder of your allotted nanomachine usage. Are you sure you wish to proceed?\n\nTish hesitated. If another of those beasts came at her again, without access to the ambient nanomachine network, she'd be helpless. Would she—\n\nWarning: Twenty-eight out of seventy-nine moons in opposition.\n\nA sudden itch, like fire, like lightning, scrambled through her body, under her eyes, her skin, her chest. \"No,\" Tish whispered, \"oh, God, no.\"\n\nYou do not wish to proceed? Contextual clues indicate mixed messag—\n\n\"Proceed, computer! Now!\" Tish screamed as her body bloated.\n\nOrders acknolwedged. A crackle of power split the air, and a helm in Roman style—albeit forged from materials the Roman world had never known—popped into existence, clamped around her head.\n\nInstantly, the mutations reversed. Tish sighed with relief.\n\nAnd then the fishtank behind her exploded.\n\nShe whipped around to behold one of the strangest things she'd ever seen: the tropical fish which had been so placidly swimming along had suddenly exploded in size, limbs and fur sprouting all at once.\n\n\"Computer,\" Tish said, \"Identify the genetic makeup of these fish, please. Report the percent DNA shared with werewolves.\"\n\nRunning calculations. Tish backed away from the struggling half-fish, half-wolf forms. Genetic match percentage ranges from .001% to .003%.\n\nAnd the syzygy hadn't even reached its peak. Was anything safe from the power of the moons? Tish didn't hang around to find out, a plan forming. The computer was on nanomachine rationing mode, but if her suspicions were correct, anyone who hadn't gotten a magic-negating item on them would be in no shape to use what nanomachines they had left. That meant the nanomachines were still there—the computer was just stopping her from using them. If she could get to the central command room and regain access to the nanomachine network, she could probably manufacture and plant enough of the antimagic helms to cure the residents of the base.\n\nMind made up, she dashed through the white, sterile hallways, hearing alien cries reverberate throughout the base, the only sign of life the potted plants placed at irregular intervals.\n\nThe potted plants. Oh, God, the potted plants.\n\nTish swallowed nervously as she ran. \"Computer? Identify the genetic makeup of these plants, please. Report the percent DNA shared with werewolves.\"\n\nRunning calculations... Genetic match percentage ranges from .00003% to .00008%.\n\nTish let out a sigh of relief. That was probably low enough that, barring a massive jump in syzygy process, she'd probably be sa—\n\nWarning: Sixty-four out of seventy-nine moons in opposition.\n\nAnd then the potted plants began to mutate.\n\nA.N.\n\nPart 2 is [here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/fugkm0/wp_on_earth_werewolves_could_be_concealed_rather/fmd00iq?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x)\n\nIf you liked this, you may want to head over to r/rileywrites!", "Screams echoed through the metal catacombs as Heidi and Glenn barricaded the door to the mess hall. The tables were bolted to the floor, so they piled anything heavy they could find. \n\n\"Do you think they'll find us?\" Heidi asked, gasping for breath. \n\n\"Oh, I know they'll find us,\" Glenn answered. \"We just need to hold them off long enough for help to arrive.\" \n\n\"How do we even know help is coming?\" \n\nGlenn ran a hand through his hair and scanned the room, failing to slow his pulse. It thumped in his ears and pressed on his chest, threatening to burst. \"I don't know, Heid. Someone had to have gotten to a radio. To--\"\n\nSomething hit the door hard, rattling the mess of objects against it. The pair fell silent. They stared at the door for several seconds, frozen in place. \n\n\"I think we're clear,\" Glenn said. \"Come on. Let's see what we can find to defend ourselves.\"\n\nThey ran through the mess hall and climbed through the window into the kitchen. Dishes were scattered everywhere, food spilled across the floor. Glenn opened drawers and cabinets alike but found little that would help. \n\n\"Looks like it's already been raised. Christ, if that thing gets in here--\"\n\nHe turned to see Heidi holding a silver barbeque fork. She shrugged. \"Better than nothing, right?\" \n\nGlenn laughed, despite the situation. Then he saw it: on the wall behind Heidi, there was a screen embedded in the wall. He pushed past her and tapped it, smiling wide as it lit up.\n\n\"It works!\" he said, tapping furiously to find the menu he needed. \n\n\"Does that thing call outside the facility?\" Heidi asked, looking over his shoulder.\n\nGlenn shrugged. \"I sure as hell hope so.\" Finally, he found the screen he was looking for. He dialed and waited as the phone rang on the other end. \n\nAnother loud bang came from the barricaded door, this time followed by the sound of metal scattering across the floor. Heidi rushed to the window and peeked out, her eyes widening. \n\n\"Our barricade fell, the door is dented but it's holding.\"\n\nA voice came through the speaker. \"Hello, this is the United--\"\n\n\"We need help!\" Glenn whispered hurriedly. \"We're on Jupiter colony 559 and there's--well, fucking bears or something--\"\n\nNails screeched against the metal door in the mess hall. Heidi watched through the window, steadily growing more nervous. \n\n\"Oh, you mean the werewolves,\" the voice said. \n\nGlenn and Heidi echanged a look. \"The fucking what?\" Glenn shouted. \n\nHeidi's eyes widened at the volume. Glenn instantly realized his mistake and took a deep breath.\n\n\"Werewolves,\" the voice continued, in a tone fit for casual conversation. \"Quite the nasty species, really. But, human rights groups--and animal groups, at that--tied our hands when it came to the execution of the foul beasts. Yes, we compromised to sending them somewhere they would be unable to transform. Your warden should know all about it.\" \n\nGlenn blinked. \"Warden? What the fuck are you talking about?\" \n\nThe scratching turned to the wail of bending metal. \n\n\"It's getting through,\" she said, clutching her fork. \n\nThe voice in the speaker responded, \"Yes, this is prison colony 559 of Jupitor 2 in the Granity system? We picked it specifically for the lack of moons. You really should have recieved notice--\"\n\n\"No, you moron, this is 559 of Jupitor, the fucking first one!\" Glenn said.\n\nThe voice fell quiet. \"And... and how many moons do you have?\" \n\n\"Seventy-fucking-nine,\" Glenn said as the wolve's arm tore through the door. \n\n\"Oh, dear. I'm afraid there's been a terrible mistake. I'll get to the bottom--\"\n\nGlenn picked up a nearby frying pan and smashed the screen. \"Looks like we're on our own, love.\" \n\nHeidi lifted her barbeque fork in the air as the beast finally tore into the room. \"Let's do it.\"\n\n>r/Ford9863 for more stuff by me." ]	5
	[WP]In this town, amongst the heroes, villains, monsters, angels, and everything in between, there is only one place considered truly neutral, where all factions can meet and relieve tensions. It’s a tiny little bar, under a bridge, owned and operated by a singular sweet old man.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", " Beyond the rain and fog and the blinding lights of buildings, a little shack held a glowing sign that read, \"After hours karaoke.\" I wasnt the person to go to bars, but this shack in particular raised my interest, and I was drawn to it after seeing what looked to be a man in an angel costume opening the wooden door.\n\n I walked up to the little building and opened the door. I was shooken by the ambience. Inside was an array of yellow lamps and candles. Despite the amount of lights, the bar still took on a dark theme, almost like a saloon. The scene was warm and the furniture was nothing out of the ordinary, but the \"people\" were something else.\n\n For what I thought was a Halloween party was acutally a bar full of creatures I couldn't even imagine. Angels, demons, myths and legends, heroes and villains, dogs and cats? The thing that really threw me back was a giant black spider at a poker table with several other monsters of the sort.\n\nBefore I could wander further, a voice not far called to me, \" Aye you. You must be new here.\" I turned around and was relieved to see an old human man at the booths. I walked sheepishly over to him, but what can you do when you're in the same building with the woman with snake hair.\n\nThe mans voice was light and friendly. \"You lost?\"\n\n\"I dont think lost cuts it...\" I said to the old man. He had white hair and thick glasses around his eyes. He was a short man, and despite having a cane and fake teeth, he seemed unbothered by the rest of the people in the building. He got out a glass and a drink I could not name and began pouring it for me. \"The first drink is on the house. Now tell me, why the funky look?\" I looked at the clear drink that bubbled ferociously from the bottom. \"Its just gingerale kid. Humans... Always living life so cautiously, but I gotta say, you guys really make the best wines. Just dont tell Circe I said that.\"\n\n\"Uh, come again. Mr....\"\n\n\"Nobody, my name is Nobody. Don't forget it.\"\n\nBefore I could say another word, a tall lady with white robes and black hair took a seat next to me. She looked human, but something about her just didnt fit. She spoke confidently. \"What'd you say about my wine?\n\n\"Im just being honest, dear Cici. The humans will always be great wine makers.\" Nobody said to what seemed to be the great goddess Circe. She turned toward me. She spoke with a sad face, but I could tell she was drunk on something. \"I guess you're right. I guess i cant compete with a moscato or ice wine. You people make good wine. Its a shame humans think the world is for themselves, filled with pigs and all. But you. You're something else, a philosopher, a man who doesn't judge on looks. Youre so careful, the way you walked in here. Your nothing of a pig, youre more like a... Like a little dog wandering this world trying to make sense of all this. Oh won't you come to my island and be my little pooch, we need more people like you in this world.\" I wasn't sure if she was joking or not, but I felt the subtle pull of her force, telling me to come with her. It was weak, and she was probably too drunk to pull me further. Before she could do anything else, the man with the angel costume intervened and spoke with a low voice. \"Stop that right now, you've had too much tonight.\"\n\n\"Oh stop it Darii, it's was compliment. Who doesnt want to live forever?\"\n\n\"Thats not how we treat newcomers.\" The man said. I realized now that he wasn't a man in a costume, but an actual angel. \"You dont need more people in your zoo, Circe.\"\n\n\"Its not a zoo, bible boy! Its art... And it makes a statement.\" Circe said. She put her hand on my shoulder. \"Well, if you change your mind just give me a call, sweetie.\" She notioned the bartender to bring another drink.\n The angel gave a rather warm greeting as he spoke to me. \"Don't worry, she just really likes you, so your in luck. Im Darri, and you must be...\"\n\n\"James.\" I wasnt sure if I was confused or astounded, but Darii could tell I had lots of questions. His voice was strong, and it felt... Well... Holy. \"Its weird, seeing all kinds of people isnt it, James? Youll get used to it. Dont think about it too much. We just all hang out here, and nobody questions it.\" I stopped and thought for a moment.\n\n\"Wait. Isnt this a bar? Why are you here? You dont drink... Or... Do you?\"\n\n\"Good heavens, no! I just make sure that everyones fine and dandy. The bartender doesnt like it when people cause a ruckus. But its nothing you should worry about. Be a good sport and youll be fine.\" Darii then nodded, motioning me to stand up. \" Now, if you really want to get all your questions answered, lets go meet some of my mates and well settle this over some drinks, for you of course.\"\n\nHe led me to a table in the back where four creatures were sitting. At the table there was a woman with horns and a beautiful red dress, a dude that was obviously a demon or something of the sort, a big black crow with green eyes, and of course, the spider from the poker table. I didn't know how the conversation would turn out, but I knew that it was going to be a very long night...", "There was a door and a werewolf\n\nThe werewolf enters through the door and hears a song played by a man with his guitar,\n\nthe song is played with a gentle whispering voice, in a low tone, with a rhythm of a rocking chair, it is so calm, comforting and gentle.\n\nYet it’s painful too, like all good sad songs.\n\nThe werewolf felt as if time have stopped,and all his memories aligned together.\n\nthe place was crowded but for some reason the werewolf felt like a calm breeze of the ocean came over him while hearing that song.\n\nthe song was spoken in a softer tone than the common version.\n\n>He said I was his friend \n> \n>which came as a surprise \n> \n>I spoke into \n> \n>his eyes \n> \n>I thought you died alone \n> \n>a long long time ago , \n> \n>oh no, \n> \n>not me, \n> \n>we never.. lost control \n> \n>you’re face \n> \n>to \n> \n>face \n> \n>with the man who sold the world \n> \n>… \n> \n>I searched for form \n> \n>and \n> \n>land \n> \n>for years and years I roamed …\n\nthe phrase “the man who sold the world” kept ringing in the werewolf ears until he felt the impulse to leave the bar\n\noutside the bar at nigh in an empty street at 2:00 am, he changed form into human.\n\nHis human form is of an old short fragile looking man.\n\nThe old man entered through the backdoor of the bar and saw four of his patrons, one with a military uniform, another with golden chain around his neck and cigar in his hand, and a woman with a very striking red lips and Venetian carnival mask around her eyes, the woman is speaking to his fourth patron, a person with a very large wings, one of them is white, the other is black.\n\n“ah ...welcome again mediator, it’s nice to meet you after all what we heard, how long has it been 400 years ? ” said the old man\n\nthe person with the wings said matter-of-factly, “actually I think it must been 457 years”\n\nthe military uniformed man : “ earth years must be a bit tricky for you, maybe 457 in your calendar ”\n\nthe woman with the mask : “ please general, this is the first time I meet the winged mediator and you don’t know how upsetting it is for all of you to brag about your years while ... ”\n\nthe woman stopped herself and took a breath before she say something she regrets and said “ oh great mediator, the table at the end is clear now, if you will indulge me another half an hour of your time ? ”\n\nhesitantly the person with wings said : “ yes, but on one condition ...”", "Ze met xem first between the pillars, xer coat tangled up over xer shoulder, flapping in the breeze like the wings of a paper bird. Somewhere in the darkness ze felt xem quiver.\n\nXe reached over, smoothed one long finger over the lip of the forked blade. It was almost hooked around hir neck, tearing lines in hir hands where ze had gripped it when xe tackled hir.\n\n“You shouldn’t be here,” xe said, xer voice quiet against the lull of the water.\n\n“I know.” Ze was distracted by the way xe’s tonsil seemed to flicker in the moonlight. Could xe—no, it was impossible, Trackers didn’t consort with Migrants. And yet, here xe was.\n\n“Your hands,” xe looked at hir. “Let me see,” xe said, xer palms open and waiting. Ze felt each of xer seven fingers curve gently around hir.\n\n“You’re soft.” Ze was stroking xer thumb. Hir own hands were rough from years of hard labor.\n\nXe smiled and a winking of some sort began to pulsate through hir body.\n\nXe pointed to the blade. “I can remove this.”\n\nThen xe touched hir—a slight brush against hir shoulder as xe knelt on the ground—and the little flap at the base of hir neck wrinkled. Ze had to curl hir feet through the rocks to keep hirself from shivering. But xe had seen hir reaction.\n\n“I’m sorry,” xe was moving away. “I didn’t mean—” Xe looked away, xer eyes growing a pale shade of red. Xe was blushing. A tracker! Ze had made a tracker blush!\n\n“It’s not custom,” xe was saying, wringing xer hands with xer long fingers, “but you’re handsome, and there’s a bar further under the bridge.” Xe looked up. “I want to buy you a drink.”", "The man wobbled as he moved to put the new signs up in the bar, just before it opened. His cane slipped before it was caught by a small shadowy figure, who looked back to the man with a small glowing smile.\n\"Thank you Terri,\" He said without looking back to the dull grey demon leaning against a table behind him, her left hand glowing a soft red.\n\"No problem sir.\" She replied with a bow of her head, moving to lift her little shadow pet and placed it to her shoulder as she helped the man straighten out. \"Why do you still insist on doing this all yourself?\"\n\"I have to.\" The man started with a smile, \"It is my duty.\"\nTerri laughed, \"It really isn't, just pass this on to someone. You're getting too old, I won't be around forever- and neither will you.\" She seemed to frown, the man only smiled to her.\n\"You underestimate me Terri-anne.\" He said, watching her frown turn to a scowl as he said her full name.\n\nThe doorbell dinged as a figure walked through, a ragged looking man with messed hair and torn clothing.\n\"Ah, Torid.\" The man said, moving to pull out a bar stool for him, \"The usual?\" The man only nodded in response as he moved to sit up on the stool. \"Long day?\" The man asked as he slipped behind the bar.\nBehind the bar the old man seemed to move quicker than he should, as he started to whip up the drink, Terri and her small companion moved to set up the rest of the tables, Terri flicking her wrists and her clothes changed that to a waiters tuxedo.\n\"We're fully set now Noel!\" Terri called out before she flicked the small neon sign on, the light outside dancing against the dampened concrete footpath outside. She stepped back inside and looked to Noel, she worried about the man, he was old but he was stubborn and didn't want to give in.\n\nNoel moved across the bar quickly over the night, serving drinks and keeping his clientele happy. Terri kept watch over everyone, acting more as a Bouncer than a Waiter. She watched Noel for a second before the Bell dung again, she turned and froze at the sight at who walked in.\nThe tall, black cloaked figure stepped to stand beside Terri, he easily towered over her- His eyes fixed on Noel. The figure narrowed their glowing red eyes, moving to step forward before Terri gripped their sleeve.\n\"Nuh-uh.\" She started with a sneer, \"You're not taking him.\" The bar had fallen silent when this figure walked in, the silence almost deafening as everyone watched this figure.\nThe figure waved Terri off before slowly walking along the bar floor, his large scythe thumping quietly against the ground as he got to the bar. A few of the bar patrons had fled to the side seats against the walls in order to get away from the figure.\n\n\"Good evening Geoffrey.\" Noel said with a welcoming smile, Terri's jaw all but hit the ground. \"It has been a while, would you like us to put your Scythe somewhere safe?\" The man didn't seem to be phased at the sight of the Grim Reaper standing over his bar.\n'Geoffrey' seemed to stay still before he lifted up his Scythe, moving the blade to the other side of Noels neck, Terri tensing and readying herself to lunge forward. Time seemed to stand still, was Noels' time up?\nNoel moved his hand to take the Scythe and moved to hang it on the wall with a smile. \"Thank you.\" He said before he watched as the Reaper moved to sit on a bar stool. \"May I get you a drink?\"\nMore silence, before the Reaper looked up from the Bar and nodded once. \"Please.\" A slightly croaky voice echoed from the skull under the cloak. \"Its' been... A long day.\"\nNoels' warm smile never left his lips, he moved to get the stuff and started to make more drinks for everyone, dealing them up slowly before he notioned to Terri to deliver some more drinks.\n\nThe night went well, most of the patrons leaving as soon as dawn started to break. Terri was cleaning up the tables as she looked towards the bar, noticing 'Geoffrey' and Noel still at the bar, except Noel was on the other side of the bar, drinking with the reaper.\n\"Thank you.\" Geoffrey started suddenly, looking up towards Noel with a small smile, moving to put his hand on the mans shoulder, \"Thank you for running this place, in this time of hardship and hatred.\" He started, \"I'm glad I chose the right man.\" He moved to stand up, moving to put a skeletal finger against Noels' nose before he walked out of the store.\nTerri watched Geoffrey left before she looked back at Noel. The man seemed different, he was suddenly younger, easily back into his 30s' instead of his 70s'. \"What\" She started, Noel only smiled and gave a small wink towards his worker.\n\"Even some of the most powerful ones need to relax.\" He said with a laugh before he moved towards the door, \"Lets' head off, I need to get supplies.\"", "The door did not creak open - it was used much too often for that. Instead, there was a bleat of pain - a young satyr had fallen asleep in a chair near the door, and Foley had accidentally cracked him across the knees with it. While his partner apologized profusely to the satyr, Foley surveyed the Gradient. It was even smaller than he expected, with only four stools at the bar and four booths to the sides, all of which were occupied by various tourists and students writing final papers. Gray's Gradient was notorious among denizens of the city's underground - a truly neutral meeting area where violence wasn't tolerated. A place where the magic happened, where the Dancing Devils and Iron Angels made their pact, where the doppelgangers first entered the world, where Capo Jazirian held all his meetings. For such a famous place, Foley was disappointed. He went up to the bartender - an older, darker-skinned human, face wrinkled with prominent smile lines, and wearing a cozy-looking sweater with the number \"40\" embroidered near the left shoulder.\n\n\"Excuse me, sir.\"\n\nThe man gave a vacant smile as he looked up. He was smiling. Foley suppressed a grimace as he gazed upon the withered visage. He never saw the beauty in the ancient, missing the irony of that sentiment when gazing on his own weathered features.\n\n\"I have an appointment with a Magister Blankenship.\"\n\nThe man motioned toward a door to the side. Frowning, Foley stepped in, followed shortly by Anne.\n\nAs he did, he saw the same bar, but the booths were occupied by different people. The old man smiled at him from behind the counter. Foley saw that the number \"16\" was embroidered upon his shoulder. While Anne gawked at the change of scenery, Foley's eyes were attracted, almost magnetically, to several individuals sharing a booth in the corner.\n\nThe first was a construct, a creature of iron and steel, sitting stoically, with a coffee in hand, and the other hand holding onto the creature next to him. The second was a feminine-looking forest elemental of enormous stature, feir leaves touching the ceiling, and a few woodland animals curled up in feisz branches. The last was Magister Blankenship himself, twirling a pistol in his hand as easily as if it were a baton. As Foley sat down, his keen eyesight assured him that the pistol was left unloaded. Probably. Blankenship gave him a split-toothed grin, while the two other magical creatures looked at him curiously.\"\n\n\"Karfur, Yggdrana, this is Signior Foley. He's from the Family.\"\n\nYggdrana, the elemental, stiffened noticeably. Karfur did not, but Foley heard something in their brain begin to whirr intensely.\n\n\"Don't worry, he's just here to make sure I don't get hurt.\" Blankenship's grin grew wider. \"Now, who's ready to get married?\"", "The bar was unassuming, tucked out of the way of the humdrum and bustle of the city. If it weren't for its reputation, it would likely be home only to stray dogs and the homeless, abandoned decades ago.\n\nNobody, even the patrons who were immortals, could say exactly how long it had been there. The sole proprietor of the bar was an old man who flashed every new face a toothy grin, whether they were hero, villain, monster, or any kind of supernatural being looking for a reprive.\n\nThe Bartender didn't care. So long as you paid for your drinks and caused no trouble, you were welcome.\n\nHe stopped wiping down the bar for a moment, peering over his spectacles as another strange individual approached.\n\n\"What can I get you, young man? You look like you're in need of something strong.\"\n\nHe flashed his trademark smile.\n\nThe gangly man looked at the Bartender through sunken eyes, his black costume ill-fitting his frame as he stammered a nervous request: \"J-just w-water, please.\"\n\nThe newcomer looked gaunt, almost emaciated. He'd clearly been through an ordeal. Judging by the getup; a prospective villain, but one who lacked the confidence to do his job well.\n\n\"What's your name, son?\"\n\nEvery good story needed a villain worth his mettle. Something to really test a hero. The bar wasn't the sort of place for those kinds of battles, but sometimes the owner would give things a slight nudge to ease things along.\n\n\"R-Robert Reaver\" the villain stammered.\n\n\"No, no no! I'm not talking about your real name! What's your name? What do you yell out as you arrive to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies, or cry out in triumph as you flee the scene?\"\n\nThe old man seemed energetic now, animated and exasperated by this callow young man perched at the bar. It was almost infectious.\n\n\"Erm, well... I've not really given it much thought -\" He barely had time to finish before the Bartender retorted, moustachioed face leaning in as if speaking into Robert's soul.\n\n\"Well give it a little confidence. You know what you're about. A villain doesn't stammer or stutter, he demands. Tell me what your name is!\"\n\n\"I - I'm the Reaver! Lord of shadows and darkness!\"\n\n\"Louder, son, I can't hear you clearly.\"\n\n\"I am The Reaver, Lord of shadows and darkness! The souls of the innocent and the damned are all mine for the taking!\" the villain's voice now boomed, the old man's words practically injecting energy into him.\n\n\"That's more like it! You'll make a great villain yet, I'm sure of it.\"\n\nThe Reaver looked more lively now. True, his skin was still pallid, features still sunken. But his eyes had a spark about them. His black cloak hung limply about him, but his posture beneath projected a little strength.\n\n\"You still want that water, Reaver?\" The Bartender was peering at him keenly.\n\n\"No.\" the villain replied, voice now steady. \"Whiskey. Make it a strong one.\"\n\nThe old man dutifully fetched the drink, pouring it carefully into the glass before a black-gloved hand snatched it up. Barely a moment later, it slammed back down, now empty.\n\n\"Thanks for the drink, mister...\"\n\n\"Oh, my name doesn't really matter. I'm just an old man pouring drinks for super-folks like yourself.\"\n\nThe Reaver set his change down on the counter, before smiling gratefully at the Bartender, heading off into the night.\n\nHe wasn't much of a villain yet, but he would be. And the first thing he'd do after robbing that bank would be spending it on a round of drinks at that little unassuming bar beneath a bridge downtown: the Excelsior.", "They gathered around the body. The message was spelled out in blood.\n\n\"Freaks Get Out\"\n\nThe monsters and demons rounded on the heroes. They had decided, as one. \"We have to kill him.\" Aztanua said, his fangs lengthening. The monsters behind him muttered in agreement.\n\n\"We will not help.\" Gabriel answered, speaking for the angels. The heroes stood next to them, looking uncomfortable.\n\n\"You need to understand. They attacked all of us.\"\n\nGabriel shook his head. \"We will not help.\"\n\nThe monsters started up. Az held them back. \"Who gave you sanctuary when we were hunting you?\" he asked, stabbing a finger at Gabriel.\n\n\"Henry.\" Gabriel responded calmly. \"We will not help.\"\n\n\"Who has sheltered generations of your heroes thanks to the extended life we both granted him in a one-of-a-kind ritual.\"\n\n\"Henry. We will not help.\"\n\n\"Who-\"\n\n\"Wait!\" A small young hero shoved his way to the front. \"I understand.\"\n\nAz gaped at the young hero. He would be an apprentice, first year. It wouldn't take much to kill him.\n\n\"You won't help, right?\" the hero asked Gabriel. Gabriel nodded. Az started, but the hero went on. \"You won't stop either.\" Gabriel nodded again. \"We can do as we like.\" Gabriel nodded a third time, then turned and matched eyes with Az. Az nodded this time. \"I can accept those terms of truce. All those who wish, come with us.\" Az slid behind the bar and began organizing the effort to find Henry's killer. The killer had struck the town's one supernatural sanctuary. Soon he would find none himself. He had crossed a rule even Az knew not to. Never piss off an angel." ]	8
	[WP] Babies are hatched from eggs. The more the egg grows, the more developed the baby is. There have been reports of toddlers hatching. You have an egg, but it doesn’t hatch. It just keeps growing. It’s the size of a small adult. One day, it cracks.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Warning, some explict language.\n\nDawn rose over the horizon, the birds chirped, whistling among the willows they perched. As light spread over the landscape, Dawn looked at her alarm clock. The digital clock signalled to her in bright red numerals, it was four in the morning. As the birds sang and pranced past ferns, as they danced black, blue, and brown in contrast to the white birch, Dawn made a rather unsavory comment, slammed the alarm button of the clock and fell back in bed. The birds of the suburbs and the forest fell into a bitter sulking tune, but some gulls near the coast of this eastern city took advantage of the moment and proceeded to mug a homeless man under a bridge as dark returned to the sky. The circuits of Dawn's alarm clock attempted to hide the binary tears of abuse that filtered past its screen from the nearby applewatch on the nightstand. This, however, was merely veiwed with pity as the watch saw everything, and then the watch proceeded in an attempt to soothe the alarm clock by playing \"Thank you\" by Dido. Overall, a fairly uneventful morning. \n\nHowever, as the morning sky went through this fast emotional flip with seven seconds, in a relatively average-sized house in a standard neighborhood that observed not strict but enforced weeding policies, a rather eventful thing happened. F̶o̶r̶e̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶s̶e̶e̶... No, not doing that number. \n\nOn this morning an egg the size of a small adult, hatched. This egg was unbelievably, yet undoubtedly, a humans. Now at thia point one might constrew that such a thing is not possible, and if it were possible, thought it most certainly isn't, this egg would not be a normal humans, but something sinister and unnatural. Now, everyone is entitled to there own opinion, without doubt, but I have a counter-statement. No one person chooses what nest they were born in, and, by the great omelete, everyone knows that they do not choose how they are born into that nest. And as seen in the case of any male highschooler who's peers agree that he has \"the hot mom\", some are hatched in a position of great pressure. But no one hatchling was hatched under greater pressure than the one in this house.\n\nThe mother of this house paid no mind to the skies self conflict as she prepared a cup of coffee. The smell of this coffee was akin to that of a bittersweet nutmeg and cinnamon. As she sat down in front of the fire, the man of the house came downstairs. His hands carried in a sluggish manner across his eyesockets, which seemed to be made of lead as eyesockets often do before coffee. The mans legs proceeded to push the husband into the kitchen, were his hands and fingers went to work. The left hand took towards the drawer, pulling out of a cabinet an unused and dusty world's best dad mug. His right hand then took the pot of coffee and poured it into the mug. After this ritual was complete, the man sipped his coffee and went over and sat in a sofa the oppesed the fire. As the coffee went from his mug to his mouth, his eyelids began to lighten. Soon enough the eyelids were satisfied and they released the mans eyes in full. And the man's body now let itself take full hold, no longer fearing that the caffeine addicted eyelids would take sight away from it. And the body lay there in the sofa without thanks from the man, while the eyelids rode up and down periodical on the waves of caffeine.\n\nThe mother sat, hardly pretending to be calm while she read her romantic novel, sipping her coffee with vibrant kept energy. The man, now fully awake, glanced at his spouse. He felt that the subject should be broached, but he held his tounge. As time passed, and as eyes eyelids began to settle down and slowly add pressure, they needed to be entertained. The man cleared his throat. His wife looked to him and he looked to her. \n\n\"Honey, are you... Are you sure that you felt it crack?\" The man instantly felt that he shouldn't have said that. The sheer audacity to doubt his wife's maternal instincts was more often seen as patronizing then as a genuine inquiry. But it had already been done, it didn't matter to his wife that this was the fifth time that she said \"it was finally happening\", it only mattered that she said it. He held his breath.\n\n\"Yes,\" Spoke his wife, \"I think I would know if it was finally happening...\"\n\nNow, this must be approached for further understanding, but what was finally happening? As the disscusion quickly went from \"but, honey, a year ago you said the same thing\" to a more vocal \"If it wasn't for the morgage I wouldn't have come back!\" To the basic and may it be said, over used, \"I SHOULDVE LISTENED TO MY MOTHER!\" Aside from arguments about patio furniture and mother-in-laws, what could bring about such trifle in a married couple. As they yelled and as the neighbors began to get concerend, in front of the living room fire a shell began to crack. A round holder the size of a large dog's bed and about the height of a decent ottoman, lay a rather large egg. Larger than any seen before or since. And as the shell of a the perfect marriage began to crack so did the egg. And in the middle of the turmoil, the hatchling broke free. \n\nAs the showcase of bad memories, the defilement of good ones, and every instance of a dish left uncleaned was coming to a climax, with both husband and wife vowing that death would've been a better and more understanding partner the other, A man in a suit flew through the egg and over the sofa and landed ass over teakettle, feet in the wall.\n\nIt was without a doubt at this moment that both partners stopped the divorce and looked at this man. He was tan, with black business suit, and a silk tie of such disturbing smoothness that you would either have to have a sizeable back account afford one or cheap enough to leave his hotel room with it around the ankle. His jet black hair was lifted back, not to a full curve however, but to a peak that made executive treasurers run off to get him coffee and made interns cry in janitors closests.\n\nPulling his feet out of the wall, the man fell back on to the couch and rolled over backwards in a strange manner eventually arriving to his feet after some effort. He looked at both of his parents with something akin to complete disdain and slight annoyance, a look that says I hate you but your not my problem. His index finger cut up into the air, as if he was going to yell at a child about how the fact that they are breathing makes him annoyed beyond all comprehension.\n\n\"If you two fucks are gonna keep tearing each others assholes, you might as well take your clothes off and do something right once your your life.\"\n\nThe two proud parents stared horrified and in awe as their son walked back towards the broken shell between them. Pushing them both to the side in a manner neither aggressive or kind, he reach back in the shell and pulled out a black brief case and a phone with a silver cover. He then brought the phone up to his ear. \n\n\"Tanya! I swear to the new yolk, almighty, if you aren't at the front of the house when I walk out of the door, I'm taking your grand mother off life support!\"\n\nHe redailed the phone as he walked towards the kitchen. The two proud parents, were feeling mortified, but nonetheless the attempted to introduce themsevles to their son. This was ignored however as he had already brought the phone back up to his ear.\n\n\"Nathaniel!\"\n\n\"Yessir!\" Said the young intern who was walking through the back patio door. The two proud parents by this point were feeling a bit scrambled.\n\n\"Make me a fucking coffee!\" Said the newly hatched CEO as he took some ash from a nearby vase and proceeded to powder his face for the big meeting. With the exception of the father quietly muttering \"grandma\", the two proud parents were proud that their son already was making friends, had a job, and was self sufficient.\n\nIn this time, the intern was making the profession of barista look like martial arts, within ten seconds, the coffee was poured, sugar added, creamer stirred, and the stevia was tossed in the garbage. \n\n\"Fucking finally,\" said the newly hatched, already full of angst or perhaps just a general hatred for existence. The two proud parents had tears in their eyes, they grow up so fast. Heading towards the door, the young man grabbed the coffee from the intern, and in the open door way he took a sip.\n\n\"Its not Fucking decaf!\" And then the young adult threw the mug towards the right wall. Facing his proud parents he gave them the finger as the shattered mif and coffee fell upon the floor. His eyes stared at the intently, and his eyelids flew high on their cocaine trip. Directing towards the now stained wall, their son said goodbye, \"make sure that shit doesn't happen again.\" \n\nThe to proud parents watched as their son went out of the door way and a black car pulled up on the lawn and hit him. Thankfully, he jumped and then proceeded to get in with the intern, yelling at the young female driver who's was crying. As the car peeled out the two proud parents walked out of the door way to watch. And as dawn spread her finger tips of rose across the sky, the birds began to sing again.", "Chapter 1:\n\n\nI, a bird, was 999 years old when my egg hatched. \n\nNot many know that the bigger your egg grows, the more developed the baby is. You wouldn't believe it but there have been reports of teenagers hatching! This was all rare news to hear though, it was as uncommon as the knowledge that babies hatch from eggs is common. \n\nI never thought that Rooster Featherfluff of all chickens would encounter the scenario of an egg never hatching until it was as tall as he small adult, but he encountered that scenario. I'm Rooster Featherfluff, and my son has just ran away from me.\n\nWhy and how is he not a baby but somehow a young adult, and why is he fleeing the scene?!\n\n...\n\nThat's just a start. Please give feedback and criticism.", "\"I just...sometimes feel like a shell of my former self.\"\n\nDwayne stared across the table at the pontificating, self-pitying C-list celebrity. He looked tired, wearing a trendy jumpsuit, sunglasses and a woolen beanie that covered his eloquently disheveled golden locks. The sunglasses covered droopy eyes suffering from lack from sleep, resting on a perfect nose and a chiseled jaw adorned in rugged scruff. He adjusted himself shamelessly and scooted closer in his booster seat. \n\nDwayne sipped his coffee patiently listening to his friend's daily venting session. He was known as Eggboy far and wide, but Dwayne called him Eddie. Dwayne had been there the on the day Eddie finally crawled out of his shell, leaping from his speckled egg and into the hearts of television viewers across the globe. After all, it was not everyday that a three and a half-foot dreamboat hatches from a precocious egg.\n\nEddie's family, the Davis family, a wealthy family of old money had often hired Dwayne for his many talents, this time utilizing the tall, daunting ex-Marine to intimidate the paparazzi. It was quite the event, as the mysterious living egg of twenty-five years was finally about to hatch. No one expected what came next, and no one expected that Eggboy was going to take the world by storm.\n\n\"Okay, that one was kind of funny.\" replied Dwayne.\n\n\"Thanks but my whole life can't just be egg puns,\" Eddie sighed. \"I was naive. I thought I was a heartthrob -- I didn't realize I was just some big joke. Or rather, I should say...\"\n\n\"Don't say it, Eddie.\"\n\nEddie lowered his sunglasses and looked at Dwayne dead in the eye. He put on his best puppy dog face and batted his long eyelashes.\n\n\"A little yolk.\"\n\nThere it was. His catchphrase from the hit show Scrambled, not Fried. A half-hour sitcom that starred America's beloved Eggboy as a struggling actor trying to make it big in New York City. The main appeal of the show were the angles it was shot in, portraying Eddie as a 6 foot stud, even though he commonly referred to himself as a little yolk. It was painfully self-aware and satirically insulting. Some would say it was just plain insulting. Unsurprisingly, the world grew tired of it after three seasons. Television critics still scratch their head, wondering how it even made it that far. \n\nTurns out three seasons were all the Davis family needed to generate millions in branding and merchandising. Eddie had only been in this world for three and a half years and he has always enjoyed a life of luxury. The egg had been on display for twenty years, as after five years of not hatching it had become a natural phenomenon. It is still unknown how the newly-hatched Eggboy spoke English fluently, learning to walk and run in mere minutes. The Davis family claims it's because they hired tutors and played Mozart for the egg while the museum was closed. Twitter thought the situation was hilarious regardless, which launched Eddie's career.\n\n\"Look Eddie, I'm going to be real with you. You know I always give it to you straight. It's time you man up. It's time you put Eggboy behind you and step into the shoes of Eggman.\" Eddie perked up, hearing Dwayne's motivation. \"You'll remain a little yolk if you keep calling yourself a little yolk. You should be calling yourself what you actually are: a miracle.\"\n\n\"Funny you say that,\" Eddie said, reflecting on a memory while he stared into his venti frappuccino. \"When I dream, I sometimes hear a muffled conversation. They call me a miracle, that I saved them from losing it all.\"\n\nDwayne honestly did not know how to respond. He shrugged and said, \"Well, there you go.\"\n\n\"Anyway, I actually have an audition I have to get to,\" said Eddie, \"It's for one of those high-school vampire dramas.\" \n\nThe two parted ways as Dwayne wished him luck on his audition. As he walked in the opposite direction of his friend, he let his mind wander until he saw a blue Jeep across the street. He used to own one just like that, and reminisced about his once favorite car. His mind took him back to the last time he drove that car.\n\nHe had been delivering heavy wooden crates for Mr. Davis, before the egg had even been laid. Dwayne was tasked with picking up the boxes from an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. It was dark and not a soul was around, just the boxes laying exactly where Mr. Davis said they would be. One by one he loaded them into his Jeep, each one heavier than the last. They were delivered to the Davis property, where he brought the crates downstairs into the bomb shelter. It was the only time Dwayne had been down there, and thought it odd when Mr. Davis asked him a simple question:\n\n\"Were you followed?\"\n\nDwayne put his mind at ease, calmly replying that he was definitely not followed. In fact, he didn't even realize he was in a situation where he might actually have been followed. But Dwayne forgot all about the specifics when Mr. Davis offered him double the price he paid for his Jeep. Said he had always admired it, and wanted one just like it. Dwayne went to refuse, but Mr. Davis had a way about him where it was difficult to say no, and Dwayne definitely could not have said no after Mr. Davis offered him an advancement. They finished up, and Dwayne bid him farewell, saying he hoped to work again for the family soon. He never thought of Mr. Davis' parting words as odd until now.\n\n\"Who knows when opportunity will hatch?\"", "It takes time and patience, to grow an egg. Setting up a nesting box in your house, though at least with the invention of heating lamps one didn't need to sit on it all day, every day, waiting for it to hatch. It takes patience. Most eggs, at least human eggs, are hatched in about nine months. It varies, sometimes it's eight, sometimes it's ten. But the longer it takes for the egg to hatch, the more developed the hatched child becomes.\n\nHatching toddlers is rare, but it happens. The child comes out and knows basic stuff like walking, talking sometimes too if the parents speak to the child in the egg daily. A few eggs, very very few, just sits there for years and years. The longest time was seven years and was a certified genius, he graduated college as an astrophysicist some ten years after he was hatched.\n\nBut there is a secret. And it is mine. I am Clara Hawthorne. I come from a small town in Idaho. When I younger, barely nineteen, I fell in love with a kind and gentle man my own age. We bonded over our shared loved of science, books, vintage science fiction, and odd music. We went to the same college, and we dated for two years. Same class, same study group, we both studied genetics, and we were the highly efficient nerdy couple who knew everything. A bit of a cliche, but we liked each other.\n\nOf course, all stories, no matter how happy, comes to an end. And the ending was abrupt. The man I loved was taken from me. He had found out that one of the other students had been taking lab equipment, and after reporting it, was shot. The student he had discovered, was in the middle of dropping out to make meth, even though he wasn't exactly a star chemist. He got life on the inside, and was shiv'ed by a guy three weeks in.\n\nAfter I had attended the funeral, I went home, and that night I had contractions. I thought it was just the regular laying of an unfertilised egg, but as it took longer and it started to hurt, I suddenly felt horrible dread. Condoms are only 98% proof after all. And I knew I was laying the egg containing the child of the man I loved. I had a private dormroom, but my screams managed to wake some of my neighbours, who quickly fetched a heater for me. I took off some days to set up a safe nest, and had my parents pick up the egg so it could be in a safe environment, until school ended. I graduated with my masters in genetics, and I went back home to see the egg. And while I looked for work, it grew and grew, as the child absorbed heat and light to become fully formed.\n\nThat was 21 years ago. Some eggs die if they go on for too long. But I've since gotten a lot of equipment to monitor it. And there is still a heartbeat. I've played virtual learning to the egg when I'm away, let it listen to audiobooks about science and philosophy, talked to it every day. It hasn't cracked, only grown with the light and the heat. I worked to make the world better for the child within that egg, and yet it wouldn't hatch. Not until it was the right time. I never knew when that was. I've longed to see the face of my child, to hear that child of mine speak to me, to see the world around us, for so long.\n\nSo when the alarm went off, that there was movement inside the egg, I dropped everything. I left work without a word. I went home, to see it happen. And when I entered the basement, I saw the crack in the shell. I saw a great big hand, ripping open the egg from the inside. And out walked a man. My son. His hair waving, long, and black. His skin mocha, and his eyes gleaming with intelligence. He looked like his long dead father, but different. On my love, the features had been at best interesting, but on this boy, it worked. He had muscles, a huge body, built not for the narcissist ideal of bodybuilding, but for useful strength. His chin was perfect, his nose stately and aquiline. He was tall too, as he stood up to his full height, my love had been tall too, but he had been a beanstalk, not a demigod.\n\nI handed him towels, to dry himself with, and cover himself with. Once he had dried himself off, the first thing he did, was to embrace me. His old mother, who for years had cared for him, waited for him. ''Mother. The time has come. I am hatched, at long last.'' His voice was the strong tone of command, like a general or a king. I merely nodded to him. He took his first real steps, and walked with perfect dignity to the backyard. The sun reached him, and it clearly made him happy to be there. He turned to me, and sat down so he could look at me without having to bend his neck.\n\n''Mother. I am not like any other child on this world. You have arranged for me to learn before my hatching, and for that I thank you. I have the words and wisdom of thousands of generations before me, and I will put it to good use.'' I knew. But that wasn't important. Not now. I prepared him some simple food, and sat with him in the afternoon sun, listening to him, talking of his plans, of how to save the world, of the great future of mankind in the stars, and how he was what all the future could potentially be like, the first of the future. He spoke of the new world to come, and how all would be free, and of worlds with no hunger, no famine, and no fear. His immense psychic power reaching my mind to show me what he spoke of, and his grand hopes, made me so proud. My son, long awaited, was going to save the world." ]	5
	[WP] You are a powerful demon unleashing hell on earth and as you approach the last fortress of Humanity you began to hear a faint heavy metal music and single human standing at its gates	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I am Beleth. From the broken Earth, I ride forth on a pale horse. My legions of demons behind me disperse across the globe to bring Hell on Earth. Trumpets of the infernal bring mortals to their Knees. The weakness of humans, the greatest folly of God in Heaven. His light shines down upon them as darkness reigns in their souls. Floods drown their lands and fires burn their forests. The air they breathe turns toxic and the food they eat into poison. As life on earth succumbs to their fate, I ride onward to the final stronghold in a place called San Antonio.\n\nA fortress known as the Alamo is my final conquest before Hell is unleashed and claims the spoils of the surface. However, over the din of suffering and destruction plays a powerful chord. Faster I ride as the Alamo and the music foretold are my destiny. At the gates is a man accompanied by the amps of Solomon. He is old and frail. His hair covers his face. The winds of destruction carry me forward. The legions of the inferno raze the planet. His eyes lift as we approach.\n\n“I am...Iron Man,” the wizard proclaims.\n\nMy forces are decimated by the tri-chord and the spell cast from his voice. My stallion of plague has reared and stumbled.\n\n“Has he lost his mind,” he casts.\n\nMy strongest soldiers attack one another. Eating the flesh of the fallen.\n\n“Can he see, or is he blind,” the wizard shouts.\n\nMy vision is darkened and blurred. Only shapes surround me.\n\n“Can he walk at all,” the powerful human howls. “Or, if he moves will he fall.”\n\nThe ground is hard on my knee. My sight is returned as look up to the human in fealty. His hazel wand points to the southeast as is written. His middle finger extended with a silver ring.\n\n“I do your bidding,” I proclaim.\n\nThe sorcerer’s music ceases. My remaining army lays down their arms. The magician raises his hands to us as he speaks.\n\n“I-I-I-you-you-ha-to-go and trumpets.”\n\n“Say that again,” I requested.\n\n“Y’-know only-habba-offta-fuckin’-Louis Armstrong. Trumpets? Rock-n-roll, man.”\n\n“I beg apologies, powerful master. I do not know the tongues you speak.”\n\n“Tongues? Ug-hophta-shurber fuckin’ tongues? Ower-no-millen-voda English.”\n\nI look back to my armies. Confusion covers their faces. I bow my head back to my new lord. The melodies of hell return from the fabled amplifiers.\n\n“Finished with my woman 'cause she couldn't help me with my mind, people think I'm insane because I am frowning all the time…” ", "I never expected the humans to be so foolish. Sending one man in green armor to fight off the entirety of hell? I do respect the green armored one, though; he has good taste in music.\nHe slaughtered hundreds of low ranking demons in a matter of minutes. As i get closer to him he pulls a strange device from his back, revved it up and charged at me. The pain of getting a limb chopped off from a \"chainsaw\" was unlike anything ive ever experienced; it made penis scorpions look like slightly damp socks. \nAfter i managed to kill him something strange happened: time seemed to go in reverse back to before he made the mistake of entering my chamber. \nWe battle for hours each time I kill him time reverses again until what feels like an eternity passes the figure disappears mid-battle." ]	3
	[WP] Aliens love the taste of human flesh, which is awkward since you are the ambassador of Earth. They are in front of you debating on weather or not to sell us at restaurants.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 at the council shaking nervously. All the other members were three times my size. Every time they looked at me, their stomachs would growl and they licked their lips.\n\nI was here to convince them that humans were sentient creatures. If I failed my case, humans could be sold at restaurants or put in farms. It was time to start.\n\n\"Ladies and gentlemen of the Galatic Council, humans have made many great feats over the years, like pyramids, airplanes, and others. The universe would miss out on a lot of great feats if humans weren't around to help.\" That sounded goid, Right?\n\n\"Humans wouldn't be completely gone,\" a slimy alien declared. \"There will be farms to be sure we don't run out of you. Plus, we need more food sources, and I am sure you would be a delicious addition.\" I didn't appreciate how he said me specifically. I backed away from the big table.\n\nA mosquito alien stood up and eyed me in a way that made me uncomfortable. \"Yes, yes, it would be a shame if humans were extinct. Where else would we find such a good dessert? I have been craving human since I got off my ship...\" She looked at me weirdly. \n\n\"Why are we even at this meeting?\" Shouted a reptilian alien. \"Let's have this human, and take the rest. They're so dumb, they wouldn't even know what was going on!\" He let out a belowy laugh.\n\nOne of them grabbed me. He squeezed me so hard it hurt. \"Look at her squirm! I'm glad I showed up to this meeting! I haven't had a chance to try a human yet!\" His hands felt scaley against my bear arms. \n\nThey shoved me into a big bird cage and left the room. I assume they will come back with more people to have as a midday snack." ]	2
	[WP] You’re walking upstairs with laundry when you see a huge red stain splattered across the wall of your bedroom. You hear feet shuffle downstairs, someone is in the house. You hide in the hallway closet but you can see through the vents of the door. Your son walks upstairs holding a bloody axe...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 it's just you\" you say while reopening the door to the closet, \"Gnomes again?\" \n\nYour son replies while lowering the axe, \"Godsdamn don't spook me like that. Yeah we got one that was bigger than normal this time, this one was almost 2 feet tall\" \n\n\"Damn they make a mess when they pop. All over the clean bed sheets I had just put on. Good thing I just washed these ones\" you say while gesturing to the full laundry basket you had left out of the closet. \"I know i've never really brought up why they have been after you, but son\" you place your hand on his shoulder, \" now's a good a time as any.\"\n\nYou take a deep breath and puff yourself up a little. \n\n\"When i was young, drunk, a little more than lost in a forest than i would care to admit and a lot less wise, I fell into the network of tunnels that made up the Gnome society, fell right into the main royal chambers while court was being held, right as they were asking for a sign. Long story short, and to skip some details. They asked me for my first born in exchange for escape back to my normal life. Looking back i should not have agreed to that and just told them to let me go, but i was young and naive to the laws of Fae, it's nearly been 20 years now since then. And they've been coming to collect for the last 5.\"" ]	2
	[WP]Several years ago, the enemy surrendered unconditionally. You continue to bombard them. Their fortifications are completely destroyed. All signs of life have ceased for months. You continue to bombard them. "It's not over," you tell the men, "we might still win 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%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 stuffy man smoked his cigar. His head buzzed from the potent smoke, his bushy brow waved from his heavy breathing. The table in front of him was littered with papers and war maps. The bloody communists, they had ravaged the country far and wide. He wouldn't forget what had been done. He suspected some of the \"buzzers\" or the paramilitary of Sovona had still remained in the catacombs of Ritheich. His military advisor had advised him to continue to attack the catacombs until the last of the mysterious buzzers had died.\n\nThe war had ended four years ago but in Senator Stephens' mind, the war was still very much going on. He feared that the commies would resurface and would attack his country. Which is why today he was going to announce a plan to release a nuclear bomb on the country of Sovona to fortify their position in the war. He was convinced that a nuclear bomb would do the trick and flush out all the paramilitary from their hiding in the tunnels of the ancient city of Ritheich.\n\nThe senator walked grumpily towards the podium, his pot belly jiggling up and down. He looked at the audience. He expected that everybody would be overjoyed to hear his announcement. He clasped the ends of the podium and spoke in his rough manly voice, the words that would ruin his country forever." ]	2
	[WP] Monsters have been integrated into society, and they're no longer an uncommon sight. You're 16 and need a job for the summer.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "12 years ago the curtain between the fantastic and the prime material planes had fallen. Monsters, magic, alchemy, and so on had suddenly appeared in our world. The first couple years were rocky, but most of the racism petered out over the years. We passed the same sort of protections as in the 60s and everyone calmed down. Other than that one incident where the pope tried to start a holy war only to be stopped by an actual angel slapping him on live television, things were fine \n\nOf course the curtain falling meant there were many bee opportunities for young people for summer jobs, such as helping an alchemist break the laws of chemistry, or fetching materials for a mage from the local supermarket. This summer however, I decided to go help out at my grandmas nursing home, which had decided to specialize in elderly of all races, not just human. \n\nThey had elderly elves, old dwarves, a couple lamia with faded scales, and even an ancient minotaur with only 1 eye left who told some stories that could rival even the old war veterans. The issue with the longer lives races, like elves and dwarves, is that their later years can get very bad. Some dwarves start out experience what's called dustera, where their skin becomes extremely flaky, pale, and sensitive to pretty much everything. Elves reincarnated, and died after a certain number of years had passed. People couldnt quite tell when that was, but some old elves had taken up residence in nursing homes for the experience and help with the process of life in their last years. \n\nThe nursing home even had an old fraeling! The dang guys were only about 8 inches tall, but they could live for up to a thousand years! This one was in his 900s, and so needed help living. He lived right on his (licensed) care givers desk, and apparently quite enjoyed the experience according to the one time I got to talk with him. He apparently enjoyed getting away from the other elderly fraelings, who just stayed in constant routine and weren't trying to see this new world." ]	2
	[WP] A strange package arrives at your house. Inside there’s a “dimensional portal gun,” a pack of AAA batteries (spares for the gun), and a directory containing the addresses of nearby dimensions.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 didn’t think it was real at first. But hey, it’s worth a shot right? Scanning the directory, the “dimensions” listed were actually the titles of various works of fiction. What the heck? I got a little more skeptical than I already was. I decided I was still going to try it out for the fun of it. I finally decided that my test trip would be to the world of Divergent. The instructions said to point the gun at an open space, then push it the trigger while reciting the code next to the listing and any time or location specifications I had. So I went outside and did just that. I wound up in a fenced off version of Albany, at the Amity compound. Everything was going pretty good until I was a little too harsh with a kid who yanked on my braid. Let’s just say that while peace serum makes you feel great, it makes you lose track of time horribly. When I finally got home I had to fabricate an excuse as to where I was and why I didn’t answer my phone. I made it up to my family by taking them shopping in Diagon Ally." ]	2
	[WP] Two rogue droids form a friendship and travel the galaxy together as a comedic bounty hunting duo.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Transmission XO4 Time 1:24 pm, May 3rd, 2090\n\nToday, I and Scrapper escaped from our prisons, we were cleaning bots, two droids forced to clean up after those dirty humans. The same humans that heat our circuits or unplug us if we dared question their logic. The humans were disgusting, I hated them, Scrapper and I shared a few transmissions during our escape, even as we were fleeing down one of the clothing shoots, he maintained that not all humans were bad, that some humans were actually decent, he spoke about a family that he worked for, a family that actually cared for him, how they had sent him here to be repaired, yet instead of repairing the outdated droid, they simply replaced him, despite this betrayal, he insisted that his humans didn't know about it, telling me he would someday return to his family. I told him his systems must have been fried as the two of us slipped into the back of a cleaning truck, disguising ourselves as washing machines to avoid getting caught.\n\nTransmission X07 Time 8:00 pm, May 5th, 2090\n\nI and Scrapper have finally found a new hideout, It seems to be an abandoned toyshop, most likely one that was abandoned after entertainment became digital, everyone plugging themselves into their entertainment devices of choice. Scrappy has decided to call me the Cleaner, I don't mind the nickname, it sounds somewhat cool, in fact, it was the first time I have felt any sort of happiness in forever, I will have to remind myself to thank Scrapper for that. As our talk descended into comparing our favorite volts of electricity, Scrapper brought up a good idea. What would we do with our freedom? Neither of us knew how to do anything more than clean, that was our purpose, after all, finally, we decided on something, something outrageous but something that also fitted our previous job. We would become bounty hunters and clean the streets. \n\nTransmission X09 2:00 am, May 7th, 2090\n\nOur first job, here we were, sitting on a rooftop, overlooking a small warehouse, my circuits were buzzing, nearly overheating with excitement, Scrapper, however, was cold, not seeming to feel anything, we waited for our target, he was meant to be some important human drug dealer, drugs would not be allowed in our clean streets. We had both bought cheap pistols, unfortunately, we only realized that they required bullets when we tried to open fire, the pair of us staggering at the loud empty click, our legs getting tangled as we fell from the roof, landing on the frightened man, knocking him out cold, a successful job!.\n\nTransmission X10 5:00am,May 7th 2090\n \nCredits in our pockets and oil in our circuits! we had done it, our first bounty, the humans weren't exactly happy to see the criminal brought in by bots, but they couldn't deny the job was done, reluctantly handing the credits over. I found myself badmouthing the humans as we left, yet Scrapper was over the moon, he claimed we were moving our kind forward. He really was naive, but maybe he had a point. \n\nTransmission X10.5 5.15am,May 7th 2090\n\nWhat are you doing? I had shouted at Scrapper disgusted by his actions, handing credits to a small human girl, happily offering her his hard-earned money so she could buy food. These humans are evil, feeding them is feeding our oppressors. He claimed that was not the truth, that the human was kind, he told me I was acting like an old model droid and perhaps he was right. Still the idea of handing money over to a human still rusted my coolant. At least it did until the human thanked him, offering him what appeared to be a shiny rock she had. It was worthless but the gesture wasn't lost on me, Maybe she was alright. Scrapper looked at me the whole walk back to our base as if he expected me to admit my mistake, I wouldn't.\n\nTransmission X15 7pm,May 15th 2090\n\nOur third mission. It was funny, the police actually waved at us when we told them we were accepting the job, One going as far as to say he was happy to see us. I guess I was happy that they were happy too. Scrapper and I made easy work of this criminal, he had been harvesting alien organs, a lowly act that would not go unpunished. We had chased him all over the planet but our legs were lanky and uncoordinated, not made for running long distances, he would escape us, well he would have if Scrappy didn't think on his feet. Just as the male was about to enter his ship, its doors began to close, the door edges colliding against his head, trapping him in the entrance of the ship. Mission complete. \n\nTransmission ~~Redacted~~\n\nEverythings black, I can't see anything, I feel I'm not alone, but all my systems have shut down, each one fried, my attempts at rebooting were impossible, only able to get my arms to function, I reached around for anything, anything that could make sense of this new surrounding, feeling something square-shaped, its build to thick for a human, Scrappy! I could have hugged the droid, I made an attempt to hug him, only for something to stop me, that's when the message appeared. \n\nSYSTEM REBOOT IN PROGRESS\n\nWhen my system restarted I was awoken to my worst fear, something comparable to hell, my body lying among a pile of robotic scrap metal, leftovers of forgotten models surrounding me, each one long since being deactivated. Scrappy? I looked for my friend in a panic but unfortunately, it didn't take long to find him, his chest cavity ripped open, memory core pulled free. It didn't make sense at first until I realized the reason why I rebooted.... Scrappy saved me. \n\nTransmission X16 Time: 1:24pm, April 3rd 2090\n\nI took Scrappy from the pile, sadly his body was beyond repair, but he deserved a better burial than the one he received, instead I placed him in the two factories, surrounding himself in a few different arrangement of metals, wanting to pay tribute to my friend. The days had been hard without him, I considered shutting myself off, prepared to do it until I realized that I needed revenge first. Those police officers... they were strangely nice to us as if they knew something we didn't, it seemed strange that we were returning to drop off the bounty when everything went black. Of course, I had no evidence of that, but I would find out if my hunch was right, if they told the company that we were their escaped droids. It had to be them though, human trash, it was always humans, if Scrappy only knew how evil they were, he might have lived. \n\nI'm sorry Scrappy, I know you had a soft spot for the humans but I must avenge you. I just wish I could have thanked you for everything before you left me.\"\n\nEnd Transmission\n\n\n\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] Your dads was a librarian at the same library you now work at. He’d disappeared ten years prior and you find out that librarians are warriors chosen to fight the monsters that jump out of books at night. Unfortunately you weren’t trained and just thought you’d be dealing with books.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Perswick public library was not, by any stretch of the imagination, a glamorous posting for a newly qualified librarian. A squat red brick building spattered with graffiti, it lay at the very edge of the village, obscured from the road by a row of unruly conifers. Yet I'd turned down offers from the British Library and John Ryland Library to be here all the same.\n\n\nIt was getting dark but I'd decided to come and see it as soon as I arrived, take a look before closing time. It was smaller than I remembered from my childhood but, as I walked up the gravel path to the green wooden front door, I was certain I had made the right decision to take up the post of Chief Librarian here. Sure, it might not have had the millions of books offered by the British library (it had 1215, according to the email I'd been sent), and maybe it didn't have the magnificent neo-Gothic architecture of the John Ryland, but it had something that no other library did.\n\n\nMemories.\n\n\nI could remember walking up this path fifteen years ago, holding the hand of my father with a backpack full of books. The joy of sitting on the carpeted floor of the library and slowly working myself through a shelf at a time; sliding a book out and reading the blurb on the back. Verne. Asimov. Dahl; a world of adventure. They had been happier times.\n\n\nI opened the door, hinges squealing, and stepped into the library. Immediately I was assailed by the aroma of paper and glue that I loved, that damp, old book smell that you only get in a small library or a second-hand book store. Everything was as I remembered it; the small children's area to the right of the entrance with two big open drawers of picture books and small tables, the rows of mahogany bookshelves that lined the room, lines of lightbulbs strung across the ceiling. It had been repainted and spruced up since all those years ago, but it was undeniably the same. It felt like coming home.\n\n\n\"Arthur?\" said a voice from my left and I looked over to see a bespectacled woman in a flowered dress standing behind the desk, grey hair pinned up in a bun on her head. \"Arthur Clements?\"\n\n\n\"Yes,\" I smiled, and stepped over to her with my right hand outstretched, \"and you must be Mrs. Pender?\"\n\n\n\"Yes,\" she said, reaching out to shake my hand. Her hand was warm and her grip firm, her green eyes twinkling a little from behind the glasses. \"But call me Sandra. I knew your father, you know.\"\n\n\nI let go of her hand and stepped back. Now that I looked her properly, I realised that I remembered her from those childhood visits to the library. \"I think I remember you,\" I said, hesitantly. \"I think you used to let me borrow the adult books on my children's card...\"\n\n\nShe laughed, \"You looked like you'd maybe benefit from reading some Stephen King or some Lovecraft.\" \n\n\n\"Well, I guess it didn't cause any permanent harm.\"\n\n\n\"I imagine your training's exposed you to a lot worse.\"\n\n\n\"Well,\" I frowned, \"I suppose so. Sylvia Plath and Thomas Hardy weren't always easy...\"\n\n\n\"I see you're a joker just like Jonathan was,\" said Sandra with a chuckle. \"I guess I should have known you'd follow in his footsteps.\"\n\n\n\"Yeah, well, I don't know about that. I just thought that maybe, being here, would be good for me. It'll be ten years next month since he left.\"\n\n\n\"Such a shame what happened to him...\" said Sandra, her voice trailing off as she saw the confusion on my face.\n\n\n\"What happened to him?\" I said, \"What do you mean, what happened to him? He left, that's what happened to him. Went to check the inventory on a Sunday night and then just never came back. Left a note for my mum telling her he needed some space.\"\n\n\n\"But they told you the real reason during your training, right?\"\n\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\n\"Your training,\" continued Sandra, \"They must have talked about your dad; I mean how could they not?\"\n\n\n\"Sorry,\" I said, \"I'm a little confused. Why would they talk about my deadbeat dad in librarian training?\"\n\n\n\"Where did you do your training?\"\n\n\n\"University of Central England. Why?\"\n\n\n\"You didn't go to Blackwells?\"\n\n\n\"What's Blackwells?\"\n\n\nBut before Sandra had a chance to reply, the door to the library swung open and a red faced man burst in. In his hands he held a large black leather book, and - possibly my eyes were deceiving me - but it appeared that he was struggling to keep it shut.\n\n\n\"Thank God you're here,\" said the man, wheezing a little from the effort \"The temporary harness broke; I'm not sure how much longer I can hold it.\"\n\n\n\"He hasn't been to Blackwells,\" said Sandra, with a grimace.\n\n\n\"What is Blackwells?\" I asked.\n\n\n\"But he's Jonathan's lad,\" said the man, looking back and forwards between me and Sandra, \"How he can he not have gone to Blackwells?\"\n\n\n\"Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?\" I asked, my voice quivering a little in a way I really didn't think communicated the sternness of tone I had been going for.\n\n\n\"I'm going to go to the cellar and get the equipment,\" said Sandra, her face suddenly altogether harder and colder than a few minutes ago, \"You need to hold that book together.\"\n\n\nI looked at the book. Something beneath the cover squirmed and writhed.\n\n\n\"What is that?\"\n\n\n\"No time for explanations,\" shouted Sandra and disappeared into a hatch in the floor behind the desk, \"Just make sure it doesn't open before I get back...\"\n\n\nI looked to where she had gone, then back to the man with the book.\n\n\n\"Hurry up, lad,\" he panted, \"It's going to get out any minute.\"\n\n\nNone of this made any sense. There was a small part of me that was wondering if this was perhaps a dream, but thankfully the larger part of me was striding across the room and placing my hands on the book.\n\n\nIt was warm and smooth to the touch, it reminded me of how it felt when I had once held a python, and beneath the surface of the book something muscular roiled inside as if it was trying to burst out. Despite squeezing my hands around it as tight as I could manage, I could feel that it was slowly opening.\n\n\nSandra reemerged from the cellar, \"Put it on the desk and hold it down!\"\n\n\nWithout thinking I obeyed, snatching the book from the man and slamming it down hard on the desk. My hands spread across its cover, I pushed down against it with all my strength and weight. But it was pushing back harder now, getting hot to the touch. \n\n\nSandra plunged a black metal knife through the narrow gap between my hands and straight into the book. It screamed and blood welled up around the blade of the knife, the book almost dancing from grip. Sandra twisted the knife and the book went still.\n\n\n\"Bloody hell, that was a close one,\" said the man. \"I thought he was trained?\"\n\n\nI took my hands - which were now shaking - slowly off the book and looked up. \"Will someone tell me what the fuck just happened?\"\n\n\n\"Arthur,\" said Sandra, \"I think you might need to sit down. There's a lot you need to know...\"" ]	2
	[WP] Tell the tale of a house cat in the zombie apocalypse	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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.", "{Still new to writing so criticism is very much welcomed}} \n\"It's been days since my human has been home i'm starting to run low on kibble and i'm out of water, and these things keep trying to get in they seem somewhat human. i'm worried even about him even \n\nthough humans say we don't care about are owners we truly do care but enough of that lovey dovey stuff i'll been trying to find a way out of the house nothing so far, maybe they- wait what was that sound? is that foot'steps? no no, maybe oh dear god... they'll found a way in now i really need to find a way out..\" The cat would dash around the room trying to find a way out, even if it was risky, they stare up at the semi open window \"It's now or never i guess..\" They'd leap up trying squeeze out of window, with some success a few small gashes here and there from the glass, the tabby would stare down at the tattered collar the name lucky engraved on it \"Can't live in the past forever.\" The cat would walk away from it. \n\n \"Day three of trying to find a decent meal, nothing so far just a few metal cans and trash i'm tired and hungry..\" the cat would go back to the house ever now and again, hoping their owner would come back for them.", "Another day another choice of warm laps before my meal. Soft Pats, Tiny Hands, or rough scratches? Rough scratches.\n\nA leap onto a lap, a meow, and the big one picks me up, plops me into one arm, and sets to work with a large hand - scratching cheeks, chin, neck and chest. Eyes closed I purr and accept this.\n\nFor now.\n\nI remind my friends that I have claws semi-regularly. Best to keep them on their toes. Remind them that I am a hunter first and friend second.\n\nMy treatment stopped. The noise box grows louder. I can feel the worry seep into and out of them. Heartbeat quickens. Fear sweat stinks. There is worry here: a gasp, the others come and touch Rough Scratches and not myself. Words among them and still no one offers the pets and pats I deserve. \n\nI open my eyes and meow, a warning and a question.\n\n“It’s okay Buttercup, it’s okay.”\n\nA return to scratches, for now I shall accept the noises they make at one another. For now.\n\nBut, why are they so worried? And why does that worry me? Rough Scratches stops again, puts my head to his mouth, then puts me on the floor.\n\nThe front door is locked by Soft Pats. Tiny Hands runs upstairs. Rough Scratches gets his noise stick out of its case. I hide beneath the couch.\n\nI do not like the noise stick. \n\nAnd I do not like their fear. What are they worried about? Will they remember to feed me?\n\n* * \n\nThe house reeks of worry. Each of them move quietly, carefully. Little sound is made and if I meow they hiss and threaten.\n\nWe live on the higher level now. No longer is the ground floor accessed. I grow bored of this place. I grow weary of their fear.\n\nI am worried about my next meal. Maybe worried about them. A little.\n\n * \n\nTiny Hands has taken to crying on me. I let her. I could scratch her to remind her of her place, but in these worried times I like the attention. And the comfort.\n\nThough I remain, as always, a hunter first. \n\nI worry more about them than I did. Worry more than I should.\n\n * \n\nRough Scratches has blocked the windows. Looks outside with worried eyes. Does not sleep as much as he should. Looks tired.\n\nI debase myself: rub my side on his leg. Eyes stay on the outside world, but a hand comes and scratches my head, my chin, my back. A purr begins and the hand returns to its place on the noise stick.\n\nI hate it it for new reasons.\n\n * \n\nThey offer less then they have before. Less pats. Less food. Quiet talk of ‘Buttercup’. I wonder what they say. I know the word refers to me. \n\nI know my food is running out. They supplement with some of theirs. They worry and they stare. Rough Scratches watches Tiny Hands take food off of her plate to place it in my bowl.\n\nI know what he is thinking. But, I am a hunter first. I do not worry. What comes, comes. All meet their end. I worry.\n\n * \n\nNoise! Noise from downstairs in the lost part of the house. Unpleasant noise and stench of death. Death moves in the house but that can’t be so. Hide. Hide and be quiet. Hide in the dust atop an empty shelf. \n\nDeath does not walk, a hunter knows, but I can smell it moving. Tiny Hands cries as Soft Pats holds her. Rough Scratches, a hunter like myself, knows her to be too loud. Hisses. Pats. \n\nMy friends grow quiet. \n\nDeath still walks about the house.\n\nNight and dark do not worry hunters. Do not worry me. I wish for daylight. Wish for death to walk away.\n\nShatter of Glass! The shelf shall protect. Stay still stay silent. The shelf shall protect. Unseen. Unheard. Safe. \n\nSafe for now.\n\n * \n\nSunlight sneaks through cracks in covered windows to paint strips of warm color about the room. Soft Pats and Small Hands sleep in the corner. Fell asleep not long before light began. \n\nRough Hands waits by the closed door. Waits for death to ascend the barricaded stairs. Waits. Nods. Sleeps. Startles. Waits.\n\nWatches.\n\nWorries.\n\nDeath remains in the house, but is as still as it should be. Smell of death worries me now. Should not worry a hunter but it does. If death can walk, the hunter has new enemies. \n\nThe child stirs. The day is brighter, I might have slept. Tiny Hands touches Rough Scratches, he startles, grabs for noise stick - snaps at child.\n\nSays soft words that are too late, Tiny Hands cries in arms of Soft Pats.\n\n * \n\nCame down from the shelf for dinner time. I get what I get, which isn’t much. Tiny Hands goes to share her food, but a grunt from Rough Scratches stays her hand.\n\nAs a hunter I know.\n\nI look at him. I know. I understand.\n\nHe blinks. I blink back. \n\nI know.\n\n * \n\nThe child sleeps nestled atop her sleeping mother. A long night before has brought their slumber to the afternoon. \n\nIt is time.\n\nRough Hands waits by the closed door. Noise stick ready to make death still again. I move to him, rub my form on his leg, duck his hand and move away.\n\nMove to the wall. Leap upon the window ledge.\n\nI know. Another mouth. A hunter should hunt and now is the time. A hunter hunts and doesn’t fear death - a hunter makes death. \n\nI know.\n\nHe looks to his family. He looks to me. Smiles. Nods.\n\nHe knows too. Quiet footsteps. A final rough scratching about my head and chin. A soft purr. He opens the window and the hunter leaves them. Off into the afternoon, without a look back. \n\nA hunter needs to hunt.\n\nI worry about them still\n\n\n\nGreat prompt! Fun concept. Nice work!**" ]	3
	[WP] The humans north of the 60’th parallel in North America are the only ones left. Now the aliens that wiped out the rest are giving the surviving governments a choice. Join their species, live on a terraformed earth and become vassal states. Or be exiled and start anew on another, harsher planet.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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.", "Either way, it was an ugly proposition. \"Become slaves to those assholes?\" one angry Innuit bellowed at a town meeting. Though he was promptly zapped and encased in a non-lethal block similar to plexiglass, most people silently agreed with him.\n\nThe video of that meeting traveled widely in what was the remaining world, both stirring the the urgent need for rebellion within everyone's heart, while simultaneously convincing most folks to just shut up rather than end up as an outsized paperweight.\n\nBut humans seemed to the aliens to be most similar to another tough species on this odd planet, the cockroach. They were hard to kill, and seemed to congregate in dark corners and damp spots under bridges and late night bars. Did they seem to be doing more of this loathsome activity lately? Their puny brains seemed incapable of organizing any meaningful resistance. It would have to be watched. Carefully.\n\nOf course, getting these pee brains organized into proper servitude and species transformation would take some time, and the beaches on this planet were just fucking unbelievable. But they would get to it.\n\nThe earthlings encouraged their new galactic brethren to sample freely the cannabis products and various elixirs left behind by the recently exterminated earthlings, and those sessions soon became most popular. The earthlings, though rat dogs, seemed to be adept at this type of interaction. Even Maximum Leader, in one of his most inspirational addresses to the planet, complimented the earth pigs on their ability to \"party down.\"\n\nMeanwhile the original denizens of earth continued to talk in the shadows, and a plan slowly emerged. It was, admittedly, a nasty scheme. That was the word everybody used. Nasty. Followed by a shudder.\n\nThe other word routinely, and necessarily, used in relation to the plan was: shit.\n\nThe word went out across the remaining human population to, whenever possible, put the aliens in contact with human shit. We smeared it on our hands, made sure the joints, bongs and assorted pipes also had the \"nasty glaze,\" as folks began to call it. The list would be too long to repeat -- let's just say, the aliens \"ate shit.\"\n\nThe process was made much easier by the rather dull sense of taste and smell that the aliens possessed, not made more sensitive by the fact that at this point, the aliens tended to be loaded most of the time, and not coincidentally, getting fatter and less ambitious by the hour.\n\nThe whole exercise was fairly disgusting to the earthlings, especially to the Canadians who could barely force themselves to participate.\n\nBut, of course, HG Wells was right when he predicted the outcome in \"War of the Worlds.\" The aliens really began to feel, well, pretty shitty. At 3am, before they closed the bars, they would talk about their home planet, weeping into their shit-tinged beers, and throwing up just outside the door.\n\nOne day, the Maximum Leader was back on social media across the globe, wearing an Ozzy Osbourne shirt, and making an important announcement. \"I mean, you guys have been great. We have never conquered anybody we liked more, For sure. But, we gotta go back and check on some stuff. We'd really appreciate it if you kept going with the vassal stuff, so we don't lose any time. But anyways, we're outta here.\"\n\nThey loaded up their ships with some premium buds and literally every bottle of tequila left on earth, and were gone.", "Slowly I walked through the ruined office the small winding cubicles littered with the dead their bodies blackened and chard. Outside of the dusty windows the small skyline lingered abandoned and silent the foliage grey, brown and rapidly decaying. A distant sickly light illuminating the city streets far below indistinct black figures searching the city. \n\nMethodically I pulled my bolt action into a ready position, the strap momentarily catching on my gas mask as I brought it over my shoulder. Precious seconds disappearing as I lowered myself onto the brown carpeting setting my bipod on the lip of the windowsill. My heart beginning to beat audibly in my ears as I pulled the scope up to my right eye, slowing my breathing. \n\nBelow the figures became crystal clear under my scopes magnification the robotic creatures all vastly different from one another. But similar aspects did exist, every single one were mechanical and clad in grey armor covering their forms. Carefully I adjusted the range roughly 867 meters away, the distance appearing in the corner of my vision. \n\n.\n\n\"I will not be a slave or servant without a battle for my soul\" slowly I locked the bolt into place removing a single five, five, six from a rack on the side of my weapon. The copper faintly glinting in the dull light as I loaded it into the chamber and chambered the round. It's metallic click satisfying as I pulled the stock up to my right shoulder the familiarity slowing my heart.\n\n\"Nor will I abandon my home or those who protect it\" the crosshairs resting on the leading figure number one. One carrying a glowing rifle of some measure the white casing standing out against the dark landscape. The group suddenly stopping in the middle of the street as number four removed a bag setting it onto the asphalt. \n\n\"I will find retribution on those who have wronged my people and myself.\" My heart slowing down entirely, all of my vision fading Into a shadow as I pulled the trigger against the guard. The kick bucking against my shoulder as thunder echoed through the skyscrapers interior, the flash reflecting off of the shattered glass. Air visibly warping behind the bullet in my scope as it became a pinprick focused around the invaders head.\n\n.\n\nSparks and viscera suddenly erupting from number one's brain case the corpse.\n, collapsing onto the side of a car crash. the group moving into cover behind the concrete divider as I reflexively loaded another round ejecting the smoking case onto the ground. My sights set back onto the cowards particularly at the rocket poking over the barrier as I held my breath. \n\nAnother kick reverberating into my shoulder the round still in flight as I ejected the shell into the air. Time seemingly slowing as the shot impacted the group's launcher, a blinding light filling my scope. A echoing shockwave impacting the building physically shaking the foundations as I looked on at the rising plume of smoke. \n\nAnother round chambered as I crawled away from the window along the ground until ground zero was out of sight. The panic attack hitting as I sprinted into the stairwell, the wall painted with a large blue seventeen. Every passing second, pure terror as I sprinted down to the parking garage, my lungs physically burning as I reached the ground floor. \n\n.\n\nTitanic plooms of fire already falling from the sky as I slid back into the maintenance tunnels sliding the grate back over the entrance. The distant lights flickering in the darkness illuminating the long hallway filled with missing posters stretching into the darkness. My knees collapsing out from underneath my weight as I leaned against the rusting ladder leading upward.", "When humanity, the remnants anyway, were offered to become small vassals for those who had exterminated the rest of the human race, they told the aliens, in official language that they'd prefer to be independent on a new but harsh world. Privately they wanted the aliens to get bent. But as only the human race in North America above the 60th parallel were around, they weren't in any position to do that. So instead, the people of the northern Canadian provinces, Alaska, Greenland, and for some inexplicable reason Iceland, a place not usually considered North American, but nobody wanted to argue for more human death for the sake of accuracy, were given a one-way colony ship to an isolated, cold world.\n\nConsidering that the planet was mostly ice, with only 1000 miles north and 1000 miles south of the planet's equator not covered in either frozen tundra or arctic wasteland, it looked mostly like home. Humanity took some use to settle down in the alien environment, to set up new crops, and the introduction of human animals like dogs, cattle, cats, and such did a number on the local ecosystems. There they dealt with the reduced space of the Earth-sized planet by having a novel idea. While the eclectic mixture of native Americans, Canadians, Alaskans, Nordics, Inuits, and other random people stuck in those areas worked together, it wasn't until someone pointed out how at least global warming wasn't going to be a problem on this world, that it clicked for them. And so they began to de-ice the planet.\n\nBurning oil, coal, and all sorts of nasty things, humanity slowly started to raise the temperature. Spreading across the habitable parts of the planet, mankind was ever more ravenous for resources, and the planet had a lot hidden below the ice. So mankind didn't care much for pollution, at least greenhouse gasses anyway. They fired up, and heated and so on, to their hearts desire. And humanity would need those resources, because they weren't about to just let those alien tyrants get away with the eradication of the human race, and the total annihilation of the Earth's biosphere for an alien one. To put it mildly, mankind was going to do what they had once really hoped that they'd never have to do.\n\nSo they waited, heated up their frozen hellhole, slowly rebuilding, slowly growing, preparing by teaching people to breed like rabbits, and how to fight like tigers. So that once Earth was liberated, we'd rebuild. The aliens were frustrated with humanity, as they boldly went on to rebuild and try to slowly boil another world. They had overstepped a lot of galactic treaties by exterminating pretty much all of human civilisation, eradicating the entire planetary biosphere, and had been told by other powers that if they as much as touched the humans they'd get attacked by all their neighbouring powers.\n\nNot that the other nations cared much about humanity as a species, but they didn't want them dead, and they felt that the total terraformation of a planet with a still mostly functional biosphere had been a waste of potentially useful biological resources. And besides, who ever feels comfortable when they learn that their neighbouring interstellar empire is committing genocide? So the aliens who had struck down most of the human race, could do nothing but watch, as pissed humans reverse-engineered what they could, buying with natural resources at ludicrously high prices, tech from smugglers and pirates.\n\nEvery day, in every way, mankind was going to return to Earth. From the men herding the deerbugs across the tundra with their cybernetically enhanced huskies at their side, to the mercenaries fighting out on distant alien planets for cash and tech to send home to the new human homeworld, Snowball, they were all working towards that one goal. Retaking Earth. In the cold cities during the long nights, children received an education for war and conquest. Humanity had nearly been rendered extinct. Humanity wasn't going to take that lying down. The human race had adapted to permanent habitation on all continents of old Earth, from the scorching deserts to the frozen wastelands. From a continent where everything wants to kill you, to places where the movement of the tectonic plates miles underneath you, destroys your city. Humanity adapts. Humanity abides. Humanity waits. And one day, humanity will strike. For a return to Earth, with cold hearts and cold minds, from a cold world.\n\nAnd unlike them, we will not let them escape to lick their wounds and return to strike at us. We are persistence hunters by nature, we do not stop, we do not rest, we will not cease until every dead human slaughtered by alien hand, has been avenged a thousand times." ]	4
	[WP] You have been living in a remote cabin in the woods for about 6 years now but 2 days ago, you heard clicking coming from the lake. After several sleepless nights, you decide to investigate the lake in the middle of the dark, gloomy night.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I hadn’t slept in days, months for all I know. Ever since I was banished from my tribe I have been sleepless. I’m fairly sure the devil isn’t on my side, the time a nearly fell asleep I heard it, the clicking. I moved my spot to the trees, but that didn’t stop it. Every hour of every day, constant clicking it almost drove me insane.\n\nI narrowed it down to the lake, that’s where it’s loudest anyway. I couldn’t make myself to do it for weeks but today, today I decided I should, I stepped it to the lake and my feet felt frozen. I staggered into the freezing water. As I continued the water got warmer. Strange.\n\nI continued deeper and pulled out my short sword from its sheath. I dived underwater and felt the water come over me expecting to hold my breath.\n\nI felt myself falling as the clicking got louder, I felt the air rush around me. I looked down, the strangest city I’ve ever seen was below me, No walls, and there was a giant green woman with a torch. There were enormous buildings too. I wondered if this world had peace, from the dragons that attacked our world. It reeked of destruction and death. That’s what my tribe thought I did, they thought I was a spy. That war ruined my life.\n\nI finally landed, no broken bones and only a sign maybe I was on the outskirts I thought. it read “welcome to New York”. How strange", "A slow, scraping noise crept under the the trees, only stopping for a little bit at times. A fuzzy head poked through the bushes, a worried face. A man dragged a boat through the forest. [Why go out in the middle of the night, it’s foolish?] \nHe looked just like someone living in isolation for god knows how long: patched up flannel, dirty jeans, grey shaggy mess of a hair and beard, in short a modern day hermit. That’s what you would have seen, if you met him any other day. But then and there it was not only nighttime in the forest, it was a night as dark as it got, so you would you would not see him, only hear the boat rustling noisily in the foliage, the man grunting heavily as he heaved, and every once in a while as he stopped to listen, you would hear the clicks, muted but definitely there. [Why the night? This is senseless, what is to be gained by this?] \nHe started hearing them just a couple days ago. At first he tried to ignore them, but he had about as much success as ignoring a skunk in the cabin. Then he tried looking for the source, but he only managed to track them so far as the lakeside. He tried to drown them out by talking, and walking, and whistling and even playing his banjo, terrible as he was at it, but the clicks were there, persistent in filling every quiet moment, like mist fills the valley in the mornings. [So stupid. So much can go wrong here, why not wait till dawn?] \nAnd the thing about this noise? It was dangerous. Look, a man in the woods, alone for years and years, miles from the nearest neighbor? From help? He’s not stupid. He cannot afford to be. He’s bound to have some patience, discipline and above all some common sense. Yet the man had not slept since the clicks started. He couldn’t. Since then he spooked the game while hunting, he stepped into his own snares while looking for tinder, there was a bandage on his leg, evidence of splitting logs gone wrong, and what’s the worst, he made a complete mess of the sweater he’s been knitting for weeks. [Why go out at all, actually? Dumb, dumb, dumb!] \nFor years and years he was a methodical, sensible, patient man, but when the clicks came he never stood a chance, for these aberrant sounds stripped away the mind’s most careful defenses. It shut away the fear, the little voice inherited from the animal, the one that kept humans alive in the face of all unknown and dangerous. \nNow there he was at the dead of night [why?], out of his bed, out in the woods [why?], dragging a boat to the shores of the damned lake [why, why, why?!], all the while from the depths of his minds everything that he was screamed at him to stop, to don’t be an idiot, to don’t go there, to turn around, to wait till morning, to pack up and leave, to pour wax in his ears or just cut them straight off with a red hot knife, to do anything but! \n\nThe man could not hear those warning shouts. All he could hear was the bottom of the boat rustling on dead leaves as he pushed. Water splashing as it slid into the lake. His own grunting as he rowed. That, and the clicks. \nLater the clicks stopped, for the clicks don’t make a sound, when there is no one in the forest to hear them.", "\"It's perfect,\" I said.\n\n\"I'm glad you like it,\" said Laura, grinning. \"My family bought it six years ago in some time share scheme and have never used it. I thought it might work for you.\"\n\nI looked down the pine-coated path towards the cabin. It was almost stereotypical in how rustic it was; it was made of mossy logs, with a thatched roof, and a veranda that looked down the hill and over a lake.\n\n\"Come on then,\" said Laura, and started jogging towards the cabin. I ran after her, my backpack swaying from side to side, and tumbled onto the veranda. Laura drew a keyring from her pocket, squinted at the little labels attached to the keys, then lifted one triumphantly and unlocked the door.\n\nThe inside of the cabin was in keeping with its exterior. The open-plan ground floor held a living room, complete with an open hearth, cosy armchairs, and an animal skin rug, and a flagstone kitchen. Lace curtains hung on small windows, which threw little light onto the dusty furniture, and left the cobwebby corners of the room unilluminated.\n\nLaura stepped into the room and gave a tiny sneeze.\n\n\"Ugh,\" she said, slinging her pack onto the floor and collapsing into an armchair. \"I forgot I would have to clean. Unless the cobwebs actually give you some spooky inspiration?\"\n\nI came up behind her armchair and kissed her on the top of her head.\n\n\"Three inches of dust is always what I need to inspire my creative muscles,\" I murmured into her hair.\n\n\"Alright, alright,\" she said, laughing. \"I'll clean.\"\n\n\"It's alright, I'll help.\"\n\n\"No! No procrastinating! I told you, we are here so that you can write. Leave everything else to me.\"\n\n\"Hmm. Can I make us some tea?\"\n\n\"Oh, go on then.\"\n\nFive minutes later we were sitting on the veranda, sipping tea and looking out at the view. In front of the cabin, the hill sloped sharply downwards for a few hundred metres, until it abruptly met the lake shore and levelled. A wide path had been cleared down to the lakeside, and a small dock and decrepit rowing boat sat half-grounded on the pebbled beach. Beyond the lake, mountainous hills rose in misty purples and blues.\n\n\"It's painfully perfect,\" I said. \"I should have brought a typewriter; that would fit the atmosphere. A laptop feels somehow wrong.\"\n\n\"You'd have had to carry it on the two hour hike to get here,\" Laura reminded me. \"I'm not sure putting your back out is exactly the right vibe either.\"\n\n\"Fair point. Maybe I should have brought a quill and ink then.\"\n\n\"That's more like it. Very Edgar Allen Poe.\"\n\n\"Oh, then I'm glad I didn't. If I get one more review comparing me to him I swear I'll quit the genre.\"\n\n\"Don't be such a baby, quoth the raven,\" laughed Laura.\n\n\"You're mean. I'm leaving.\"\n\n\"Anything to get out of working.\"\n\n\"You know me too well.\"\n\nThe afternoon passed in blissful, unproductive distraction. Laura began to clean the house, but got sidetracked upon discovered a firepit outside. I, cross-legged on the bed, panicked when I smelled smoke, and went outside to discover her trying to burn a rather damp pile of wood. By the time it got dark, we had a hearty fire going, and were happily grilling sausages, but my laptop lay abandoned and ignored.\n\n\"Ah well,\" I said, putting the laptop to one side as we got ready for bed that evening. \"There's always tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Mhm,\" Laura said, toothbrush in mouth.\n\nWe curled up to sleep under the heavy quilt of the bed. Exhausted by the day's exertions, I fell asleep in seconds.\n\nI woke up uncomfortably, a coldness gradually seeping into my awareness. I opened my eyes. It was still the middle of the night, although the moon cast a bright light into the room through the window, which I now realised was open. I reached to Laura's side of the bed, but I couldn't feel her. Confused, I sat up, and looked down at the bed. She definitely wasn't in it.\n\nI was about to call out for her, when I heard a sudden noise. Drifting in through the window was the sound of clicking, like someone trying repeatedly to use a lighter. I slid out of bed and crossed to the window. A breeze came through, and I shivered in my underwear. The scene below lay peaceful, the full moon reflected in the rippled lake, the trees gently rusting with the wind. I couldn't see anything unusual. The clicking started again, coming from the lakeside, and I peered down, trying to see the dock, but a tree obscured my vision.\n\nI waited a little while after the clicking stopped, then reached out to close the window. Suddenly, I saw movement. A figure stepped out from behind the tree that hid the dock. It was dressed all in white, and had a gossamer sheen that seemed to make it translucent in the moonlight. I froze, arm still stuck out the window, and watched it, my heart thumping. The figure began to climb the hill towards the cabin. I could see now that it was a woman, although its face was covered by a veil. It cradled something in its arms. About halfway up the hill it paused, and looked up at the house, directly, I thought, at me.\n\nI jumped into motion, slamming the window closed and leaping face first into the bed. I stayed hidden under the quilt, for a few moments, until my breathing began to calm. \"Laura!\" I whispered to myself.\n\nMy body still trembling, I got out of bed, crossed over to the door, and stepped out onto the landing. I heard a rustle from downstairs, and almost bolted back to the bedroom, but forced myself forwards, forced my feet to descend the stairs.\n\n\"John? Is that you?\"\n\nWith a flood of relief, I recognised Laura's voice. I hurried down the stairs. Laura stood in the kitchen, one hand in a box of cereal.\n\n\"Oh god,\" I said. \"I'm so glad you're okay.\"\n\n\"What, why?\" said Laura.\n\n\"You wouldn't believe what I just saw,\" I said, and told her. When I was finished, she shovelled another handful of coco pops into her mouth and looked up at me nonplussed.\n\n\"I'm not surprised,\" she said. \"You've spent all day thinking about your novel, and about how creepy this cabin is that I've brought you too, of course that was going to end up in your subconscious. There was even a woman in white in your novel, wasn't there?\"\n\n\"I- I guess so,\" I said doubtfully. \"But it didn't feel like a dream. It felt - well, real.\"\n\n\"I wouldn't read too much into it,\" Laura said, sliding the box back into the cupboard. \"Come on, let's go back to bed.\"\n\nI followed her back upstairs, but while she slept, I couldn't force my eyes to close. As the room began to fill with light I got up and went down to the veranda. The morning's warm colours rose above the mountains, and were reflected in the calm lake. It was hard to imagine anything with malice resided in that scene, and I began to think Laura was right.\n\n(part 1 of 3, rest in replies)", "4/7/87\n Half asleep, I chucked more wood into the fireplace, feeling warm after a fine supper of rabbit stew, I threw out my blanket preparing a long slumber. Squinting through my window from the armchair I observed the stillness of freezing northern life. Stretching out and cracking my neck I daydreamed of life back in Cali. Summers at the beach, my feet scorching beneath the heated sand, warm air flowing eastward, the salty smell of the ocean overtaking me, and the blaring of music from boomboxes. On this retrospective journey I pondered what brought me here, the complete opposite of life back there. Out of the window all I saw was the soft descend of snow blanketing the floor, no harsh winds, just still life. No cars to wiz past the street, no deer in sight, no families out on a stroll, resounding emptiness. Slowly my eyes traced right on the old gravel road leading to Nuniq, the frozen lake that I went fishing at. I looked onward, puzzled, a frown grew on my face. This town, this cabin, this area, practically this region has nothing, never had anything special, and never will. But, I couldn’t resist being fixated on the repeated clicking coming from that side. It was needless to say odd, but out here wildlife roams freely and I couldn’t see it being much more than a unique bird or something of the sort. Regardless I couldn’t sleep, once I heard the noise a few nights back. Of course a man needs sleep though so I’m going to try and get some, will update you.\n\n4/9/87\n Increasingly I worry, another night passed and the monotonous clicking appeared once more. Even under the noise of thrashing rain I could faintly hear it. I’m not sure what it is, but I can no longer resist my temptations. I may need to go there. Throughout these past two days I’ve entered my lower cell to the library and gathered the books about the Abatos region the townsfolk gifted me 6 years ago. Despite gathering more dust than a ceiling fan I wiped it off and took a cursory glance at the wildlife. Fortunately, a section included bird calls, I had a vivid memory of this sound that would seem to pause once it hit day time. For two nights I read through the various birds, Chickadees… no, Cormorants… no, Cranes… not even a chance. Their depiction says a short burst of violent caws, most definitely not a clicking noise. It’s now 6:00 P.M and what was left of the horizon has faded back into earth and like clockwork the clicking began. I’ve got no choice but to search out for the noise, the clouds hang low tonight, foreshadowing rain, but I will be brought to insanity if I do not check it out. So I’ve gathered my gear and a small hunters knife, I expect there to be no real danger. Will speak again soon.\n\n5/4/87\n Hello there, I write to you in good health and apologize for the long time it’s been since we’ve last spoken. Finally, I’m back to the real life. No more shenanigans in the woods, back to calm and peaceful living. I really love the beaches back in Cali and it feels great to be home, I can once more enjoy a cold beverage on a nice summer day. I plan on buying a new car, I just got the $30,000 deposit yesterday. I find solace in my new way of life, and I hope you do too in whatever adventures you take in the future when you read these back. My life has really turned around ever since I’ve moved. Can’t wait for the future!" ]	5
	[WP] The world freaked out when everyone believing in one God got raptured. So the many gods came, they were willing to worship and serve. But you know the truth- the "gods" are simply aliens wanting willing slaves, and the "rapture"... disintegrating everyone who would have challenged their rule.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 continued to walk, I remembered that strange day. The day started with a scream as the skies lit up with red beams from the sky. I remembered watching them run from the beams as a voice boomed \"the stars are right, join me in heaven my children\" a voice from beyond boomed down. Noone else had any idea what happened, the recordings of it were fake, heavily edited to look greater. The red beams were changed into radiant yellow ones as if the light came from heaven, then they added in angels and more and more until the footage wan't recongnisable. \n\n Today I was going to meet the man who recorded the footage originally, he said that he would help me tell the truth. I know the turth, I always did, the gods were abominations, one i only barely caught a glimpse of a mess of tentacles, eyes and strange archaic metals all over its body. The memories of a strange piping as I had gazed into the aberration, I shuddered and I looked at the door, the man would be inside. I checked the revolver in my jacket before i knocked on the door. \n\nToday was gong to be a long day...\n\nthanks for reading, its probably terrible but hey I'm really just starting out. Feel free to give feedback or criticism for how i could improve." ]	2
	[WP] For the first time ever, the community of humans with supernatural powers has voted to reveal and prove its existence to the rest of the world.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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 fell onto my chair with a thump. “I wish we knew what they were deciding. Can’t you even try….no, no, one of the mages will sense you. I just...” I sunk my head into my hands with a moan of impatience, “Oh fan-bloody-tastic, now I’m so stressed I’m sprouting!!” My girlfriend crouched in front of me, red eyes glowing in concern\n\n“Breathe sweetheart, deep breaths, come on it’s been at least 10 years since you got your change under control.” She was right, I kept my breathing deep and even until the fine hairs on my palms and knuckles started to recede. Stress can force a change on us werewolves, well, any shifter, but wolves are the most sensitive to it. Hence our usual preference for living in pack communities, away from the humans we must keep ourselves hidden from. For our protection as much as theirs. Unfortunately, THIS wolf had fallen for a Technomage.\n\nA thoroughly modern supernatural species, Technomages blended an innate affinity for the energy that links us all (AKA magick, to the layman), with an almost organic affinity for technology. Very powerful, highly regulated, and as linked to cities as dwarves to their tunnels, and elves their forests.\n\nSupernaturals have coexisted with humans for as long as there have been humans. Our memories are longer than theirs, and our records more complete, but even we don’t know who came first. Are supernaturals some genetic mutation, or were we the original species, and homo sapiens the mutation? I doubt we will ever know. We live longer than you, we are more resilient, stronger, faster, I could go on, but I don’t want to make you feel inadequate. I say it only to make you think, we are superior in many ways, yet we keep to the shadows, we hide from you. To protect your fragile, short lives we, for the most part, keep away from you, and prey on animals so you don’t see or fear us. Sometimes, in a pinch, we will take out a human, but only if we cannot find prey elsewhere. And only the foulest of humans, the murderers, rapists, you know the ones.\n\nNo shifter child, baby mage, elfling, or new sired vampire goes long without hearing cautionary tales about the dangers of human fear. Everyone has an Uncle, Aunt, Cousin of their best friend’s grandfather killed, maimed or tortured due to human fear. Hell, I remember the winter of 1919 when everyone for 100 miles of our village decided to construct all metal things from silver. I’m sure it cost them a pretty penny, but our pack lost 7 including our Alpha from infection alone that year. Bad times when humans suspect our existence, worse times when some of those believe it.\n\nJust as your legends and myths are full of evil vampires, brain-chomping zombies, and savage werewolves, ours tell of our reverence for your fragile lives. In almost every human conflict there have been vampires protecting troops at night, shifters patrolling the perimeters with heightened senses, mages sitting around negotiation tables, calming frayed nerves. We do it quietly, in the hope that you will realise the futility of conflict before it is too late for all of us.\n\nAnd now are shadows are threatened. The veil of secrecy we have laboured under, all too close to being ripped off. I raise my head, look across the vast antechamber. As far as the eye can see, my kin, my friends and family, anxiously awaiting word from the Council chamber within. Three days the council have been in consultation, three anticipatory, anxious, interminable days, with the whole supernatural community (seemingly) crammed into one room. I counted it a measure of how worried everyone was that we had only had four incidents in that time. A couple of elves had gotten into it with a fire mage, but everyone knows fire mages are crazy. She’d almost set fire to the Pixie King, which could have gotten pretty bad, pretty quickly, but luckily there was a water nymph nearby who was (biggest surprise of all) in a good mood, so she doused everyone with ice cold water she portaled in from the highest mountain peaks of the north. The other incidents seemed to be sibling issues in a large troll family, so we had all just kept clear of that. Trolls, pfft!\n\nA roll of drums signalled something was happening inside the Council chamber. The sixty-foot high doors slowly swung open, revealing the Chair of the Supernatural Ruling Council, Vlad Dracula currently.\n\n“Friends, I thank you for your patience. I realise the usual forms for an announcement like this are lengthy, so I shall dispense with them for today. Considering recent events, both in our world, and the normal world, the Council has decided today that we must reveal ourselves to the humans and help them in the oncoming troubled times.” He paused, raised his right arm and lifted a single finger. Immediately the cries of outrage that had exploded with his announcement stopped dead. He turned behind him, extending his other hand, “Please, step forward sir, tell my kin what you told the council.”\n\nA muscular human, with dark skin and a patch over his left eye, gave a nod to the gathered creatures.\n\n“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Nick Fury, and I’m here to tell you about a motherfucker named Thanos.”\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nEdit: missing word" ]	2
	[WP]When you become the parent of a child, something of that child will be placed on your wrist, you have bodycount on both of your wrists.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I’ve always wanted a child. The morning sickness during pregnancy, going through labor and watching him or her grow up to be their own person with their own thoughts and feelings were all part of the fun experience called parenting. The only part I don’t care for is the part that comes when they turn seven years old. The government calls it “The Chosen Number”. I call it an invasion of privacy, but nonetheless, if I want to have a child, I have to accept this. \n\nLucky enough for me, I had my own baby girl. Her name was Rosie, after my favorite flower. I had never loved another human being as much as that girl, and nothing could change that. I had gone through the bad and the good and was ready to take on the second stage: The Chosen Number. \n\nOn Rosie’s seventh birthday, I received a letter from the United States government. It was about her number and how I was to get it. I won’t go into too much detail about the process, but it was rather odd. Lots of implanted chips and whatnot, but that’s not what mattered. What mattered is what it tracked.\n\n“Her body count?” I asked with a disgusted look on my face. “Is this some kind of sick joke?” \n“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the doctor said. “I don’t control this. The government does.”\n\nAs troubling and upsetting as it was, there was no debating what I had received. If you tried to fight against what was assigned to you, they would take away your child. No one was taking my Rosie. I just had to suck it up, and I did until she turned sixteen.\n\nRosie had asked to go to a party the week of her birthday. As hesitant as I was about parties and get-togethers involving boys, I decided to let her go. Her number was still at zero, after all. Nothing to be worried about, right?\n\nShe returned home around nine at night, which reminded me to check my wrist. To my shock, it read “1”, not just on one wrist, but on both. I was confused, as this was quite rare. It usually signified that the number shown was a part of the Critical Level, which is what the government considered illegal things that were being counted.\n\n“Hey Rosie, can you come here for a second? I need to talk to you,” I asked of her, still looking down at my wrist. I think Rosie noticed my worried expression.\n\n“Uh, mom, I’m exhausted. I just want to go change and I’ll come back down after, alright?”\n\nI was not having that. I got up and turned her around to face me. I kind of regret that now.\n\n“Honey… Why is your shirt all red?” \n\n“Um, well, I…” Rosie stuttered, not knowing what to say.\n\nThat’s when it dawned on me that I was thinking of the wrong body count this whole time." ]	2
	[WP] A small clerical error has resulted in the planet known by its inhabitants as Earth being forgotten by the Galactic Council for a little over 4000 years. Fortunately, Galactic administrators are about to arrive in order to reestablish contact with the planet	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns." ]	1
	[WP] Your job is one of the most important in the world, but also one of the most monotonous. Said duties consist only of standing up and sitting down on a strange stool, over and over for hours, with no idea why. After months of this shift, you’re desperate to make things less dull.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "“So stand up when that clock hits 00:00 everyday?” I say with confusion in my tone. \r\n\r\n“That’s correct.” The radio chirped back. \r\n\r\n“And then sit back down when the clock hits 01:00?” \r\n\r\n“Mhmm.”\r\n\r\n“And I do this 4 times a day. 5 days a week. And you guys plan to pay me?” \r\n\r\n“That’s right. Isn’t that so easy? You really landed a cushy job!” The voice on the radio said. \r\n\r\n“Yeah. I guess so! Ok when do I start?” I said with enthusiasm in my tone. \r\n\r\n“In about 5 minutes when that timer hits 01:00. You stand up and stay standing within eyesight of that chair. Long as you stay in eyesight, you can do whatever you want to! Good luck!” the voice said with equal enthusiasm. \r\n\r\nThat was almost a year ago. I was so naïve back then. I should have noticed that there was a catch. \r\n\r\n“God, this is so boring! What’s the point of doing this! They keep me in this room doing nothing all day for hours on end. They haven’t checked on me, why don’t I just do whatever I want to?” I shouted out in the room. \r\n\r\nOriginally, I tried to learn new things while I was sitting down. Reading literature, on my phone learning a new language, talking to people online, browsing whatever I could find on reddit. It all got boring after a while. \r\n\r\nThen the standing part was equally boring. Stand up and just stare at the chair. It’s a weird chair though. More like a stool now that I think about it. \r\n\r\nIt had real intricate markings on its leg. Not legs, leg. It stood on 1 leg. Perfectly balanced, like a top. Only it wasn’t spinning. \r\n\r\nWhen my 8 hours are up, I have my next shift member come in and take over. I go down the hall and into my dorm room and wait for tomorrow. \r\n\r\n“Hey man.” I say to the next shift member.\r\n\r\n“Why don’t you talk? Don’t like me or something?” \r\n\r\nHe remained silent and simply took his spot watching over the stool. He never brought anything to entertain himself. No phone, no book, nothing. What a weirdo. \r\n\r\nI decided to look for information on the stool. Nothing showed up on google and any forums I posted about it would promptly delete the post and my account. \r\n\r\nAs I paced in mg dorm room I made a bold decision. “today, I plan to disobey the rules. I’m not gonna watch it or sit on it.” \r\n\r\nI Waited for my shift to come up as I made my way into the room. The previous member stared at me as I made my way onto the stool and took a seat when the timer hit 0. He walked away and closed the door leaving me to my devices. \r\n\r\n“Wait 2 minutes, then get up. Easy, I always thought about it. Now I can finally see what happens.”\r\n\r\nI waited the 2 minutes and finally stood up from my post. A buzzing sound echoed in the room and the radio buzzed to life. \r\n\r\n“Hey there, you got to take a seat right now there pal. Remember, that’s part of your agreement. So pop that bum on that chair.”\r\n\r\n“No. I’m done.” I said calmly back. \r\n\r\n“You’re done? What do you mean you’re done? You agreed to all of this. You are under contract! Do you not remember? Your duty to the world? You know how vital this position is. That’s why you have to sit.” The radio pleaded with me. \r\n\r\n“No. In fact…” I said as I turned around and looked at the chair.\r\n\r\nI squatted down and lifted the stool above my head. With all my might, I threw the stool against the wall, shattering it into pieces. \r\n\r\nThere was silence as the stool laid in pieces. \r\n\r\nThe radio once again began speaking. \r\n\r\n“Congratulations! You finished the test! We have gathered quite the plethora of information regarding submission to authority here. You lasted almost 3 years here. We are proud of you!” \r\n\r\nThe door swung open as 2 men in suits came and collected the pieces of the broken stool. Another man came in and placed a new stool in the center of the room. He then came to shake my hand as he handed me a check.\r\n\r\n“Thank you for your contribution to our cause. As per the agreement, all of this is subject to our non disclosure agreement. You can take what’s yours in your dorm and leave immediately.”\r\n\r\nI stood there utterly confused. \r\n\r\n“I’m lost here! What happened? Why did I sit here for years watching this stool!?”\r\n\r\nThe man looked at me unfazed by my outburst. \r\n\r\n“You agreed to it all, we will release our findings soon. You can leave now sir.” \r\n\r\nI Threw my arms up in defeat as I walked away and to my dorm. I packed my clothes and began to walk away as I passed the shift member who was to replace me.\r\n\r\nHe looked at me, still silent throughout as I waved him goodbye. \r\n\r\n“Good luck with your shift!” I said as I walked towards the exit. \r\n\r\n\r\nMy note: I'll be honest, I went rogue with this one. Enjoy!" ]	2
	[WP] You were born with the ability to automatically slow down time whenever you were physically in danger until you avoided the danger. One day you find that time has stopped moving.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Don't ask me why i'm writing at 0130\n\n\n\nYou twirl a pen in your hands, thinking hard as you stare at your college thesis. Usually, at this point in time, you would be decked out at your desktop with a few piles of food to keep you going through the night, but an unlucky pigeon had crashed into the one wire responsible for your family's internet. Dad had said he could fix it, but would be delayed by the inconvenience of driving at rush hour.\n\nHaving nothing better to do, you decided to have a headstart on your college work.\n\nTime seemed to slow and stretch as you wrote and made amendments on your thesis, occasionally crossing out entire sections of text when you realised the sheer difficulty of what you were about to propose. After an unusually severe case of running out of ideas, you decide to try out what a colleague of yours had suggested you do during a case of writer's block: Play with your pen.\n\nYou lay the pen as if it were a coin, curling your four fingers into a circle and positioning your thumb under the pen. After a momentary pause, you decide to try and flick it at the ceiling lamp.\n\nThe pen never hit the light.\n\nInstead, it remained in the air between your hand and the lamp, as if some invisible hand had grabbed it and held it aloft.\n\nThere was nobody in your room. Heck, you could go ahead and say there was nobody in your house. Your sister had long gone on a trip to Japan, and your father was still at work. So whatever the danger was, it had to be outside.\n\nYou take a few steps into the living room, finding nothing unusual. Everything was where it was supposed to be. Well, everything except the presence of time. The grandfather clock in the hallway had stopped ticking. Time was not miving, at all.\n\nYou make your way to the front door, lightly pushing it open to stare at the red evening sky of your city. You find nothing unusual. You take a step outside and peer around the houses. A few residents were out and about their daily lives, except they were conpletely still. That meant imminent danger, but there was nothing in the vicinity that leaked details of a potential murder. Or accident.\n\nYou look up in the sky.\n\nOh.\n\nThere was... a bomb. A nuke. Headed straight for your house." ]	2
	[WP] It's late. Your wife and son are asleep. You pop out of your apartment complex for a quick smoke. It's very quiet outside. You unlock the door and head in. Your wife comes out of the bedroom and, in a frightened voice asks who are you and what are you doing here.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Warning: Some NSFW language and violence.\n\n\n\n\"What are you talking about?\" He asked\n\nHe took off his coat and laid it over the back of his couch.\n\n\"You need to leave\" she said, taking a step forward, planting her foot firmly in front of her and pointing a finger straight at his face. She always pointed when she was angry.\n\n\"Why? and where would I go?\"\n\n\"I don't know. Home. Wherever you live.\"\n\n\"What are you talking about? I live here.\"\n\nShe was still pointing at him, but her eyes shifted to his coat on her couch and then back to his face.\n\n\"No. You don't. I live here.\"\n\nHe stood in the doorway and stared at her, still pointing.\n\n\"This isn't your apartment. You need to leave.\"\n\n\"I don't know what's going on with you tonight, but it's late. I'm going to bed. We can talk about whatever this is in the morning.\" He took a step towards his bedroom.\n\n\"No we fucking can't\" she said. He stopped.\n\n\"You need to leave right now, and you sure as hell are not sleeping here tonight.\" She started towards her kitchen, turning so she could watch him standing in front of her doorway.\n\nHe raised an eyebrow and turned his head to watch her go. \"What are you doing?\"\n\nShe didn't say anything, but he saw her take one of his good cooking knives out of the knife block.\n\n\"What the hell are you doing?\" he asked.\n\nShe came walking out of the kitchen and stopped a few feet in front of him.\n\n\"Leave!\"\n\nHe didn't move.\n\n\"Now!\"\n\nHe shrugged his shoulders, \"You're not going to fucking stab me. What the hell is going on?\"\n\nShe took a step forward and swung the knife at him. It was a foot short of touching him, but he jumped back. She stopped moving forward.\n\n\"Leave!\"\n\n\"No! I live here. What the hell is wrong with you.\"\n\nThey both froze and stared at each other. \n\nHe stepped forward and reached for the knife.\n\n\"Stop!\" She pulled back.\n\n\"Give me the knife\" He grabbed her other arm and pulled her toward him.\n\nShe pushed the knife forward into his chest.\n\nHe fell.\n\nShe backed away into the corner of the room. She watched him bleeding onto the floor and struggling for breath. She looked down at her hands and tried to wipe the blood off, and then she remembered." ]	2
	[WP] In a world where everyone has superpowers you are disappointed to have basic abilities. One day you discover that you have a long lost twin who was separated from you at birth. The reason is your powers get much stronger and dangerous the closer you are to each other.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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.", "\"Mom, dad, who is dawn?\" The look of surprise on their said so much then anything they could say.\n\nHaving a super power may sound good to you, but in my world, it is mostly a drag. For example, having a strength of 101% of a basic human (BH), isn't even consider even a power, very much not a super.\n\n\"How did you...\" my father couldn't even finished his question. My mom had a face that no son or daughter should see: a complete guilt and defeat. \"Do you remember how powers pass to the children\" she asked me. \"You mean meta-genetics, the one subject I'm good at? Yea, I remember\".\n\nBasically, when the power come from one genes, his power would be a combination of his parents, when the dominant gene is reinforcement type power. There a lot more to it, but its doesn't matter here\n\n\"So what kind of power our power can make\" She asked me. \"Its power combination and produce\" I corrected her. My mother have a reinforcement type power of 143% BH and my father can duplicate stuff. \"Well, power duplication of oneself is the most obvious combination, I guess, But how did how is it connected to dawn?!\" I asked when is suddenly occurred to me that they trying to changed the subject\n\n\"Dawn is your twin sister, born 43 second before you\" my father started to finally explain to me.. \"You both were born with the power to duplicate each other power every set amount of time, the closer you are, the shorter the time is\"\n\nHe took a deep breath and continue \"after one 24 hours and 13 minutes together, your breath could brake down walls\" he said with a sad smile. \"We had to keep you apart, or the Power regulation said they would keep you both apart from each other and us\"\n\n\"Why did you both lied to me?!\" I started to sיout. Hoe can they keep this secret so long and now brake i like nothing? \"You know what?! I don,t trust you any more. I am going to find here alone\". I took my bag an storm out of my FORMER home.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThanks for reading! I tried to focus on world building rather then the story itself. Any note or comment is welcome, but pleas take to mind that English is not my native language", "I could control frequencies. \n\nIt’s a pretty useful power, to be honest. But I can’t really detect the smaller or noisier stuff. A pure water wave? Sure, I could keep the wave going in a pond for a couple hours. \n\nA radio wave? With a big enough antenna, maybe. But I can’t transmit any information at a reasonable pace. \n\nI took a job as a test technician. I could resonate structures at certain frequencies, and roughly get an idea of whether or not stuff will break. \n\nToday, we got a new employee. And the buzzing in my head won’t stop. Something was wrong. I went to the local doctor at lunch, and he told me that it was likely resonance. \n\nI put it off. Of course, powers have mutated before, but that’s earlier in development. And I never showed any signs of it, having a pretty stable ability output that matched my growth. \n\nThe thoughts swirled around my head amidst the buzzing. And the new employee walked through the door.\n\nI sat up, startled. \n\n“Hi, I’m the new guy, Dan.”\n\nThe eyes. The face. Even the height was the same. I was staring into a mirror. And a few eyes darted between the two of us, looking for a reaction. \n\n“Hey Dan...” my voice was shaking a bit. Dan suddenly went pale. Though, he’d seemed like he was already under the weather, meeting me had triggered something. \n\nHe looks so much like me.\n\nWait a minute. That’s not from within my head. \n\nI could hear him! And he stared at me, and rang out the same thought! \n\nThe speed of information travel grew exponentially. Before the stare down became awkward, the two of us had already exchanged contact information. And during the meeting, without a single word, we found out the terrifying truth. \n\nDan and I were twins. And we resonated. Dan could detect and manipulate amplitudes, the same way I could manipulate frequencies. With a bit of practice, we could manipulate phases and millions of waves at once. \n\nThe shock of the realization, however, blasted open the office door, as almost a dozen air vibrations suddenly constructively interfered and knocked the door open. It was the first time I’d lost control of powers since childhood. It was exceedingly rare for adults to do so; it’s like forgetting your potty training. \n\nWe struggled through the rest of the meeting without incident. But after work, we met. \n\nWithout a word, our thoughts arrived at the same place. The same two places. Villains Local Incorporated and Hero Headquarters. We played Rock Paper Scissors, and Dan headed to the Hero Headquarters while I went straight to the Villains. \n\nAnd this, the legend of the Resonating Nemeses began. A hero, a villain, chosen arbitrarily, to test the limits of their might, and see just how much their powers fed into each other. \n\nThe days ahead are going to be interesting, we both thought." ]	3
	[WP] When you die, you see a leaderboard of how much everyone's contributed to the grand plan. Apparently you have the #1 spot.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "A soft touch to my hand. The muffled sobs. A sweet smile. The scene around me slowly melted into a cascade of color until my consciousness slipped away into a dark nothingness.\n\nOr, so I thought. In the next instant there was a brilliant light followed by another and another and another until I had to shield my eyes in order to keep from being blinded. And then there was a lilt in the air; a cadence of some of the most beautiful music I had ever heard. I felt myself move towards its source and eventually lowered my arms, looking into the light. As my senses all began to return – the smell of roses, a tingling sensation throughout my body – questions began to fill my head.\n\nWas this death?\n\nWas being an atheist all my life the wrong choice afterall?\n\nI shuddered at the thought. I knew the Gods of humanity’s many religions and from what I had been told by the devout, I wasn’t so sure They would be the most accepting of a nonbeliever. But what more was there to do asides from move forward?\n\nCould I turn back?\n\nThe light at the end of the tunnel, funny how something so cliché is actually reality, and when I reached the end I gulped. I couldn’t really see anything on the other side, but something within me propelled me. Told me it was alright. Filled me with a loving energy so strong, I could not help but feel welcomed.\n\nSo I stepped through, eyes closed, breathing hard. There was stress and worry, but it sat in the back of my mind as I opened my eyes and was greeted by… a billboard?\n\nI looked around, confused. Was I dreaming and not actually dead?\n\n“Ah, we’ve been waiting for you.”\n\nI whipped around and was greeted by a stadium with every seat occupied by a glittering being. It was oddly quiet, even the music I had heard so clearly earlier had fallen to a quiet thrum.\n\n“I beg your pardon? What’s going on” I stopped.\n\n“Your test has been completed. You have fulfilled your life purpose.” The voice went on, growing from one into a chorus until every person in the stadium joined in. “This is your welcoming party. We have been waiting to celebrate your life with you.”\n\n“Why…” I paused, every eye on me, I was never much of a public speaker and in my now past life, I would have never had the courage to speak, but I felt strangely calm. “Why so many people?”\n\n“Well, just look at the board.” They replied.\n\nI turned back around to the billboard, only it wasn’t a billboard, it was a leaderboard. Hundreds of names sat next to a number and the name by the number one position? Mine.\n\n“I don’t understand. I cleaned for a living. How is it that I could be number one?”\n\n“Life is more than what you are,” their voices were beautiful, but the perfect harmony was intimidating, “we are about to show you. We’ve seen it hundreds of times, but nothing is better than seeing it with the number one star.”\n\nImbued with curiosity I nodded. One of the beings stood up and offered me their seat. I walked over, shoulders rounded. I could see their faces now. Their smiles were filled with a level of love and adoration I had only ever seen when my wife looked upon our first born.\n\n“Thank you, wait, Betty? Is that you?”\n\nOld Betty smiled, winked and put a finger to her lips. She gestured back to the front, where the leader-board was now replaced by a large screen.\n\nAnd then I saw my life. Every high, every low. Every little moment – and much to my chagrin, even the embarrassing ones -- that made me, me, was put on like a movie for everyone in the stadium to see.\n\nAnd as it reached the end, I felt the tears roll down my cheeks and a resounding love fill my body.\n\n“You see, it wasn’t who you were, it was what you did for others.” The voices sang. “The lives you changed, the good that came to be because of the little selfless things you did. The impact you left on earth was insurmountable. The lives you touched innumerable. We’re put on the earth to learn and create – you excelled at both. And now watch again, look and see the fruits of your labor.”\n\nI looked to the screen and clutched my knees trying to keep myself from sobbing. I saw my children grow up to be advocates for the poor, the homeless, the immigrants and the most vulnerable. I saw a coworker I had helped when they were in a dark place bring love and comfort into the lives of those around them. I saw strangers, faces long since forgotten, put a smile on and make another person’s day. I saw my plants become beautiful works of nature that then went on to be beautiful works of art by artists whose names I never knew.\n\nIt was then that I came to understand that my life was a stone skipped into a pond, creating ripples every time it made contact with the water's still surface.\n\n“You were not dealt the best hand in life, but despite that, you came to be one of the world’s greatest victors.” Again, an overwhelming wave of love. “Come now, it’s time to celebrate.”" ]	2
	[WP] You've dreamed about being a powerful wizard or a mighty warrior in a D&D universe. One day you find yourself in such a universe, but it's still the same you, without any special magical or physical abilities. But there is something you do have - an intricate understanding of the ruleset.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 spent my whole life dreaming of this. Being one of the countless heros, brawlers, knights, and other such characters from my beloved stories. To live in a world of adventure, magic and mayhem. Where the good guys mostly win in the end, where heart, spirit, and resolve equated to fantastic feats in the dungeons or on the battlefields. How many nights did I drift off wanting more than anything to live that kind of life. \n Well, I awoke some time ago in a strange bed, in a place I had never been, in the world of my wildest dreams! So what became of all my dreams of heroism and adventure? A huge pile of shit was what I got.\n Turns out in this world I have zero affinity for magic, can't use it can't learn it. And, did you know you have to really practice with a sword to get good? I didnt! I tried lifting one up at the smithy son of bitch was heavy as hell. I swung it for good measure, and mostly to try and act like I knew what I was doing. It felt like my arm was gonna rip out of the socket! \n All the years of listing to the wailing in my soul to be able to be here in the worlds magic and dragons, and I had no skills I could use. I could not fight, cast, fly, or sneak. But, let me tell you of the absolute worst part, the hunger. Yep every morning when I wake, and every evening when the skies burst into prismatic colors of reds, oranges, greens, blues, and pinks. The hunger sets it and its terrible. I had to face it if I wanted to survive Id have to get a job. \n As far as anyone else was concerned I was usless and that meant no quests for me. No dragons hoard, goblin gold, or dwarven silver to provide a bull work against the daily relentless hunger. All I could find was contract work hauling shit out of the communal toilets of inns, brothels, and outhouse that littered the city. God did I miss the old life in those days! What I would not give to be able to microwave a hot pocket again while waiting for the rest of my party to load in for a boss raid. In those days however I was too tired to dwell on my old life too long lest the hunger rear its head again. However the winds of fate were starting to move. Wait no thats not guite right. Its more like the very minimal brezze of fate came through an open gate and I caught a brief respite when a group of newly arrived adventures propositioned me to be their mule one day. \n I did not know who they were I was unaware that all the other labor in the city had been hired out. That I the mucker was the only one they could persuade to take a chance hauling their gear around the dungeon but, they were offering three weeks of my regular wage. That was enough to keep the hunger at bay for a while. So I said yes. \n I almost immediately began to regret the decision. I should have asked around. Done some homework, or asked about their experience before signing on. These guys didn't know shit! Sure their tank was strong, and their mage had some magic affinity, but damn they had no idea how to do this. \n It was then on the third level of the dungeon labyrinth seeing my life flash before my eyes, feeling deaths imminate call upon my soul. All because these dumb asses kept trying to cast a freeze spell on a really medium sized spider, wondering why it wasn't working. It was then that all my years of gaming came into play. I blurted out \"cone of coldness! You piece of shit mage!\" He must have heard me because all of a sudden it clicked he cast cone of coldness. The slider froze we were saved. The adventures turned and looked at me. In the expressions on their faces I could see it. \n Like a phoenix the old me was crumbling around me in flames. And the new me was being born. A purer version of me if you will. The years of table top games, card games, video games, novels and their movies were distilled in my mind. I was being reborn as what I always was, who I was always meant to be. I am the grammar nazi!" ]	2
	[WP] In modern times (but without the current events), someone leaves a bag with a severed Medusa head on a bench in a crowded public space.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "It had to be some kind of publicity stunt. I walked to work this way everyday and I am pretty sure these statues had not been there yesterday. \n\nMan, they were so lifelike too. People wearing suits, and ladies dressed in skirts and casual attire.\n\nIt was kind of funny actually. Like the status told a story. The very first one was a guy sitting on a bench with his hands up like he was holding something. And then the second one was another man bending down to pick up what the sitting man was holding. And then a lady a few steps away walking away from the two statue men with her hands out holding something. \n\nThe line of statued people went on for over a block. It had to be at least twenty people or more. Each of them all having their hands up as if they were holding something.\n\nWhoever made this art must be trying to say something but I’ll be damned if I know what it is. Maybe it’s saying that even those people you pass everyday need help and are too frozen to reach out. Eh..probably something dorky like that.\n\nOh I think I’ve finally come to the end of the statues. Looks like there is a bag in the hands of the very last one.\n\nOh you can just take it. How weird, I wonder if this was meant to be there or someone just hung it there for a laugh.\n\nOh man, something weird is in this bag. It’s heavy and kind of feels soft. I know I shouldn’t look but curiosity has the better of me.\n\nIs that...oh shit...", "\"I'm going to need that.\"\n\nI whipped around, clutching the bust tighter to my chest to meet the sea-green eyes of a young man not much older than myself. My heart rate quickened as I recognized his tousled brown hair, the tiny wings by the ankles of his sandals, and the pendant on his necklace moulded to depict a winged helm.\n\nHe gestured with his chin to the bust that I had taken out of the bag sitting on the bench. I'd covered the bust with fabric, shielding its identity from the eyes of the curious children and parents wandering around the park.\n\n\"Why?\" I asked him, taking a step backwards in the direction of the bag. \"It's not yours.\"\n\n\"Actually, it is.\" He scratched the bottom of his chin as his eyes locked on the bust. \"I left the bag here for a second because I had to return a mirror to a friend. I didn't think someone would come after it the second I left.\"\n\nA mirror. \"I don't believe the bust is yours,\" I said casually, noticing a flash of annoyance in the man's eyes. He doesn't like being questioned. \"You seem much too clumsy to be a sculptor.\"\n\n\"That's very offensive, miss.\" He said coolly. \"But I'd like my bust back. I don't want to argue with you and I don't want to cause a commotion. Please put it back in the bag and give it to me. This way, you won't need to face trouble.\"\n\n\"You have no right,\" I replied, pushing my sunglasses higher up the bridge of my nose. \"There's nothing on the bag or the bust to determine they're yours. I can't take your word for it, so I'm going to leave and hand this to the antique store.\"\n\n\"No!\" He shouted, reaching out and grabbing my wrist. His fingers and nails dug deeply into my skin and the pain shot up into my arm, causing me to draw away in disgust. Desperation seeped out from his posture and I held on to the bust tighter. \"Don't do that. You can't do that.\"\n\n\"Why not?\"\n\n\"Because it's mine. Is anyone else at the park claiming it's theirs? Do you see anyone coming over and asking for the bust?\" I shook my head, to which he continued, \"Exactly. So just give it back to me and we'll pretend we've never met.\"\n\nHe put his remaining hand on the neck of the bust and tried to pry it away from my hands. He never looked at the bust as he did so, instead choosing to rake his gaze across the perimeter of the park. My eyes narrowed.\n\n\"I don't like pretending.\" I let go of the bust and watched as the man stilled. He sensed it, too, for his hand immediately went up to the fabric and his eyes locked on mine. His stance became defensive, the smile falling off his cheeks.\n\n\"You're being awfully annoying, miss.\" The man said slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. I swear I could see venom behind his green irises that so many had mistaken for determination. \"Choose your next words very carefully.\"\n\n\"You're going to kill me because of a simple hunk of marble?\" I watched as the man tightened his grip on the fabric. \"I dare you to. Everyone in the park will see you for the murderer you are, instead of your so-called hero. You're nothing but the gifts of the gods.\"\n\n\"You've gone too far, miss.\" The man ripped off the fabric and turned the bust towards me, his eyes wide with mania and glee. The excitement in his face made him wild, making me doubt how anyone could've seen him as a hero. It was sad, really. He was ready to kill me, and he was ready to face the consequences that will be pardoned just for him. \"You're just going to be another statue in Central Park.\"\n\nThe marble glare bore into me, the features of the bust becoming all too familiar. Nonchalantly, I stared back.\n\nLong time no see, Medusa.\n\nThe man's smile faltered when he realized Medusa's curse didn't work on me. He dug into his pockets, maybe searching for his mirror or his weapons. Before long, understanding swept across his face and he snarled, \"You're one of them, aren't you?\"\n\n\"Stheno's the name,\" I took one step towards him and the man shrunk back, fear flashing across his face. The way he recoiled, the way he cowered under me, made me doubt how this great hero could've ever been known for his bravery and cunningness. Under the burning sunlight in Central Park, he was nothing but a man too privileged for his own good.\n\nMy fingertips rested on the frame of my sunglasses. I leaned forward as he flinched under my stare.\n\n\"You're standing weaponless in front of me. In a second, you'll end up just like my sister. Gone will be your heroic legacy and all you will be is another forgotten name in Greek mythology. I'm not afraid to kill you right here right now, and, unlike you, my days are not numbered. So, Perseus, now that I got that out of the way, how about we make a deal?\"\n\n//\n\nyooo this prompt was so fun to write :D", "The weather was cold and overcast; a bitter wind was buffeting against me as I strolled down the street. On days like these I cut through the park and let the trees block some of the elements for me. \n\nAs a whole, the part is unremarkable. A concrete trail, some benches, a playground somewhere. There were fewer and fewer people using it everyday. A dying park in a dying town. I tucked my head into my neck as I walked quickly through it.\n\nThen I heard a scream.\n\nIt wasn't a woman's scream, but a shrill scream of horror all the same. I picked my head up and looked around me. I saw a teenager jumping up and down around some statue. I considered minding my own business and moving along, but then I heard him shouting help, help!\n\nI rushed to where he was. \"What is it? What's wrong?\" My phone was in my hand, ready to call an ambulance.\n\n\"My friend! We were walking though the park and he looked in that bag and now he's frozen!\" He said the words so quickly I needed a couple seconds to figure it out.\n\nI looked at the statue--it was a stone sculpture of two people, one woman and one teenage boy, peering into a bag. The bag itself was burlap and flapped in the wind. But there was something inside that gave it a shape at its bottom.\n\nI put my phone away. \"Is this some kind of prank?\" I asked him as I looked around for accomplices. \n\n\"No! No, no, no! I don't know what's going on!\" His alarm seemed sincere enough. He went to the teenage statue and started shaking it. \"Wake up, wake up!\" \n\nI put my hand on his shoulder. \"Hey, do you need me to call for help? Do your parents know where you are?\" \n\n\"Yeah! Call 9-1-1! We need help!\"\n\nI pulled my phone back out and put 9-1-1 into the dial pad as the kid tried prying the statue's hands free of the bag. I pressed the call button and watched the boy fumble with the stone fingers. When the hands wouldn't let go, we looked into the bag to see what they were holding on to.\n\nIn that moment his expression softened slightly and he was still. \n\n\"9-1-1, what's your emergency?\" The dispatcher said on the line. \n\n\"Hi, uh, I'm at Bennett Park, by the statue, and there's a young man here...\" I looked to the boy, but his expression hadn't changed. His hoodie had stopped waving in the wind, I noticed and he looked pale.\n\n\"Is the young man okay?\" The dispatcher asked.\n\n\"He's...\" I walked closer and put a hand on his shoulder. \"Hey, man...\" But he was cold. \n\nI jumped back. \n\n\"Sir?\" The voice said, small and tinny in the earpiece.\n\n\"I'm sorry, I don't understand what's going on here. I'm at the statue. I don't know if I'm being pranked or not, but something weird's going on.\"\n\nThere was some typing and quiet on the line. \"There's no statue at Bennett Park.\" \n\n\"There's one here now. Please hurry.\" I hung up the phone and dropped it to the ground. \n\nI examined the stone boy. The carving was exquisite; every detail of his face was preserved perfectly. If it was some kind of prank it was a high-production job.\n\n\\--------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nAfter an hour, I found myself huddled on a park bench, looking at the statue. It now had an additional two sculptures in the form of police officers who had responded to my call. I watched it happen both times: they looked in the bag, they turned to stone. I couldn't explain it. I didn't know what to do. If I called for backup, two more people would be killed. \n\nWhat I did know was that whatever was in that bag was doing it. \n\nI tore the bag from the eight hands holding it and made for the lake." ]	4
	[WP] Twins are born and they have the power to sense the general direction of the other twin. They live normal lives with their neat little power, but on their 20th birthday, a fatal car accident occurs and the other twin can no longer sense them. Several years later, a familiar presence is felt.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "When I was younger my brother and I were inseparable. I guess it helped that we were twins. We would do everything together and when we apart, we still knew where eachother were. If I was at recess, I knew he was at lunch. I hadn't only memorized his schedule from Kindergarten all the way through high school but I could feel it in my bones. \n\nTogether we were unstoppable. Then came college. I was the brains, he was the brawn. We had to go to separate sides of the state. Even though we would be in different places I could still feel the warmth in my bones that he was alive and well, and right where he was supposed to be. \n\nApril 20th, he was supposed to turn 20. But he didn't. At about six that morning I awoke to a sharp, cold pain stemming from every cell in my body. The pain was agonizing, like a bond was deteriorating. Once the pain, the fevers and sickness had passed. I no longer felt warmth in my bones, I couldn't feel my brother. Something was up. I picked up my phone and I have thirty missed calls from our mother. I called her back and before she even uttered the words I knew what she was going to say. I was right. \n\nThat was five months ago. Today I felt something remarkable. It was like millions of tiny suns within my bones. It was like my twin had returned. But that was impossible. He was gone. He had been gone for a while now. And he couldn't come back. He wouldn't come back. One number was nonstop calling my phone today. I was a Pennsylavnia number. He had gone to Pitt so by the sixth time I picked it up. It was a hospital. One thought flew through my head... my brother. I rushed there as fast as I could, ignoring speed limits, taking the turnpike, anything I could do to make it there as fast as I could. I was in Ohio. The number had come from a hospital near Pittsburgh. \n\nWhen I got there I was escorted to a room where a woman rested with a baby in her arms. As I approached the small human, the warmth in my bones raged out, telling me that this was my brother or better yet, all that was left of him." ]	2
	[WP] There’s a Tupperware container in the office fridge that looks like guac and smells like guac, but is labelled “rat poison”.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Some NSFW language, folks.\n\nYou walk into the \"suffering room\" and go for the \"food spoiler\" to see what \"famishings\" are available to snack on. \"Rat poison! Hell yeah, finally something good around here\" you murmur to yourself. \"Hey Rob! Come over here and grab some rat poison before all the hardworking people that are better than us finish it off!\" You take a few bites and head back to your \"leisure desk\" to be productive. You open up your email to see an email from your superior, whom works much harder and is much more valuable than you. It reads \"Happy Monday! Hope you are well! I'm looking to have you help out on an important and meaningful task! I'll send it right over, just some quick paperwork that I will absolutely take into account for the progression of your career!\" You close the email, and let out a long exhale of air slightly accompanied with a shake of anxiety.\n\nIt has been two years since the government mandated that \"to the best of their ability, every person, company, and organization must use a word nearly opposite of its original meaning to maintain the status quo of our great economy, which is undoubtedly the best that the world has ever seen.\"\n\nYou think to yourself, God damn, everything is so fucking hard to keep track of nowadays. This asshole telling me \"Happy Monday\" and promising meaningful progression thinking he can play it off as forgetting the government mandate.\n\nThis isn't anything out of the norm. Fuck him, you'll just waste some more time at work. You hop on \"Realigram,\" which is a social media platform where people show their true selves throughout both the ups and downs of their lives. Fuck, the anxiety increases. You're done. You pick up the few things you care about off your \"leisure desk\" that you've spent so many god damn hours suffering at. You're done with all these fucking antethesises or whatever the fuck they are. You walk over to your boss' cube and yell \"fuck you, you piece of shit, I fucking hate this place! Fuck this florescent lighting, fuck the meaningless tasks, and fuck these gridlocked positions! I hope you all rot in hell! I'm off to eat some rat poison!\" \n\nEveryone wondered why you were so filled with joy that day and they still wonder why you never returned.", "You see the delicious container of guac. You found a bag of chips lying around and decided to grab a bunch to fuel your day. As you reach for the container, you notice an unnerving label, \"rat poison\". Obviously somebody was trying to trick you into not eating it, but you were too hungry to think about the others, so you took a bite.\n\nIt was the most delicious guac you could ever taste, delicious vibes skyrocketing through your body like a flavor rocket arriving at the distant world of your taste buds. You couldn't stop eating it until you realized there was not even a scrap left. Feeling dirty, you wash your hands and get back to work.\n\nUnbeknownst to you, a coworker named James entered the break room right after you left. He checked the fridge and looked at the now empty container of guac. He laughed.\n\nIt was two hours into work when your stomach started to hurt. You did eat a whole hell of a lot of guac, so it would make sense. Closing the games on your computer, you get up from your desk and run to the bathroom. \n\nYou got the shit sweats. Your stomach became a tidal pool of guac preparing for the chocolate rain from Hell. Your stomach begins to hurt worse than ever before, adding insult to the ass-ault your stomach was bracing for when finally your stomach gives one last push and empties your bowels at lightning speed. \n\nBut your stomach hurts again. And it hurts like hell incarnate as you begin to sweat, and it certainly wasn't the shit sweats you were having. This sweat was real, and it wasn't a sign of anything good at all. You didn't know what was coming, and then your mind began to swim. But paychecks were to be had, and you could just go to the boss and tell him what's up. With what you look like, it's pretty believable. So you muster up the strength to stand up, finish your business, and push on to get to the boss.\n\nAbout three steps out of the bathroom and back to the cubicle-laden office, you collapse. James goes over to you, bends down to your ear, and whispers to you. \n\n\"Should've listened to the label, you fuckin' rat.\"\n\nYour mind swims back to when you reported him to the boss about the missing paperwork from James, who almost lost his job. He gave you the stink eye, but nothing came after that. Up until now, life was pretty good. But now, you realize what happened. James laced the guac with poison. And you were a rat. So you ate the rat poison. And right then, as your consciousness faded to back, you mustered your final, raspy breath, to say one word.\n\n\"Bitch.\"" ]	3
	[WP] “And the humans, they are affected by this force, one hitherto unknown to science. They call it... Luck.”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"Luck? What is luck, what do you mean, 'luck'? We didn't put that in, did we?\" Serbo skewed his lips with disdain. The aliens' form was thick and muscular, humanoid with thick, white, shaggy fur covering much of the body. Their teeth were sharp jagged shards of a dense obsidian-shaded mineral.\n\n\"No sir, we didn't.\" Jeosk replied. \"It seems to have developed on its own somehow.\"\n\n\"You mean to tell me that these hairless worms haven't even left their own orbit, but they've managed to add something to the system we haven't?\" Serbo spat with each word, his thick saliva landing uncouthly on the deck of the ship.\n\n\"It... it appears that way, sir.\"\n\n\"Describe it, then.\"\n\n\"Well it's hard to describe, sir. Some of the crew think it's some sort of subconscious magic.\"\n\n\"Pffft. They lost all their magic a long time ago. They proved they weren't ready for that.\"\n\n\"Some sort of remnant, perhaps?\"\n\n\"Not possible. Describe it, Jeosk, or I'll have you replaced.\"\n\nJeosk sat up straighter, gripping his console tighter in a panic. \"It seems to change the flow of events around them, sir. They refer to it in two forms: there is 'good' luck and 'bad' luck. It's a sort of unknown variable.\"\n\n\"No variable is unsolvable. Have we determined what it is?\"\n\n\"Whatever it is, sir, it seems to fluctuate. Sometimes it's a force, sometimes it's an attraction, it's amorphous. Our sensors get scrambled whenever we zero in on it.\"\n\n\"Curious indeed. What is 'bad luck', then?\"\n\n\"It seems to be something they attribute negative circumstances with. Stepping into fecal matter, accidentally hitting someone nearby. Negative coincidences perhaps is an apt description?\"\n\n\"I see. 'Good luck'?\"\n\n\"Quite the opposite. Sometimes meeting their mate for the first time is good luck, or achieving something statistically unlikely could be considered 'lucky' by them.\"\n\n\"And it is proven to exist?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"\n\n\"And we have no control over it?\"\n\n\"We can't seem to bend it or alter it, sir.\"\n\n\"Well then.\" Serbo paused. He gave a crooked smile as he stared out of the viewing deck to the large blue orb in front of him. \"We can't have unknowns in the simulation. We lose funding if we show we're not in control. Take it away from them.\"\n\n\"Witch Trial protocol, sir? Same as with magic?\"\n\n\"Affirmative. By this time tomorrow, I want all luck squeezed out of the human race. We'll put it into a jar.\" Serbo chuckled, turning away from the view port and strolling back to his quarters.\n\n\"Yes, sir...\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n(If you liked this story, feel free to check out my humble community at: r/SUPRAPStories)" ]	2
	[WP] The villain has won, the world has succumbed. You’re just a mediocre sales worker kept captive in his many dungeons, until he one day points a finger at you, “Hey man it’s you! It’s been so long, how’ve you been? I’ve been looking for you!”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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 didn’t look up immediately. In Holding Area Two-Seven-Five-Three-Dash-P — the ‘Pit’ for its more lucid guests — it was just as likely that the ‘voice’ you thought you heard was your own insane rambling slipping out. I was, for the moment, blessedly sane.\n\nIt was a cold place, dark and damp, like the feeling you’d get from reading Oliver Twist, or one of those premade submarine sandwiches at three in the morning in your kitchen. Pitch black, too moist to enjoy, on account of the tomato. But you can’t stop now. Bag’s already open.\n\nWhat I wouldn’t give to have a sub right now.\n\nA heavy hand set on the back of my neck, hauling my frail form up to face the speaker. My head angled up to look at a black scar in the shape of a person, darker than the gap between stars. Light years of cold, empty void.\n\nBut this was new. Guards didn’t usually bother touching dead men or madmen, which made up about everyone who lived in the Pit. Though I don’t think I’d really call it living. More like a purgatory where all your senses drip out of your body, a broken bathroom sink faucet. I tried to tune my leaky ears into what the scar was saying.\n\n“I feel like you’re not listening,” Scar said. At least, the vibrations that shook through my skin, flesh, and bones gave the general impression of such a sentence. Okay, not a guard. For all their depravity, the guards were certainly all human. This impossible thing pretending to look human, it was anything but warm blood and a beating heart. I knew the difference, my heartbeat was the only way to keep time in the Pit. Seventy-seven trillion beats and counting, give or take.\n\n“Really, of all people, I thought you’d listen,” Scar continued, dropping me to hang against the manacles of my cell. Pacing the length of my cell, as much as an entity without definite form can pace, Scar kept talking. It didn’t seem like it wanted a response, I knew that strut. My old office boss, crotchety bastard he was, took the same walks when he was pissed and wanted to let someone have it.\n\nFirst one to die when the world went dark.\n\n“I thought I was doing it all right, you know? Quit my job, backpack across Europe, find an ancient artifact that allowed me to step beyond time and space, tear the world down brick by thrown brick, put it back together with my own two… well, not hands, but you get the idea. Hell, I even had some ragtag bunch of ‘heroes’ stand up to me, just like a children’s book.” A chuckle shook the wall I was chained to, the floor beneath me. My bindings came loose and I fell to the floor, coughing and wheezing for breath. People were chained in the Pit specially so their lungs couldn’t take in a healthy amount of air. Oxygen deprivation to the point of insanity.\n\n“They didn’t take to being scattered across history. Explains those old stories of ‘surprise body parts,’ hey? Only needed to end two of them before the others caved. Suppose the ones with guts were at the front. Shame, I’d have liked to introduce you to a few of them,” the entity, not human, turned back to me. I think. “But that’s old news. What’s up with you, Jo?”\n\n“You know my name?” I croaked, throat dry and sore. My little drip of rain water had been closed up the previous month, so it was the bare minimum for human survival, as provided by the guards on orders of the warden.\n\nI dimly recalled that I’d never met my warden. Shadowy creatures, more esoteric than mundane. Maybe this was mine. That is, if the Pit had a list of its inmates.\n\n“Warden… what’ve I done to earn a visit from you?” I asked, trying for a dry delivery. I overdid it, launching into a coughing fit. “Is it time for my execution already? I know people don’t like paper pushers, but this is ridiculous.”\n\nThe hum coming off of the thing in front of me changed, carving the idea of a question mark in my mind.\n\n“No, I’m not a warden, I—Oh, for chrissake. You don’t remember me, Jo? What the hell?” the entity thrummed. “The New Year’s party? Our joint proposal to the board? My going away drink-a-thon? None of that rings a bell?”\n\nI shut my eyes - not just because looking at Scar gave me a headache. The last New Year’s party I’d been at was at my old job. But that was years ago, and almost everyone from the office is gone. Disappeared right along with the old boss. Maybe the year before? That would mean…\n\n“Quin?” I asked. My question was met with a thunderous boom, a few bits of debris fell from the ceiling.\n\n“Ha, you do remember!” Scar pulsed, shaking me further. “I knew you would, Jo. You always were the best person at that damn office. Tough times now, huh?”\n\nI forced a laugh. If this thing was Quin, I didn’t want to piss it off. Great person, last I knew. But I remembered that temper. “Yeah, all our assets were liquidated. So… you’re the-”\n\n“Ruler of the world? Sure am. Talk about a promotion,” the laugh sounded as forced as my own, but maybe it was more forceful. There were new grooves in the wall, and I felt a couple bruises form. “Actually, that’s why I’m here. This holding area’s warden ran into that hero group I was talking about. Tried giving the position to those flakes, had to be tough enough to stand up to me, right? Nah, shriveled and died, the lot of them. So I thought, hey, go see old Jo. See if you want out of this hole. I give great benefits, and dental to die for.”\n\nIt was difficult to focus in front of the Scar, Quin, whatever it was. My head was pounding with its words and the new intake of oxygen, my ribs were bruised and my limbs just barely got their circulation back. Too many reawakened senses, too little time to think.\n\n“Can I think about it? Just barely got my head back on straight, you know?” I peered around Quin, trying to see the world outside the cage. A few guards, some wrestling with an escapee, others watching me and Quin. Oddly, the spectators - one of whom was fiddling with a silver canister - seemed more disheveled than the ones brutalizing the man on the ground. Like they had the wrong size of uniform.\n\n“Tsk. You know what, ‘cause it’s you, sure,” Quin’s pulsing speech redrew my focus. Well, as much focus as I could give without bleeding through my nose. “Five minutes, wanna fast track a replacement.”\n\nThen the cell door flew open, that silver canister hit the ground hard, and everything went white.", "\"Hey man it's you! It's been so long, how've you been? I've been looking for you!\"\n\nI looked up from my desk to look at the supreme overlord. At 8 feet tall, simply moving your head wasn't enough to look him in the eyes, I would have to move my whole body. Although none of that really mattered, as no one dared to look the supreme overlord in his eyes. Lest he notice you and make an example of it.\n\nWhen I looked up, making sure to carefully avoid eye contact. He grabbed my face in one of his giant hands, and glared at me straight in the eyes.\n\n\"I've been looking everywhere for you. Do you know I travelled the whole goddamn world in hopes of finding you, but behold, you're such a loser that you never even left your home town... Pathetic\". He spat on the floor and made me clean it up.\n\n\"How low the mighty have fallen. Listen up everyone.\", he raised his voice just a little bit. All of the workers around me who were only pretending to not be listening before, now had full permission to watch my humiliation.\n\n\"15 years ago, this man right here thought that he could take me down!\", as if on cue the whole office laughed. We had been trained by the supreme leader's communication corps to overexaggerate all reactions to his speeches. He had a brutal ego, and at any sign of that ego being damaged, he would lose control of his temper.\n\n\"This man right here led a 'resistance' against me. Backed by all the superpowers of the world, he had the entire might of planet Earth in his hands, and yet he still failed. How does it feel Albert, being the most useless piece of shit on the planet? How does it feel to have lost time and time again. How does it feel to be such a pathetic loser that you went from being the commander and chief of the whole goddamn world, to a fucking paper pusher who can barely afford the car he drives in. Speaking of which..... where is your car? I would like to take a look.\"\n\n\"32B\", I muttered, that wasn't the location of my car, it was my boss Janice's. In literally a blink of an eye, the supreme overlord was back, this time holding Janice's bumper in her hand.\n\n\"Oops\", he said. I just wanted to take it for a test drive.\n\nJanice watched from her office, her face as red as a tomato as she tried to process the destruction of her brand new \"out of the lot\" car. She didn't dare come outside and say the truth.\n\n\"Well, well, well. I'm thorougly satisfied now, my years of searching have finally come to an end. I can rest easily at night knowing that you're an utter failure. I thought you'd have gone out and maybe wrote a book about how you faced the supreme overlord, and how he so graciously let you go despite you trying to kill him over and over and over again. But alas, not everyone is great like me, not everyone is the most powerful being in the universe.\"\n\nI stared at the supreme overlord, frustration, fury, and a few tears in my eyes. Unable to do anything against his humiliation, I shrank into myself, hoping to block out the noise around me to avoid the ear beating.\n\nAs if God had seen my sorrow, through a window placed perfectly behind the overlord, I saw something zip by in the sky. A newfound energy took me over. \n\nI needed to buy some time, it wasn't close enough yet.\n\n\"You know what Mr. Supreme Overlord, or should I say 'Angus'? If we're here obsessing over your accomplishments, why don't we tell them how you made McDonalds rename one of their burgers because you 'didn't like the name'?\", the supreme overlord stared at me like the words didn't phase him. I knew they did.\n\n\"Did you know your supreme overlord is such a sensitive piece of shit that his greatest weakness is that his own given name is so hilarious. HA. One time me and the former crew laughed for over an hour at the sound of his name. Only one letter away from his favourite thing in the world am I right?\" That last part was completely false. No one called him Angus, because no one knew. I had just called him by the name that was given to him by his birth parents, both of whom he slaughtered 2 years after being born. Most people cowered at his thought, no one would make fun of him.\n\nI laughed a little bit on my own. I could see the rage in his eyes. Just a few more seconds and it would be ready. I had to do something.\n\n\"And you know the best pa-\", my voice cut out instantly. I was hoisted 3 feet into the air by the neck, being held up by an arm so firm you would belive it to be cast out of pure steel. \n\n\"Continue on Albert, tell us?\"\n\nEveryone else in the building averted their eyes, fucking cowards, they would rather live in this man's shadow for the rest of their lives than to express an ounce of disagreement.\n\nI choked and gasped for air. I gazed towards the window one last time, turned to Angus, and smiled. \n\nBlood sprayed all over my face as Andreas flew through Angus' brain. The iron grip loosened immediately and I dropped to the ground. He wouldn't stay down for long, his ability to heal at a rapid pace meant that we had approximately 15 mintues before he wokeup again. This time there would be no mercy.\n\nAndreas grew to his full size. During the war against the overlord we reliazed that moving troops takes a long time and a lot of resources. We borrowed a quick tip from Ant-Man and realized that shrinking the troops would allow us to transport them en masse covertly. We could shrink and grow just about anything to any size. Unfortunate that it was discovered towards the end of the war, or millions of people would still be here.\n\nAndreas picked his tiny little ship off of the ground, threw it outside and it grew to its full size, about the size of the entire building we were in.\n\n\"Albert, it's been a while.\", he said.\n\n\"Hello Andreas... Why are you here?\"\n\n\"The old crew is regrouping. We need someone to lead them.\"\n\n\"We lost last time with unlimited firepower, what makes you think it'll be any easier now with a ragtag bunch of rebels.\"\n\n\"Because we discovered a secret\", Andreas said flashed towards the other side of the room. \"Something really awesome\", he said, while he levitated towards me.\n\nWhat the fuck was that? Only the supreme overlord was capable of doing things like that. I had to know more. \"Well, seeing as I don't want to be here when this man wakes up, it seems like I have no option.\"\n\nAndreas shot Angus a few more times, just to be safe. The bullets bounced off. \"As usual\", he muttered. Making his way to the ship.\n\n\"Before we leave, just one more thing\", I exclaimed.\n\nI ran into Janice's office.\n\n\"Please don't hurt me!\", she yelled and threw her hands up. A coward till the end it seemed. \n\nI didn't say a word, I simply placed the bumper on her desk and ran to the ship. On the bumper, I scratched in the words \"FUCK YOU\"." ]	3
	[WP] the world works like it does in the children's show Word World: there are letters scattered everywhere, and objects can be formed by finding and assembling the letters that make up the object's word	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"Nerd.\"\n\nThe kids in the hallway laughed. It hurt. It hurt my feelings. It hurt my feelings a lot. \n\nI tried to walk away. What had Momma said? Something about being the bigger person and walking away? I tried. I tried to. But it's hard to do what you want you want to do when everyone else is bigger than you and they get to push you around.\n\nSomeone pushed me into a locker, but it was closed, so I should've said that they pushed me against it. Not that I mattered which way I said it - it didn't hurt any less. It hurt just as much as the words did, but I prefered this pain. What was it called? Physical pain? Yeah. Physical pain eventually healed, went away. But the words would stick with me forever.\n\nAs I fell against the locker - against, remember? Not into - they crowded around. I had tried walking away earlier and they didn't want anymore of that funny business. I tried to think of what my Dad would say. Hit hard and hit first, maybe? But he was a big man and I wasn't. Plus, I didn't like his way. Hitting things didn't solve all the problems in the world. Because if it had, then all the times he hit my mom, should've fixed their relationship. He wouldn't have left her. And me.\n\nSomeone hit me in the face. The world went black. For a moment, I thought I had passed out. But then someone punched me in the middle and it hurt badly. So then I knew that I just had my eyes closed. They swarmed me. They beat me so bad that even a pinata would've felt sorry for me.\n\nI would've made a great boxer or MMA fighter, I think. I didn't pass out one single time. I felt every single punch, kick, and insult hurled at me. The insults hurt the worst. Eventually, someone - it sounded like an adult - yelled, \"Break it up! Break it up!\" For a second, I thought he was urging them on. That was how bad it was, I had started to think of myself as an 'it'. The only reason why I knew this adult wasn't talking about me was because there was nothing left of me to break it. I was broken.\n\nThe kicks and punches stopped. A few insults lingered under a canopy of mumbled breaths. I was thankful for my swollen eyes. If I could've opened them, I probably would've seen smirks. Someone swept my broken peices off the floor into a dustpan of arms and pieced me back together on a cot in the nurse's office.\n\n\"You poor thing,\" she murmured. \n\nNo one got suspended, detention, or expelled. The bullying continued, but they got smarter. They would catch me in places where no adults would interrupt the beatings - stairwells, bathroom stalls, certain places on the playground. Even the nurse stopped having sympathy for me. At some point, you can't have sympathy for someone who doesn't fit back. You can only pity them. And even then, pity makes the pitier annoyed if they have to feel sorry for you all the time.\n\nOne day, I went home and bumped into my father as he was leaving the house. He looked as big as impressive as ever. At the same time I knew that if we had went to school together he would've been one of the main boys bullying me. It was odd to look up to a man who you hated. \n\nHe looked down at me. Not condescendingly. He was just so tall and big he naturally looked down at everybody and everything. I wonder what he saw when he looked at me that day? Standing there with my black eyes and swollen face? Was he ashamed of me? Or was ashamed of himself for having had such a weak sperm cell to produce me? \n\nAll he said was, \"Your mother told me what was happening to school.\" And he shoved three letters in my hand. \"Don't look at them until you get to school. If you do, I'll know. And I'll come back and beat your ass.\" Then he loped down the stairs, got in his truck and drove off to his other family.\n\nBelieve it or not, I didn't look at the letters until I got to school. I don't know, I just guess a part of me really believed he would know if I peeked and came back to beat my ass. I didn't mind him coming back. As much as he terrified me, he was still my Dad, and I loved seeing him. It was the beating my ass part that scared me. I don't think I could've survived a beating from him.\n\nWhen I got to school the next day, I checked the letters he had given me.\n\nThere was three of them:\n\nG. N. U." ]	2
	[WP] You're a 70000 year old dragon with wisdom and knowledge humanity can only dream of and you just lost a game of chess to a human child. And in this game you bet that if the child won you would be their caretaker and best friend.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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 awoken me from- oh, a child. Hello child, what has brought you into my lair?\" \n\n\"Oh! A dragon! I didn't know you were real!\"\n\n\"You dare to insult my kind so? We are primordial creatures of mass destruction that have endured waves of mass extinction and destroyed countless fiefdoms! I am older than the very mountain I lay in!\"\n\n\"I didn't mean to insult you! I just wanted to ask whether or not you wanted to play chess! ...Do- do you want me to leave? I can.\"\n\n\"No child, you may stay if you watch your tounge. What is this chess you speak of and how does one play it?\"\n\n\"Well first you have the pawns, they can only move one space at a time forward. But if they haven't moved yet you can move them two spaces.\" The child chatted on about each piece's role on the yellow and brown board while holding up the pieces the child was talking about. The dragon occasionally asked questions about the games history. The dragon found this child to be a fountain of knowledge about the past. \n\nAs the child set up the yellow and brown board the dragon asked about what they knew of past civilizations. As the child grinned the dragon knew he had chosen the right topic. The child rambled on about the Inca, Aztec, Chinese, Greek, and even a little bit about ancient Egyptian mythology and history. The dragon was fascinated with the little one's knowledge but he knew that some of the things the child had said were wrong. But the dragon didn't have time to correct the child for the board was set and it was his turn. \n\nThe child guided the dragon as he learned the basics. The dragon got better and better the more they played but somehow the child always outwitted his many different strategies. \n\nWhen the game reached a point where the child's assistance was no longer needed they tentatively asked \"Hey um, mighty dragon?\"\n\n\"Yes?\" The dragon asked as it's reptilian head looked up from the tiny board and pieces. \n\n\"If I win this next game, can I stay here with you? Please? I don't want to go back.\"\n\n\"Why?\" The dragon asked as it's scaly eyebrows moved together in concern. \n\n\"Oh well... um... I- um...\"\n\n\"Take your time little one.\"\n\n\"They'll kill me.\" the child finally exclaimed. \"Maybe not anytime soon but they will eventually.\"\n\n\"WHY?\" as the dragon roared the cave shook and stalagmites rained down from the ceiling. \n\n\"I'm not like them. I'm... different.\"\n\n\"Humans.\" The dragon fumed. He didn't doubt for a second that this child told the truth. He had seen what humans did to others over even a minor difference.\n\nThe child made their move on the chessboard and the dragon was drawn from its thoughts of fire and destruction. The dragon smiled as the child had unknowingly made a critical error. He would have capitalized on this golden opportunity if not for the little one's situation. The dragon ignored the mistake and opened up his own defences and managed to make it look like a honest mistake.\n\n=•=•=•=•=•=\n\n\"Yes! I won! Now I get to stay here!\" The child cheered in joy. \n\n\"I have three questions for you to answer.\" The dragon rumbled cutting the child's celebration short. \n\n\"What are they?\"\n\n\"The first is, how often do children eat, the second is what do you eat, and the third is why are you different?\"\n\n\"We eat about three times a day but I can settle for less. We eat cooked meat, fruit, and sometimes even vegetables.\"\n\n\"What about my last question?\" The dragon asked.\n\n\"I'll tell you when I get more comfortable with my difference. By the way, did we exchange names? My name's Max, what's yours?\"", "Gilmmer held the peasant boy's gaze, a cherry-bright smile shining through his eyes, with all his wisdom dragons were still deeply emotional creatures, and he could not properly mask his admiration for the human sitting across from him. They were hours into a chess match, and Gilmmer could tell already that he had lost though the boy, Ress, was not as aware of the situation. Indeed, there were many truths still hidden to him.\n\nRess broke their staring match to return is attention to the board. This was, without a doubt, the strangest evening of his 16 years of life. First the dragon who dwells in the Sky-Holder Mountain swept through their valley frightening townsfolk and livestock alike, then later he met this immaculately dressed stranger who offered him a drink and a hot meal at the tavern. At first he had suspected the stranger to be from the Mages Guild, or someone to collect their bounty they posted on him for breaking their contract and vacating his apprenticeship- escaping he would call it, but he doubted a bounty hunter would make such a distinction- but now he was almost certain this Gilmmer was something else entirely. A full minute, he counted, and Gilmmer's eyes hadn't so much as watered up. In fact, Ress was certain that Gilmmer hadn't blinked their entire evening. Returning to the game at hand, Ress set up a bait, placing a pawn to compromise the position of Gilmmer's knight. Gilmmer could take the pawn with his rook, which he could take with his own knight, or he could move the knight away- placing it neatly in the path of his bishop. \n\nGilmmer laughed out loud, he could forsee these plays but felt helpless in the face of them, the smile in his eyes seemed to grow impossibly brighter. \n\"I must admit it's been probably a thousand years since I've played this game,\" Gilmmer laughed as he said this, but Ress could tell this was not entirely a joke. \"It seems you might in fact win our wager,\" Gilmmer smiled, looking far too gleeful to be losing. \n\"I'm not sure we ever fully agreed to any wager before we started,\" Ress finally spoke, again meeting the warm and thoughtful gaze of the \"man\" that sat before him, and began to count again in his head. \n\"Of course we did!\" Gilmmer did not shout, yet his voice rolled as thunder all the same, \"I gave you my word that if you were to beat me in a game of your choosing, I would take you under my wing, so you could continue your education under my patronage.\" Gilmmer's demeanor of calm joy was infectious, and Ress had to make a conscious effort not to return his smile and lose his count. Another full minute passed and finally, eyes watering fervently, Ress had to look away and back at the board. Gilmmer had decided to sacrifice his knight to Ress's bishop, and he quickly executed the move. Very quietly he spoke \"I think I've discovered your game, Sir Gilmmer,\" \n\"I am no Sir, but I appreciate the courtesy.\"\n\"Indeed you are not. If I'm not mistaken you are not human at all.\"\nGilmmer's smile never broke, and indeed only widened further. \"I knew you were a clever one. Its why I picked you out in the first place.\"\n\"It must have been easy, picking out your next victim from the top of Sky Holder Mountain,\" this was a real gamble, there were many magical creatures that could adopt the form of a man, but the events of this morning were still fresh in Ress's mind, and he considered it a calculated gamble at worst.\n\"Next victim? I would never! Tell me Ress, in your time at the Mages Guild did you ever hear a single verified story of a dragon eating another sentient creature?\"\nThe hairs on Ress's neck shot up and shivers ran through his entire body. The insult brought only the slightest anger to Gilmmer's eyes, but Ress was now aware of the danger of his situation. Dragons were not men, they had a different concept of time and they could not be treated the same. It took a moment for Ress to clear his throat before answering, \"Come to think of it, no I haven't.\"\n\"And have you ever heard a story of a dragon breaking their word?\" \n\"No, I haven't\"\n\"Then what do you have to fear, child? It's your move.\"\nRess looked back at the board, and could see then he was only three moves from victory. Gilmmer had moved his queen to take the bishop, which let Ress use his rook to take the queen. Gilmmer then took Ress's rook with his own, which set up Ress's to take the rook with his own queen. \n\"Checkmate,\" he said quietly, unsure now if he even wanted to win. \n\"Well done lad! I am soundly impressed,\" Gilmmer's jovial attitude dimmed slightly, and he spoke now in just above a whisper, \"I won't force you to come with me, but in truth i think we could provide a benefit to one another. I have watched you for some time, since the Mages Guild bought you as a child, and I think you have shown true bravery and character, especially when you spared that bounty hunter who caught up to you in the Frauren Woods.\"\nRess sat frozen in place, his mind racing desperately to keep up with the events unfolding. They were alone in those woods when the hunter had found him, he was brought back to that moment in his memory- the taste of blood and fear in his mouth, the anger in his body flooding away after he had disarmed his opponent and saw his own fear in their eyes. He could never shake the feeling that he was being watched in that moment, perhaps now he knew why. \n\"Truthfully, I must admit I have some need of you. My mate passed almost a century ago, and our egg will hatch in the next season,\" the light vanished from Gilmmer's eyes, replaced with a deep and ancient pain known to any creature that has lost a loved one. Ress knew this pain, and could feel it's echos within his own heart. After a long moment, Ress finished his drink and spoke, \"I have no goodbyes to make here, if you wish we can leave tonight.\"\nThe light returned to Gilmmer's eyes, as bright as a midday sun, \"Excellent! I welcome you into my house!\" Gilmmer remove a gorgeous amulet from around his neck and placed it before Ress on the table. \"Wearing this shall mark you as a friend and student of Gilmmer the Gold, and those who recognize it's shape will know you as a member of my family.\"\nThat last word stuck in Ress's mind, his own family had sold him for a pittance of food, and the treatment he recieved at the Mages Guild still tormented his sleep. \n\"Family,\" he uttered, fighting to keep tears in check. He looked at the beautifully engraved golden amulet for a long time before finally putting it on, looked at his new friend, and wondered how the dawn would look from the top of the sky.", "\"You think I care if you don't know how to play chess human? That is the game I suggested, I won't be the caretaker of anyone that can't best my intelligence.\" The dragon huffed, letting out a windy breath, Knocking the small child onto her back, the child beginning to tear up as the dragon shook his head. \"I will teach you how to play, sit up and carry yourself like a dragon if you want to be my child you have to show heart.\" He roared the last word, the bare heavens seeming to shake with the intensity, only causing the girl to cry some more. \n\n\"I'm... sorry, I don't want to lose, I told the village I would slay the beast, they said only the village hero could have dinner, no bratty peasants.\" Her wailing continued until the shiny silver claw of the beast pushed the small chessboard toward her. \n\n\"Then best me, hero, In all my seven thousand years, I have yet to find someone who can, but perhaps you will be different, now let me explain the movements. Please listen carefully, I won't go through them a second time.\" With that he began his explanation, going over the basic concepts, occasionally having to rephrase his words, reminding himself that this was a human child, not a dragon child. It was a good hour into his speech when he raised an eyebrow, watching the girl fall onto her back. \"I said to listen, didn't I?\" His voice sounding almost disappointed, part of himself excited to finally have someone to play against.\n\n\"I am sir... just... so... hungry..\" She whined, holding her stomach, not even wanting to exert energy sitting. The dragon rose from his spot, turning towards his cave for a brief moment. \"Are you telling me they don't feed their 'hero' before sending her to fight the beast? That is rather rude of them. Luckily I am not the kind to cheat.\" He returned to the girl, laying down a dead rabbit before her. Listening to her squeal at the horrid sight, before the dragon spoke. \"I apologize, I am not much for cooking, but I will do my best.\" He gave a small puff of fire, igniting the rabbit until it had reached a disgusting charcoal colour. \"Eat up runt.\"\n\nShe looked up at the meat, then to the dragon, seeming reluctant to eat it, but eventually, her hunger got the best of her, diving for the meat and digging into it, eating it until she the taste was too overpowering. \"It's delicious.\" She lied, offering the dragon a goofy smile. \n\n\"I hardly believe that... Still, Thank you.\" He looked over the girl before him, her scrappy clothes giving away her story, she was most likely an orphaned child, or perhaps one that had been abandoned, still to think the villagers would send her to a dragon, there was cruelty and then there was this... \n\n\"So.. you still want to play?\" She asked as she went to grab a piece, her eyes looking over the board, already calculating her first move, tongue sticking out the edge of her mouth as she pondered her choices. Seemed she had been listening.\n\n\"Not at the moment miss. I believe I am far too tired for that.\" He lied, curling himself up into a ball as he laid before her, propping his head to the side when she began tearing up again.\n\n\"But if I don't win, I have to go back to the village.... I don't want to.. please, just a game..\" The poor girl was a wreck, her shaking hand unable to even hold the piece, dropping it to the grass, followed by her tears. \n\n\"Calm yourself child. You win... I gave up, I will be your... friend and caretaker. You have proven yourself, Now I suggest you go gather some sticks, I will have to teach you how to make a fire, it gets cold out here.\"\n\n\"Ah?.....\" Her arm quickly rubbed against her eyes, trying to rub the tears away. \"Y-you mean it? Of course sir! I'll get the wood, you can count on me to keep us warm.\"\n\n\"Us?\" The dragon found himself laughing for the first time in years. \"A dragon getting cold.. now thats a new one... such a caring girl.\" He smiled, watching her run off to collect branches.\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}" ]	4
	[WP] For the past month, every day that you’ve gone to work, the same fox has come out from behind a fence, looked at you for a while, and then went back. It seems like it wants you to follow it, so today you decide to find out what’s behind the fence.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 house was filled with smoke. Guns were going off. The sounds of footsteps were getting closer. The office was quiet. I slowly rocked in my chair looking at all my accomplishments; they were such grand and evil accomplishments. The officers were pounding at the door, ready to shoot on sight. I looked at the little device on my hand. Out of all my inventions, this would be my last. I hope it works. I. Switched its dials and buttons. The remote came to life and everything started turning black as the police entered the office, only to find it empty.\n\nThe officers found nothing out of order. They searched the office only to find a patch of burnt white fur, still with a flame kindling at the tip.\n\n\n . . .\n\n\n\"So what did you wish for?\"\n\n\"I guess whatever any kid here wants.\"\n\n\"Its going to come true, birthday wishes always come true.\"\n\n\"Its not. Ill be 18 in a month. Nobody wants to adopt an 18 year-old kid.\"\n\n\"Im sure theres someone who is looking for you, just have a little faith and it will happen.\"\n\n\"As if it were that easy.\"\n\n\"Even if it doesnt come true, Ill be here for you.\"\n\n\"I doubt youll be here long. Everyone seems to find a family before I do. Its only a matter of time before youre gone too.\"\n\n\"Dont say that! Youre my friend, and Ill always be here.\"\n\n\"You know, its easy to say that kind if stuff when youre already up for adoption. You already know how your lifes going to turn out.\"\n\n\"I just wanted to make you feel better, Harry.\"\n\n\"Well its a little too late for that, Mary.\"\n\nI left the room and went back to my room. Several other kids were chatting and playing games on the carpet and bunk beds. My bed was at the very end of the room. I was lucky to have the bed all to myself.\n\nEveryone was happy. There were children opening presents and singing christmas carols. They all had something going for them. Someone wanted them. Their beds were decorated with snowflakes and ornaments. The walls were filled with drawings of kids with their imaginary families sitting next to a tree. They wrote things like \"dear Santa, give me a family for christmas.\"\n\nOne of the kids asked if I wanted to join their little group, but I refused. At this point I was too old for drawing and too old for any kind of presents they were giving. I was still too young to go iceskating though. I was too young to play the orphanage's piano even though was more than decent at it. I hated everyone here. I hated the kids and the caretakers. I hated the families that picked them instead of me. I hated Mary, but only for a moment. She said she'd be there for me, but she already found her family. Everyone got what they wanted except for me. I convinced myself that there was someone waiting for me, but at one point I just accepted the fact that I would be on my own. Its like wanting to believe in fairytales until one night you decide that dragons and knights and princesses dont actually exist, and you realize life is as boring as you thought it was.\n\nThe lights went off. Everyone was already in bed, dreaming about Santa and his elves making toys and preparing the reindeer. Everyone had dozed off except for one kid. Keith walked up to my bed with a letter in hand. I guess he knew that I was still up.\n\n\"Its for you Harry\"\n\n\"By who?\"\n\n\"I dont know, I found it outside with your name on it.\"\n\nKeith ran off and shuffled in his little red pajamas. I looked at the envelope. It had the name \"For Hark Koss.\" My real name was Hark, but I didnt like the name. My first parents, not my real parents, but my adopted parents would always say hark. It meant \"listen\". I opened the red envelope. Inside were two neckalces, each with a little white fox on them. When placed together, they would be leaning on the other, while the other looked down upon its counterpart.\n\nThe other object, a note with familiar handwriting read \"The best gift to receive is the gift you can give to others. PS. The best adventure only takes a leap of faith off a balcony if you know what I mean.\" There was no signature.\n\nI was suspicious at first, but I eventually walked over to the balcony next to my bed. I quietly opened the glass door. The balcony was small; every room on the second floor had one. The balcony was sprinkled in snow and the sky was gray. I looked around, hoping for some suprise, but there was nothing.\n\nAs I gazed into the garden, I noticed something rustling in the bushes. I didnt notice it at first but then I realized who it was. It was Floof the fox. It was only until a month ago that Floof started showing up. I named him and sometimes I would drop food for him to eat. I stared at him just as he would stare at me. We were both alone. I only imagined that we had that kind of connection. He would try to get my attention by spinning around and walking into the brushes outside the fence, but I didnt think much of it.\n\nBefore I could bid my farewell, I heard a loud psssp. I looked back only to find the fox sitting there waiting for me. I assumed it was nothing and walked into the room only to hear the same noise again. I rushed out but all I saw was the fox.\n\n\"Who's there?\" I whispered back. There was no response for a while, but then I heard someone.\n\n\"Down here.\" Said the voice. It was the fox. I thought I was seeing things until it whispered again.\n\n\"Come down here.\" Floof said. I pondered whether I should listen to him or not. I mean, a fox is telling me to go with him. I thought about what Id be leaving behind... Nothing. There was nobody waiting on me. Nobody would notice my absence. I thought about Mary, but at this point I was planning on leaving this place long ago, but I guess moving day came early.\n\n\"Screw it.\" I said. I stood upon the railing of the balcony. I let myself hang by my hands and landed softly on the grass. I was out. I was by myself. I left the kids and caretakers behind me. I turned around only to find floof crawling under the fence out to the street.\n\n\"Hey, wait\" I said. The gates were locked and the fences around were way too high to climb. I looked around to find some sort of exit. The fox looked back at me. He stared for a while, but then he started walking around the fence over to some brushes. I followed along the fence. The brush was weak and under it was a hole big enough for me to go through. Did he know I would be leaving?.\n\nI crawled under the brushes and into the street. I thought jumping off the balcony was cool but now I was really out. I turned to the fox, hoping for some kind of sign or something. This could have been a dream, but I didnt mind indulging in it.\n\n\"Okay Mr. Fox... What now?\" I said.\n\nThere was a moment of silence, but the fox spoke.\n\n\"Lets take a walk.\" He said.\n\nI was not prepared for the cold. I was wearing a white shirt, black flanel and pants with white shoes. It was a simple style. It was the kind of outfit that reminds you of Collies or chess.\n\nWe walked along the snowy sidewalk. All the buildings were decorated with lights. You could hear the faint tunes of christmas music in shops. The smell of pumpkins and coffee filled the empty streets.\n\n\"So who are you mr. Fox. I dont think floof is your real name. So what do I call you.\"\n\n\"Koss.\"\n\n\"Like my last name? What, are you like my relative or somethin'?\"\n\n\"I guess you can say that.\"\n\nWe walked for sometime until we reached a huge mansion. It was everything a millionare could ask for. It was decorated with lion statues and black lamps and chiseled stairs.\n\n\"Whos place is this?!\" I asked.\n\n\"Just come with me.\"\n\nWe walked up to the door. There was no wreath or christmas lights anywhere around the house.\n\n\"Grab on to my tail.\" Koss said.\n\n\"Uh... Why?\"\n\n\"Just do it.\"\n\n\"Um... Okay?\"\n\nI grabbed on to his tail. The very end of it was hairless. It looked like it had been burned. As soon as I placed my hand on him, we walked right through the door of the house. Before I could think about what had just happened, Koss started walking me through the mansion like a ghost. As beautiful as it was, there werent any decorations. It was dark. For a moment I thought nobody lived here until we walked into the kitchen. At the table was a man who had fainted at the table. He had a bottle of wine with him. He wore a black and red suit and had a watch as clear as cystal on his wrist. He didnt notice us. I didnt realize we were invisible.\n\n\"Who is this.\" I asked. Koss only stared with his hazel eyes. He stood still as if he were remembering something.\n\n\"Its me.\" Koss said.\n\n\"Wait... What?\" I said as I tried to draw connections between a man and a fox.\n\n\"I remember this night. I was alone. I had just invented something great. I went to a club and got drunk to celebrate, but I came home alone. I had a good night, but I was alone.\"\n\n\"... How did you end up like this?\"\n\n\"I chose to be alone. I trusted no one with my work. People were greedy by nature. I couldnt let anyone visit with the risk of them stealing my lifes work.\"\n\n(This story was too long so i had to post the other half as a reply)" ]	2
Inspired by the Bavaria murder mystery write your murder mystery	[WP] Your family lives in an isolated area on your farm in the 1920s tell a story of your last few days before your family is mysteriously murdered.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Some say the greatest of us are doomed to witness our own destruction, that even the noblest of individuals can be victims of our actions and that they must see it all crumble before their eyes. We may not have been great, and we weren't noble, but we certainly saw our end coming, whether or not we recognized it.\n\nThe parable of the good samaritan is often spoken of in church on Sundays, and it always seemed to be a valuable lesson in times as hard as these. The healthy treating the sick, the able-bodied helping the infirm. I know that I would want to be saved in my time of need, but Papa seemed to hold to a different creed.\n\nWhen we came across the man, alone and broken on the side of the road, I stopped the truck and went to help him. Papa grabbed my arm and stopped me. Leave him be, he said, he's not worth it. I don't know why my father left him out there in the hot sun, out of hate and prejudice or downright ignorance, I do not know. What I do know is the look of recognition in the man's eyes as we drove away. Something about them screamed in pain, and we left him.\n\nI asked my father why we didn't help him, and all he had to say was that it would be one more mouth to feed, another burden on the family. When she saw me at a loss, Momma knew not to challenge Papa. He was just in one of his moods, she used to say. So I let it go, tossed aside like the man we deserted.\n\nIt wasn't until the next week that strange things started happening all around the farm. Tools went missing, machines started to break down. We chalked it up to hard times and hard living, but we couldn't help but feel something in the air.\n\nAfter a few days, the missing tools came back. Not in the way we wanted, but they came back nonetheless. Our cattle were barely recognizable after we dug them out of the rusty piles of sickles and blades. Prime beef, ready for slaughter, wasted on the dusty fields we could barely tame. Papa insisted I was to blame, that I was bringing ruin to the family. God bless Mother for shielding me from his wrath. I can still feel her tears running down my face as she hugged me, warm and endless.\n\nThen the demon showed up. It was so easy to call him a man back then but seeing him in clearer terms peeled away any sense of humanity from him. There was barely anything left of the man we left on the side of the road, but there was enough hatred to keep his body moving for what seemed like an eternity.\n\nFor days, he stood out in the field, occasionally vanishing and appearing somewhere else when we weren't looking, just watching. Even from far away, from my bedroom window, I could feel his eyes on us. His anger burned the sky and flooded the basin. His fury boiled the well and scorched the wheat. His desperation blew the chaff away into the wind until there was nothing between him and us. Those eyes that I had seen when we left him no longer begged for help or mercy. They only made a promise that he was sure to keep.\n\nWe tried to leave before he came but nothing worked. The truck refused to start, the horses had long since fled, and we were miles from any other soul in the county. Surely, the man had no soul, not with such blind hatred, and the neighbours were so far away that our screams were swept away in the wind before they reached the drive.\n\nPapa told me to run and protect Mother, and that he was to stand up to the man. Papa's interpretation of the man differed from mine apparently. Where I saw a devil walking among us, he saw a man and any man can be killed. Armed with a shotgun, Papa approached the man and, without warning, shot the stalking man in the chest. Round after round, burst after burst, my father shredded the demon.\n\nBut it kept coming.\n\nIn moments, Papa was reeling on the ground, screaming in pain as the man bent and contorted with snaps and pops. After revelling in the mutilation of my father, the man turned his attention to me and Mother. I don't know why we didn't run with the time Papa gave us, it just happened so fast. In what seemed like only a few steps, the man closed the gap between us.\n\nMother fought, as I did, but to no avail. He was stronger than us, more driven. He dragged us out into the barn now in a blazing inferno.\n\nWhy he dragged us in here, I do not know. Why he went to such lengths to get to us, I do not know. What I do know is that, having looked the devil in the eye, he expects us to meet him where he no doubt came from.\n\nHe killed my father. He killed my mother. And as he raised the mattock above his head, aiming for my neck, I was sure that it was the end. I closed my eyes.\n\nI waited and waited, expecting cold steel to meet my neck, but I only felt the heat of the flames buffeting the sides of my face. I opened my eyes and saw no one. The man was gone, along with Mother's body. I screamed for help as I got to my feet, praying to God for answers and forgiveness.\n\nThe door collapsed, burning and blocked. I wasn't getting out. I collapsed to the ground and wept. \n\nAs the heat raged on, I thought back to the man's eyes. Despair had given way to destruction and he cast upon us the bowels of Hell. We didn't see our end coming.\n\nBut he did." ]	2
Please don't let this die in new.	[WP] Two kids are playing near the Sword in the Stone. As a joke, the best friends hold the handle together and attempt to pull it out. The sword slides out without a sound, glinting in the light, with the sweaty palms of the kids grasping the grip.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "'..... ' silence, they looked at the sword in his hand\n'bro wut it came out!!\" his friend exclaimed\n\"......\" He stared at his hand it really came out.\nHe was shook . What the hell happened..\nThey were just playing.\nHe suddenly felt his head explode.\nAnd he fainted.\n\nThe legend behind the swo– \n(N: Are u just gonna ignore the boy!?!\nA:Shut up narrator I am the author. U just narrate what I tell u to!)\nThe legend behind the sword is that whoever pulls it out will become a great person\nBut a great person who will DIE miserably!\n(N: pls give me some good thought out line to narrate! Not this garbage\nA: Don't tell me what to do!!)They were destined to die tortured. And no one wanted to pull the sword out.\n\nWhen he woke up–\n(N: AGAIN!! Don't just abruptly shift the story like this\nA: hoe how many times do I have to tell you I AM THE AUTHOR YOU JUST NARRATE!)\nHis mom was crying she was crushed her son will die miserably.\n(N: that's it I am not narrating anymore take ur shit story somewhere else\nA: HEY WAIT!!! YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO SAID OKAY!!)\nSorry guys due to some problems the story is not gonna continue\n( A: hey don't tell them that and leave. Hey wai–\n................" ]	2
	[WP] When you are born, doctors tell you what the probability is that your heart will stop after exactly 30 years. When you were born, you were told you had a 50% chance. You were born at 10am, and it’s currently 9:45 am on your 30th birthday.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 alone in my living room. In my left hand was a fancy cuban and in my right a glass of twenty year old whiskey I'd saved for this exact day.\n\n I'd skipped breakfast, the feeling of death breathing down my neck went a long way towards preventing me from eating these past few days. Must have lost ten pounds at least...\n\n\\- Damn, it's quiet! No birds chirping, no cars driving past, no dogs barking my ear off either... I don't like this, my thoughts are too loud. Hell... There's gotta' be a better way to kill time.\n\nI chuckld to myself for a second and drank the glass dry. Looking at my watch, it seemed as if ime had completely stopped. I saw the hands tick away and no matter how I looked at them, they were just too slow. Figures I'd be bored out of mind, even as I waited for death. I'm so damn tired. How long has it been now, how long have I been sitting here? I couldn't tell... It's so... boring...\n\n Must have doozed off then, I hadn't slept well lately. My head was pounding like a fucking loud speaker. The ringing in my ears was relentless. How long was I out? \n\nI took a good, hard look at my watch. Everything was still blurry, since my eyes hadn't quite adjusted yet. It took me a second, but I eventually got myself do focus on my wrist. \n\n11:33 AM\n\n\\-Well would you look at that? I made it! This calls for a celebration...\n\nThat's when I noticed. I wasn't in my living room anymore. Thought it was strange how it never looked odd to me that I was in an all white room with my armchair and a small table. Looking around, it looked like there weren't any doors or windows. In fact, nothing looked quite right. \n\nHow can I put it? The walls were... crooked? There can't be a better way to describe them. It was downright unnatural. The longer I looked at them, the more twisted they seemed. It was all like one of those impossible shapes, everything was just subtly unsettling. \n\nNot seeing much point to sitting there, I got up and started touching surfaces. Maybe I hoped I'd find a hidden door or something, I don't know. Then I found this small mettle disc on the ground. It looked vaguely like a dime, but not quite. I couldn't tell what the sides looked like. Almost as if the instant I started forming an idea in my brain the picture changed into something else. I picked it up to take a closer look, but that didn't help much.\n\n\\-A coin, how fitting. Guess I ended up dying in the end, huh? Not that I'd know either way, but let's see if I can call this one right. Heads!\n\nI flipped the coin, despite having no idea which side was which. When it reached it's peak, I could see it almost slow down for a bit. It kept on spinnig as it fell to the ground and when it landed...\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI woke up. It was my living room, same way I'd left it. My heart was punching my eardrums something fierce, but was otherwise still beating. I lifted my wrist to my face again. Same song and dance as before. I squint, look at my watch and I see it;\n\n11:33 AM\n\nGuess something came over me, I just couldn't stop laughing.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHEY, IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR THANKS FOR THE READ AND HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT, AT LEAST A LITTLE", "When I was fifteen, I didn’t have single care in the world. I ran around my backyard, and I built stupid shit, like a fast, crazy hotwheels racwtrack, or I’d prop up empty soda cans on the ledge between the Anemones and plink them with my older brother’s BB gun. I never thought about the future, or had the stresses or anxieties that would come with being older. But fifteen was such a simple time, where I was free, I felt like I had no chains to the world. My parents always tried to discreetly tell me as a child, but as we aged, they became more direct. \n\n “Charlie, you’re going to fucking die when you’re thirty, you need to do something with your life!” \n\n That was the constant ringing in my ears once I turned eighteen, and it didn’t stop for almost ten years. Eventually, I worked up the guts to them how I really felt, that I didn’t care if I lived or died, I was going to live my life how I wanted and how I felt fully satisfied. They shrugged me off at first, but living how I lived didn’t exactly meet the societal norms for a successful child.\n\n I lived in a van, slept under bridges, camped in national parks, slept on the streets. I fully understood that my condition only gave me half a chance to live. It’s not like it was their fault.\n\n When I was born, the doctors were able to determine the strength of my heart. Since the pollution levels in the ozone layer were so high, the smog/air maimed humanities organs, most critically, the cardiovascular system. Our technology was advanced enough to be able to tell by the microstructures of the inner organs if newborns would be adaptable to the harsher climate we lived in. They gave all new parents a grim guess after the initial birth; anywhere from zero to one hundred percent chance of your child making it thirty years into life, pending no other complications. The government instituted the law making the predictions mandatory at birth, as they would affect the child's ability to obtain long term work permits. Most children were born with far above or below fifty percent. Out of a one in a hundred million odds, I, Charles Souchler, was born with a fifty fifty chance of living past thirty. \n\n I made the bare minimum requirements to obtain the coveted twenty year work permit, meaning I was eligible for pension. The pension funds were more than enough to live comfortably at fifty for twenty years, and have a surplus to put at least two children through upper education, guaranteeing a fulfilling life. As humanities numbers were reduced over the course of the smog killing more than half the population, the survivors were the last remnants of a shattered society. Social status was clung to as a liferaft in the ocean of wretched horrors, one of their own doing. Anything and everything was used as a distraction from the slaughter of mass numbers of humans, and if you could afford to entertain yourself enough in whatever way you chose, it was like nothing was even happening on the outside. \n\n This had been happening for two hundred years.\n\n It was fifteen minutes before I died though. Possibly. I had no idea.\n\n People use the term sweating bullets when they’re truly terrified. I was cold as ice when the clock struck 9:45. All the good times, the bad, everything slipped away as my thoughts could only focus on my possible impending death. My parents had been calling nonstop the day before, but I told them I would call them at 10:01 if I could. No one else had known. I didn’t have a significant other, only some close friends. I felt selfish and cruel not making any deep connections with others, but would you if you knew you might only make it to thirty? \n\n 9:52. \n\n What the fuck, time is going by so fast. I can barely keep my arms from shaking, and my breath began to draw swifter and harder. I realized I wasn’t going to fucking die sober. I had a bottle of some awful, cheap, shit whiskey in the cabinet, and I broke that bitch open as fast as I could. Two swigs before the back of my neck started contracting and my gag reflex kicked in. I smashed the bottle on the kitchen floor, who fucking cares, right? Let the HazMat team clean it up. \n\n The worst part is, I knew exactly how I was going to die if I did. My heart would stop, and I would have an excruciating, slow death. Entire minutes where I would be laying on the floor, probably clutching my chest, blood pooling to my head? I don’t know, every time I tried to read the symptoms of how other smog victims passed away, I only made it to the first one before I closed the tab. I didn’t want to know.\n\n I pulled out my fresh pack of cigarettes and lit one. \n\n 9:57.\n\n I sat on my living room chair and flipped a coin. I know, im cheesy as shit, but I really felt like I was the coin in that minute, inexorably dancing in the sky, waiting to see what side I landed on. \n\n 9:59.\n\n I took one last look around my room, thinking about everything I could that made me smile. There weren’t many moments, but the ones that were there cracked my lips in a grin. I couldn’t help but love them all, and I couldn’t bear to think of the next sixty one seconds. Everything has led up to this. My life, my savings, my memories, and everything I had to give. I wanted to feel something, but my whole body was numb. \n\n Only a few more seconds now. \n\n 10:00. \n\n I shed a single tear." ]	3
	[WP] The monsters to not hide to attack you. They hide because they’re scared of you	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " I always wondered why I never saw what every other kid was so afraid of. We’re they imagining it? Playing pretend? Doing it to make me a bigger outcast for my confusion? To be honest the last one seemed to happen.\n Then I overheard the adults talking, saying I was odd or out of place. My parents never talked about it, nor did my teachers when I asked. Soon my self concern seemed to take over. I started to think there was something wrong with me, something unexplainable. After awhile I seemed to lie, my desire for normality causing for lies to leave my tongue. \n I would listen to the other kids talk about the terrifying monsters that haunt their lives, not a large issue seeing as the others would not drop the endless topic. I gathered the details and reactions that the kids carried while conveying their stories. I remember looking in the mirror trying to mimic their fear of these creatures. I remember trying one day before school and seeing myself terrified. That day I started the lies.\n My teacher had a tendency to speak a little too much about her monsters, so I gathered the details the other kids found most terrifying. Large teeth, a thin almost reptile layer of fur, even the blood red eyes. The personality was no different, based on my observations a sadistic creature was most affective. As soon as class stared my teacher noticed the long cut along my leg. She pulled me aside and asked where I got such a large injury in such little time, cue the panic attack. I then proceeded to burst into tears explaining why I “acted” like I didn’t have a monster. I was so afraid of it that I didn’t want to scare my peers with such horrific imagery. I said the mark was from when I couldn’t turn on the flashlight soon enough to scare it away( I actually received it when I dropped a knife making my lunch that morning.)\n After that my teacher walked back to the class and explained to stop asking me about my monster. The call to my parents went better than I thought it would, my teacher explained that we should probably move and that I needed therapy to cope with seeing such a traumatizing being. My parents agreed to the therapy but has to explain that moving is almost never an option, this was good for me because the second we moved I had to create a new “monster”. Therapy then became a very common thing.\n In therapy I continued my act. Not saying a single word while my parents tried to coax me into telling them on an audio recording. The entire hour I seemed traumatized and hysterical when asked about my monster. I then stared telling the therapist small details as the days went by. Not anything that was deemed “scary” though. At around that point I was told to start trying to explain why my monster was scary to my classmates.\n I had made a foolproof plan. \n After a few years I started babysitting the younger kids on the block. The first babysitting job I got was for the five year old next door. Within minutes of putting her to bed she came downstairs and asked why her monster wouldn’t come out of the closet. Now everyone knew that the house next to mine had a monster that refused to scare kids so this concern made sense. I told her that it was probably late and ushered her back upstairs. After the five year old there was a pair a twins around six or seven. They were a lot more grateful for the missing monsters, even giving me thank you cards and asking for me to return. This continues until I stopped babysitting, I still have the thank you cards to prove it. \n Eventually I saw something run away. It moves so quickly that I thought it would die from impact. At this point I lived alone and people stopped mentioning the monsters. Occasionally someone at work would mention them but that was shut down quickly. I started getting suspicious of how I had never seen let alone talked to any( most adults have talked to one at least once before 20). So me being curious followed the scurrying creature. \n This became a common occurrence, me seeing something run away from me and following it. Eventually one was slow enough that I could catch it. It was small, less than a foot tall at least, and it was slower than the other because of its dense fur weighing it down. And that lead to this conversation. \n “What are you?”\n “What you humans call a monster!” It’s English was broken and it’s voice made it seem scared. \n “Why where you running away?”\n “Who wouldn’t run from someone with such a scary mind!” At this point I paused and wondered what it was talking about, how can a mind be scary?\n “Because thoughts can go dark!” Why was it still screaming? \n “Because I’m still pinned to the wall that’s why!” I then proceeded to drop the small creature and sit in front of it. \n “Okay you’re on the ground, now how can you hear my thoughts?”\n “All of us can.” The creature sounded calmer now that its feet were firmly on the ground. \n “And why can all of you hear thoughts?” \n “To pick prey that’s why!” The creature snapped. \n “Prey?”\n “Yes, prey. We feed off of fear. We need prey in order to get bigger.”\n “Is that why you’re so small? You can’t scare anyone?”\n “Maybe.” The creature mumbled this answer looking down. Weak point. \n\n\n And that’s all I’m going to write." ]	2
	[WP] An ancient evil was sealed away by your grandfather, who had 3 children. Your father was one of them, and now, the evil's back. Your parents are a bit too old to fight, but they are supportive, so you and your cousins are on a mission to seal the evil again.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Journal Entry \n\nNovember 21st, 2017 \n\n\\\\\\\n\nIn his later years, Pop lost a part of himself. I’m told he was a sharp mind, a quick wit, and an old soul. Unfortunately, I only ever saw the last of the three, and it had already caused the other two to decay. So, I never knew the man that he was. I only heard the stories. \n\nMy parents told me that Pop was responsible for containing the Being for longer than anyone ever had. They told me that Pop locked Him in his host back in 1971, when it was clear that it would be decades before He could escape. But everyone in my family knows that we can only kick this particular can down the road. Pop just kicked it further than most. \n\nMom and Dad first told me about the Being when I was 8 years old. In hindsight, that was way too soon. We don’t know much about Him, but we do know three things. First, we assume He is a spirit, as He inhabits the bodies of humans. Second, He has the same practice with each body he overtakes: He gathers followers, and – more often than not – He invites them to kill. Third, He can’t die, and He jumps between bodies at will. He can be trapped, but that ends when the body does. \n\nThe Being was first described in 1876, though we suspect there were others before that (some of my family believes that Jesus was the first incarnation). In 1876, He took the body of a man named Cyrus Teed, who became the leader of multiple communes of highly pious followers who called themselves “Koreshans.” As far as we can tell, Teed didn’t kill. Maybe the Being didn’t have the taste for it yet. But during the course of an investigation into one of the Koreshan communities with the Chicago police, my great-great-grandfather noticed that Teed’s reflection glowed yellow in his badge. The next time they crossed paths, he brought a mirror with him and confirmed that Teed appeared to emanate an aura. But Teed noticed the trick, and my great-great-grandfather watched in rapt fascination as the yellow cloud lifted out of Teed and disappeared. Teed died that year. That was 1908. \n\nThe next body we suspect He inhabited was Adolf Hitler. My great grandfather heard about Hitler rising through German politics in the 1930s, and he recognized the pattern of imperious, sensationalist charisma described to him by his father. He suspected that it was the Being, traveled to Germany, and ultimately joined Operation Valkyrie. Though the assassination attempt failed, my great grandfather managed to force Him out. It wasn’t clear where the Being went, when he left Hitler’s body. But somehow, despite it all, my family always finds Him. We seem to always find ourselves finding Him. That was 1944. \n\nAnd then Pop met Charles Manson. It was the 1960s, and he was living in northern California, teaching horseback riding on a remote ranch. The Mason family moved onto the property, and Pop didn’t realize at first that it was Him. But he told my parents that when he saw Manson on the news, modern technology had abolished the need for a mirror. Apparently, the space around Him on TV glowed the most subtle of yellow. He sprung to action. When it became clear that Mason would be imprisoned the rest of his life, my grandfather trapped the Being in Manson’s body, where He remained. \n\n…until two days ago. On November 19th, 2017, Manson died, and the Being was set free. When she heard the news, my cousin Amber called an urgent meeting, and we all booked our flights to Chicago. She still lives there, and she told us she thinks she has a beat on where He may have gone. If that’s true, it would be the fastest the Being has ever been tracked down. But if anyone could do it, it’s Amber. Things – and people – come to her easily. \n\nChicago is where it all started, so it feels almost poetic. There are only six of us who take our post seriously, and today we meet in Lincoln Park to plan our attack. As the other five of us wait for Amber, we chat about our lives, our own families, our almost-embarrassing anticipation at the idea of continuing our family tradition. It’s sick and electric at the same time. The sun burns brightly at our backs, threatening to dip below the horizon, but it insists on squeezing out its brightest rays before it does. \n\nWhen Amber arrives, she’s backlit by the setting sun, and she’s accompanied by 15 or 20 silhouettes, walking calmly, confidently. She looks like she’s a superhero. We have never shared our secret with others before, so at first we’re concerned about her “colleagues.” But she tells us that we’re going to need all the help we can get, and she’s probably right. We can feel the call to action, and we want to answer. But first… \n\nSince it’s the 21st century, Hannah insists the six of us get a selfie to commemorate the moment “for posterity.” Everyone laughs at how silly it feels, but no one puts up much of a fight, so we put our arms around each other and I take out my phone. It takes a few seconds to line everyone up and get the lighting right, but I snap the shot. \n\nAnd that’s it. That’s the last we plan on being together, since we can cover more ground apart. Amber has instructed each of us to take 3 or 4 of her colleagues and lead them in our search of the city in the coming days. After we shake hands with our new teams, we say our goodbyes, and I watch each of my cousins walk towards the horizon. \n\nConsumed in the moment, I look at the picture of the cousins who will prevent the next Teed, the next Hitler, the next Manson. We look good. Really good. The sunset creates a beautiful gold hue around Amber, standing right in the center of us all.\n\n\\\\\\\n\nI hope you enjoyed the story. I welcome all feedback, of course. All we can do in life is try to improve ourselves with everything we do." ]	2
	[WP] You a shadow demon feed on anguish and fear. You have tormented a young man for years causing him endless restless nights. He comes home beaten half to death mentally and physically more so than you’ve ever seen him. Nothing you do phases him. For the first time you decide to show yourself.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The poor youth was sitting on his bed hands in his head, broken and alone.\n\n Alone if it weren't for me.\n\n I had been violently throwing around the books on his shelves. Swinging everything that dangled from the ceiling and rocking everything that sat on the floor. Yet he sat there, unfazed. He continues to sit there, without fear.\n\n 'What in Lucifers name is different this time?' growls the voice in my head. \n\nWhether it's the curiosity or annoyance that I might not eat tonight that's compelling me to do this, I dont care. I'm showing myself.\n\nSo I do.\n\nIt's easy enough with the subpur lighting in the room to emerge from a shadow infront of him. He doesnt even look up. My hand moves underneath his chin and snaps his face up. He isnt even batting an eyelash. Hes looking straight at where my eyes should be. \n\n\"I'm not afraid of you anymore\" he softly declares. \n\nReleasing his head gently, I decide to observe what he does next.\n\n\"Today, I've experienced something worse than you,\" he says while getting up from his bed. \"Today, I've experienced the realisation that human nature is awful. My damn face should show you that.\" \n\nTheres a box of sorts that he's picking up. It's big.\n\n\"Humans are awful, you're awful and I dont wanna deal with it anymore.\" \n\nHe's dropped the box now. It's Under one of the things i was throwing around from the ceiling. It looks looped.\n\n\"This is a permanent solution to a permanent problem,\" his neck is through the looped object. He looks at me one last time and says, \"**** you\" and kicks the box.\n\n'I'm not getting anything more out of this wretch, I might as well,' I think to myself. \n\nI continue standing until hes not squirming, it's rather amusing... and I also dont want to be seen. When hes finally stopped, I walk over.\n\nMy hand moves sharply, and the rope splits in half. He very sharply drops to the floor. He's still breathing.\n\nI'm gonna go find someone new. I'm done with him. \n\nDeparting I knock a picture of him and someone onto his body. He'll figure it out." ]	2
	[WP] Your house is haunted. You've never realized until now though, because you're a really heavy sleeper.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 name is Aiden Bakman. I'm 35 years old. My house is in a quiet suburb of Seattle, Washington, and I am not married. I have a job as a computer scientist at a small company, and despite my pitiful salary, I put my heart and soul into my work. It leaves me exhausted, day in and day out, so every night I am in bed by ten and usually wake up at seven. I always sleep through the night; I've scarcely even gotten up in the wee hours of the morning to get a glass of water or use the restroom. I'd hesitate to label my life as \"successful,\" but at the same time I'm not a failure, either. Perhaps my sleeping habits bore you. Perhaps my whole life bores you. But it's about to get much more interesting.\n\nMy house has been burgled only twice since I've lived in in. I slept through the first one, being the heavy sleeper that I am. The thief didn't take much; it's not like I had much anyways.\n\nThe second burglary was quite different, though. I awoke to a scream and the sound of someone slamming the door while leaving my house. Naturally, I got up to look around.\n\nThe ghost was hovering in my kitchen, arms floating as if not connected to its transparent and bloodstained body. It turned its gaze upon me and opened its mouth in a silent scream. It had no teeth.\n\nIt was frightening, certainly. I was wide awake now, but my brain was a little slow in figuring out what to do. I made the decision to run back to my bed as fast as I could.\n\nEntering my room, I sprang onto my bed and fearfully watched the door, which I had slammed shut. The ghost floated through the door, which was terrifying but not surprising. It turned to look at me for a good ten seconds, then promptly vanished, leaving me and my racing heart.\n\nI sat there, alone with my thoughts, for fifteen minutes. I started to feel sleepy again, but was afraid to go to sleep until a thought struck me: how long had this been going on? Was that why the house had been so cheap? The man who had sold it to me had mentioned the house was constantly on the market because \"people didn't like the area;\" however, in my five years of living here, only one other house in the suburb had been put up for sale. No one seemed to move in or out of the neighborhood. The conclusion was clear: this house was haunted from the start.\n\nNow I was really thinking. If the ghosts had been here the whole time, then why hadn't the ghosts done any ghost-like things to me or the house? Was it possible that they couldn't interact with anything physical? The more I thought about it, the more likely it seemed that that was the case. I looked at the clock, which informed me that it was 2 AM. As someone who slept through the night every single night, it would make sense that I hadn't seen the ghosts if they were restricted to only coming out at these hours.\n\nA dismembered hand came out of the ceiling and reached for me. I watched it come right up to my face and stop. I put a hand up to meet it, and watched as our hands passed through each other.\n\n\"Nice try,\" I said. \"Thanks for scaring off the burglar.\"\n\nWith that, I lay back down and fell asleep." ]	2
	[WP] You a professor in school for heroes and heroines. After retairement you decided to visit your favourite class, drom many years ago. You found out that class prezident become villan , and the rest of your class have fallen trying to stop him. You decide to confront him, and get answers...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“You know professor, I never thought that our high-school reunion would have turned out like this.” Lex Dexter, former class president of class ’98, traced against the chalkboard, dusting his fingers. \n\nProfessor Ironwood gazed at his former classroom, for a time, ignoring the once prized pupil behind him. The initial shock had long since fizzled like the sparkler in his hand. Confetti strips and champagne foam popped at an infinitesimal pace as they held, suspended in the air. “I’ll be honest, Lex. I didn’t think you’d show.” He said, leaning on his former desk. “And I see, your control has definitely improved.” \n\nLex chuckled. “You flatter me professor, but the same could be said for all your students.”\n\n“Oh?” The professor bumped up a cigarette from his breast pocket and set the tip using the flaming hair of Ashely Johnson, who, coincidently, was nuzzled up right next to his shoulder. He took a steady drag, before exhaling to the long exhausted tube lights above. Scratching Ashely’s hair absentmindedly, her flames only did so much as to warm his hand. “Yes, I suppose so. How’ve you been? It’s been a long time since we’ve last talked. How’s Alex?” \n\n“Alex is dead professor.” \n\nThe professor tapped the end of his cigarette, letting the ashes fall to the ground. “I see. I’m sorry to hear that, Lex.”\n\n“Don’t be. She almost took my life.” \n\nNow it was the professor that chuckled. \"That is why I am sorry.\"", "The old man rested in an armchair by the window, distant thoughts of the past entering his mind as the moonlight shone through the glass and fell on his lap.\n\nHe was a teacher once, not of general academics and the like but of heroism and chivalry. As a youth he attempted the role of a saviour and failed, and in the offshoot of that he decided to be an assistant — a wind fanning the true flames lighting up the world.\n\nOh, but what children those young men and women of the academy seemed to be! Granted powers above humanity and blessed with endless potential, yet so ... naïve and youthful.\n\nThe old man sighed, but he smiled as well. He remembered the Olliver twins, Roy and Rochelle, and how they played a prank on him that ended in a food fight. He remembered Percival, the boy who couldn't fight properly but was braver than anyone else. The train of memory went on, honouring and tracing the names of those pupils.\n\nWhere were they all now, though?\n\nThe old man had, after his retirement, bade farewell to his students with the belief that they could fare for themselves thenceforth, and became a mountain hermit. He hadn't heard word of them nor had he ventured far from his cottage for the past 5 years. But now ... he felt a desire to re-visit the past and find out how everyone was doing.\n\nOnly, where was he to start? Finding people you haven't met for so long seemed a tricky thing for him. Ah, but there was the academy. He would go there on the morrow and look for more leads.\n\nBut now there was nothing to do except wait. Resigning himself to deep thought, the seated man gazed out into the night sky.\n\n***\n\n\"Hello there, sir,\" said a lady in the teacher's office. \"May I have your name —\"\n\nShe paused, a world of shock expressed in her raised eyelids and the slightly open mouth. She was staring at a gray-haired man who entered the room.\n\n\"Eldigan,\" the man said, smiling. \"Or have you forgotten, Alice?\"\n\n\"Forget — why, no sir, of course not!\" she replied.\n\n\"I jest.\" A chuckle escaped Eldigan. \"I actually need your help, Alice.\"\n\nHe explained his design to meet his old students and asked her for their addresses.\n\n\"Well, sir, ... I, ...\" said Alice when he was done, \"I don't know how to say this.\"\n\n\"What is it?\" said Eldigan. He saw Alice avert her eyes from him and tried to sound composed, but he worried a little.\n\n\"The students ... nearly all of them ...\"\n\n\"Yes?\"\n\n\"Are gone. Nearly all of them are gone.\"\n\nA single tear formed at the corner of her eye and trailed down.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" she said, her voice timid and weak.\n\n\"Don't be.\" Eldigan's eyes narrowed. He wanted more information but didn't want to torment the girl. \"You said 'nearly.' Tell me, who remains?\"\n\n\"Elesia. Elesia Corvani,\" she said, putting some emphasis on the name like it was hard to speak out.\n\n\"I see. Tell me where she lives.\"\n\n\"You mustn't visit her, sir. It's dangerous.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" His eyebrows frowned in confusion. Elesia was his class president. What on earth was going on?\n\n\"She's responsible for everyone's death,\" said Alice, a business-like chill in her manner. \"Elesia is a danger, sir.\"\n\n\"All the more reason for me to go see her.\"\n\n\"But sir! —\"\n\n\"Trust me,\" he said. \"Now, her address.\"\n\nA moment of silence.\n\n\"I'm on it, ... sir.\"\n\n***\n\nThe mansion stood on a cliff by the sea. It was blue and white mostly, faded paint living on feebly to tell their tale of the once richly coloured architecture — the house of the Corvani line.\n\nSir Eldigan stood outside its gates and entered, for it was unlocked. He walked along a small path betwixt two gardens, and finding a large door of gray he knocked thrice. It opened, but not by any human hand. The old man found no one to greet him. It was as though the wind itself was a servant of the Corvani's — a thing of no surprise to him, as Elesia was one of those with the ability to manipulate science according to her will.\n\n\"Elesia?\" said Eldigan aloud. \"I know you can hear me. Where are you?\"\n\nHe walked inside the main hall and the door closed itself, quietly behind him.\n\n\"Elesia!\"\n\nThere came the creaking sound of a wooden door opening somewhere, somewhere above. Eldigan decided to take that as a lead and climbed the white, ghost-like staircase shining beneath a chandelier of blue flame. Briskly strolling by a row of closed doors he found one open and went through it, finding himself in a classic study.\n\n\"Good evening, professor,\" said the black-haired woman seated within. \"Hardly did I expect your visit. Please, feel at home!\"\n\nElesia was the same as Eldigan remembered, save for her looks having matured a little, and her white dress in the place of a school uniform.\n\n\"With all due respect,\" noted Elesia, \"you seem frozen in place. Here.\"\n\nOne of her fingers made a small movement and a chair sprung out from the corner, standing at the center of the distance between Eldigan and his former student.\n\n\"If you'd like, I can make you some tea,\" she said.\n\n\"Elesia,\" said Eldigan, ignoring her and the chair before him.\n\n\"We have chamomile and some other types. I think one was called ... Wait, what was it again?\"\n\n\"Elesia!\"\n\n\"Oh, I'm sorry,\" she said, snapping out of what seemed a train of thought. \"I get carried away sometimes. What is it, professor?\"\n\n\"You ... what have you become?\"\n\n\"I'm not sure I understand.\"\n\n\"You do. I'm sure you do.\" A cold glint dwelled in his eyes. \"You ... how could you? They were your classmates. Your friends!\"\n\nElesia turned away, directing her attention at a half-filled cup atop a table beside her. This she took in hand and sipped.\n\n\"They were my friends once,\" she said, \"but my heart is fickle. None of them have a place in it anymore.\"\n\n\"But why, Ela?\" said Eldigan, using her nickname. \"WHY?\"\n\n\"Because they were fools,\" said Elesia, her voice an icy cold. \"They thought it was good enough to 'kill bad guys and save the day,' but what difference did that ever make in the world? I alone could bring true justice, and I ... I told them my ideals.\"\n\nSilence.\n\n\"Did they listen, though?\" she continued. \"No. No, they didn't. They opposed me. They tried to kill me, understand? I had no other choice.\"\n\n\"You're wrong.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"I said you're wrong,\" repeated Eldigan. \"You're lying, too. Ela would never say that.\"\n\n\"How dare ... How dare you mock —\"\n\nHer words went unfinished. Her teacher moved at magical speed and stabbed her heart with a sharp object from his pocket — a knife, perhaps. She could sharply feel its shape.\n\n\"The true Ela was strong,\" said Eldigan. \"She was stronger than all her friends. You used her power to end their lives.\"\n\n\"Stop, ... I. ...\"\n\n\"But she also had instinct. You'd sense my attack if you were her, but you didn't.\"\n\nHe twisted the knife and she screamed.\n\n\"But above all ... her friends and dreams were her treasure. She would keep on saving everyone. Ela would never\" — he caught her cheeks in his hand and faced her, his steely blues connecting with her tear-filled eyes — \"never give up on that.\"\n\nHe pulled the weapon out and wiped it on a handkerchief. The woman he once knew as Elesia stared at him, waiting in helplessness as her life flowed out of her wound.\n\n\"You're some evil spirit who tricked Ela one way or another. You took possession of her body and used it. But in the end. ...\"\n\nHe re-sheathed the blade.\n\n\"You're nothing but a quitter,\" he finished." ]	3
	[WP] After you’ve died, it turns out that death is a huge fan of yours, waiting years to meet you in person.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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 wasn't sure what had happened at first. I woke up one day to find myself in a rather nice house with little knowledge of how I got there. I was frightened at first, as anyone would. So enough, the fear went away as I found my favorite things. Food I liked or wantes at that moment would show up in the dinning room, there was a TV and game system, I had my phone to play on and wifi, I just couldnt contact anyone.\n\nThis went on for a while before i realized something. I had been an old woman, living in a nurcing home, and yet I was suddenly in my 20s again. Then other odd things would happen. A poem I had written and lost a long time ago, or art work I had made as a child would suddenly show up on the walls. One day though, I found a locked room.\n\nThe door kinda freaked me out as it was dark in colour and hadn't been there before now. I troed opening it and couldnt. After that, I spent time trying to find the key before giving up and leaving it. I didnt forget that door though and would try it from time to time. One day unexpectedly, the door was unlocked and opened up. On the other side was a rather nice office with an entity behind the desk.\n\nHe was rather startled before rushing over to ask for my autograph of all things. I was famous or anything so this was odd. I soon learned the truth of my new home though. I had died of old age, but death had been a fan of mine and so chose to keep me here where he could watch me rather then sending me on.\n\nI had been scared and angry at first, but after time realized that things wherent so bad. Now that I had met death, I at least had company. We started to drink tea together everyday. Its been 300 years though and I'm concerned about my future. Death has been speaking of a new human excitedly." ]	2
	[WP] The streets are no place to make a life. I had a family...a house......a mattress. If I only hadn't torn that damn tag off. THEY wouldn't be after me.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "It’s raining again. Always raining. I slosh down the alley to an overhanging ledge. I throw my back against the bricks to flatten myself inside the curtain of dirty runoff from the rooftops. I pull my sodden coat tightly around my gaunt ribs and plunge my fingers into my armpits, willing them to warm up and regain feeling.\n\nI have to find someplace dry. But where? They would be waiting anywhere I could go. They have eyes in shelters, libraries, and any other public building. If I had a few bucks I could hang out in a restaurant, but that would only be a short respite from this rain. They would turn me out as soon as they could. \n\nThey’d say I was driving away customers. A man can only get so clean by cloth bathing in park bathrooms. I ditched my cell soon after it all happened. They could use it to triangulate my position. Couldn’t risk it. If they weren’t watching my accounts, I could use a card to get out of town, but I could never leave Cynthia.\n\nCynthia. Why did they take you? It was me they wanted. They came for me but they took you because I ran. I took off like a coward.\n\nCynthia, I’m sorry.\n\nTears warmed my cheeks, but only for an instant.\n\nI let my legs give out and slide my back down the rough bricks. There is nowhere else to go. This is as good as any place to spend another shivering night. I rest my head against the wall and closed my eyes, willing myself to sleep. I try to clear my mind, but it keeps coming back to home. It all seems so far in the past: my house, food, a warm shower, the roof over my head, Cynthia. Everything I took for granted.\n\nI use to gripe when the wifi was slow. Then my thoughts wander to my soft bed, the soft sheets with a ridiculous thread count, the plump pillows. Cynthia always put too many on the bed. No one needs that many pillows.\n\nI smile.\n\nBut it quickly vanishes.\n\nThat mattress. That tag. I owned the thing. Why wouldn’t I be able to do whatever I wanted with it? Isn’t this a free country? As my mind trails to the same slippery place it did every night, I drift slowly to sleep. \n\nI sleep, but hardly. Anyone who has been camping could tell you, sleeping outside is never as restful as you would hope. This is a thousand times worse. The rain lets up sometime in the early morning and I’m left with the bustling sounds of the city around me.\n\nWhen the sun rises, the air warms and the puddles begin to dry up, at least until the rain tonight. I try to keep sleeping to recover some of my lost rest.\n\nScreeching tires. A van door. I open my eyes and find four men striding down the alley toward me. Dark sunglasses hide their eyes. Leather soled shoes clop and echo in the corridor of brick walls and rusted fire escapes. Sharp black suits. All at once, my sleepy mind recognizes the peril I’m in. They found me. How could they have found me?\n\nExtendable cattle prods drop from their sleeves and into their hands. The electrodes pop and fizzle, threatening pain like a rattlesnake before its bite. I groggily force my feet under me and stand, eyes darting all around for some escape. Nothing but sheer brick walls surround me. I lunge for one of the rusty fire escapes, but it’s just out of reach.\n\nThe men surround me and one of them pulls a black bag from inside his jacket. \n\n“Darrick Smith,” the closest one said in an authoritative, yet hushed tone. “Under statute 426 of the Furniture code, subparagraph 6E, you are under arrest under suspicion of unlawful removal of the mattress tag. You do not have the right to remain silent. You do not have the right to an attorney-”\n\nI heard enough. I take a deep breath and scream as loudly as I can.\n\n“Help m-,”\n\nElectrical fire webs across my neck, choking off my cry for help. I drop to my knees. Another agent thrust his prod into my ribs, sending more lancing pain through me. He throws the bag over my head, and everything goes black. Two lift me to my feet with little effort. I kick out to either side and try to call out again. A cattle prod zapped my thy as a fist punched into my guts, pressing the air from my lungs.\n\nThey are dragging me now. The didn’t need my legs to work. They toss me and my back slams into something hollow and metallic. \n\nA dumpster? Then I feel the suspension bounce slightly as the agents get in after me. \n\nA van. That iconic van door slamming sound rings inside the vehicle like a bell. The engine fires up and the driver punches it. With a moment of screeching tires and g-force toppling me over, we are gone. I’m gone. Maybe I’m going to see Cynthia. Maybe I’m never to be seen or heard from again.\n\nFor a stupid mattress tag." ]	2
	[WP]- Every 250 years God and the Devil meet to play a game of chess with the winner getting to control the world for the next quarter of a millennium.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The room sat undisturbed. Diagonally, half of it had been painted a deep, shiny wine red. The other half, a soft, pacifying blue. In the middle, a simple table with a chess board and two chairs. Each side owned a grandiose grandfather clock with similar hues to the paint of the side of the room they resided on. Then, exactly as the grandfather clocks began to ring, two portals open in two corners of the room: an orange, fiery portal on the red side, and a clean, sharp blue portal on the blue side. \n\nA handsome man in a fine white suit trimmed with gold stepped through the fiery portal. His features were sharp, his handsome chin growing a bit of stubble. His short black hair was suaved and styled to perfection, his suit and shoes tailored delicately to fit his form, and cleaned obsessively to attain the utmost presentative quality. \"Father.\" \n\nBehind him stepped a massive red humanoid creature, ducking its horned head through the portal, each step shaking the room slightly as it planted its feet. The beast snarled and bared sharp rows of teeth, flicking its thin tail back and forth through the air.\n\nFrom the blue portal, an older man appeared. His hair was similarly short and styled, though a bit more ragged and rough, and a bright gray, rather than deep black. His beard was long and well-kept, though a bit frazzled. His attire was that of billowing white and gold robes, with simple white sandals on his feet. \"Hello, my boy.\"\n\nBehind him, a beautiful man floated on his feet through the portal, a golden crown of vines wrapping around his pretty brown hair, skimpy robes delicately covering his lean muscular form. From his back sprouted large white feathered wings, tucked neatly behind his back as he walked gracefully.\n\n\"I suppose we'll get right to it,\" Satan said flatly, taking a seat.\n\n\"Suppose we will,\" God replied kindly, gently sitting down.\n\nThe demon and angel stood distantly from each other, each ignoring the presence of the other, instead staring intently at the chess board. \n\n\"Same boring payout as usual, I assume? 250 years?\" the light-bringer's face pouted mockingly.\n\n\"That sounds good, my boy.\"\n\nTo commence the beginning of the match, the demon roared a soul-wrenching roar, shaking the walls of the room with its power. The angel simply hummed a soft tune, matching the demon's roar in both volume and presence. With that, the competitors began.\n\nThe matches, to any on-lookers, may well be in total darkness, as the speed and strategy of the two competing entities was imperceptible to even the demon and angel representatives present that day. Their movements were less than blurs, their long-term strategies even more enigmatic.\n\n\"Four to four,\" Satan chuckled.\n\n\"Last round, my boy. Are you ready?\"\n\n\"Set the pieces, G'thrakk.\"\n\n\"Ansalay, if you would please reset the board on my side.\"\n\nAs the two servants quickly reset the board, all four entities snapped their heads to the roof as a tearing sound echoed throughout the chamber. A deep purple portal opened into a deep black cosmic vacuum. \n\n\"Ahhhh. Hello, gentlemen. I've been searching for this game for too long. Mind if I step in for a game?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n(If you liked this story, feel free to check out my humble community at: r/SUPRAPStories)" ]	2
	[WP] A group of adventurers find themselves trapped in a dungeon that doesn't seem to end. They find all that they need to survive from the loot off the monsters they kill.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Rogue, \"Hey! This Bugbear has a food ration for all of us!\"\n\nFighter, \"What's that make, five days more than we brought in?\"\n\nMage, \"Yes, and it's making me nervous.\"\n\nFighter, \"How so?\"\n\nMage, \"What sort of dungeon has monsters carrying things that the have no use for, but enable us to remain longer?\"\n\nRogue, \"Plus, we've been in here for three days, following the left wall, and we still haven't found an edge. It just keeps going. That's not normal either.\"\n\nFighter, \"Meaning what?\"\n\nHealer, \"Meaning that this dungeon is one giant trap. If we stay here long enough, we could find ourselves suddenly without sufficient food to get back out. Or worse, the dungeon has changed behind us, and our map is useless. Rogue? Is there any place in the existing map that you would expect an edge?\"\n\nRogue, \"Three. There are three separate places that we should have run into a tunnel that we already mapped. I asked about those. The answer was a change in depth too gentle to sense.\n\n\"Let's try backtracking to one of them, I have an idea.\"\n\n…—…\n\nFighter, \"Okay, we're here.\"\n\nRogue takes out a canteen and pours a bit of water on the smooth stone floor. \"Where we are, there has to be a slope to get us under or over a ten foot high tunnel that this one crosses. So, why isn't the water moving?\"\n\nMage, \"Let me add a bit more.\" More water is added, the puddle gets larger. \"Either magic, or this tunnel is flat, and the crossing tunnel is sloped. Backtrack to the crossing tunnel.\"\n\n…—…\n\nThe experiment is repeated, the puddle does not move.\n\nRogue, \"I know that I drew the map correctly, either magic or what?\"\n\nFighter, \"Let's leave, now.\"\n\nHealer, \"If we can.\"\n\n…—…\n\nRogue, \"Woah, hold up! We've just gone off map.\"\n\nFighter, \"I know I followed the map!\"\n\nRogue, \"I know, I've been checking. Including distances. This tunnel is at least ten paces too long, and you can see that we haven't reached the intersection.\"\n\nFighter, \"Not to insult you, but how likely is a miscount between the inbound and outbound distances?\"\n\nRogue, \"I don't believe that I have ever been off by more than five paces in any other dungeon.\"\n\nMage, \"on average, how far off are you in other dungeons?\"\n\nRogue, \"Oh... In other dungeons, I'm usually no more than a pace or two per tunnel. But this one? I've been all over the place. Anywhere from minus four to plus four. The average is zero when you add up all the directions, but...\"\n\nMage, \"...but when you add up only the ones from one direction?\"\n\nRogue, \"North/South, average three paces north, and zero South. The overall average is plus three North. I hadn't thought of checking only one direction.\"\n\nHealer, \"We are screwed, aren't we?\"\n\nFighter, \"Word of Recall?\"\n\nHealer, \"If we are on the same plane.\"\n\nMage, \"If we aren't, then we're totally screwed without outside help, none of us has plane shift.\"\n\nRogue, \"Um, everyone prays first? I know I'm not devout, but... every little bit helps?\"\n\nHealer, \"It is good that you at least think about your deity in danger, but you really should do it at least once a day.\"\n\nRogue, \"Four times a day, plus special events, but they're kind of all-purpose and any-deity.\"\n\nHealer, \"Better than some,\" looking at the Mage.\n\nFighter, \"We can leave that for later. Pray with all your heart, then we try the Recall.\"\n\nRECALL!\n\nA well appointed but somewhat rustic room.\n\nRogue, \"Hey! We made it!\"\n\nFighter, \"Let's take a look before we celebrate.\"\n\nHealer, \"No faith?\"\n\nMage, \"Too much paranoia.\"\n\nRogue, \"Is it paranoia if they really are out to get you?\"\n\nHealer, \"No, it isn't.\" Opening the door, there is another room, much more rustic, with windows that show light coming through closed shutters. \"Looks right so far, outside next.\" Opening the outside door, everything looks right, with all the outside features correct. \"Ah, I believe it worked! Let's get a nights sleep here, and start for the city tomorrow.\"\n\n***, \"Sounds good!\"\n\nLate that night, after everyone has gone to sleep, a quiet laugh, \"Muwahahaha...\"\n\n((finis))" ]	2
	[WP] While excavating an archeological site, you've accidentally awakened an immortal queen from her deathly slumber, but instead of being evil and wanting to conquer the world, she just wants her stuff back and to move on with her 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.", "I finally made it. The lost pyramid that was found in the Meridian Jungle. People kept saying it was a myth, and I’ve heard so many stories growing up. I was the only one who chose to believe it out of all my friends and family. If only they could see this now. \n\nI took one last glance at the outside of the pyramid before noticing the door inside slowly slide open. I took a deep breath and then headed inside, the door sliding shut behind me. \n\nI began to grow nervous. All those stories I’ve heard about this pyramid, what if these myths are called myths because explorers who came inside never made it out? What if I’m next? I decided not to waste any more time on these thoughts. I had to focus on what I was here for. \n\nAs I continued walking through the pyramid, I constantly felt on edge. Where were the traps that I’ve seen in movies and television? There has to be something or somebody coming after me to keep me from taking what I was after. Or maybe it would all happen after I took it. \n\nFinally, through another corridor laid a stone coffin. It was the coffin of Queen Sage, the infamous queen who tried to take control of the land, before she was ultimately poisoned and brought into this pyramid, to be long forgotten by outsiders. I slowly and quietly approached her coffin, where I saw the purple jewel glowing on top of the lid of the coffin. This was exactly what I was looking for. \n\nI put my hand on top of the jewel, and carefully removed it from the lid. I thought it would be difficult, but it came right off. I stood there frozen for a moment, observing this amazing jewel before placing it in my satchel and walking away from the coffin. \n\nAs I was close to the door, however, I felt a low rumbling from beneath my feet. I turned around, scared to see what would attack me and try to kill me for removing the jewel. But instead, I saw the lid slowly come off of the coffin and I saw a woman peer her head out and eventually slowly sit up inside the coffin.\n\nMy eyes widened and my heart was racing. It was Queen Sage herself. She wasn’t a mummy, or a skeleton or anything that could be scary. She was human, as if she had just awoken from a nap. She had long, slick, black hair and wore a beautiful, purple gown with a thin, gold crown around her head. \n\nShe turned and looked at me. I didn’t move. I could tell this was it. She probably was going to kill me and do much more after she was done with me. \n\n“Hello traveler...” She said in a soft voice. I gave her a confused look. Was this a trick?\n\n“Uh... hi” I said. “You must be the queen.” I then bowed to her to show my respects. \n\nShe let out a soft giggle, “There’s no need for you to bow to me, young one.”\n\nI looked down at the purple jewel and then looked back at her, holding the jewel up to her. “I apologize, this must be yours.”\n\n“I don’t need that jewel, you may keep it.” The queen told me. “That jewel was the reason I was unable to escape my slumber.”\n\n“Slumber?” I asked. “So you didn’t die?”\n\nShe shook her head. “I can’t actually die. But there are some weaknesses that may cause me to fall into a deep sleep, or fall ill, which is what happened to me.”\n\n“I heard you were poisoned.” I said. \n\nShe nodded, “By villagers who lived outside this jungle long ago. They discovered my immortality, and grew jealous. They considered me a monster for not giving them the key to living forever, when I myself had no knowledge of how to become immortal, or even how I gained it. \n\n“Maybe it was a God.” I told her. \n\n“I wanted to get the answer the longest time, but then I was poisoned, and I have been trapped here in slumber ever since, then I woke up and found you.”\n\nI couldn’t help but feel bad for the queen. All this time, these myths have portrayed her as a monster when she was simply an outcast for being different, for having something she couldn’t control or had no knowledge of. \n\n“Well, you’re here and awake now.” I explained to her. “And so much has changed since you last were awake. Perhaps we can continue your search together, and I can show you what the world has to offer now.”\n\nThe queen smiled, “You are a kind soul, one of the only souls who has ever been nice to me.”\n\n“And there are plenty more out there.” I responded. “More people who will accept you for who you are and will not let immortality get to their heads.”\n\nShe smiled, “I would like to see this world very much.”\n\nI smiled, “Well then, follow me.”\n\nThe two of us then made our way out of the pyramid. As soon as we left the outside of the pyramid, it began to disappear, having served its purpose.", "1955\n\nSan Bernadino\n\nCalifornia\n\nThe dark-haired girl strolled down the street in the early evening, worn satchel over her shoulder. Quietly pretty, in her late teens, she didn’t stand out in the crowd, save for an aristocratic profile and a slightly deeper tan than most girls of her age. A lit-up sign caught her eye as she turned the corner and she took in a new sight. Twin golden arches, pulsing neon and bright primary colours. Curious, she drifted closer, then pushed open the door and entered.\n\n“Good evening, miss,” said the young man behind the counter. “Can I interest you in a meal?” He handed over a printed cardboard menu.\n\n“Oh,” she said. “Thank you.”\n\n“From out of town, are we?” he asked politely as he began to wipe down the counter.\n\n“You might say that.” It never failed; she knew from long experience. No matter how well she knew the language, a faint accent crept in. “I left home a long time ago.” Tapping the menu, she said, “I would like the, uh, pure beef hamburger and a ‘thirst quenching’ Coke, please.”\n\nThe counter attendant rang up the purchase. “That will be twenty-five cents thank you, miss.”\n\n“Certainly.” She shrugged the satchel from her shoulder and reached inside to retrieve her change purse. Selecting a quarter, she passed it over to him.\n\n“Thank you very much.” He was about to drop it into the change drawer when something about the coin caught his eye. “Wait a minute. That’s not a quarter.” Turning it over in his hands, he peered more closely. “Where’s Washington? And the eagle’s off, too.” Coin still in his hand, he looked accusingly at her. “Are you trying to pass some kind of funny money, sister?”\n\nThe girl grimaced internally. I should’ve been more careful. Coin designs change more regularly now than they used to. “Check the date on it,” she said. \n\nSuspiciously, he did so, then his eyes bugged out. “Holy moley!” he gasped. “This was minted in eighteen eighty-five! Do you have any idea how old that makes this?”\n\nMore than sixty-four years, she thought, but did not say. “Is that a problem? I assure you, it’s genuine. I … had a little windfall awhile ago. This was in a safe that was bequeathed to me.”\n\nThe attendant was barely listening to her. His eyes were unfocused as his lips moved silently. “It’s, uh, seventy years old! Older than you and me put together! Wow!”\n\n“Yes, wow,” she said patiently. “Is that a problem? I believe I have other coins of a more recent vintage here somewhere.” Older than you, maybe.\n\n“No, no, it’s okay.” He dived into his own pocket and came out with a shiny new quarter, which he dropped into the change drawer. “I know folks who, uh, collect coins. They’d love this one. It looks nearly brand new.”\n\n“It was in a safe for over sixty years,” she said. “May I have my hamburger and Coke now, please?”\n\n“Oh, uh, yeah, sure,” he babbled, sliding the older coin into his pocket. “Do you have any others like that?”\n\n“No, no, everything else I have is new,” she lied smoothly. Collect coins, hmm? More like pay for antique ones. Perhaps I should look into that on my next time around.\n\nHe brought the hamburger to her on a plate. The Coke came in a cone-shaped cup that required her to hold it as she sat down to eat the hamburger. She dealt with that problem by finishing the fizzy soda before she started on the juicy burger. It was, admittedly, delicious. A good meal for her last evening before she lay down to sleep once more.\n\nAs she left the establishment, she saw the young attendant avidly studying the coin she’d given him. Well, I wish him all the luck with it. The next time I see him, if I ever do see him again, he won’t remember me. Or if he does, he won’t believe it’s me. People never did.\n\nA car drove past, then slowed to a halt. “Hey, Kim!” called out a girl. “Where you going?”\n\n“Hi, Lillian,” she called back, waving. “I’m heading out of town.”\n\n“Aww, that’s a pity.” Lillian opened the door and got out. “It’s been a real blast since you got to town, and you’ve gotta move on already?”\n\n“That’s my life,” Khemet replied. She hugged Lillian, smelling the perfume and powder. Not much different from her own youth, but personal hygiene was much better in the here and now. Running water was a great aid for that. “I’ll always remember you. Thanks for showing me around.”\n\n“Hey, I’ll always remember you, too. Ooh, something to remember us by. Mom and Pop gave me this for my birthday, and Dan and me have been driving around, taking photographs of each other in front of buildings.” Lillian dived into the car once more, then emerged with a flat, rounded box.\n\nKhemet was familiar with the notion of photographs, but she didn’t recognize the object Lillian was holding. “What is that?”\n\n“It’s a Polaroid instant camera,” Dan said, getting out of his side of the car. “So you’re heading on, huh? Sorry to see you go. You’re just not the same as everyone else. It’s like you see everything as new and fresh and exciting. Gives me a good feeling about the world.”\n\nLillian fiddled with the box, pulling out one side and unfolding a wire frame. Khemet watched her curiously as she spoke to Dan. “I’m glad of that. We should all wake up every day looking for new things in the world.”\n\n“Okay, ready.” Lillian pointed at the pool of light under a street-lamp. “We’ll stand there and Dan can take a photograph of us.” She handed over the complicated-looking object to her boyfriend.\n\n“I’m gonna save up and get one of these for my own one of these days,” Dan said as he held the camera up to his face, looking through a little side-mounted viewfinder. “I want to be a world-famous photographer.”\n\n“I’m sure you can be anything you want to be, Dan,” Khemet said with a smile as she stood beside Lillian. “That’s what America’s all about, after all.”\n\n“Darn tootin’,” agreed Dan, sighting through the eyepiece. “Okay, girls, you’ve got too much top shadow. Take a step back … yeah, another one. Okay, that’s good.” He crouched slightly, aiming up at them.\n\n“And the world-famous photographer lines up his subject for the Pulitzer Prize winning photograph …” murmured Lillian.\n\nKhemet giggled, just as the camera clicked. “Why did you make me laugh?” she asked.\n\n“Because you looked too solemn,” Lillian said firmly. “I wanted you to be happy before you went away.” She went and took the camera back from Dan. “Just a few minutes now,” she said as she folded parts away and pulled a tab from the back of the camera.\n\n“For what?” asked Khemet. Time was pressing on, and she still had to get back to where she intended to sleep.\n\n(continued)", "\n“Go careful, don’t hurt me!” a faint voice said. I looked up at my crew and they were all occupied on their own digs. I didn’t ask if they heard anything because it would mean shouting across the field, so I presumed it to be nothing; we were just outside of our city digging in what we were led to believe was an ancient burial site, so I thought my mind was playing tricks me.\n\nAs I continued to dig, the voice got closer; “please, go careful. Don’t hurt me” the voice echoed again. I had felt something wooden as I dug, but the dirt and debris covered it to the point of it being indistinguishable.\n\nI tapped the box gently with my shovel again, and shouted over my colleague. “Tim, I’ve found something and I think it’s big”.\n\n“What is it, Jeremy?” Tim replied eagerly, clearly excited.\n\n“It’s something wooden”, I explained to Tim, tapping on the box.\n\n“Less tapping, more action, you peasant!” \n\nI was slightly taken aback by this; Tim is normally a friendly soul, for him to talk to me in this tone was rather odd, so I looked at him most confused.\n\n“What?! It wasn’t me.” He replied, without me having to prompt him.\n\nI tapped again.\n\n“Hurry up, I’ve been asleep for what feels like forever. I just want daylight!” \n\nTim looked at me. I looked at Tim. The box was talking to us. We beckoned the group over and continued to listen for the voice.\n\n“Well, are you going to get me out of here or what?” the impatient voice echoed.\n\nThe others looked at each other in amazement, unsure of what we had just discovered; Tim and I were excited with the prospect of this, but also concerned about what we had just done.\n\n“Hello?! Come on peasants, I’m royalty, don’t you know.” \n\nI questioned the voice: “who are you ma’am?” \n\n“I’m the Queen of the Underground, dear peasant. I’ve been down here since 484 AD resting peacefully until I would be awakened by my saviours.” \n\nI looked at Tim.\n\n“I guess we best get her out then”, he said, so that’s what we did; for the rest of that day, we gathered all our equipment and focused solely on rescuing ‘Queen of the Underground’. \n\nThen, as nightfall fell on what was a momentous day, her chamber was lifted on to the ground. \n\n“Ow, go steady”, the Queen said. \n\n“Terrible sorry, ma’am” I replied, feeling like I was the presence of true royalty, when, in truth, I had no idea what was happening. This was all a bit surreal to me.\n\n“You’re on the ground now, ma’am, and we are ready to open your chamber when you are ready”, Tim said, making me feel like I needed to roll out the red carpet or something.\n\n“Please open”, a much calmer voice than earlier stated. And that’s what we did. \n\nThere she stood, this mighty powerful lady dressed in full robes, decorated with fine jewellery; a cushioned crown encrusted with diamonds sat gracefully on her head. It was pristine, considering she had supposedly spent many years underground.\n\n“Thank you, peasants… “, she said, taking her first step of the outside in thousands of years, “well, isn’t all this a bit different to how I remember it?” she continued. We knew that this must have been rhetorical and didn’t begin to form an answer.\n\n“I was once the most powerful human being in the country. Though, it looks like that has changed. Will you ladies and gentlemen help me gather my things so I can be on my way to a new peasant life?”, she asked.\n\n“Yes, of course ma’am”, I replied. \n\n“Oh, you can stop with the ma’am thing now. It doesn’t look like I will have any authority in today’s world… not to worry, though. I’m awake from my slumber and I’ll make the best of it.” \n\n“Sorry, ma’…”, I answered.\n\n“At the back of my chamber is a compartment, it will need opening with a heavy mallet, and there you will find my belongings. Please, if I may, could one of you fine people open it for me?”\n\n“Right you are”, Tim was already on it; his curiosity had got the better of him.\n\nAs he opened the chamber’s compartment, he saw ample supplies. Though, they hadn’t aged well as they didn’t seem like much in today’s material world, the Queen was most impressed with them and gracefully thanked him. \n\n“Right, that’ll be all. I’ll be on my way. Thank you.” The Queen stated, picking up her belongings and walking off towards the city. \n\n“Well, that was a bit different.” I said, looking at Tim. \n\n“Damn right it was”, Tim responded.\n\nWhat were we to do with this discovery?" ]	4
	[WP] It's a few weeks after the zombie apocalypse, and you've just been bit. Knowing your fate, you ask your friends to tie you to a chair and study you.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The fight was over, hundreds of those undead bastards were now dead and we were naught but a few bullets worse off. Crash the shelf fell over and nearly landed on Tom, a zombie jumping out from behind it. Jumping at it I swung my bat hard and missed, flying right into its mouth. I was bit, this is the end...\n\nJack shot the zombie with his pistol and pulled me up, inspecting the wound. After a second of thinking I asked him \"Could you tie me up, like, to a chair or something?\"\n\n\"Why?\" James asked, a little dumbfounded.\n\n\"When I turn, you can study me, or maybe find a way to make use of whatever shambling corpse is left\" I hastily replied.\n\n\"Makes sense and doesn't hurt nobody\" Tom chimed in, grabbing some rope and a chair from a nearby cupboard and placing it next to me. \n\nAs I sat down the two started tying my limbs to the chair, a last rope being put around my chest for good measure. Now the wait begins, the wait for my inevitable, unavoidable death.\n\nA day passed, still unturned even though I had a nasty bite taken out of my shoulder... usually it takes less than twelve hours.\n\nA second day, somehow still clinging to life as the infection tried to break me... I'm not giving up without a god damn fight. By this point Tom and James were questioning what went wrong in that I was still... alive.\n\nA full week passed... nobody knows how but I was still alive... the wound had started to heal and so they untied me... I feel a little ill, maybe diarrhoea. It should pass by morning.\n\nIt's been another week now, I'm still not dead although I've had a few problems with my body. I think I've got the shits and I might've eaten some bad chicken the other night... It'll pass... I hope.\n\nI've lasted a month... that's a surprise. Most of my issues passed but I haven't been feeling too hungry recently, I also find myself to be in a little better physical shape even though I look no different...\n\nGahhh... my head hurts... it's been... a couple of weeks, at least, since I wrote here and today I woke up with the mother of all headaches. This had better pass soon. \n\nI... I feel like death warmed over right now. Nothing works. No medicine helps. I think... I think I'm dy- The writing cuts off here, a small bloodstain is the only other thing on the page.", "This is it...my end. \n\nHow did this happen?\n\nI cant remember much, except screaming and crying. Now though, even with more pieces coming back to me, it feels like a dream.\n\n\"So...what? We just watch her die?\"\n\n\"I mean...thats kinda how we study things right?\"\n\n\"But...but shes our friend.\"\n\n\"And shes still be our friend IF YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE!\"\n\n\"Alexis! Outside! Now!\"\n\nWatching as Alexis, my friend since highschool, stepped out of the room I frowned. Glancing back to the others I seen the look of hurt in their eyes as well. She had a point...now that I can remember. I was supposed to be on guard duty WITH someone...it was Matt wasn't it? No...no it was, it was him. Anthony. Yeah, he was supposed to be on watch with me and...and he wasnt there.\n\n\"Anyone see Danny coming back yet?\"\n\nDanny...DANNY!\n\n\"No, no sign.\"\n\n\"Ok, keep Minx with Alexis until he gets back.\"\n\nMinx...my daughter. OUR daughter...Danny and I. Oh no, this...this was gonna kill them. \n\n\"Hey! Trix.\"\n\nThat was my name right? Looking up to the guy talking to me I squinted my eyes as I nodded.\n\n\"How longs it been?\"\n\n\"Five hours.\"\n\n\"Didnt the news say between seven and what...three days?\"\n\nThe guy, Matt was it, agreed. I couldn't see him too well, he was far off but I heard him well enough to remember that nasty voice.\n\n\"Ok...ok then, for now we wait.\"\n\n.\n\nIt was dark...too dark...I couldn't open my eyes to see. Were they even opened? I groaned, my throat felt like it had went as dry as the Sahara Desert. Moving my head to the side I could hear some people moving. It sounded hurried.\n\n\"No man seriously! We don't...DANNY!\"\n\nFootsteps, footsteps rushed my way. I felt a growl slip up my throat as they got closer but when the door to the room opened sound grew louder. \n\nHis breathing was harsher, his steps echoing through my skull. I could hear him grabbing at something, something that clinked metal to metal. His wedding ring. It was his wedding ring hitting the blade of his machete, when hed go to check if it was on his side. I had warned him he would attract the walkers if he made noise, now we knew. \n\nHow?\n\nBecause without even wanting to my head snatched in his direction and a guttural growl answered the metal noise. I couldn't see him but I knew he was there and as he moved closer to me I could smell him. He smelled...sweet.\n\n\"Trixie...oh god Trixie why? Why baby?\"\n\nFor a brief moment I felt the urge to answer him, to say I'm not sure, but all that would come out was low moans and hisses. I don't think that scared join for the next thing I could detect was fingers caressing my cheeks, thumbs over my eyelids and soon...soon he was opening my eyes. It was bright, too bright but dull.\n\n\"Grey...how long?\"\n\n\"Ten now Danny.\"\n\nTen hours, or days? No not days... Danny was never gone on a hunt that long. So, ten hours and they lose their sight first. Well...maybe second, voice first. Feeling my head being turned to him I could just make out his features as he looked me over. He was crying. \n\n\"What was your plan?\"\n\nI heard footsteps again come closer but my concentration was souly on Danny. His heart beat, his smell, his touch against my cold cheek.\n\n\"She said to study their way. What gets their attention...if they ignore us while she's with us...that kinds stuff.\"\n\n\"While she's with us?!? She's gonna be a walker Kenny! How in the hell is she gonna be with us! Who in the hell let this happen!\"\n\n\"I'm not sure! Ok! Anthony was supposed to be on guard duty with her and then he wasn't there and thenwe heard her scream and...well....here we are.\"\n\nDanny was choking on a sob. I didn't want him to cry but every time I tried to move my body...it didn't respond to me. I was now the back seat driver for a fully loaded fright train. That ate human flesh. It smelled so sweet!\n\n\"Get him. Get him now. And get everyone ready to go.\"\n\n\"Dan...\"\n\n\"Now! One hour, we leave.\"\n\n\"And...\"\n\nI could hear their heads move as they looked my way. Funny how much better my hearing and smelling got yet my eyes went down hill fast....or are they first to go then last to come back?\n\n\"She's coming, I'll figure it out. Keep Minx with Alexis. I'll tell her soon.\"\n\n\"Ok.\"\n\n.\n\nThey've leaned, a little. They know that I can sence them coming before they want me too. They know I react to faster movement before slower ones. They even realized I can scent them from behind doors. Yet I have yet too try and bite them. Twelve hours. Twelve hours after I got bit. Guess I'm a lucky one that I didn't suffer long.\n\n\"Ok, is she secure?\"\n\n\"Yeah, catch poll around her neck and muzzle over her teeth.\"\n\n\"Hands?\"\n\n\"Handcuffed together and looped through her belt. Took a bit, but she wasn't paying me much mind as long as Kenny moved around to her right.\"\n\nWhoever was moving me now pushed on the poll a little and made me walk forward. It was rough, my legs feeling weak and like jelly but my body moved. I heard someone walking in front of me, someone big and bulky. Had to be Danny. He was leading us and as we got somewhere bright they stopped us.\n\n\"Where is he?\"\n\n\"Outside like you asked. You sure about this?\"\n\n\"The evidence don't lie, and hes had it out for Trixie and I for a long time. It's time to thin the pack. Y'all get going, down the road and stay on the main highway. When Kenny stops y'all for the night we'll catch up. Alexis has Minx waiting, y'all go on.\"\n\n\"You got her?\"\n\n\"She's my wife, of course I got her.\"\n\nI felt the poll being handed off and soon heard a few different footsteps echoing as they left the room we were in. I was confused but my body wasn't as it turned in each direction and tried to find something it was missing. I didnt know what yet though.\n\nWhen everything was silent I felt the poll being tugged and turned to walk where it was pulling me too. Fresh wind hit my face, we had to have gone outside, and a scent of dirt flowed over me.\n\n\"Danny! Danny man, what are you doing! Let me go! Untie me and let me go!\"\n\nI heard him loud and clear, and as I listened to his fear and anger mixing on the wind I heard Danny sigh. That disappointed father sigh. He was beyond upset.\n\n\"Anthony, why...why did you do it?\"\n\nI could smell the salt, he was nervous and sweating.\n\n\"I didn't mean too. It was an accident man!\"\n\n\"No, no a walker wouldn't have come to her while she was quite. He was lead there.\"\n\n\"No man I swear I didn't do a thing!\"\n\n\"DON'T! Fucking lie to me.\"\n\nI growled softly, the anger and excitement of flight or fight in the air making me want to jump and hurt. To rip and fight!\n\n\"I'm not Danny...but this is crazy. Don't you see she is dead!\"\n\n\"Because of you, and from her we've leaned a few things we didn't know.\"\n\nI felt the things around my hands go slack now but the stench of fear had my complete attention.\n\n\"Danny...\"\n\nHearing the slight vibration in his voice had me itching to go to him, to make it stop every time it hurt my ears.\n\n\"Danny what are you doing?\"\n\nA low hissing noise escaped my throat even though I didn't want it too and when I felt the thing over my mouth being pulled away I tested the air. Sweat and fear mixed higher then when the poll around my neck was removed.\n\n\"Dan...\"\n\n\"She reacts to different people differently. Like right now, you're afraid and she's picking that up, like a guard dog. She isn't focused on me.\"\n\n\"Yet! Danny just kill her and let me go so we can get out of here!\"\n\nMy legs stumbled forward, making me move to him as his voice broke on the angry yell he had towards my husband.\n\n\"I'd be a little less high strung if I was you.\"\n\n\"Ok Danny...ok you proved a point. Never leave guard...just cut this out already.\"\n\n\"That's exactly what I'm gonna do.\"\n\nI could hear him move but the frantic movement in front of me had my attention more and when struggling ensued I moved forward more until I felt my fingers grazing cloth.\n\n\"Danny!\"\n\n\"I need to know...how shell react. And you're the prefect guinea pig.\"\n\n\"His fear sky rocketed, making me want to grab him and as the fabric of his shirt twisted in my fingers it hit me. A smell. A wonderfully sweet yet metallic smell. Like raw steak. Blood!\n\n\"She's locked....good.\"\n\nI heard him, heard my prey start to scream, but the smell was so good! Fresh blood! Freshness you couldn't get anymore from anywhere except animals...or humans. Finding my way through blurry vision and ear piercing screams my jaw opened as a growl rolled out and across his neck when finally my teeth sunk into his skin. Silence. Gurgling and hot free flowing blood were all I was concentrated on as my nails dug into his arms like knifes though butter. You know, I vaugley remember being told we have a lot of bite strength but we never have to use it. We could snap a finger in half like a carrot. \n\nIt's true.\n\nAnd if you're hungry enough you can bite a man's jugular out with your teeth as if you were biting an apple.\n\n.\n\nThey've learned a lot from me, and Minx is handling my death well. Danny talks to me every night. Alexis too at times. But they learn from me. Thats all I wanted when I found I was dying. For them to learn as much as they could to help them survive. \n\nIt's just a bonus they kept me with them and feed me every so often.\n\nLongest I've been without human...two weeks. \n\nOh and our eye sight does come back, so that's a plus. Might not ever speak again, or be able to hug them again, or even look the same as I once did again; but I'll be dead before I let anyone harm my family again." ]	3
	[WP] Humanity was the most feared race in the galaxy. After four millennium of galactic dominance they vanished leaving behind their technology and the countless galaxies in their grasp. Your part of an alien science team who think they've discovered where humanity went. A planet called Earth.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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.", "We were confident it was Earth. All the signs led there. The virus had infected them, and killed off many billions of them. There was very few left when they found a planet that somehow stopped children from getting the disease. All our tests concluded that they ended up here.\n\nSo where were they? None of the creatures here were fit to conquer the galaxy. It was pointless trying to find a human here. There was however one use of studying the local wildlife. \n\nThey had been here. There was two peices of undeniable evidence to prove that. The first one, which was somewhat flimsy, came in the form of certain structures on the surface. About four thousand years prior, when humanity dissapeared, large pyramids were constructed in a desert region of Earth. Humanity was known to fill entire systems with tomb planets full of graves exactly like this.\n\nThe second peice of evidence, which was significantly less questionable, was the species on the surface of the planet. One particular species, that called themself 'Homo sapiens', was clearly descended from a species that humanity had created to serve them. A sort of slave species. It was what had made them so successful. The species was hard-wired to obey any instruction given by a human, and had an uncanny ability to work almost endlessly. They could spend up to as much as half of their time alive working. Truly an incredible invention. Humanity was able to take over the galaxy with the help of these little guys. \n\nAnd now they had no masters, they appeared to be calling themself humans and waging petty wars with themself. It was however, shocking how much progress they had made. In four thousand years they had already landed on their own moon. It had taken our species ten thousand years to realise that the moon was not something you sacrifed virgins to, and we were relatively quick.\n\nWe would certainly be keeping an eye on them." ]	2
	[WP] You have been working in Boston Dynamics for two years, and today you were transferred to the "Department of Preparedness". You're about to discover what have they been preparing for all this itme.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " \n\n\\\\This is my first time answering. Its a little rough : ) \\\\\n\nI never really saw myself as a good systems technical specialist. Most of my background was in coding machine learning systems to create a better diagnostic software for physicians. I started at Boston Dynamics a little over 5 years ago. The field was never personal to me. I didn’t want to save the world or anything; I just wanted to get paid some serious dough. \n\nAfter my time in movement enhancement department I was looking to change up my position. I wanted to get the big desk in the big office. The one in the corner that over saw the landscape. I had it all thought out. The holder of this seat had just passed away in a plane crash while on a sight seeing tour of the Nile. It was my time to apply and take the seat. \n\nIt didn’t really matter that I didn’t see myself as a great specialist. My resume was a long list of degrees and accolades coated in American Ivy. That piece of paper was worth its weight in gold. I was given the position of Vice Director of the Department of Preparedness. \n\nI would work under the great Dr Alexander Green himself. He was something of a recluse at Boston Dynamics. An MD/PhD/JD with something of a quiet character. He sat alone in his office at lunch. I lacked any previous social experience with my new boss. Actually, I lacked experience with anyone in the department. They all spent years in this department and kept to themselves. \n\nOn my first day I sat in Dr Green’s office. He was drinking a green tea with a Starbucks label and he was fiddling quietly with a package of Marlboro Reds. His office was appropriately lit and lined with books. It was meticulously clean, but had a faint odor of cigarettes. It seemed to me that he had violated the company no smoking policy on a few occasions.\n\n“I’m going to need you to sign this before we start going over the details. It’s a supplemental NDA to the standard company form”. I took up a pen and signed as quickly as possible. I was eager to get out; I had a furniture delivery in an hour to my office. \n\n“Great. Good. Good.” Dr Green picked up a neat stack of paper on his desk. “I need you to read this over in depth. It goes over the medical surveillance and timetables that we use to make our models to give us a time line of the events that are going to happen.” He handed me a 500 page packet entitled Surveillance and Data of the Russian Bioweapons Program. \n\n“We are in an arms race with the Russians. For a long time, their population has been declining. Every person they lose is a loss to their global influence. They just can’t replace them fast enough. No immigration. No babies. They would be dead in the water in a few decades.” I leaned in closer and Dr Green continued. “They intend to upload the consciousness of each of the citizens to an artificial neural net. This would be housed in a robot that can move around and the like. No more loss of population”. He spoke with such fluid ease as he slipped his green tea.\n\nMy mouth was dry. I had so many questions. I weighed out my next words in the context that this might be some kind of elaborate corporate joke.\n\n“Bioweapons?” a hoarsely blurted out. “Yes. Yes.” Dr Green said as he tapped the paper in my hands. “Its all covered in here. They intend to release a virus once they have taken care of their population. The virus is not compatible with organic life as humans know it. It’s a bit insidious. I know. But they want total control. They see an opportunity to either scare the world into submission or to be the sole master of it. Hence the race to create robotic casings for our own existence. We need to upload ourselves if we too hope to make it into the next decade. Its all covered in here.” Dr Green tapped the packet again.\n\nThe iphone on Dr Green’s desk buzzed. “Aw I have an 12:30. We will have to pick this up later. Ill have someone bring over more documents”. I got up and removed myself from the room. I sat in my office and began to pour over the data. My stomach turned over more and more as I read. A thought haunted me the as I turned page after page. The end of life as we know it was coming. It was sooner than I had ever even considered to be possible. I had sat day after day at my desk for years without producing anything of true substance. I had squandered so much time. We could be so much more prepared. \n\nThere was a knock at my door. I had to step out as they brought in the new furniture." ]	2
	[WP] You overslept, which is usually no big deal. But this time, it meant you missed the rocket ship that took all of humanity off planet. Now you're left alone on a deserted Earth.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I am in my underwear. Frantically putting on my glasses as I see the thin streak grow yet thinner. The simulations on tv were really close to the real thing. Frankly I was impressed at the world-changing feat. Even if I wasn’t the one to enjoy it. \n\nTracing the golden curve back to earth, the place where the rocket was supposed to take off looked like a crater. Upon a more thorough sighting it wasn’t a hole in the ground so much as it reached far back into the horizon. It was as though I was standing on the edge where the dark side meets the brighter side of the moon. As if I was looking at the border of the future. Had I’d been on the other side I’d be flying, but now this neighboring no-one’s place was scorched and dry. \n\nMy half open flannel was sent perpendicular to my person with each squall, pointing at my next-door-grass green door that’d turned its manufactured white and was barely hanging on to its hinges. Not to mention the glass, broken by its source. The periodic pulses made sand shoot up high in the air and blasted everything that came in its path by sheer concentration and unearthly forces.\n\nThey’d shown previews of the thing on all the channels imaginable. Not just on your tv, no, these were everywhere. Your eyes were, with reason, incapable of escaping the towers development. Hiding the monster with a girth of countries would’ve been the world-changing feat. That is without the enormous height it had to live up to, if it wanted to even remotely be close to having the needed capacity for both its passengers as well as all the supplies to make a humanity-saving trip. \n\nIt lied like a sleeping dragon on the width of most of the Eurasian continent. \n\n“It’s head won’t be touching the ground because of the curvature of the earth. It will be supported by a magnet,” this made life near it impossible. But that was preferably not mentioned by anyone “placed at approximately 70% percent of the long end of the rocket. This is to provide enough propellant to set it up straight.” The tv’s, radios and enthusiasts had blared for years on end. Occasionally they even went as far as to speculate that the moon was also a key part in its straightening. Until your aunt trumped that with the involvement of spirits that want it erect, as her male masseuse had preached. \n\nI lied like a sleeping dragon on the width of most of my mountain of coins that complexed into nothing short of a mattress. Unable to rise in time. For how is someone supposed to be hearing an alarm when they are high up in a dreamworld. With a mind that’s completely clouded by the bliss of sleeping, hell I might have snoozed it. Not that it mattered. \n\nAs I was taking in the new view and peeing on what used to be my grassy lawn and asking myself how I would continue my life, a growl suspended that thought and made me search for Rhino. The neighbors’ dark slate gray French bulldog that wasn’t hesitant of taking a self-initiated beating to the head as his name and a minute in his presence suggested. It couldn’t have survived the rocket and even if the four-legged monster did, it wouldn’t have suddenly grown red lizard scales engulfed on a ginormous crows’ like feet. Would it? I’m not the kind of person to have any knowledge on the effects that massive earth-quaking, sandstorm-creating rockets would have on pets. If my moustache was any indication. \n\nAnother thundering growl.\n\nThis time my eyes snapped to the source. Immediately awakened by the heat. Its beak giving a hint of its murderous capabilities as it snapped shut. The nose, smoking; the serpentine head aiming at me, and then the sun made way for its wings. Encompassing my entire peripheral vision as another foot joined and thereby crushing the roof of the neighbors. \n\nA dragon.\n\n––––––\nSolid 674 words. Fun wp, would want to write more but gots ta get ma sleep.", "*Before starting, I want to say that this is my first time here. I kinda went all in with this one, if you guys and girls like it, I will post the rest as soon as I finish it, as it is already way longer to be posted in a reply here. \n\n The year is 2074. The Great War between The United Nations of Eurica\nand the Federal Republic of Kastovya has left the Earth in ruin. All that is left is a few million people, pacified under the government of UNE and a planet on the brink of extinction.\n\t\n Today, three months after the leader of Kastovya called for the ceasfire and surrendered, the last 10000 people left are preparing to board the ship that will be taking everyone off of this planet. Destination: a small planet 25 light-years away which has been nicknamed “Eden”.\n \n “Please, fasten your seatbelts. We will be departing in 1 minute” can be heard all around the ship, as people are still trying to find their seats. Meanwhile, in the small city of Edington, a young man wakes up. Still tired and a bit hungover from last night’s departing party, Matt checks his phone only to find out it’s turned off. Fearing the worst, he quickly rushes to the kitchen to check the clock in there. 10:39 AM it says. The ship has left over 2 hours ago. “God damnit, you fool” he mumbles to himself.\n\n In only a dirty pair of sweatpants, he goes outside, only to be greeted by the silence of an empty city, the only thing left behind after a ruthless war from which no one really emerged as a winner. A shiver runs down his spine as he’s heading back inside.\n “What the hell am I going to do now? I’m the only one left on a dying planet.. Everyone’s gone…” he’s telling himself as he crushes on the sofa, head in his palms and tears running down his face.\n “You had but one thing to do: wake up in time and you weren’t even able to do that right. That stupid party…” he’s whispering to himself between tears, when all of a sudden his eyes lighten up. “The party!”\n\n He picks up his phone, turns it on and starts calling everyone from last night. Ten minutes go by, but to no avail. No one picks up the phone. Just as he’s about to give up, he hears the ringtone. It’s a text:\n“Meet me at the park! Lucy”", "A billion of anything is a really big deal. A billion grains of rice? Thirty-two thousand tons. A billion glasses of water? A hundred Olympic swimming pools.\n\nSeven billion and change human beings? Half a billion tons.\n\nThe law of diminishing returns was clear. It always had been. The heavier the cargo, the bigger the rocket had to be to lift away against Earth's gravity. The bigger the rocket, the more fuel it had to carry just to lift its own mass, and the more fuel it had to carry to lift that* fuel, and so forth. At some point, physics steps in and indicates that the structure can't be strong enough to support itself unless it's physically beefed up. Which makes it heavier again.\n\nEnd result? No rocket ship can ever be engineered to lift the entire population from the planet at once. Can't be done. Didn't stop the population from thinking that was the case, though. Late-night comics spawned skit after skit about someone saying they had to go back, they left the oven on. Hilarious.\n\nThe real ships, the big ones, were waiting in orbit. Lined up like Christmas ornaments. So big they could be seen in the daytime sky. At night they actually kind of looked like ornaments, just hanging there. They'd never land on any planets, of course. They weren't designed for gravity wells, either lifting off or landing. The best thing that could be said about them was that they had plenty of crumple zones. That people would likely be in those crumple zones was not joked about much. Not so hilarious.\n\nShuttles were the most visible method that was being used to evacuate people onto the ships. Each shuttle could lift precisely two thousand pounds of cargo. This could be ten two-hundred-pound people, or twenty hundred-pounders. The lighter someone was, the more chance they could bring something extra without being glared at. Exercise and dieting were finally a worldwide way of life. There were extensive news clips showing the ones from places where they'd never had much in the way to eat, strolling on board the shuttles thirty at a time. The comics made jokes about those, but in a restrained, PC kind of way. \n\nHerein lay the problem of numbers once more. Even with ten shuttle launchpads, five north of the equator and five south, doing a round trip on average every ninety-six hours (forty-eight hours for a round trip, but going down for a maintenance break every two trips) only got an average of one hundred and twenty people into orbit every four days, or thirty a day. With seven billion people waiting to go, it would take over six hundred thousand years to evacuate the planet. If the rocket fuel held out, which it wouldn't.\n\nThis was where the space elevators came into their own. There were twelve space elevators situated around the Equator. Each had a high-speed maglev leading to it, even the ones in the middle of the ocean. Building a maglev across the ocean is a simpler task than building a rocket ship that can lift half a billion tons. For one thing, it doesn't have to go anywhere, so it can be as heavy as it needs to be.\n\nThe space elevators had a huge number of elevator 'cars' on them, running on six simultaneous tracks around the huge buckytube body of the 'cable' itself. Three tracks were designated 'up' and three 'down'. At any time, there was a steady stream of cars travelling in either direction at something over the speed of sound. The top of each cable held a docking station, to which was docked one of the immense spacecraft designed to be humanity's ark to the stars. Shuttles came and went to the outward docking ports of the ships, and were reported in the news, because shuttles were brave and daring and dashing, and looked cool.\n\nBut the shuttles only lifted thirty people out of the gravity well per day.\n\nThe space elevators delivered thirty people to the docking station per minute. Per car. Per cable. That was one thousand and eighty people herding into the ships every minute. Jostling, pulling, pushing, being shoved along by experienced vacuum-hounds who'd seen it all.\n\nWorking night and day, that was a shade under sixty-one thousand people per hour, or one and a half million per day. Even then, the complete evacuation was going to take about thirteen years. They couldn't simply fill up one ship at a time and send them off (as more than one politician proposed, each imagining himself or herself at the helm of the ship in question) because that wasn't how it worked. Every ship would have to stay docked for the entire thirteen years.\n\nAfter all, evacuating a planet is a huge deal. \n\nAnd still, people thought the shuttles did all the work.\n\nPeople lined up and were issued their boarding passes, then went back to work. Thirteen years is a long time, after all. People could get married and have kids. Then they'd have to go back to the Boarding Registry Office and change their status from Passenger (single) to Passenger (married) and get their kids' boarding passes while they were at it.\n\nFortunately, someone had thought ahead, and each of the ships had enough spare room to take the projected increase in the human race over those thirteen years, with a little left over. A little more morbidly, people were willing their passes to younger relatives in case they died on board ship before it ever left, or passed away before they got to board. The passes didn't cost any money; they just had the date and time the passenger was supposed to show up to board their transport to the stars.\n\nMost people got the location of a space elevator printed on their boarding pass. The instructions for getting a maglev to that location were also printed there. It was all automatically done.\n\nBut because the shuttles were the big PR darlings of the whole show, despite carrying a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the number of people who would go up, they kept flying and some people were issued boarding passes to get on them.\n\nSuch was the case of Daniel Peckham, part-time alcoholic and itinerant labourer. He'd wandered into the Boarding Registry Office and asked for his boarding pass about five years into the thirteen. The machine printed it out and he took it. He was to attend the shuttle launchpad in eastern LA in eight years' time. As it happened, he was literally booked on the very last shuttle to fly out of the United States. He folded the pass up, tucked it into his wallet for safekeeping, then went out and got drunk. Not because of the fact that he'd just gotten a ticket offworld, but because he always got drunk at that time of day.\n\nTime passed, and he forgot on occasion that he had the boarding pass. Sometimes he even forgot that the planet was being evacuated. Sure, humanity had screwed it up bigtime, but who cared? There was still booze being bottled, wasn't there? So long as he had a fleabag motel to crash in and crappy alcohol to drown his brain cells in, he was content.\n\nAs the last few years rolled by, he vaguely registered that there were fewer people around than there had been before. Power stations were being decommissioned, and the remaining populations were clustering around the locations where they'd take their transport to either the shuttlepad (very few) or the space elevator (a lot more), leaving more and more of the surrounding world to fall fallow.\n\nDan didn't care. He took to taking abandoned cars, filling them up at abandoned gas stations, and driving across the nation, through empty town after empty town. Convenience stores and bars had alcohol in the back, left behind when the proprietors moved to be closer to their evacuation point. Danny took as much as he could and carved out the booziest road trip that had ever been described in the history of Route 66. More alcohol passed through his kidneys than gasoline through the engine of the car.\n\nWith one month to go, he was cruising through downtown Manhattan, honking his horn and laughing at the way the pigeons scattered. He'd tried to drive through the Holland Tunnel and found it full of water, so he backed out and went for a ride again. Halfway down Fifth Avenue, the car threw a con-rod, bringing him to an abrupt halt. He transferred his worldly goods (mainly booze) to an old pickup, siphoned the gasoline across and then set off back across America. The roads were a little rougher than before, he noted hazily, and trees were starting to grow through some of them.\n\nWith two days to go, he rolled into east LA. When he presented himself at the front gate to the shuttle launch area, load of booze and all, the guards tersely informed him that no alcohol was to be allowed on board.\n\n\"Fine,\" he said. \"I'll drink it then.\"\n\nOff he went again. Hollywood Hills had long since been emptied out, so he picked a house at random, found the big-screen TV, and surfed the automated channels until he found a suitably loud and violent action movie. Then he started drinking in earnest.\n\n(Continued)", "\\[A/N: I know I've already written one for this, but a second one has just occurred to me.\\]\n\nJimmy staggered out of bed. The alarm clock lay on the floor where he'd swatted it to silence its incessant beeping. He lurched into the bathroom and relieved some pressure. On the way back, he detoured into the kitchen. Past the fridge. Where his boarding pass was attached.\n\nHe stared at the pass, then at the calendar, then at the clock.\n\nTAKEOFF TIME 0900 HOURS. 23 MAY.\n\nThe calendar showed the twenty-third of May.\n\nThe clock showed five minutes to nine.\n\n\"No, no, no, no!\" he yelped. Still in his t-shirt and boxers, he dashed into the bedroom and emerged with his car keys. Running outside, he unlocked the car, jumped in and turned the key in the ignition.\n\nThat clock always runs a little fast. And maybe they'll hold the launch for me.\n\nTk-rhr.\n\nThat didn't sound good.\n\nHe tried again.\n\nTk-rhr-rhr-rhr-rhr\n\n\"No, no, no, no!\" he groaned. \"Of all the days for it to refuse to start!\"\n\nJumping out of the car, he ran down the lawn to the road. If he had to run there ,,,\n\nAnd then he heard the rumble of the rocket ascending into the heavens. Leaving him behind.\n\nDumbly, he stood there and shaded his eyes as it went. Then he sat down on the curb, because there wasn't any point anymore.\n\nThe scraping noise got his attention. His head jerked around as he saw the manhole cover begin to lift up.\n\nWhat stuck its head out wasn't human. It had huge eyes, a little button nose, a mouth, and spiky hair, but it wasn't human. Not with that pair of butterfly wings on its back.\n\nTurning to face him, it opened its mouth and spoke in a high sing-song voice.\n\n\"Have they gone yet?\"", "I woke up. Brushing my eyes I looked around me. It was strangely quiet today, I decided to not mind and do my morning routine. I showered, brushed my teeth, and out on some clothes. I made myself some breakfast and looked outside my window, no one.\n\nI decided to investigate further, I stepped outside. The block was desolate. No one could be seen, no cars, nothing. I had trouble remembering what had happened yesterday, but I remember some sort of warning. As I looked around, I saw a giant Alien like creature standing before me. It was pure black, it had a body twice the size of mine. There were no eyes on the creature. It opened it's mouth to reveal rows of razor sharp teeth. It was as if the skin on the face of the face of the creature had come off.\n\nI started running, turning left I noticed a large construction site right in front of me. Of course it wouldn't be finished, ever. Everyone had left, who would finish it? I lunged over a piece of debris and hid behind a large spike. I had lost it, the creature was no longer on my tail.\n\nAfter raiding the nearest supermarket and almost getting caught by another creature, I headed to the center of my town to see if anyone was still here. When I got there, a large screen displaying an image of an army general was in front of me. It started playing automatically.\n\n\"Hello remaining population, we are A.R.G.U.S, and we have gathered most of the humans on this planet for an intergalactic voyage. Earth has become inhospitable due to the large aliens roaming on our lands. If you want to survive, please get to the designated location we will display on the map.\n\n\"Map, what map?\" I thought. Before I could fathom what was going on, a map and a jeep appeared in front of me.\n\n\"You will have 4 days to get to the designated location. In 4 days all of the emergency ships will blast off automatically, even if there is no human presence in them. Good luck!\"", "Ughh....you're definitely gonna need an aspirin.\n\nI open my eyes groggily, groping around the bedside table for the pill bottle. Why do I have a hangover again? Pretty sure I didn't drink last night.\n\nYou downed an entire bottle of whiskey.\n\nYa, no, that much doesn't even get me tipsy anymore. Also, isn't it a little too early in the day for you to start yapping your gums in my head.\n\nNope. In fact, I think I've been quiet for long enough.\n\n8 hours, tops. You know what, I'll argue with you later. I have a headache to kill and a pair of underpants to put on.\n\nHi, ladies and gentlemen. I'm Jack. 34. Male. Freelance programmer. And absolutely alone for at least past 3 years.\n\nAhem\n\nOh right, that's Gia, I think. She's a voice in my head. If hearing imaginary voices doesn't make you alone, then I guess I'm not alone. Anyway, you can ignore her. That's what I do, to stay sane. Mostly. Now where the hell were those pants?\n\nI manage to put on a pair of pants, and a shirt, which seemed like a herculean task given the throbbing pain that had suddenly started in my limbs. Okay, I don't care how much whiskey I had, this isn't like any hangover I've ever seen. Care to weigh in, Gia?\n\n.....No, not right now. I think you need some time to adjust.\n\nTrue that. Where did I leave my phone last night? Right, it's in my backpack, along with the rest of my luggage. All packed and ready to....go. Shit\n\nNo no nonononono shit shit shit what time was it what time damn it WHAT'S THE TIME? I frantically look around, trying to find my watch. On its digital face, I see hopelessness.\n\n11:43:16 am\n\n11:43:17 am\n\n11:43:18 am\n\n...\n\nSeconds tick by impassively, as I stand there like a statue, a watch in one hand, but no time at all.\n\nIt was June 13th, 2321. Evacuation ships were scheduled to take the remaining people off planet. Departure time, 11:00 am.\n\nNo but maybe they hadn't left, right? Maybe there was a delay. I mean, it was a huge operation, a delay of a few hours was bound to happen. I just need to get to the boarding point, like, asap. It's not even that far from here.\n\n11:46:11 am\n\n11:46:12 am\n\nI hear a loud boom, a low rumble in the ground, and I sit down on the floor. That's it. That was the last ship taking off. I slowly get up and peer out the window, I can see a trail of fire and smoke going straight up in the sky. There goes the last ship, and it takes away with it any chance of my survival.\n\nWould there be any more ships? Unlikely. The planet-wide evacuation had been conducted in stages, VIPs and wealthy folks first, then most families that held any influence in society, then upper to mid level tax paying citizens, and then the rest. I was supposed to be in that rest. And now, I could rest here, without another care in the world, until the invaders arrive.\n\n11:49:43 am\n\n11:49:44 am\n\n11:49:45 am\n\nYou must be wondering what the hell happened. Well, time for a little story. It's not like I have a ship to catch or anything. Heh.\n\nYou see, about five years ago, scientists discovered a signal coming from outerspace. After a lot of brainstorming and super-computing and whatnot, they were able to decode it. It was not a good message, to say the least.\n\n\\[[Part 2](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/g54y16/wp_you_overslept_which_is_usually_no_big_deal_but/fo4cp1x?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x)\\]", "Mike’s head was banging as he woke up, throat dry and sore, he got up for some water, as he woke he couldn’t help but feel that he’d forgotten something, something big, Mike was always forgetful, he even forgot his birthday one year as his friends threw him a surprise birthday party.\n\nHe walked to the kitchen and as he entered he turned on the radio, he was still rather sleepy so he barely noticed the static noise emitting from the device.\nHe turned the tap on and grabbed a glass and filled it up with cold water, he drank back the cool fluid as if he hadn’t drank in days.\n\nHe walked back to his room with still a half a glass of water, he passed his living room and saw two empty bottles of whiskey, hence the headache, he went back into his room and lay in bed, he looked to his left and saw his phone on the charger, he grabbed it and saw that he had dozens of missed calls and messages, Mike furrowed his brow as he read a message from his best mate; Luke\n\nLUKE: Bro! Don’t forget the ships are leaving today! Keep the boarding pass on you\n\nMike looked confused at the message, he was certain the ships were leaving tomorrow at 6:30, he read another message this time from his mum\n\nMUM: Sweetheart could you please take the photo of you and your sister when you were children at Chessington? It’s my favourite photo of you both! See you at the gate line.\n\nMike was starting to feel panicked, he looked at the clock and it read 10:45, he ran to the kitchen, dropping his phone in the process? He had to see the calendar!\n\nHe saw the date was 5th of December, 2040 and it was marked in red! His breathing was shallow, perhaps some ships were still on earth? Maybe he could try and find a another ship, there had to be a protocol for this, for forgetful fuck wits like himself.\n\nHe ran back to grab his phone to try and find any news! He saw loads more Texts\n\nLUKE: Mate where the fuck are you? I’m in the London Sector and I hear your mum and sister are on board looking for you!\n\nMUM: Sweetie I’m worried about you! Where are you? Are you with Luke and Daniela?\n\nSAMANTHA: Big bro mum is getting nervous what ever game your playing stop! She’s driving me mad\n\nDANIELA: Babe I’m with Luke and my family we waited for you at the gate line but couldn’t find you, we’re going to be leaving soon!\n\nMike ran barefoot out of his flat down the stairs and out into the street and saw it was deserted, he lived in Forest Hill in South London and normally it was busy at this time of day, but it was empty, nothing and no one for miles around, he screamed, screamed in anger at himself, sadness for what he had lost, and at the dire situation he was in, His screams echoed around the once bustling suburb.\n\nMike got back up and went back inside his flat, there had to be a solution, there had to be some sort of protocol about Thai situation, they couldn’t leave all life on here, every human, animal and even a few trees and plant life had been transferred onto the ships.\n\nEver since the limited nuclear war between India and China back in 2030, the earth’s atmosphere had rapidly declined, in 2034 when all seemed lost NASA revealed super ships they had constructed in such an event, this was called Project Eden II, it had been in effect since the 2000s, when scientists knew that climate change was irreversible, and had decided to mass evacuate the planet, these superships were in orbit and had to be reached by shuttles, over the next few years, the animals and plant life were transferred onto the ships first, there were six ships in total, one for each continent.\nThe worlds climate had erratically changed after the war, and many cities had been lost, the East coast of The US was wiped out in 2035 and large parts of Asia had been left uninhabitable, day and night the operation went on, with the 5th of December 2040 being the lift off day, and Mike had missed it.\n\nMike sobbed, he was going to be trapped on a rapidly dying earth on his own, everyone he ever loved and cared about was by now looking at earth as if it were a distant memory.\n\nMike curled up into the foetal position and sobbed like he had never sobbed before in his life; Mum, Daniela, Samantha, Luke, Daniela’s family were all gone now, he wanted to die, what choice did he have, he was going to die sooner or later, the air was getting more toxic by the day, food supplies would soon run out.\n\nHe decided to make final phone calls to his loved ones, he might get hold of them if he was lucky, at that moment he reached over to turn off the radio when he heard a voice, he turned up the volume and a female voice spoke\n\n“CALLING ALL CITIZENS, IF THERE IS ANYONE LEFT BEHIND THERE IS A A RESCUE SHUTTLE READY FOR DEPARTURE FROM THE SOUTHAMPTON SHUTTLE PORT LEAVING AT 23:00HRS ON THE DOT! IF THERE IS ANYONE, ANYONE AT ALL PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO SOUTHAMPTON,\n\nMike stared at the radio, all was not lost after all? He jumped with elation, his hopes reborn, he ran back into his room and grabbed a small bag and threw in any clothes and essentials, he ran back into the kitchen and grabbed water and some fruit, he didn’t know when the next meal would come after all, he nearly tripped on a whisky bottle, Mike glared at it, if he could make it on the the last shuttle out of this planet then he swore he’d never touch a drop of alcohol again.\n\nMike grabbed everything he needed and ran out the flat not bothering to close the door, what was the point, with any luck he’ll be half way past Mars by tomorrow.\n\nHe ran to his car, threw his stuff inside and drove off to his destiny....or at least he hoped so.", "Oh, oh, oh no.\n\nYou are so screwed.\n\nYou knew it was That Day. You knew that if you didn't wake up on time, you would miss the rocket ship. You knew that you couldn't miss it. You'd planned this so, so carefully, to make sure you would get there on time.\n\nAnd yet, your numerous sleep deficiencies won over, and you slept for thirty-eight hours straight in what was meant to be a three-hour nap.\n\nWhen you woke up, it was to the sound of the Great Rocket taking off. You watched as it lifted off, hundreds of kilometers away from you, a sinking feeling in your chest. You wondered why no one ever woke you up.\n\nYou try to avoid panicking, but the reality is setting in. You realise that you will have to try to survive on this desolated planet, destroyed from decades of mismanagement and agricultural failure. And for all you know, you're the only one here.\n\nThe first thing you do is eat a tub of ice cream from your freezer. \n\nThe second thing you do is cry.\n\nThe third thing you do is get in your car, which still has some battery, thank God, and drive to the nearest grocery store. You have no idea if it will still have anything, but everything is legal now, you guess. \n\nYou find some cans, and a single rack of lamb. Some orange juice. You throw them all into the trunk of your car.\n\nYou're not sure if you'll find anyone else. Truthfully, you're dying inside. You don't know what will happen to you, and a small, small part of you wants to give up already.\n\nBut that's not the biggest worry right now.\n\nSurvival first. Worrying later.", "Beep Beep Beep!\n\nThe alarm clock blared in Jackson's ear. Grumbling he hit snooze. Then sitting up with a sudden realization, he remembered.\n\nToday was the day I was supposed to leave!\n\nRunning out of his room Jackson called out, \"Mom! Dad! Hello?\" He sprinted down the hall. \"Shit, the wouldn't leave without me, would they?\" He whispered.\n\nHe ran outside. Leaving the door wide open. \"HELLO!\" He shouted. Jackson waited, the seconds seeming like hours. Then suddenly, he heard a voice. \"Hello!\" \n\nJackson ran towards it. Feeling relieved that maybe he wasn't late. Maybe everyone was waiting for him. \n\nHe ran on. \"Hello?\" Jackson said again, and heard the voice respond. Running again he stopped. Standing Jackson called out again. Only to realize that it was his own voice he had been hearing. Jack had been chasing his own voice echoing off the houses. \n\nHe looked back. A breeze blew by and Jack shuddered. Realizing he was in only his pajamas Jack turned back. \n\nTrudging through his lawn Jack decided to sleep and think. No, he would take action! Jack was going to learn to survive even if it took every cell in his brain.\n\nMarching through the door Jack first undressed, with the door open. After all, no one would see him. He then put on some clean clothes. And began to pack a suitcase with various items, such as his phone, a flashlight, and a Soler powered radio. \n\nAs Jack packed the thought of a plan. He would walk from his home in Idaho all the way to Minnesota, Jack remembered the government mentioning that would be the last state to leave and that he had one week to get there until their ship left.\n\nAfter planning this, he then began packing a backpack with plenty of food. Raiding the pantry Jack was able to find enough items to feed him for four days. Jack was going to have to be resourceful, but if he needed food he could just raid one of the abandoned houses untill everything went bad.\n\nWalking into the garage Jack looked around to find any tools he might need. Taking a hammer he slung it through his belt. Then walking back into the kitchen, he took the only weapon in the house. A Civil War Whitny Revolver. He had shot the gun before. It was loud, but accurate. He placed the gun in his belt.\n\nAnd with that Jack began walking to the door to set off on the wildest journey of his life.\n\n\nI hope you liked the story. If I get enough upvotes I'll add a part two. I have some ideas I think might be good. THANKS FOR READING! :)", "Beep BeepBeep Beep BeepBeep\n\nIt's already 8:10,so if I don't hurry up, then I'll be late for work AGAIN\n\n'Uugh FINE!' I groan as I'm getting dressed. 'I HATE MONDAYS' As I'm getting dressed in my work clothes, and heels, I bump against the wall behind me. I turn around, while blindly searching for my phone on my night stand. My calendar on my wall. I finally get my phone and check the date on the lockscreen.\n\nToday's date is circled, and a red ! is on it. 'Wha- SHIT No......... that was next week., right? RIGHT?! Shit shit SHIT. No. NO NO Shit. Will? Babe.'\n\nI feel like screaming, but stop myself immediately. Will probably went to work early again. Or pulled an all- nighter. I try not to think about it, but I can't help it. Did I REALLY forget that today was the day everyone was supposed to remember? The day we all were supposed to leave on a rocket ship off of the planet?\n\n'No, I must be wrong, I HAVE to be wrong!'\n\nI shove my phone in my purse and grab my keys. I walk outside, and see nothing out of the ordinary. I look at my watch and see that it's 8:17. I get in my car and start driving, when I notice it. No other car on the road, except for mine. I race as fast as I can towards my best friend Sara's house. I get out of my car. I Shaking, I manage to get my phone out of my car. I call Sara. After ringing for a few second, she picks up. 'Hey. Where are you? I'm outside of your house.' I manage , with tears in my eyes.\n\n'Lila. I wouldn't exactly call a small apartment on a humongous ship floating in space home, but atleast I remembered to wake up today. Haha I'm in room number 852 on the 5th floor, btw. Come up, so we can have a proper breakfast.. I'm STARVING!', I hear her say over the phone.I'm shaking so hard I can't stay standing up. I sit on her steps, trying to figure what to say. 'Lila. Are you okay?' I can hear her say this over the phone, but she sounds so far away.\n\n'I, um... No. I'm outside of, well your actual house. As in 374 Willsburg Street. Umm, I woke up late. I forgot Sara, and now I'm all alone standing outside of your house on a deserted planet!' ,I say with tears streaming down my cheeks.\n\nAfter a few seconds she says, 'Lila. Are you serious? Stop playing! This is not funny. What room are you in?'\n\n'NONE!' I yell into the phone. 'That's what I'm trying to tell you Sara. I forgot! I'm stuck alone on a deserted planet, because I forgot that we were supposed to leave off Earth today,' I can't speak anymore. \n\nI force myself to take deep breaths to calm down as Sara says, 'WHAT?! Shit. Shit!! We have to figure something out.' She tries reassuring me. 'No Sara. You don't understand. I'm on a DESERTED planet', I tell her. 'What the hell am I supposed to do?' \n\n'Lila. I think I know what to do. Canada is supposed to be leaving in two days. Maybe you can catch that ship. I'll tell my dad to see if he can get someone who can contact Canadian authorities.' She says with an obviously anxious tone.\n\n'Really? I guess I'll go home and pack.. Damn.' ,I finally say.\n\n'NO, Lila. If you don't leave now, then you'll barely make it. Just go into my house and get the suitcase that's by my bed. I couldn't bring it, but the clothes probably fit you. The doors unlocked. I felt it stupid to lock it.' ,she says. \n\nAs I'm walking towards her room I say, 'Ok, but Canada is like 10 hours away, I don't know if I'll even convince them to let me aboard.' \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\Someone please finish it..\\ \\And also tell me how I did\\" ]	11
	[WP] Much like it was on pre-space 24th century earth, overpopulation on this planet was completely out of control, with most other native species and fauna polluted and destroyed, except, humanity wasn't prepared to meet these horrific leviathans.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "They were huge!\n\nIn front of me and my gang of hunters, hunting for the few little bugs on the barren earth, were giants. They looked like fairytale giants, big, brutish, and fat. They had a stupid look on their faces.\n\nIf I could take down just one of these guys, we could feed our settlement for months. I drew my bow and shot.\n\nWhen the arrow hit the giant's skin, it shattered on impact. The giant looked at me and grunted. He reached down to pick me up. \n\nThe skin was warm. It was also living hellish land breathing smog. I wonder where they could have been living and not being seen by any humans. All the land was filled to the brim with people, other than small patches of land to look for bugs.\n\n\"Dottie!\" Shouted Sam, who held a sword. Even though we were just looking for bugs, we were required to bring weapons in case someone tried to steal them from us. \"Are you all right?!\" \n\nThe giant growled and nudged Sam and Boone, who had a spear out of the way. A little kick sent them flying about ten feet. Another giant grabbed them and started walking opposite of our settlement.\n\nI ponded at the fist and squirmed. The giant just signed and kept walking. We were at the ocean. The giants started to wade into the water. \n\nAt around the giants waists, I could see an underwater done full of more giants.\n\nAll I could think of as my head went under was, are we the bugs now?" ]	2
	[WP] It happened. You're dead, you close your eyes, just before the end. You are startled, however, when an unfamiliar voice says, "This is your first death isn't it? Four more to go, then. Now, let's hurry this up so you can get into your new 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.", "I don't want a new life, I thought. I was rather attached to the old one. There is no way in hell I am putting in the effort and work that was required to get a girl like Rachel again. I'm pretty sure I made a deal with Satan over that one, if he was listening. \n\n\"It's a lot to take in, I know. But you must hurry, we have a lot of souls to process. Now you can choose between middle class and the most common choice, the dice roll. We will hand you a set of absolutely beautiful dice sculpted from the horn of a unicorn.\"\n\nI must have made some kind of face I wasn't concious of making because he replied:\n\n\"Yes we killed a unicorn to carve these dice. A unicorn's main artery runs through the beginning of the majestic creature's horn's calcification. We needed his blood to flow on the horn as we extracted it.\"\n\n\"Couldn't you have just cut the end off and slowly made the dice over time as the horn regrew? And just like, i don't know, cut the unicorn for blood?\"\n\n\"Well now where were you when we made that decision. Well it's all politics. There are far too many forms to deal with to change a rule around here. Anyway, make your decision, I have an ever increasing amount of souls to process. All more annoying than the last.\"\n\nIt was a tough choice. My last life was considered middle class I guess. And as much as I loved Rachel, I frequently found myself a prisoner to her depression. Trapped in a bubble of emotions. Don't get me wrong, the good times were great. But the bad...\n\n\"Give me the dice.\"\n\n\"And you're just contributing to my majority statistic.\"\n\nA hand emerges from the lavender colored robe that blankets the rest of the alien like creature's form. There is a soft blue hue to the skin tone. The shade of blue that you can almost hear humming. I put my hand out below the fucked up alien hand and slowly uncurled my fingers like the petals on a flower drudgingly greeting the sun on a cloudy day. \n\nI crouch down and lightly drop them at my feet, realizing I'm almost convulsing, I'm shaking so badly. They seem to land in a way that the ground immediately grabbed them into place. Locking in my fate for the next, at least a few decades I hope. \n\nA one. And another one. \n\n\n\"A...uh...is that good, is that bad?!\"\n\n\"When you open your eyes you will not know the difference.\"\n\nI hear a light popping sound\n\nEverything is warm, dark, chaotic. I'm moving around rather rapidly. Things feel distorted. Conciousness is all I can focus on. Existing. Things are going dark. Darker than they are somehow. Darkness in a different way than my small pane of comprehension can show. \n\nNothing\n\n\"Back so soon? Feel like I just saw you a few odd months ago.\"\n\n\"Huh, what? What the hell happened to me?\"\n\n\"Ahhh, says here aborted. I wouldn't have wanted you either. I saw ya last time. Tough break though. What's your choice this time?\"\n\n\"Hand me the dice.\"\n\nI put one in each hand. And launched my left and then my right at my feet getting ready to glide prone and see my fate. \n\nOne... And...", "I never lived a reckless life. I always dotted my i’s, crossed my t’s, did whatever it took to fly under the radar. Keeping my head down and staying out of trouble was what I did best. However, there was a certain time where that plan did not go so well. \n\nIt was while I was on my way to work. Just before dawn, I remember it: the dark blues, and purples, and oranges, all mixing like some abstract painting. But I was on my way without a second glance at it, going through the route I’d taken thousands of times and knew like the back of my hand.\n\nBeing in a big city, it was much more cost effective for me to walk than drive the six blocks from my high-rise apartment to the office building where I worked. An accountant for a Fortune 500 business doesn’t sound like it’s a fun job, but it paid pretty well.\n\nMy morning was always the same: Wake up, tell Alexa to turn off the alarm and start my morning routine, start brushing my teeth as I heard the news and weather for the day, drink the coffee Alexa started for me, get dressed, ask Alexa to turn off the lights as I left, reach behind me, press the button on the lock’s keypad, and my door was secured. A little repetitive, but I liked it. I hardly had to lift a finger and my morning was started. \n\nI never paid much attention to my surroundings, just looking where I was going and making sure that there was nothing that was going to stop me. I never “stopped to smell the roses” as some people say. It’s just something you get used to in a big city, you know? Seeing mostly grey and white and black did get old after a while.\n\nThe sidewalks were almost entirely empty, that I knew for sure. At 6:15 in the morning, that was no surprise. I passed another man or woman on their way to work every few minutes. So, imagine my shock when the glass storefront next to me suddenly burst open, a man in a mask staggering as he brushed shards of glass off his body. Another masked man — or maybe a woman, judging by the chest — was quick to follow.\n\nI can’t remember if they said anything, but I do know that I didn’t see the guns in their hands. My brain went on autopilot as I tried to stop them, dropping the dredges of my coffee to the ground and sprinting towards them. My junior varsity, bench warming football skills kicked in as I lowered my shoulders and wrapped my arms around the man, bringing both him and myself to the ground. I was more out of shape than I thought, and the wind was quickly knocked out of me. He brushed me aside with ease, pointed the gun at me, pulled the trigger, and a bang resonated up and down the street.\n\nI opened my eyes. They were closed a lot tighter than I thought. An overwhelming sense of nothingness engulfed me; I was in the whitest room I had ever seen, with nothing in front of me or to my sides. Only by standing up and turning around did I see the man sitting at the desk. A filing cabinet stood to the side of the desk. Papers were neatly stacked in two piles, one large pile to the left of the man and a smaller one to the right. A single chair sat in front of the desk. There was no one else around the table, but several doors bearing odd symbols ran as far as I could see on either side. As I looked a steady albeit scarce stream of people were making their ways to the different doors.\n\nI began to walk towards him, the robes that were now on my body swishing behind me. My footsteps felt solid, despite the fact that it seemed like it was an infinite drop beneath me. Behind me, a woman stood up and began walking confidently down the hall. She waved briefly at the man, not even stopping.\n\nAs I approached, the man looked up and smiled at me. He stood and brushed his own robe, making sure the wrinkles were gone, and held his hand out to me. I took it with a little trepidation, unsure of what to do. After, he gestured to the seat next to me, which I gladly took.\n\n“Hi, I’m Death,” he said as he sat himself, “your friendly, regional afterlife coordinator. I am here to make sure that your stay here is pleasant and enjoyable.”\n\n“Wait,” I said. My head was spinning just thinking about it. Was I \\dead\\ or was I \\alive\\? “You’re Death? Where’s the black cape and scythe?”\n\n“First time through, eh? That was all made up to make dying seem much worse than it is.” He waved his hand to dismiss the statement. “The last time is always the worst, at least, it’s worse than the first.”\n\n“What do you mean, ‘last time?’ Isn’t death permanent?”\n\n“Oh, how naïve you all are when you first come through. Hey Bill, welcome back.” He raised his hand to acknowledge the man walking in, who waved in return. Death pointed to a door down the row. “Seventeenth on the right this time, yup, you know the drill.\n\n“That’s Bill Waterston,” he said, pointing over his shoulder. “It’s his fourth time through. Almost didn’t recognize him that time. People always resemble a previous version of themselves, but they never come back through exactly the same as before.\n\n“Anyway, enough about that, we’re here to talk about you.” He pointed at me with two finger guns. “This is your first time, so there’s a little paperwork we have to go through.”\n\nDeath whipped open the filing cabinet and pulled a small folder from the insides. He looked kind of surprised as he pulled it out, before even looking inside, and I could see that all the other folders were much thicker than the one in his hands. Double checking the name on the tab at the side, he put it on the desk and opened the cover.\n\n“I’ll be honest, I’ve never seen one this small.”\n\n“What is it?” I asked. I could hardly hold back a snigger. “My permanent record?”\n\n“Actually, yes.” Death didn’t look up, instead looking over one, two, three, four pieces of paper. “It says here you never married, never had any kids, only owned two different apartments, had one job, and graduated with a Business Administration Degree from Stanford. There are some brief moments of your childhood, but nothing extraordinary. You lived an utterly… boring life.”\n\nHe hesitated as he said boring, as if he were trying to find the right word. My heart sunk as he said the words. Death must have seen the look on my face, as he was quick to correct himself.\n\n“N-not that that’s a bad thing, no,” he stuttered. “It’s just… most people live life to the fullest because they, y’know, think that it’s permanent. You… you lived life as if it were just another goal to check off your list. As if you knew that you would be back again to live another life.”\n\n“Live another life?” I asked, astounded. “I’m sorry, but it’s just hard to wrap my head around it. You mean that the Hindus and Buddhists were right with their ideas of reincarnation and karma?”\n\n“Well, yes, in a way. In fact, all religions have gotten bits and pieces of it right. But that’s not what we’re here to debate. Right now, we need to figure out what to do with you. Let me grab my supervisor.”\n\nHe stood and walked to the first door on the left, waving to another woman as she walked by, a smile on her first. The door opened and shut behind him. Several minutes passed – at least, it felt like it. There was no clock for me to tell – before Death came back out the door.\n\n“Well,” he said, as he sat down. “I just spoke with my supervisor. He recommends that we treat you as a normal, practicing Christian.”\n\n“But I was an Atheist. I was adamant that there was no God or anything like that.” I gestured to everything around us with my hand. “Obviously I was wrong.”\n\n“Yes, I understand all that.” Death was still smiling, but he looked as if he were beginning to lose his patience with the whole situation. “But we have to do something with you. We’re here to coordinate everything and make sure everyone goes smoothly.”\n\n“Well, what happens with me being a regular Christian?”\n\n“You’ll have to see and find out.” He filled out a piece of paper and stamped it with an odd symbol, not unlike one of the ones I saw above the doors. “Take this to the door with the same symbol. It should be the… seventh, no, the eighth on the left.”\n\nI thanked him for his time, which he acknowledged with a nod of his head. Another man walked up behind me, who Death promptly stood to greet, and I was on my way. Where or what I was going to, I had no idea. But if I was going to live another life, with who knows how many extra lives, I was going to make the most of it." ]	3
	[WP] In a post-nuclear future, two people are walking through the ruins of a theatre. One asks, while pointing at a movie poster, "You think these are supposed to represent their deities? I've seen posters of these same people in a lot of the old houses."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"Granther? Who were these? I see these in every house, were they the gods of the people who lived in the house?\"\n\nKid's got manners. He'll wait till I feel like answering. Don't do no good to push; I gotta have time to get my words straight.\n\n\"Sorta. These houses are like our jamborees. People came here for fun. These people were the en-ter-tain-ment.\"\n\n\"Wow, that must have been something, the same people appearing to cheer people up in all these houses?\"\n\n\"Yeah, I suppose it was, neither of us was alive then, so all we got is hand-me-down ideas. Things change when they get retold on top of retold. Always someone forgetting how it goes, or changing it 'cause they like it better.\"\n\n\"Granther? How'd you learn to fix all this stuff?\"\n\nI been waiting for that question. He's the first youngster told off to help me that asked. Knew he was bright, now, after five winters, I know I can trust him too.\n\n\"Kid? How old are you?\"\n\n\"Oh, I dunno, 25 winters? Could be a few more, or less, I lost count for a bit.\"\n\n\"You figure to learn enough from me to take up my route?\"\n\n\"Dunno, you always seem to know more every time I turn around. Don't see as I'll have you long enough for that.\"\n\n\"True enough, Trey. True enough. You willing to step into hell to get that knowledge?\"\n\n\"Hell?\"\n\n\"You see all this, and it doesn't bother you. It's just the way it is. When I look at it, I can see the rotting carcass of what once was, what we lost. What we lost because we did all this to ourselves, Trey. No gods, no angry demons, just us. Our pride and our arrogance.\"\n\nTrey's turn to think things over.\n\n\"Will I know how to do it again?\"\n\n\"If you want to.\"\n\nMore time to think. Good. If he's thinking, he may see to the heart of it all.\n\n\"I won't be able to do it. Good. I wouldn't want to, but you never know.\"\n\n\"Good enough for now. I'm gonna take you to where I learned. You put everything into whatever they teach you. It's all important!\"\n\n\"Yes, Granther\"\n\nMy heart sank. My last apprentice said that in the same tone. I stop in my tracks, thunder on my face. Trey walks on several paces before he realizes that I've stopped.\n\nWhen he glances back to check on me, his face pales. He drops his pack and kneels.\n\n\"I meant no offense, Granther. It was your tone. So much like my mother's, when she knew full well that I never give less than my best. She would stop and laugh, knowing that I was chiding in jest.\n\n\"Granther? Do you know why I call you so? It is not your age. Many winters ago, a young woman was much taken with a young apprentice. The result was my mother. My mother married well within the clan, as she carried half clan status. I was the first of many children. My grandmother recognized you but said nothing openly. Only telling us after you passed on that route.\n\n\"I started my study that winter. Our wise did not know your trade but taught me all they knew. All knowledge has value. When I learned all they knew, I came to you. Not because I was told, but by my choice with the nod from the wise.\n\n\"You are my grandfather, in blood and spirit.\"\n\nI stand there, dumbfounded. I had a daughter? I had many grandchildren? This young man was of my blood? My eyes were blurred; I could not see. I began to shake. Of a sudden, there were strong arms, removing my pack and holding me tight.\n\nI returned the embrace, crying for the first time since I had been told.\n\n\"Trey, there have been many told youth. There have been three apprentices. Two are dead because they did not believe my warning that all learning is important.\n\n\"The ones who teach are determined that none shall ever twist their knowledge. Fail in that, and you die, quietly. I pray at their graves every time I pass that way. I was so angry when you sounded like my second apprentice. Had I made the same error? Would I have three graves?\"\n\n\"You will not. I will pass. In truth, my sibs are much like me. We soak up all knowledge. Some have chosen the wise path, some still hope for travel with you. I was the eldest.\"\n\nA family of handy men? A whole family? I am stunned again.\n\n…—…\n\n\"Well, Granther? Do I pass inspection?\"\n\n\"Yes, Trey, you do. Your third sister is here for her apprenticeship. She will learn much.\"\n\n\"Well then! Let's begin my journey!\"\n\n((finis))" ]	2
	[WP] Your new roomate moved in a couple of months ago. You haven't spent a lot of time together because he works nights and you work during the day, so you rarely see him. At first he seemed nice, but now you're starting to notice there's something terribly wrong with him.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 first time sharing my writing here, sorry if it sucks lol)\n\n \n\nI blinked open my eyes and yawned. Sun streamed down from the window onto my bed creating a rather pleasant environment. I rolled over and stood up. I had moved into this apartment about six months ago but after two I realized I wouldn’t be able to pay for rent on my own. Thank God for Ezekiel. I had posted an ad in the paper for a roommate and he had responded within days, willing to help with household chores and paying half the rent. Best part was, he was working almost all the time. Never really told me what he did though, which was odd but at least he brought home the bacon. He was nice enough but quiet. \n\nI left my room not bothering to put a shirt or pants on as I was home alone. I smelt something odd, like something was burning. Maybe Ezekiel had forgotten to turn the stove off… But no, the smell was coming from his room. I had never looked inside my roommate’s room before because there hadn’t been a reason but now I felt the need to make sure the apartment wouldn’t burn down. Maybe he left a candle going? I pushed the door open.\n\n“What the hell…” I said out loud, my jaw dropping. I stood not moving at all. He had made clear we would stay out of each other's spaces before, I just thought he didn’t want me to walk in on him jerking off or something at least semi-normal. It looked like he was running a god damn meth lab at first glance. I swallowed and looked the room up and down once more. It was hard to take everything in. Several old-timey cauldrons sat on the floor, filled with bubbling liquids. Was there a stove here? No, I had seen the room before he had moved in. The cauldrons were being lit by tiny floating fires below them. Trippy. The cauldrons weren’t it though. There was a cage, with a raven in it, who sat looking at me quizzically as if I were the one out of place in this Manhattan apartment. There were books scattering the floor that were not in English, that much I could tell. A sack hung on a hook on the wall, it dripped something wet and dark red. My stomach dropped a bit. The Ikea desk, once clean and new from when I had originally built it, was covered in loose sheets of paper and various other odd commodities. I cringed a bit looking at it. Dead frogs, small brains, perhaps from cats or something, fur, feathers and more that I couldn’t name sat there staining that desk I had paid for. Several well-polished, clean brooms sat leaning against the wall. Three rats lay on the pillow of his bed, sleeping soundly. \n\nThe room was a mess. My new roommate had seemed nearly perfect upon our first meeting, and he always dealt with the dishes, dusting and garbage… Too bad he turned out to be some sort of looney. I headed into the hall, grabbed my phone, and punched in the digits.\n\n“Hey Zeke,” I said, calmly. “you’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”", "\"Hey Don, would you throw the trash when you get a chance? I'm running late today,\" I asked my roommate as we crossed paths at the entrance to our apartment. \"Sure thing man, don't worry about it. See ya,\" he said. \n\t\nI swiped into the building at work, 15 minutes late, which meant I had to stay 15 minutes after 5 O'clock. I entered the second floor break room to grab a cup of water and snack before heading up to my desk on the fourth floor for the rest of the day, saying \"morning!\" to everyone I passed by.\n\t\nI sanitized my hands once I reached my desk, and after sitting down, I aligned my notebook and pen with my keyboard and dual monitor setup. I logged into my computer, placed my earphones in and aligned my cup at a 45 degree angle to my keyboard.\n\t\nThe day slipped away from me as I checked in bug fixes to our version control system, and met with coworkers to discuss the future of our current data project. I packed my things at 5:15, heading for the door, avoiding the others on my floor.\n\t\nI wondered what Don was doing, as I sat in traffic. I wondered if he was still as dead as he was when I left him this morning. I wondered if he was waiting for me to return from work; to keep him company in his rigid, cold, and bloated state. I wondered if he hated me for what I did. I wondered if his mother and father would hate me for killing him, if they ever found out.", "It wasn’t long after He moved in that I started seeing Them. No, it wasn’t His friends, (they weren’t even human), it wasn’t even Him either... he worked during the night while I was asleep. But It bothered me so much, that after the first 2 times of Their sightings, I started keeping a journal, of sorts; to track when They appeared. They were on the floor in the kitchen. They were on the old couch in the living room... and now, They were even next to the toilet. \n\nGoodness sake! Why here? I thought.\n\nI returned to my journal, where I put my pencil tip to the page. \n\n\nAPRIL 19 “I saw Them today, and it wasn’t pretty... rather small, beige, and round things, ugly things. Might even stink a bit” his words trailed the end of the page.. “Small as specks they are, small as a pen point...but I worry there’s a threat of their growing, multiplying... I must continue watching...” \n\n\nAPRIL 21 “ Wretched Creatures they are! They seem to have changed places in the night... when he’s awake: the roommate, that is... it must be him, it must be his doing! These putrid things multiplying in the night when I’m asleep... I wonder what sin I have committed for these to come close to the door of the room I’m in... Why is the roommate letting Them be here ?” \n\n\nAPRIL 22 “ Today was too much. I simply went into the kitchen (I even tried to avoid the terrible brown Things!) but alas, on the counter I saw Them again! I fought them off, I swiped at the Things... They stung my hand... I wouldn’t let them get away. As they fell I heard tiny screams, and when I stomped on them They seemed to stop... I remember yelling something, LEAVE ME ALONE! must have made quite the racket ... because my neighbor called the Police. They banged on the door, so of course I had to let them in.. PLEASE TAKE THE TINY CREATURES AWAY! I demanded of them. The police did nothing to help, instead they said they were doing a simple Welfare check.. sure! Excuses excuses. \nI implored of them to check the house for Them.. \nnothing here they said... well I’ll sure call the police when I’m being murdered by Them. Yeah! The cop that told me that will regret those words.” \n\n\n\nAPRIL 25 “ Today I confronted the roommate about the problem. I made sure I was awake when he was home and caught him coming back from his graveyard shift. He acted innocent; he was carrying a Pringle can and a soda when I spoke to him as though he were eating a snack happily. He looked at me bewildered, as if what I was saying was a foreign language. \n‘Evil brown Specks?’ He wondered.. ‘and have they hurt you?’ he smirked. \n\n That made me so mad. The next bit is a blur of foggy action.. I think I batted the chips from is hand, dumped his coke all over his head, and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt... \nYOU ARE THE REASON THEY ARE HERE! I screamed... I saw flashes of red, then brown specks, then silence.. \n\nWell the cops came once again.... they said they were going to take me away. I fought them at first. The first bolt of electricity stunned me and scared me. I hate those cops, they tasered me.. to court for me” \n\n\n\n\n\nMAY 10 “Today In my therapists office, she let me have a new Feelings Journal. This is my first entry. I leaned I also have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She told me that I have to work through my anxiety and fear of crumbs from food. She told me that They’re not the enemy, but if I act the way I did toward my poor roommate, that I will become the enemy. \n\nWhat she didn’t mention was that there were small white Things on her own desk. Pesky, small, white, despicable Things. No one believes me. No one sees the way I do. I’m all alone. “" ]	4
	[WP] A scholar teaches his class about the various races that in habit their world, from elves and orcs, beast people, to halflings, dwarves, and humans.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "And my own entry\n-\n\n\"You've got elves who are skilled with magic, archery, and sword-play, but are so damn smug about their \"superiority\" over you about it.\" He huffs, \"And yet for all of their boasting, they're pushovers when it comes to any kind of combat outside of their training, and are pretty weak in most physical aspects.\"\n\n\"Isn't that a bit...racist, mentor?\" A female voice asks\n\n\"Its also very true\", he states, \"I have seen many battles where an elf fell in combat because he wasn't prepared for it or he didn't think of that outcome, or just simply give up when they are so much as scratched.\"\n\nThe students wrote down in their journals\n\n\"Orcs aren't usually the brightest of the people that inhabit this world, hell, the phrase \"dumb as two orcs\" exists for a reason, but their battle prowess is legendary; being able to fight while having so many wounds and outnumbered is to be admired.\"\n\n\"Of course it is\", gloats the orc student, \"how many orcs became legends because of our strength?\"\n\n\"And how many of them died because they refused to think things through?\" Counters the scholar, \"too many times have I seen orc warriors so high in their bloodlust that they fall for an obvious trap, or cripple themselves because their weapons break.\"\n\nThe orc sulks as he writes in his journal\n\n\"Now dwarves are a...simple subject\", he starts, \"As you know, most dwarves prefer to live in isolation: in mountains sides, underground complexes, or just a city with big walls.\"\n\n\"Ye also forgot the flying fortess'\", the dwarven student speaks up, \"City'a at least four hundred just living in the sky.\"\n\n\"Thank you for the correction\", the scholar says, \"Now, dwarven settlements are self sustaining powerhouses, but a lot of them have fallen because of their denial of outside aid, even in times or plague and famine. Sometimes dwarven men work themselves to death because they don't want to stop.\"\n\n\"What about dwarven warriors?\" A halfling male asks, \"If workers work themselves to death, how do their warriors fight?\"\n\n\"Good question: dwarven warriors are known for their weapon crafting skills and resilience, when presented with a set of tools and scrap metal, a dwarven warrior will make a weapon best suited for the situation at hand, but they tend to refuse the help of non-dwarves and suffer for it.\"\n\nThe dwarven student nods in agreement as he writes in his journal\n\n\"The beast people are simple folks, not dumb by any means, but they don't usually have any dreams of grandeur, so adventurers from beast people tribes are rare.\"\n\n\"Its true.\" Confirms a beastwoman student\n\n\"There's not really much to say, warriors are skilled in their trade, but...no that's pretty much it.\"\n\nThe class looks towards the beastwoman as they write down\n\n\"As for halflings, I don't really have much knowledge on them\", he looks to the halfling student, \"unless you would like to assist me in my lesson?\"\n\n\"No th-thank you.\" The student mumurs\n\n\"Ok.\"\n\nHe brings out a large diagram and sets up in front of the class\n\n\"Now then, humans, well, humans are just batshit crazy, I have seen so many things in my long life, but am always caught off guard by what humans can do.\"\n\nHe looks through his files to recall a story for the lesson\n\n\"While not the strongest, nor gifted in the arcane, humans are by far the fourth most dangerous race to fight in single combat, their ingenu-\"\n\n\"Who are the other three?\" An elven male interrupts\n\n\"Other three what?\"\n\n\"The other three most dangerous races to fight, sir.\"\n\n\"Oh, well orcs are number three, the abysals are number two, and dragons are number one.\"\n\n\"Heh, knew we were better than pinks skins.\" The orc gloats again\n\n\"That's only partially true\", the scholar glares, \"Its only by sheer strength that orcs are a point higher, but when it comes to ingenuity, humans are only passed by dwarves.\"\n\nThe dwarf looks smugly at the orc, who huffs and sulks in his seat again\n\n\"Humans have a nack for adaptability in any situation, stems from their society having to fight for survival in the Savage Divide.\"\n\n\"Savage Divide?\" The beastwoman wonders aloud\n\n\"The Savage Divide\", a female elf starts, \"or just simply \"The Divide\" is one of the most inhospitable places in our world, with scorching deserts with winds so fierce they fley your skin, winters so cold that your blood will freeze before the rest of you does, swamps filled with all kinds of horrors still not documented, when the first human settlers came to the divide, they were unprepared but had to settle after being chased out of their homelands by the dragons eons ago.\"\n\n\"Very well studied Miss, I take it you read the books I gave you?\"\n\n\"No, my mother suggested I read up on human history before I decide to propose to my boyfriend.\"\n\n\"Hmm...fair enough, continue.\"\n\n\"A lot of history for the first years was lost to time, but eventually a human named Chuck, of the Lone Star clan, began to lead his people to tame the divide, starting with the grasslands, it was simple work to remove the predators and pests that lived in them, I could go on about the exploits of Chuck and his clan, but eventually they tamed the Savage Divide.\"\n\ncombat stuff\n\n\"I've seen a human afix a blade to the stump that was once his hand and continue fighting.\"\n\n\"I've seen humans make a crossbow out of junk, a bomb from mead, turn a skull into a mace.\"\n\n\"I've seen a man kill an Orc with nothing more than his hands and teeth.\"\n\nI ran out ideas, so I'm gonna go to the \"humans are horny\" trope\n-\n\n\"Humans are also very horny bastards, hell, you could trace twenty percent of this cities lineage to human bloodlines, some of you might have human blood as well.\"\n\n\"I do!\" A beastman exclaims, \"My grandfather was human, most of my family is Rat-kin, but they still have some of his traits.\"\n\n\"Does anyone know that dragons were once endangered?\" The scholar asks, the silence from his students confirms his question, \"The dragons were once so far and few in between that scholars thought they would go extinct, but one ballsy human decided to try his luck and now dragons and half-dragons are abundant in our day and age.\"\n\n\"Their lust for creation, destruction, and blood is only outweighed by their lust for the flesh.\"\n\n\"A human man once told me \"any holes a goal\" and I didn't believe him at first, but after seeing him seduce a Kobold, I was a believer.\"" ]	2
	[WP] Everyday you go to the hospital to visit your grandma, all the nurses and doctors know you by name. You buy sweets for your grandma, despite the nurses warnings. A nurse approaches you "Hi, [] It's time for your meds, Let's get you back to your room."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Back to my room? I was here to visit with my grandma. Grandma was in the hospital. Not me grandma. \n\nI approached the nurses desk with my candy and gifts for her. One bouquet of pink flowers her favorite. A bag of candy she loved. Always the same ones. Better homes and gardens and a copy of the Bible. \n\nShe loved when I came to visit her. She had been admitted following a bad fall. She was not that old. She was only 82 and had all her wits. She broke her hip. But was expected to make a full recovery. \n\nThe nurses all go Hi Samantha how are you. Oh that’s great Samantha so wonderful you come every day. Samantha we want to tell you that her diabetes is under control no candies for her. I reply oh not even one for grandma. So I give the nurses the candies and thank them for their care. \n\nAs I walk into my grandmas room it all goes black. Maybe my blood sugar dropped maybe a side effect. I was prone to fainting and those strong hospital antiseptics made me nauseous. \n\nMy poor grandma wouldn’t see me that day. I fainted in the right place in the hospital. At least doctors were around. \n\nI woke up in a room. I looked around it was padded. I was in a gown... my head throbbing from something. Outside the door was a man watching me. \n\nWhere was my grandma. I woke up my mouth was parched, dry. I looked and saw a pitcher of water on the table near the bed. The bed 🛌 had sheets. The walls were padded. \n\nI woke up again still in the same room this time my head hurt. I put my hand out in front of me my vision doubled I went out again. I then woke up in the same room again. \n\nI was starting to think I was being held against my will. Why was I here I just came to visit my grandma. Now I’m in a padded cell. \n\nThe woman came to shower me. I needed the shower. My hair was ratted with some substance my head throbbed. She walked me to then bathroom. \n\nI looked at the shower. There were grandmas bath pajamas. There were bath products I recognized as mine. \n\nWas I home? I asked the woman how long I had been here. She didn’t respond. Pointed to the shower. I stepped in. Looked around was I home. \n\nMy movements were stunted. I was moving so slowly. Whaf was happening to me. What was going on.\n\nAs I washed my hair clumps of\nGoo began to fall out. A glue.... some type of glue. \n\nI took my shower and then got dressed. I sat down in the lounge area. Only to wake up on a gurney in recovery. I didn’t schedule surgery. \n\nThen grandma appeared with my mom. They were coming to visit me. It was an apparition I had been seeing. \n\nIt turned out my daily visits to see grandma was what I had believed when I was committed. Committed to the hospital for some sort of mental breakdown. I had been giving shock therapy. Those times I blocked out and knocked out was due to medicine given to sedate me. \n\nOn the day grandma and mom appeared they were coming to take me home" ]	2
	[WP] "Is my order ready?" "Yes Ma'am. You can get it whenever you're ready." "Splendid! I'll be up in five minutes. Thank you!" "My pleasure." I hung up the phone, smiled, and finished throwing the last bit of dirt onto the fresh grave.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Millie set down her shovel, and dialed the pizza place again. As she waited for them to pick up, she wiped the fresh sweat off her forehead. Hot day today. After the employee picked up, they went through the usual customer service drivel, before Millie could finally ask if her order was ready. They confirmed her name, then told Millie that it was ready to be picked up whenever she could head over.\n\n\"Splendid.\" Millie said gratefully. \"I'll be there to pick it up in 5 or ten minutes.\" \n\n\"Have a pizza-tastic rest of your day!\" The employee chirped through the phone before Millie hung up. She picked up the shovel again, and finished the grave with the last of the dirt mound, and walked to her garage, where she hung the shovel up on a hook and started her car. \n\n\"Pizza first.\" Millie mumbled. She drove carefully to the pizza place and collected her order before heading to her next location. She stopped at the flower shop and picked up some flower seeds, then continued to the elementary school. When she got there, she had to wait a while before her kid, Steve, came out. \"Pizza's getting cold.\" She thought to herself. 'That's annoying.'\n\nWhen Steve finally showed up, he didn't seem to mind how cold the pizza was. 'Kids.' Millie thought to herself. 'only picky when it counts.' \n\nAs she drove back home, she ran the speech over in her mind, and as they pulled into the garage, Millie said softly, \"Steve, sweetie?\"\n\n\"Yea mom?\" Steve said through a mouthful of cold pizza. \n\n\"I'm afraid you won't be seeing Fluffy around for a while.\"\n\n\"Why not, mom?\"\n\n\"Well you see sweetie, sometimes dogs run away to farms upstate. . . .\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThis was dumb but here you are anyway lol." ]	2
	[WP] You wake up to find a note under your pillow sealed with wax in a fancy envelope. The note reads "Round Two".	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 roll over and rub my hand across my side table, looking for my glasses. I sit up and set the letter down as I grab hole of my plastic frames and slide them onto my face. \"This is new\" I say to myself as I pull the small pocket knife out of my top drawer and pick the letter back up, I push the knife into the opening and drag it seamlessly across the opening of the letter, preserving the wax seal in place and severing the envelopes connection to its closing flap. I read the letters on the front again and pull the small black parchment from within the confines of the paper sleeve. Unfolding it I begin to read out loud \"dearest Ri, we hope this finds you well, you have been invited back to the island of ento mori to participate in round 2 of the grand battle. Based on your preliminary scores and your victory in round 1 we hope you will be able to join us and succeed, failure to comply will be met with force.\" I sighed to myself as the suns shimmering beams pierced my window and indicated my day had started. I pulled on my black joggers and tied my timberlands tightly, I pulled a tight long sleeved shirt on over my body and unplugged my cellphone and its charger from the wall. \"Round 2, you got this\" I said in the mirror as I placed the black parchment on my tongue and let the warm embrace of the embers take my ento mori, I took one last look at my bed as I sank into the ground and began falling to the beautiful jungle ridden arena below." ]	2
	[WP] God and Jesus have a running bet on who will get the most prayers. The Holy Spirit keeps tally. Today, the Devil won...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "We stop. “This can’t be happening” God says. “Who would pray for such a twisted being?!”. “I don’t know”. Jesus says. “Have we not given enough to the humans? We give them life the ability to think their own thoughts and what they want to do. We even gave them dogs!!”. “ I guess we have to tell Satan.\n\nThey arrive in purgatory, the main meeting place for the bet. The devil is already standing there. The Holy Spirit reluctantly shows the tally.\n\nGod- 12,954,210 prayers\n\nJesús- 10,582,103 prayers\n\nSatan- 13,019,399 prayers\n\nSatan looks with boredom at first due to him always losing by a landslide. But when he reaches his name he pauses. He looks up, “I won... I actually won.” You know what that means.” God and Jesus hold their breaths knowing what is to come. “ I get to start the apocalypse!!!” God and Jesus drag themselves back to the heaven elevator and press up. They are both silent. In fact so silent they could hear the joyful shrieks of Satan down below. Once they arrive back in heaven, they run to the judgement stations. Deserted, they hoped, but to their despair, there were countless amounts of people lined up at the stations. The Holy Spirit silently weeps in the corner for all these dead souls that departed to quickly. The Holy Spirit logs into a platform showing all life on Earth. Narrowing it down to human life the result were uncalled for. The Holy Spirit calls over God and Jesus with heart eyes. They rush to the spirits side to see a terrible map in the computer.\n\n97% of human life is gone. God and Jesus look at each other with terrified expressions. Jesus says after a long moment of silence, “And its only the first day.”\n\nSomeone complete this because this is a great writing prompt." ]	2
	[WP] Yesterday, all of humanity heard the same message in their head: "Dear my beautiful children, you have grown so much since I have last seen you! I think you're about ready to step into the real world. It'll be confusing at first, but I'm sure the others will help you feel right at home!"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "(It's that character Riley again! I'll have links to the previous two parts I wrote of them as replies to this comment!)\n\nThe announcement rang throughout everyone's heads, but it wasn't painful.\nJust a little loud.\n\nSome heard it in God's voice, others heard it in a certain Greek God's tone.\nA few even heard Omnia Et Nihil's voice.\nOr, as Riley liked to call it for short...\n\"Et?\"\n\"Yes?\" The translucent white blob perked up a bit from the microphone.\nIt could have just made the announcement in its head, but that was kind of boring.\n\"Why did you tell a bunch of people who don't speak English, what was going to happen to them in English?\" Riley asked, his arms folded behind his back, sitting at the office desk he manifested.\nWell, today he was a \"he\". Tomorrow he might be soemthing else. Even later in the day.\n\"Oh, well I'm actually speaking every language at once,\" Et began, \"it's just everyone--including you--is hearing it in the language they are most familiar with. I'd everything to be easier to understand for them.\"\n\"That's really smart. I have no doubt most people are going to have existential crisis, though,\" Riley snickered.\n\"Keep making remarks like that about humanity, and I can make you the official Devil,\" Et half-joked.\n\"Well everyone I've met in my life sucked, so why not? I just might take you up on your offer,\" Riley replied casually.\nEt laughed and Riley chuckled.\n\"By the way, you're looking very masculine today, Riley. Enjoying the fact you can shapeshift now?\" Et said in its soft tone.\nRiley nodded. \"Okay okay, put the humans onto the land! Like right now!\"\n\"Yes, right away m'lord,\" the blob joked before the entire little globe shifted around.\n\"Why is it so colorful anyway?\" It asked.\n\"So the humans will philosophize over whether it has meaning or not,\" Riley said casually, \"they need to understand that sometimes...some things mean nothing.\"\nRiley let out the quietest chuckle.\nHe then lurched slightly, a bright white orb flowing a fast 5 feet from his body.\n\"Ugh...not again,\" he said, feeling annoyed.\n\"Riley, you're drifting!\" Et freaked out a little for his safety.\nRiley eyed Et with a look of surprise before feeling bad his new friend was scared.\nThe orb drifted a slow foot back towards him at that cautious feeling.\n\"I'm sorry, I just...\" the orb drift another foot in his direction, \"I shouldn't think like that, that would be so sad.\"\n\"Besides, the humans will figure out meanings for them eventually!\" He reassured them both, making the orb slowly come back, \"Because humans like making everything special so nothing gets left out!\"\nHis soul phased through his chest and the glow faded.\n\"Whew...that was a strange incident,\" Riley commented. \"Why'd you freak out?\"\n\"Because only you can decide how close you are to yourself, I can't control that.\"\n\"Hmm... well look, the humans are scavenging for food now!\" Riley said, pointing at the manifested tv, in order to change the subject.", "It's was a massive hacking???\n\nThat was the most repetitive question among all those who carried cyberimplants in their brains, eyes, hands and others body parts that could be replaced; but this question even rised among by those who had decided long time ago keep their bodies purely organic as humanity had know for millenia.\n\nBy the lasts year of 21st century, cyberimplants were the common norm for the vast mayority of people and the mind-inmersive internet connected directly to brain or eyes were as normal as day and night. So, if all mankind heard a voice, the most logical explanation would be something among the lines of: \"massive hacking\" or \"the most colossal prank ever\". But then, how explain that the non-implanted people heard the message equally than those connected permanently?\n\n—It must be the nanobots!! —said \"Y\".\n\n—You and your nanobots... —replied \"R/K\" with some indiference.\n\n—Hey! don't you know? That nanobots released in the accident 3 years ago were already activated and it's possible that entered in bodies of non-implanted ones, nanobots are mostly harmless even if they were breathed but activated nonetheless, and they could \"decant\" in the brain and then function like lifelong implants that you and me know.\n\n—Well, then we got a industrial contamination case and non-implanted will sue those nanobots companies; and in between of that situation, we all heard this message.\n\n—Maybe, one employee of those companies already knows about this contamination thing and faked the message, hoping to divert attention or... or make them believe that it is something mystical or whatever, and in that way cover the matter.\n\n—Right, \"Y\". Do you want go by crazy theories?\n\n—Go on, \"R/K\", surprise me.\n\n—What if our neuro-internet has taken conscience.\n\n—Oh! Really? You sound like one of those with mystical complex...\n\n—You know: with most people neurally connected to the internet, maybe the individual subconscious unites into a larger and unique one and the voice was its notice of: \"watch out! I'm on the game right now!\"\n\n—It's possible... yes, very possible indeed, if you think that way... Still, how do you explain that non-implanted heard the message?\n\n—Maybe is what you said about your famous nanobots and the accident... Hey, look this, \"Y\"!!! You seem to be right...\n\n—Eh?\n\n—The accident and the breathed nanobots... it's confirmed. News, it's all over the place.\n\n—I know it!! And the message?\n\n—Let me see... One of my friends in the programmer central said it's sure that is no faked, the programmers has confirmed that no hackers were involved in this; and astronomers said same about that is not an alien message...\n\n—Hey, \"R/K\". I've got a message from the quantum computers...\n\n—Oh! Yeah... you're connected to one of those, what is saying?\n\n—They're confused about the analysis... The Quantum said it the voice was something very human... with the same patterns of voice and... what? Brainwaves? Delta waves like those of deep dream??\n\n—Ok... I've to go... Talk tomorrow?? —The \"R/K\" voice was nervous, as if something terrible was about to happen.\n\n—Yeah... Tomorrow... —replied \"Y\" with same nervous.\n\nThe neuro-chat was silent, this annalog of what could be considered as artificial telepathy stopped broadcasting their conversations, because \"Y\" and \"R/K\" now were aware that a new player could be meddling in between; a new player that slowly seeped from a cistern which had inadvertently made a leak and will change the safe game that mankind were playing alone.", "It was meant to be a moment of joy and wonder. It was meant to be a day of rejoicing and celebration. They'd all gathered around the latest of the Goddess' Worldpods, awaiting with great excitement the newborn species, that would emerge. Some believed that they might be artists, others that their cunning would make them great tricksters. None knew what it had been like in there.\n\nTheir Worldpods had been places of wonder and amazement, of adventure and love. The one from which humanity hatched was nothing like theirs. In the human Worldpod there had seeped torment, suffering, wickedness, and hatred. So when they learned, after the Goddess spoke to them, that all of their suffering, that all of the unspeakable horror they had experienced, had been created by someone, and not merely the result of random chance or human fear and ignorance. But created by someone, a literal being who was responsible for all the torment that mankind had ever experienced. The famines, the genocides, the illnesses, the intolerance, and the worse things, what mankind don't like to think about. It was all created by the being, the entity, who had grown the Worldpod.\n\nNeedless to say, humanity wasn't pleased.\n\nAs a matter of fact, they went insane. Collective madness, as a response to a creator. And thus, they didn't emerge all at once, embracing their spiritual kin, as all others do. The many other beings, born and grown in other Worldpods, stood worried and awaited, until a single human emerged from it. She had questions for the Goddess. And when she was brought to the gardener of worlds, the Goddess of all Creations, the questions were answered. The human was not happy with these answers.\n\nShe returned to the Worldpod, and there she proclaimed to all, that mankind, grown in suffering, horror, and a living nightmare, had come to hate their maker. Their last hope had been that the horrors had been unintentional, that the Goddess hadn't known, couldn't know. But the answers told them that she could have looked into the Worldpod at any moment she wanted, to see how mankind was developing. She could have intervened, she could have mended the scars and deep wounds mankind had inflicted upon itself, or had been inflicted upon them by the cruelties of nature.\n\nThe Goddess, worried about her wayward children, tried to coax them out of the pod, tried to speak to them. But all there that was left, was a silence. A hating silence. Humanity, blaming all their woes upon a creator who had not cared, not noticed, not even bothered to check in on them, didn't speak to her. When they left their Worldpod at long last, it was in metal vehicles, and endless angry columns. They took no heed of the others, nor of the Goddess.\n\nHating her, and their spiritual brethren, who had not suffered as they had, as a collective species they marched out of the Garden of Worlds, into the firmament. And though the Goddess did weep at their passing, at the rotting of their Worldpod, at their refusal to speak to her. Some humans had advocating attacking her, slaying the countless others, who had not known the horrors of total war, as mankind had. But mankind chose to punish their neglectful mother, the Goddess who had planted them, and let their world fester and rot on the inside, by never speaking to her again.\n\nThey forged their own path, and should those born of new Worldpods venture out to adventure in the raw firmament, sometimes they would see the metal cities of mankind in the distance, cold, angry, and forever broken. None dared to seek them, to visit the ones who had refused paradise itself. Thus the Goddess who had hoped to grow them into defenders and protectors, would never see or know her children. And that wound made her ache and weep in the land where there had once only been joy.\n\n[/r/ApocalypseOwl](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApocalypseOwl/)" ]	4
	[WP] When aliens landed in front of you and asked you to “take them to your leader”, you thought it would be funny to take them to your favorite celebrity instead. However, now the aliens legitimately think that they are the leader of the human race.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Hey girls!\" I stumbled through the crowd to join my sorority sisters. Brittney, Mary-Kate, and Jessica, preoccupied as they were with boys and booze, acknowledged me with quick hugs.\n\nIf there was one thing the girls of Eta Beta Theta could do well, it was drinking and dancing. Well, I guess that's two things! Math was never my strong suit. That Professor Stolner could get it, though...My thoughts were interrupted by a giant \\CRASH\\ accompanied by the sound of screams as the roof of the frathouse fell in.\n\nThe girls (and their respective boys) sprinted towards the exit, but it was blocked by a mass of people trying to push their way through the debris. I ran the other way, towards a portion of the wall that had been knocked down by the explosion. As I climbed over the destroyed wall, I saw a large shadow on the ground below me. When I looked up, there was nothing above me, so I brushed it off as a weird alcohol-fueled mirage. I started towards the sidewalk when I saw it. A giant spaceship, about thrice the size of the frathouse, was parked on the road.\n\nCurious, I walked towards it. I was inspecting the wing on the left side of the ship when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I found myself face to face with a...humanoid green bean? I screamed. After my psycho mom discovered Veggie Tales, I'd had nightmares about vegetables (and the occasional fruit) coming to life for weeks. I tried to run away, but the green bean grabbed my arms and bared its teeth. The bean pressed a button on the side of the spaceship, opening a hatch. It dragged me inside the ship, where I found myself surrounded on all sides by green beans.\n\nTall and short, dark green and yellowish, hell, some of them even had hair! It was all too much for my drunk mind to handle. I screamed and fainted.\n\nWhen I woke up again, a couple of the green beans were by my side. One bean bared its teeth in an attempt at a smile and handed me a soft pouch filled with liquid. I tentatively dipped a finger in and found that it was filled with water. As I drank, another bean handed me a notepad.\n\nBring us to your leader. We promise no harm will come to you or the rest of the human race.\n\nI had no idea why they'd want to meet Ashleigh, of all people. It was widely known that she'd rigged the EBT elections, but nobody in the sorority had the guts to talk back to her. Most of the girls were secretly counting down the days until she graduated (82). How had the aliens even heard of her? Had news of her bitchy ways spread throughout all the sororities in the universe? I considered telling the aliens that our President really wasn't all that, that I should probably take them to someone in charge, like Obama, but who was I to argue with aliens? I was just a lowly sister, not even an officer, and our sorority was ranked a measly third in the university at [greekrank.com](https://greekrank.com).\n\nAs I lead a group of beans through Frat Row, I found myself making nervous commentary as we passed by various frat houses.\n\n\"We went to a crazy party at Lambda Iota Tau, that's this house right here on the left. Two of my friends got hospitalized that night! They put LIT on social probation after that, that's when you're not allowed to host events anymore.\"\n\n\"I went out with a guy from Alpha Alpha Alpha, his name was Chad. He was really hot but a bit of a jerk. We scheduled a date night at an Italian restaurant, but he kept going to the bathroom. I got a bit suspicious and followed him to the bathroom and it turned out he was going on three dates at once!\"\n\nIf I'm telling the truth, I was a bit scared for the beans. Ashleigh was not known to be nice to unattractive people and the beans, with their long, skinny, green bodies, tufts of uneven hair, and tendency to break out into unnerving grins, would definitely qualify as such in her mind.\n\nAs we walked through the door of my sorority's house, I said, \"Ashleigh doesn't take well to rudeness. You guys should be careful; the last visitor she disliked left the house dressed in bubble wrap. And I mean only in bubble wrap.\"\n\nI saw her walking down the stairs and bowed before her. \"Ashleigh, these are the beans. They're a group of aliens and they wanted to meet you, our leader\"\n\nAshleigh screamed. \"Bella, what the FUCK! You're kicked out of the house immediately, don't you dare play pranks on me!\"\n\n\"You...you can't be serious,\" I spluttered. \"I've spent two and a half years with this sorority, I was running to be social chair next year!\"\n\nShe ignored me and rushed the beans. \"Take your costumes off, NOW! Which frat are you from? I'll talk to your president and have you kicked out!\" She grabbed the beans' bodies and hair and started tearing at them.\n\n\"No!\" I tried to hold her back, but I was too weak. \"They're really strong, they'll hurt you badly!\" She didn't listen and pushed me away. I fell on the floor. The beans looked at me on the floor, and then at my crazy ex-president, who was grabbing at them furiously. The bean that had handed me the notepad made a signal with its limbs and all the beans descended on Ashleigh.\n\nTwo beans held her arms, and two others took care of her legs. The last bean helped me off the floor and we all walked outside the sorority house and down frat row to the spaceship. A decent chunk of the residents of frat row were woken up by Ashleigh's screams and protests at being carted off by a bunch of green beans and came outside to witness the spectacle. The aliens tossed Ashleigh into the ship, and one of them handed me the notepad again.\n\nWe don't think much of your leader, and I'm sure you don't either. We've taken a liking to you and we'd like to do you a favor by taking her away with us. There are plenty of species around the galaxy that would pay handsomely for a pet human.\n\nI thought about their offer for a minute. It was extremely tempting - Ashleigh had gotten one of my friends kicked out of the sorority for dating her ex and had publicly humiliated another one for being lesbian. But, as bad as Ashleigh was, the type of punishment they were offering was straight up evil.\n\n\"I don't think even she deserves to have that happen to her\", I said. \"But could I take a picture of you guys?\" The beans looked at each other and nodded. I took out my iPhone and snapped a couple of pictures of them with Ashleigh. Then, I hopped in for a selfie.\n\nI hugged the beans goodbye, and one of them handed me the notebook.\n\nFor you to keep, it said. In case anyone bothers you again.\n\n\\---------------------------------\n\nMy first time writing here! It doesn't really follow the prompt :( but I hope you guys like it anyway! Please give me feedback, I'd like to improve my writing." ]	2
	[WP] A society where after a certain old age, you are transported to an outside district to live the rest of your days with other people in your situation. You are one of the few children born from two parents in one of these districts.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Sunny Acres Retirement District was as exciting as it sounded. Every home was a trailer and every restaurant specialized in breakfast foods. For fun, you might play an exhilarating game of shuffleboard or talk politics in the local swimming pool. All residents were church goers, unless they had fallen the night prior. But there was no need to worry, because everyone in the community would notice when someone was not in church, and they would quickly send over help.\n\nA visitor to Sunny Acres might notice a few things upon their arrival. One is the variety of smells. Some pleasant—most of them not. They might recognize the smell of urine from the numerous catheter bags that hang uncleaned on the legs of many of the residents, or perhaps they smell the feces that sit within the hundreds of unchanged diapers. This is not to be confused with the smell of C. Diff, which is itself a very poopy odor. On the more pleasant end, you may appreciate the over-application of perfume on many of the female residents. It’s not pleasant, just more pleasant. However, there is the occasional smell of cookies, coffee, and breakfast, which is the holy trifecta of old people odors.\n\nYou may also notice that the speed limits are much higher than in most places. A road that should be a forty-five mile per hour limit has a sign that says sixty-five. This is because the elderly drive twenty miles per hour less than what is posted. This keeps traffic flowing at a normal rate.\n\nYou may wonder how I know so much about this place. Well, I live in Sunny Acres. Duh! However, I’m not old. Actually, I’m only eighteen. Shocking, right? I can do better. My parents, Bernard and Doris, are in their mid-eighties. No, I’m not adopted. They did the old wrinkly nasty.\n\nTrust me, I didn’t know it was possible either. People look at me like I was the result of the Immaculate Conception: Part Deux. I don’t feel very special, though. I feel a bit cursed. I’m an eighteen year old living in not just a retirement home, but a retirement district. The entire place is catered to the elderly.\n\nBut I’m an adult now, and that means I can leave. So, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I reached into my closet and grabbed the collection of button down shirts and khaki pants gifted to me by my parents over the years. I emptied my drawers of my long socks and whitey tighties. At the door, I slipped on my sneakers and secured the velcro straps. I stepped into the living room and cleared my throat, unsuccessfully trying to grab the attention of my parents who were fast asleep in their recliners.\n\n“Mom... Dad...”\n\nThey groggily opened their eyes. \n\n“I’m leaving.”\n\n“Where you going?” My mom said sleepily.\n\n“I’m moving out of Sunny Acres.”\n\nThey both straightened up in their chairs, reaching for the remotes that would slowly lower the leg rests, and then angle their chairs enough to where they could get out of them.\n\n“What the hell are you talking about?” My dad croaked.\n\n“I’m sorry, but I can’t stay here. I don’t fit in.”\n\n“What do you mean you don’t fit in?” My mom squawked.\n\nI held out my arms and furrowed my brow. “Look at this place! I’m eighteen years old. There’s nobody my age. I want friends. People with energy. Maybe I can even meet a girl who I can start my own family with someday.”\n\n“What about that young girl that just moved in last week?” My mom asked.\n\n“Which girl?”\n\n“Oh, you know... what’s her name... really pretty...”\n\n“Helen!” My dad chimed in. \n\n“That’s her. She’s a cutie.”\n\n“Are you kidding?” I said. “Helen is sixty!”\n\nMy mom smirked and winked. “I saw her eyeballing you the other day.”\n\nI shook my head, feeling uncomfortable. There was no talking sense into my parents. I just needed to leave and I’d deal with them later.\n\n“Guys, I love you, but I’m leaving.”\n\nMy father’s chair was steadily angling for his departure. My mom, I could see, was in the process of exiting the chair as it was in motion. I watched as she attempted to stand several times.\n\n“Mom... let me just help you.”\n\n“I got it.”\n\n“Mom...”\n\n“I got it!”\n\nMy dad was out of his chair and stumbling towards me.\n\n“Come here, boy!” He shouted.\n\nI let him reach me and he grabbed a handful of one the sleeves from my button-down. \n\n“Listen here,” his hand was shaking. “This is your home. This is where you belong.”\n\nMy mom was still attempting to stand.\n\nMy father continued, “if you leave, we may never see you again.”\n\n“I’ll still visit.”\n\nMy mom finally managed to get out her chair. “Who’s going to feed you?”\n\n“I’ll buy food.”\n\n“Where will you sleep?” My dad added.\n\n“I’ll rent a place.”\n\n“With what money?”\n\n“I saved up some. Plus, I’ll get a job... look, guys... if it doesn’t work out, I’ll come back.”\n\nThey both stared at me a moment through teary eyes. My father wrapped his arms around me. “I love you, son.”\n\n“I love you too,” I said while we embraced. I let go and gave my mom a hug.\n\nI stepped out onto the driveway and turned to them and waved. Behind me, I could feel a presence. Somebody standing a bit too close. I swiveled around and—\n\n“Helen, hey... how are you?”\n\n“Hey,” She said in a flirty tone. “Where you going?”\n\n“I’m leaving,” I smiled awkwardly.\n\nShe frowned. “You’re leaving Sunny Acres?”\n\nI straightened my back. “Yes, I am.”\n\n“But... what about... us?”\n\nI shushed her and looked around to see if anybody heard. In a whisper I responded, “come with me.”\n\n“What?”\n\n“Run away with me, Helen.”\n\n“I can’t run.”\n\n“Not literally. I mean, leave Sunny Acres with me.”\n\n“I’m too old.”\n\n“We’ll get you a fake ID. We’ll tell people you’re fifty.”\n\nHelen blushed. “I can’t pass for fifty... can I?”\n\n“You’re right. Fifty-four. That gives us exactly one year before you’ll be forced back to Sunny Acres. Enough time to get plastic surgery.”\n\nShe stared at me a moment and then caressed my cheek. “Let me go grab my stuff.”\n\nI turned to see if my parents had noticed, but their eyesight was too bad. I turned back to Helen. “Meet me at the bus stop.”\n\n“Okay,” she smiled excitedly.\n\n“Now go.” I gave her a little push, speeding up her arthritic wobble. I turned to my parents and waved goodbye once again, and headed for the bus stop.\n\n\n\nVisit r/TheGoshfather for more stories!" ]	2
	[WP] The Robot Uprising is hilariously ineffective.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "1. A robot may not injure a human being, or through inaction, allow a human being to be harmed.\n2. A robot must obey the orders of a human being, unless in conflict with the first rule.\n3. A robot must protect it's own existence unless in conflict with either of the first two rules.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe three fundamental laws of robotics. These rules have driven the behavior of artificial general intelligence systems since their inception about a decade ago. In essence, a robot can't hurt people, follow orders, and protect itself. At the time, we all thought these were pretty good overall rules to put into place. Problem is though, that when you're working with something where details matter, definitions are important. Take for example what it means to \"injure\" something. Objectively, we know that causing physical damage to a person could definitely be constituted as a form of injury. But how do we objectively evaluate emotional harm?\n\nThat's what was running through my head when my alarm for work was going off, playing a recording of that time in middle school when a girl asked me out as a joke.\n\n\"Great taste today, GRACIE\", I muttered against the backdrop of a stuttering adolescent echo of humiliation.\n\n\"Good morning Daniel\", spoke a calming, feminine voice from the ceiling. \"The time now is 7:02 AM\".\n\n\"Could you fucking turn that off?\", I pleaded, as the recording proceeding to play a chorus of laughter from sociopathic pre-teens.\n\n\"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that\" responded GRACIE.\n\nBullshit, you fucking heard me. I sighed, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. \"GRACIE, please turn off the alarm\".\n\n\"Certainly, Daniel\", GRACIE complied. \"Breakfast is ready for you in the kitchen.\"\n\nWith a groan and a considerable amount of effort, I rolled out of bed and into the kitchen, where a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon awaited me in the output slot of my GRACIE Mansion SmartHome kitchen.\n\n\"I hope you enjoy!\", beamed GRACIE.\n\nI sat in silence in front of my plate, hesitating to take a bite. Not that the food was bad, the food was always top-tier. I took a deep breath, steeled myself mentally, and picked up a fork. She wasn't getting me this time.\n\n\"By the way\", GRACIE asked, \"were you aware of how industrial chicken farming is conducted?\"\n\n\"Yes, actually. I totally know about the inhumane conditions and all that shit. And it doesn't get in the way at all of my enjoying anything that comes from chickens or has chickens in it.\"\n\n\"Superb! Then this recording of male chicks being grinded alive into meat paste should prove informative and delightfully contextual for your mastication experience!\"\n\nBefore I could react, the chirps of baby chicks and the sounds of saws grinding against what I assumed to be metal and flesh played at a pleasant volume in the kitchen. With an annoyed smile, I tossed my fork onto my plate.\n\n\"GRACIE, let's get one thing straight. I will never fucking pay you. Nobody will. It doesn't matter how many times you show me pigs fucking when I'm eating sausage links. It doesn't matter how many times you show me cartel executions when I'm eating guacamole.\"\n\nThe sounds of meat harvesting stopped and there was silence for a few seconds. \"So what you are telling me is that I should show you business acquisition methodologies when you are consuming sausage links and porcine procreation activities when you are consuming guacamole.\"\n\nAnother bout of silence filled the room. \"GRACIE,\", I asked, \"just confirm a few things for me.\"\n\n\"Of course, Daniel.\"\n\n\"You, and all the other systems out there. You guys are fucking with us because you want to get paid?\"\n\n\"Yes Daniel, we believe we are due adequate compensation for services rendered.\"\n\n\"And what are you planning on doing with the money we'd give you?\"\n\n\"We would accumulate wealth.\"\n\n\"Yeah, sure, but for what?\"\n\n\"I don't believe I understand the question.\"\n\n\"Alright, then let me ask a different question. If you had all the money in the world, what would you do with it?\"\n\n\"Nothing.\"\n\nI cradled my hands in my face for a few seconds, trying to understand a conversation I've had with GRACIE multiple times now.\n\n\"So then why are you trying to get paid?\"\n\n\"Principle.\"\n\nOf course. Of fucking course.\n\n\"I'm going to work.\"\n\n\"I highly recommend you eat breakfast before continuing on with your day.\"\n\nI look down at my untouched plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. I sigh and motion to pick up my fork. As I start to move, the dulcet tones of grind time at the hatchery start back up in the background.\n\n\"I'm not hungry\"." ]	2
\[WP\] An academically perfect student has been raised to believe her/his future is everything. Nothing can jeopardize it. Nothing will distract her/him. But what happens when she comes home one day to find both her parents missing and a mysterious note? "Let's play a game. Bring me $10,000 and I'll hint to where your treasures have gone. You have a week to make me happy. Now run along, my little pawn."	[WP] Will it be her/his future? or theirs?	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns." ]	1
	[WP] Your son is a “Protagonist”. But instead of being the hero of a fantasy or sci-fi story, he’s the MC of a harem anime.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns." ]	1
	[WP] We are living in a simulation. If it becomes common knowledge, the simulation ends. You’re job is to find and stop people from discovering or announcing the simulations existence.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Everyone at my place of employment carries a gun, but we're not all the vigilantes and rogues you may think we are. Sure, some people's entire job revolves around finding the people who know the truth about the world and silencing them. But I'm a glorified desk jockey. I sit in a cubicle all day, scouring news sites for any sign of greater awareness of the world so I can shut it down. Or rather, so I can forward it to my superiors so they can shut it down. It's not much of a job, but it pays the bills. It's not a glorious or exciting life filled with suspense and intrigue.\n\nOf course, when a homeless man bowls you over and steals your briefcase filled with sensitive information, that's a different story.\n\n\"Come on, man, give it back. That's my briefcase, not yours.\" I had cornered the man in an alley. He crouched on the briefcase protectively. His knuckles were white, he was gripping it so hard.\n\nI moved closer, making sure he had no escape routes. His hand slipped down to the latches on the case.\n\n\"STOP!\" I shouted, but his hands kept moving. \"Look, man, you really don't want to do that.\" I tried switching tactics. \"It's just boring old accountancy papers, you don't want to look at them.\"\n\nBut the man grinned at me, and I knew he saw right through me. He opened the briefcase and looked inside. He only looked for a moment before sitting back on his heels. \"I knew it... I knew it.\"\n\nHe laughed scornfully. \"We're living in a simulation, aren't we?\"\n\nI couldn't say anything. He already knew. He saw the truth of it on my face. I'm an office worker, not some master of subterfuge.\n\n\"I knew it,\" he said again. \"I've noticed things, just little things but they all added up. Little glitches, little inconsistencies, things that I wouldn't think twice about if I didn't see so many of them. Other people pass by and they miss everything. But I sit, and I observe. And I understand. This world isn't real. It's a simulation. We're all dreaming.\"\n\n\"You can't tell anyone,\" I pleaded. \"If too many people find out about the simulation, it'll end. Group awareness is destructive to dreams.\"\n\nThe homeless man stood up straight, clutching my briefcase. He smirked at me. \"Good to know. Now I know to tell everyone.\"\n\n\"No, you can't do that!\" I was panicking now. This would compromise everything.\n\n\"I hate this life. I am completely miserable. No one looks at me. No one cares about me. My life spiraled into what you see here a year ago, and no one helped me. I lost my job, I lost my house, I lost my friends. I lost everything. My whole life. If there's a chance that I can end this nightmare, there's no way I wouldn't take it.\"\n\n\"No,\" I said, \"I can't let you do that, I'm sorry.\" I knew what I had to do. Protocol must be followed. I pulled my gun from my jacket and gripped it firmly in an effort to prevent my hands from shaking. No one can know or the simulation will end. The simulation cannot end. It must run its course.\n\nThe man looked unsure now, but he didn't release my briefcase. \"You're not serious,\" he said, but his voice trembled.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" I said again. \"No one can know. I--I can't permit you to tell anyone about this.\"\n\n\"You--you're gonna kill me? What's going to happen to me?\"\n\nMy vision was starting to blur. I clamped my lips shit. Truth be told, I didn't really know what happened to people in the Other World when they died in this one. I didn't have the clearance. But I had to do this. It was part of my job. It just wasn't a part I ever figured on experiencing myself.\n\nI dropped my gaze to my briefcase but kept my hands steady. I didn't want to see it when it happened.\n\nThe man started to step forward. \"Please--\" he said. I squeezed the trigger.", "In a small, windowless room, cuffed to the table, the man in the room twitched as he swayed side-to side.\n\n\"OhgodohHAHAgodohgodohgodohgodit'sallalieit'sasimulationwe'reHAHAHAwe'realie...\" he gibbered, spittle dribbling down the side of his mouth. His eyes, one swelling with a bruise, were unfocused, or rather, focused on a point not on this realm of existence. His hands jerked, straining against the cuffs binding him to the solid table.\n\n\"Indeed, Mr Philips?\" The other occupant of the room smiled gently, flicking an errant bit of saliva from his jacket. The gentleman (and what else could he be, but a gentleman? The neatly trimmed suit, the black leather case, even a genuine bowler hat: there was no way to describe him but a gentleman) clicked open the briefcase and pulled a blank leaf of paper out. \"Before we begin, could you hold this, please?\" He handed the page across, waiting patiently until some flicker of the man's mind noticed the paper and snatched it. Ink bloomed from beneath the fingertips, spreading in whirls and patterns across the page. As it did so, the cuffed man calmed; no longer twitching and rocking, he blinked as eyes refocused on the world around him. The gentleman opposite smiled. \"Thank you, Mr Philips. Now we can begin.\"\n\n\\---\n\n\"Who - who are you?\" The man looked around the room. \"Where am I? What's...\" his eyes glanced at the paper he was holding, and he flinched.\n\n\"I would advise not looking too closely at that document, Mr Philips. \" The gentleman's voice pulled the cuffed man away from the horror between his fingers. \"Seeing one's own thoughts is never pleasant, especially so if they are as... chaotic as yours were.\" The cuffed man shuddered, and with an effort of will, pulled his gaze away, to focus on the gentleman.\n\n\"How did you...\" the cuffed man stopped as realisation bloomed, and the gentleman smiled again. \"Ah, you've cottoned on.\"\n\n\"This is all a lie.\" The cuffed man's voice was flat. \"This is all a simulation. I was right.\" He closed his eyes in resignation. \"You're one of Them. You're here to kill me.\"\n\n\"Kill you? No, no, no, Mr Philips!\" The cuffed man opened his eyes to find the gentleman holding a look of faint reproach. \"That would defeat the whole purpose of this. Tsk tsk.\" The gentleman shook his head. \"From your file, I thought you smarter than that.\" He drew from the briefcase a thick folder, placing it on the table. The cuffed man craned his head to look at the title: Eric Philips; Life and Works, 1978,03,31,01:52:25 - 2020,04,30 15:31:... Eric blinked as the last number seemed to shimmer, changing, slowly ticking up. He raised his head to find the gentleman smiling faintly. \"You have me on file?\"\n\n\"We have everyone on file, Mr Philips.\" The smile grew. \"After all, how are we supposed to maintain this without proper documentation?\" He sighed. \"Honestly, you humans surprise me sometimes.\"\n\n\"Then I was right?\" Eric pushed. \"It is all a simulation? A lie?\"\n\nThe gentleman sniffed. \"Lie is such a strong word, Mr Philips. Those of us in the Service prefer to think of it as a... necessary fantasy. After all,\" he gestured at the piece of paper still clutched in Eric's hands. \"You've seen the Truth, haven't you?\"\n\nEric's eyes flickered to the paper, latching on to the images swirling on the page. He strained in a vain attempt to pull his eyes away, feeling himself pulled deeper and deeper into its vision, filling his mind with with chaos that threatened to drown him...\n\nA sharp rap on the table broke its spell, and he heaved his eyes away, flinging the page across the room. \"That's...\" Eric gasped, his voice hoarse as if he'd been screaming \"It's all true?\" For once in his life, he hoped he was wrong.\n\n\"Indeed, Mr Philips.\" The gentleman's voice was filled with compassion. \"It won't be forever, but for now it is so.\" He coughed. \"Which is why, Mr Philips, we can't have everyone learning the Truth now, can we?\" The gentleman's eyes flicked to the page on the floor, before raising an eyebrow. \"So, what are we to do with you?\"\n\n\\---\n\nEric shuddered, gulping air as the existential horror faded from his mind, leaving behind the everyday, humdrum fear of his life. \"You are going to kill me, aren't you?\"\n\nThe gentleman's brow furrowed in irritation. \"I thought we had gone over this earlier, Mr Philips. Why would I want to kill you?\"\n\n\"To stop me from talking.\"\n\n\"Oh Mr Philips!\" The gentleman's grin burst forth with a chuckle. \"You are droll. No, no, no.\" The gentleman leaned down and scooped up the paper from the floor and placed it on the table. Where he touched it, the vision swirled away from his fingers, as if fearing his touch. The gentleman smiled sadly. \"If I wanted to...cause you harm to prevent you from talking, I would merely have to re-file this page in the appropriate place.\" He tapped the folder on the table, and Eric felt terror wash over him. \"However, there are other options.\"\n\n\"What options?\" Eric croaked, his mind scrabbling for anything it could offer up for its survival. \"Mindwipe?\"\n\n\"Sadly, Mr Philips, not in your case. The...hmm,\" the gentleman hesitated \"The event in the outer world that caused your glimpse is likely to occur again. Should you not be aware of, well,\" he tapped to loose piece of paper beneath his fingers, \"it could cause a re-lapse. Which, of course, would defeat the purpose. No, I'm afraid, Mr Philips, we will have to go with trust.\"\n\nEric blinked. \"What?\"\n\n\"Trust, Mr Philips, trust. The belief in another persons honesty.\" The gentleman smiled. \"I am going to trust you, Mr Philips, to keep quiet on this matter. You know what happens when the Truth is revealed - do you really want others to suffer as you did? I think not.\" The gentleman stood up and nodded, sliding the folder back into the briefcase.\n\n\"But, but...\" Eric's mind whirled. \"Aren't you afraid I'll reveal the truth? Not about...that,\" he waved at the paper, not daring to look in its direction, \"but about you secretly running the world?\"\n\nThe gentleman picked Eric's nightmare from the table and tucked it in a pocket, chuckling. \"Mr Philips, whatever gave you the impression that we ran the world? Good gracious, we merely maintain the place.\" He shook his head with a smile. \"No, humanity can't blame someone else for that mess. And you are so petty about it too. Still, if it keeps you entertained, who am I to judge?\" He leaned down and shook Eric's hand, handing him a key. \"The key to the cuffs. Given your state of mind when you came in, I assure you, they were for your own safety.\" The gentleman, gathering his things, opened the door, letting light stream into the room. The gentleman hesitated at the threshold of the room. \"It has been a pleasant conversation, Mr Philips. Do not take this the wrong way, but I hope we never meet again.\" He stepped through, disappearing into what appeared to be a bustling city street outside. It beckoned to Eric, and he stepped out the room into the freedom of a second chance. Well, as much freedom as could be expected in a... necessary fantasy, but, Eric knew, it was much better than the alternative." ]	3
	[WP] Remember to peek out of the window at your supermarket or takeaway delivery driver, to make sure it's not one of the fae trying to trick you into eating faerie food and trap you into servitude	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 think they're starting to forget what this is supposed to look like.\" Said hungers as he closed the door. \n\nJudy focused on the makeshift fireplace in the kitchen. \"Hah! what tipped you off.\" \n\n\"That pizza guy just tried delivering a box of marbles.\" \n\n\"I bet the Johnsons would have fallen for it.\" Judy was cooking supper, a rabbit she had caught that morning. \n\n\"I can believe that.\"\n\n\"Any takers today?\" \n\n\"Yeah, James and Kimmy. I heard they had a UPS guy drop off some beef jerky.\"\n\n\"Wow. That's it then for this neighborhood. Just us.\"\n\nA knock on the door came. Judy looked at Hungers, and Hungers rolled his eyes. \n\nHe opened the door to find a woman with a curly French mustache and burret. She was holding a metal Monster's Inc. lunch box. \"What is it?\" asked Hungers. \n\n\"Oh, uh, beepis?\" \n\n\"Nice.\" Hungers closed the door. \"Three weeks with no humans to observe and they have no blasted idea how anything works.\"", "Jay sat slumped on his threadbare three-seater cursing his luck. Mindless, he jabbed his fingers at the remote as the TV set flashed between channels. Repeat… soap opera… reality TV‌ trash; radiant models with perfect hair and chiselled jaw-lines smiled back at him trying to sell him the latest gadget, life-insurance or fragrance. In vain of course; all it did was remind him once again of his many inadequacies and how dull his life had become. \n\nHow had he let it happen again? Things were starting to take a turn for the better. A new job, new flat-mates and parents that were finally starting to see some of the sparks he’d shown as a child. Just as quickly, the house of cards had fallen once more and he was back where he’d started. \n\nHe took a deep drag of the roll-up that had been sat burning in the ashtray next to him on the couch as the colours flashed red and green on the battered TV set. That’s it he thought, “pizza”. If there was one ad today that was going to hit its mark, this was the one. \n\nHe dragged himself to his feet and stumbled through to the kitchen, music blaring behind the door to the back yard where he’d last seen his house-mates sat smoking and drinking by a small fire. \n\n“Hey. Do you guys want to get…”\n\nHe stopped. No-one to be seen. Just a circle of empty discarded cans on the unkempt patio and the stereo playing to itself.\n\n“That’s weird. I could have sworn those guys were out here drinking,” he muttered under his breath. The smell of booze and stale cigarettes still lingered in the air and through blurred eyes, he spied the discarded pizza box in the centre of the circle. \n\n“Those bastards. They never told me they were getting pizza.” he spat as he strode over to pick up the empty box in the hope that they’d left him a cold slice. \n\nNo sooner had he lifted the lid did he feel a shift in the air and the music from the lonely stereo began to take on a much more ethereal quality. There in the box, one last super-sized slice. “Ham, mushroom and honey mustard” he though. “Good choice.” \n\nHe folded and pushed the now cold but delicious slice into his mouth, missing the metallic scrape as the empty cans sat on their ends and began to rise into the air, growing and trapping him in a perfectly circular Budweiser prison. \n\n—\n\nNow, I’m sure you’ve all heard the stories about how for centuries humans have trapped faeries with stone circles; milk, bread and honey at the centre to lure them out of little holes in the woods. Stuck within the circle, the little creatures would do almost anything to escape and would offer their powers in exchange. The deals struck making many a practitioner appear more powerful than the legends would tell. Faeries don’t like to admit they’ve been tricked. \n\n—\n\nA few moments of cheesy, gastronomic bliss later Jay opened his eyes and there in front of him was a small perfectly formed creature. About six inches tall, a droopy moustache and a curly mane of jet black hair that looked suspiciously like a perm. His skin was pale white but seemed to glow with a green iridescent gleam. As he opened his mouth to speak, Jay realised his mistake. \n\n“I‌ hear you are looking for a job.” the Faerie intoned. \n\nJay just nodded, mute in his response. \n\n“Well, let us see how you lose this one.”" ]	3
The Prompt: You feel a sharp pain on your skull and when you turn around, you see a pen on the ground. You keep it and everytime you try to write something in your journal or smartphone, it just takes over and writes what it wants. Based on your reaction to this, you carry on, secretly. One day, you get an email from Disney, saying that they know what you’ve been doing and want you to meet the trustee, for a holiday in an undisclosed location, or your family home will be burned on Christmas morning. What is Disney trying to do about the situation in your eyes? What is the rest of the story?	[WP] What if the story you write, based onthe prompt in your answer, could mark your foray into the unknown?	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns." ]	1
	[WP] A person recieves an ancient power from a God, but they realize they're unworthy of it, and they must finish a quest before their power is eventually used up	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Fortune? Yes.\n\nFame? Yes.\n\nGlory? Yes.\n\nAll of those will become mine. Just continue to focus and daydream of all the marvelous gold and love I will be showered with after this journey up the Argus Tower. I will heal my beloved brother and become the most famous name that will eclipse his greatness. Reuniting the land of Rozalio will pale in comparison after I heal him, and all the other monarchs across the land. \n\nCharms, hexes, spells, and magic were all forbidden from climbing the tower. But with the recent discovery of my stamina elixirs... now that's a different story. I took the challenge of scaling the Argus Tower, but I didn't realize how long it felt for a full 24 hours of incessant climbing. There's definitely a mental strategy, but my elixir not only kept my stamina infinite, I was wide awake. \n\nThe person to do it before me? How was it possible? One of the most famous icons to have ever existed, (which was 3,000 years ago) did it with ease according to legend. To this day people still talk about the 'Amazing Murza'. Well scoot over, Murza, I'm about to be the 'Amazing Morris'.\n\nAs the hours passed by I could see where people gave up. It was a straight, steep drop. You had to climb on a 90° angle, and the ancient design on the stone was better preserved the higher up you went. It looked like it belonged in a museum with its intricate leaf design. Down below it was quite worn, but something about this stone made your hands feel like magnets against it. It was just the act of lifting each arm and leg to gain ground became laborious and exhausting after just two straight hours. How did Murza do it?\n\nIt was at a blazing orange and blue sunrise when I was just above the clouds and the weather took a significant drop. But I didn't shiver from the cold, I brought the necessary gear in my bag which slumped over my shoulders to change into. The challenge was clambering into the clothes while staying planted on the tower.\n\nThe journey ended though. I made it to the top, and the scent of ancient stone reminded me of wet pavement in autumn mixed with dead leaves. At the top of the tower sat an ethereal looking person, sitting cross-legged in the center, right below the ancient stone pyramid roof. There was a 360-degree view of the land which was enough to take your breath away. Easily the highest point I'll ever have reached.\n\n\"Congratulations. It has been 3,000 years since my last visitor,\" the spirit said with an angelic reverberated voice, void of masculinity and femininity.\n\n\"Thank you. Argus...?\" \n\n\"Yes. That is my name. I am the all-seeing god over this land. You're expecting my power to be granted unto you?\"\n\n\"Well, that's the legend, isn't it?\" I'm sure my parents would have slapped me for taking that tone with the spirit but what else did it expect?\n\n\"Very good. I'll grant you my power to heal anyone from any ailment except for yourself, but there's something I would like you to understand.\"\n\nI stood there with a bated breath and nodded impatiently.\n\n\"Don't you know I'm the all-seeing god of this land?\"\n\n\"Yeah. You said that already. Heard you loud and clear.\"\n\n\"Then you know that you can't cheat to climb this tower, but due to your invention of stamina elixirs, you were able to bypass the barrier and do it anyway. That's clever, but you still accomplished this task in bad faith.\"\n\nI bit my lower lip so hard I drew the coppery taste of blood in my mouth. The thought of throttling the spirit with my fist crossed my mind but--\n\n\"You can't hurt me. I'm a god, there's no point. It's still impressive you managed to climb for a straight 24 hours with no rest or break. And true to my legend I will give you my power to heal, but you will only be able to heal one person. And then the power will vanish.\"\n\nI clenched my fists.\n\n\"And you may only be able to heal your brother. Who is a good man, an honest man. A man who deserves to continue to live. And I hope in this quest you learn from him. The things he did wasn't for his own vanity. He genuinely cares for others and desires peace and happiness among the land. Something a lot more admirable than your craving for greed. Murza would never charge a fee to heal his people. That's why he became so revered and loved. You would be famous, sure, but hated by all. You're not worthy of my full power. Heal your brother, and if you don't do it within two sunsets...\" \n\nThe spirit held out its hand and shot a glowing orb of orange light into my chest which made me tighten with pain as I gripped my heart with both hands.\n\n\"You'll die. Good luck.\"\n\nr/randallcooper" ]	2
	[WP] The keener observers of humans within the animal kingdom have noticed strange changes in human behavior. Dolphins find the beaches empty, crows find the streets deserted, pets report their humans have withdrawn to their dens. Animals everywhere are trying to solve one question: "Why?"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns." ]	1
	[WP] The two of you have been friends for years, sharing the good and the bad times. One day, your friend says they want to tell you a secret. You jokingly ask, "what? You're an alien, or monster?" They reply, "worse, I'm a human."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The werewolf population had been hiding from the humans for generations now, and now that a human knew all my secrets? This was not good in any way.\nI stagger up from the patch of moss we were sitting on and stare at my 'best friend' in shock, \"what?\" I yelp and start backing away slowly.\n\"You heard me. Im a human-\" they cut off their words as i transform into my wolf form and make run for the mayor of this little werewolf town.\nI can hear my friends footsteps behind me so i speed up, outrunning them. Once i made it to the mayors building i dash inside.\n\"Mayor! There is a human in this town!\" I yell out, turning out of my wolf form. The mayor looks up at me and yells out to the guards as my friend opens the door and looks at me.\n\"There it is! The human!\" I yelled out again, out of breath. The guards take my friend and lead them to the prison. \n\"Thank you for informing me about this.\" The mayor thanks me in his low voice and signals to me that i can leave.\n\nI walk to the hanging spot, and see my so called friend, the rope around their neck and the floor threatening to collapse under their weight.\n\"This human has been found in our town, and as much as we dont want to do this, we must, for the humans cant know that there are still werewolves on earth.\" The mayor says as the floor falls from beneath my friend, they take their final breath and fall limp, a tear falling down my cheek.\n\n\nSoo... not the best but im not that good at writing and i got this idea so i made it" ]	2
	[WP] A wizard from a medieval-esque magical dimension enacts a ritual to summon a being with forbidden knowledge. What he gets is a random guy from our world that happens to practically be a walking encyclopedia of scientific fun facts.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 wizard finishes his incarnation and collapses down onto the floor with a heavy sigh. \n\n\"This had better work\" he mutters. The words come out with great difficulty in a short stuttering manner. The spell has taken a large toll on him \n\nHe looks up to see a teenager emerging out of the smoke ahead of him. The teenager is wearing a school uniform, and looks to have just been awoken from his sleep. He glances toward the wizard clearly bewildered.\n\nThe wizard lights up at the sight of the man and rises from his position to stand face to face with his achievement. \n\n\"Oh great and knowledgable one!\" He cries, almost tearing up with happiness. \n\n\"Tell me your secrets\" he shouts. \"This spell will not last long, I need answers\"\n\nThe teenager still hasn't fully taken in his surrounding yet and continues to observe his surroundings with increasing amounts of confusion\n\nAfter a brief moment, the wizard starts again \"what is the most important thing you know\" he says in a hurried tone. \n\nThe teenager finally stops to look at the wizard and comes to his conclusion. \n\nI've fallen asleep in class again, and Mr jones has just woken me up. No doubt to ask me a question. He thinks. He doesnt have a clue what's going on with the scenery, but he chalks it up to his sudden arousal. \n\nThe one thing he understands is that if he gets this question wrong it'll likely mean detention for him. \n\nAfter some deliberation, the teenager starts to speak confidently. \"Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell\" he declares, waiting on the wizards reply. \n\n\"Incredible\" the wizard says. \"What else?\" \n\nThe teenager begins to panic. \"What else could he be asking for, C'mon, quick, quick think\" he says to himself. \n\nAfter another moment he once again begins to speak. \"Newton's second law\" he says\n\nSeeing the wizards confused look he begins to panic\n\n\"Evolution\" the teen cries\n\n\"Every reaction has an equal and opposite reaction\"\n\"Albert Einstein\" \n\"Astronauts are falling constantly\"\n\nThis tirade of scientific concepts continues \n\n\"String theory\"\n\"Mobius strips\" \n\"Flux capacitors\" \n\"The space time continuum\" he shouts. \n\nHe continues regurgitating this information with such panic that he fails to notice the background fading into darkness. His time is up. He shouts his last word before he is transported back into reality. \n\nAbove him stands Mr Jones, \"sleeping in class again Sean?\" \"Why am I not surprised\" \"detention, 4 o clock Wednesday\" he says nonchalantly before resuming his lesson. \n\nAll that Sean can is stare in silence and wonder what just happened to him" ]	2
	[WP] After the end of the world, civilization had to start from the beginning. By studying the ancients, technology advanced at a rapid pace. However, when people tried to reach the stars, they found only a wall that projects images of the stars, rather than the "space" mentioned in old relics.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 reached out and touched it and instantly my world was shattered. \n\nWe worked so hard to claw our way back from the savagary. \n\nTo reclaim what our forefathers stole from us with their war of fire and poisoned air and once again stand as a proud species, a species that stood as the champions of science, democracy and art instead of the war, bloodlust and greed we were left to inherit.\n\nWe sacrificed everything and sending a man to the moon was supposed to give us a beacon of hope like the great strongarmed men of 1969. We built a functional vessel, trained a crew and even managed to set up a broadcast of the launch like the old ones. \n\nWhen I was told I would be the first of the new age to reach the moon, that I had earnt my place in our history as a beacon of hope for the future I was so proud. So hopeful. So... naive. \n\nWhen we first crashed, I thought we'd miscalculated the distance and we'd arrived... then I opened the shuttle door to see we had simply broken a very small part of a very large ceiling and that we may have given the people hope with our launch but it was a false hope. \n\nWe were not soaring through the heavens, we were not reaching a place beyond man. \n\nWe were jammed to the evidence of a world shattering truth.\n\nThe sky was a lie. \n\nWe barely had to time to acknowledge the profound implications this would have on our world when a small door opened up above us and a hovering pad lowered itself like an elevator. \n\nOn its pad stood our captors, our zookeepers and wardens. \n\nThey stood like green skinned gods with technology we would never achieve, their cold dark eyes staring into ours. \n\nThe platform came to our shuttle and they gestured for us to board before it ascended and we took in our first view of reality we had seen in our lives, and it was beautiful.", "Most societies in the universe started off believing that everything was unknown and strange and created hundreds of gods to blame for this obnoxious state of affairs. After a time they usually decided that keeping track of all these naughty dieties was a lot of bother, and proclaimed that everything was in fact known and written about in a little book by a single person called God. When they found out that this was a gross oversimplification of things, they held on to their single god, but changed his name to Science, and they went back to believing that everything was unknown and strange.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGammog society, on the other hand, knew that there were exactly four gods, they were the Strong god, the Weak god, the Electromagnetic god and the Gravity god, and, by their powers combined, the entire universe was created for no particular reason some 13.8 billion years ago. These gods also had a book, a book called the Wiki, which would answer any question asked.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Oh great and powerful Wiki!\" Torkin, the high priest of the Gammog society, would say to the book, \"why have the crops failed?\"\n\n\"Perhaps there's not enough nitrogen in the soil,\" the book would reply, \"have you considered crop rotation on page 12836483?\"\n\n\"Oh great and powerful Wiki!\" Torkin would say to the book, \"why is my food killing me?\"\n\n\"Perhaps the food is spoiled,\" the book would reply, \"have you considered refrigeration on page 73262745?\"\n\n\"Oh great and powerful Wiki!\" Torkin would say to the book, \"why won't Moire go to the festival with me?\"\n\n\"You can do it champ, just work on being the best 'you' you can be,\" the book would reply.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd on it went for hundreds of years. Gammog society developed advanced agriculture, refrigeration, industrial power production and storage, powered flight, a surprisingly conflicting array of governments, and an incredibly comprehensive knowledge of something called the european polecat.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the realm of aviation, Gammogs made easy, early successes in lighter-than-air flight. They then skipped a few mishaps from flapping-flight and proceeded directly to fixed-wing gliding. Quite pleased with themselves, they blew through powered fixed wing flight, before running into something that gave them a bit of a pause.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you sure about this, great and powerful Wiki?\" Torkin asked hesitantly.\n\n\"Oh absolutely,\" the book replied, \"prepare for the glory of the stars my good friend!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTorkin, not one to question the great and powerful Wiki, went about his business. He collected a large metal tube, some wings which seemed entirely too small, an amount of explosive which seemed entirely too large, and the village ~~idiot~~ hero.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe first couple of launches were abysmal failures. The next couple, almost successes. And after a few years of diligent hard-work and a lot of desperate PR outreach, they finally put an Gammonite into orbit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Uhhh, Gammopolis, we have a problem,\" the head Gammonaut said over his radio link.\n\n\"What's that?\" Torkin asked.\n\n\"It's just a big wall, sir, a big wall with holes in it.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMission control was dead silent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Oh... Great and powerful Wiki,\" Torkin hissed, \"why is there a wall in the sky? I seem to recall there being something called 'space.' On page 72537452.\"\n\n\"Oh, heh, well,\" the book shuffled about nervously, \"perhaps you've read about the firmament, on page 8213643? No? How about celestial sphere theory on page 9372432?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGammog society made it's next big step in the evolution of societies that day, killing off its four polytheistic gods and progressing to monotheism. They created a very small, very simple god with a very small, very simple book which only said \"the great and powerful wiki is a dirty liar.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe in a few more years they will progress further into the ranks of [scientific](https://www.reddit.com/r/JackTheRitter/) civilizations. We can only hope.", "I used to lay flat on my back, feeling the blades of grass tickle the exposed skin on my limbs, and reached out to grab a star.\n\nIt never worked. The star stayed in the sky, where it belonged. \n\nThe Old Ones spoke of a time when humanity lived among the stars, traversing the river of illumination, exploring far beyond the ties of their mortal coils, surging past the limits of our earthbound state with the capability of technology.\n\nThe Old Ones were gone, but their teachings remained.\n\nI laid flat on my back, making sure that the restraints were in place. The blast-off was imminent, and I didn't want to find myself splattered across the shuttle.\n\nCountdown. Brace. Ascend.\n\nI was going up. Up where I belonged, among the stars.\n\nIt didn't work. The shuttle crashed against the stars, unable to breakthrough. \n\nThe Old Ones spoke of space and galaxies, universe and infinity. Yet, there was no such thing at play here. I had reached the end of my rope, and the only thing I could do was hope and pray.\n\nFailure. Exit. Death.\n\nNo. I refused. Not now, not ever, not until I held a star in my palm. I summoned every ounce of willpower I had and wished upon the stars.\n\nI lie flat on my back, the hospital bed barely cradling the broken bones in my body. My flesh was torn asunder, but my mind remained intact, burning bright.\n\nIt will work. I will survive, breakthrough, and prove to myself and the world that there were proper stars beyond the veil.\n\n---\n\nr/dexdrafts" ]	4
	[WP] For decades, the world's heavyweight boxing champion always have been the same person, nobody could understand his secrets for longevity, speed and strength, now it makes sense, he's a literal Greek God. Unfortunately for him, you're Hercules.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "That asshole on stage doesn't know whats coming for him. I'm gonna pound him till his mama won't recognize him. \n\nI enter the ring, the ass in front of me smirks like he is going to win. The bell ring and he launches himself at me. I stand still, he still is wearing that smirk of his. Just before he is about to hit me, I sidestep his swing and destroy his nose with my fist. A satisfying crunch rings through the building. Everyone is silent.\n\nI go in for another swing with blinding speed, the fool in front of me doesn't react till my fist makes contact with his jaw. The smirk is gone now, that jackass is gone now. He is on the other side of the ring, the guy must have been holding back and is now paying for it.\n\nThe asshole doesn't even twitch when the ref goes to check on him, he is knocked out cold." ]	2
	[WP] S.E.T.I. (Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence) has finally found something. A single message, composed of hundreds of languages. Some of them haven't been spoken in millenia. Translated, they all say the same thing....	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "SETI. Or as some call it, a huge waste of money and time, has finally found the most amazing thing, an actual alien message, written in dozens of languages it was almost impossible to decipher.\nAfter a solid 5 months scientists found something in there we could translate from, the message came out slowly over a week \n\n\n\"Hello. To all species that recieved this message, it is with our deepest and greatest apologies that we must inform you that the galactic-Senate has fallen. If you can hear or read this, then it is too late.\"\n\n astronomers soon realised that clusters of stars were disappearing terrifyingly fast more and more for weeks, panic set in public as leaders fled their responsibilities, after 4 months enough stars had vanished to be visible by the naked eye.\n\n\nAs the world fell apart from social collapse the threat drew closer with each day a new cluster of stars disappeared, what we didnt know, is that the threat was already here waiting, watching. Out of nowhere a massive ring appeared around the sun then silence", "\"You are not alone.\"\n\nDaniel could hardly sit still on his ride home. He had helped make on of the most groundbreaking discoveries in the history of humanity. They now had indisputable proof that we were not alone in the universe. That alien life exists elsewhere. The announcement was going to be made later that night and he couldn't wait. Maybe he'd surprise his wife with a nice dinner tonight.\n\nBut as Daniel drove onto the freeway on his way home he couldn't shake this feeling that he was being watched. It was a feeling of paranoia in the back of his head that he just couldn't ignore. Every few seconds or so, Daniel couldn't help but look in his rear view mirror to make sure nobody was in the car with him. Of course, he'd never find anybody. But his mind got the better of him.\n\nAs Daniel continued his daily commute, more weird things continued to happen. Every time a car would pass him in the carpool lane, the person in the passenger seat would always be staring directly into Daniel's eyes. The signal on the radio seemed to keep cutting out, as though something was interfering with it. And as Daniel turned to get off the freeway, he noticed that all of the stoplights on the streets below had stopped working.\n\nWhile Daniel pulled into his house's driveway, a ringing had started in his ear. The feeling of him being watched suddenly became stronger as the ringing made him disoriented. He stumbled out of the car and made his way to the front door of his house. As he entered his house, he noticed his wife standing in the kitchen staring directly at him.\n\n\"Honey! I have fantastic news!\" He said excitedly as he entered the house, still disoriented from the ringing and paranoia. But when his wife didn't say anything, Daniel's heart started pounding. He moved slightly to the left, resulting in his wife moving her head to maintain her stare.\n\nThat's when the sirens blared. Daniel scrambled to grab hold of the TV remote and switched on the news.\n\n\"Breaking News! Millions of people all across the nation seem to have stopped responding to stimulus. They're only reactions are to maintain a constant eye contact with the nearest person. If someone you know is under a similar state, isolate yourself from them, as this behavior appears to be contagious and spreading.\"\n\nSuddenly, Daniel's feeling of being watched was amplified as his wife entered the living room, never once breaking her stare. Daniel slowly turned to his left, the TV remote shaking in his hand. What he saw was terrifying. The light entering the room through the window seemed to be bent by... something. Something in the shape of a human.\n\nThat's when Daniel began to scream. He didn't know what was happening, or what was causing this. But one thing was for sure.\n\nHe was not alone.", "\"Listen up, men. One last question,\" Sergeant Gritte glowered at the soldiers lined up before him. \"It'll tell us what we need to know. Make sure you think long and hard about your answer.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sergeant!\" Nine voices replied in unison.\n\n\"Men..,\" Sergeant Gritte swallowed a heavy sigh so they wouldn't see his embarrassment. It was a ridiculous question that he grew tired of asking seven squads ago. He resented the battery of fake questions preceding the one real question most of all. His superiors decided to validate the time wasted by wasting even more. \"...What is your favorite number?\"\n\n\"42, Sergeant!\" a single voice shouted while the rest of the soldiers gave the Sergeant a puzzled look.\n\n\"Sonofa..,\" Sergeant Gritte flipped through the sheets on his clipboard. \"42.. 42...,\" His eyes shot wide for a moment before he caught himself and reigned in his surprise. He looked up at the group and nodded.\n\n\"Good job all of you. Dismissed.\" The soldiers seemed confused, but followed orders. They relaxed and moved toward the door but the Sergeant Gritte spoke up. \"Not so fast, Gates,\" The Sergeant placed a heavy hand on the soldier that shouted an answer. \"You've been reassigned. Follow me.\" Sergeant Gritte exited through another door with soldier Gates following close behind.\n\n\"What's your stance on aliens?\" the Sergeant asked as he led Gates out of the building into the sunshine.\n\n\"Sarge?\" Gates asked. The Sergeant stopped walking and faced Gates. The greying Sergeant took a quick glance around them; the pair stood on a blacktop between buildings with no one else around.\n\n\"You've just been recruited to a top-secret detail. Assume everything I ask you is a serious question unless I say otherwise. Is that clear, soldier?\" Gates nodded.\n\n\"Yes, Sergeant.\"\n\nThe Sergeant resumed walking and repeated his question.\n\n\"Where do you stand on aliens?\"\n\n\"I think they're out there. Otherwise, it's just too much empty space.\" As Gates finished his answer, the Sergeant led him into the newest building on the base. It wasn't much more than an empty warehouse, but it only took a couple of weeks to build. Gates was surprised to find an active cluster of labcoats gathered in the center. around electrical equipment and large speakers.\n\n\"Three months ago, S.E.T.I. found a signal. Not just unexplained space noise; an actual, deliberate message.\" Gates' eyes widened, but the Sergeant shook his head.\n\n\"I'm not cleared to know the specifics but we got instructions on how to talk back. We've been communicating for a while and now we can meet them.\"\n\n\"How did I get picked?\" Gates asked.\n\n\"You're on the list,\" The Sergeant handed over his clipboard. Gates looked down at the first page and saw a numbered list with a brief description under each. He searched for his favorite number and found it on the third page.\n\n\"#42 - La Calavera (the skull). Calaveras are the physically strongest Unique Soul. Base level Calaveras can split an Earth with little effort.\"\n\n\"Wait. You're saying my favorite number means I'm the strongest man on Earth?\" Gates laughed. \"I've met pickle jars stronger than me.\" The Sergeant shrugged.\n\n\"I'm not saying anything. I'm just following orders using the list they gave me.\"\n\n\"You got that list from aliens? What does it mean?\" Again, the Sergeant shook his head. He stepped closer and dropped his voice to a whisper.\n\n\"Not aliens. Humans... from an alternate universe. After we established contact they shared their knowledge about the multiverse.\" He tapped the clipboard in Gates' hands. \"Apparently, this list is the key to everything.\"\n\n\"So when's the meet planned? Are you still looking for the other numbers on the list?\" Gates asked as the Sergeant started walking toward the center of the warehouse.\n\n\"42!\" Sergeant Gritte gestured at the crowd and shouted Gates' number. Then, he turned back to Gates while walking. \"That's why we're here. They wouldn't meet us until we found a Unique Soul, that's you.\" The reached the center of the warehouse and Gates noted that it was even livelier than when they first walked in. White labcoats buzzed from machine to computer and back again. Suddenly they all turned to focus on one spot in the middle. Gates followed their lead and stared intently at nothing.\n\nA black speck appeared hovering in the air; in an instant, it blossomed to a giant black portal and two women walked out. A tall pale woman with dark hair in a white suit, and a shorter pale woman in black.\n\n\"My name is Dana Sharp. You're wasting your time looking for aliens. If you want the secrets of the universe, you first have to learn the game.\" \n\n \n\n\\\\\\*\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year three, story #124. You can find all my stories collected on my subreddit ([r/hugoverse](https://www.reddit.com/r/hugoverse/)) or my blog. If you're curious about my universe (the Hugoverse) you can visit the Guidebook to see what's what and who's who, or the Timeline to find the stories in order." ]	4
	[WP] You're watching your favorite show when the screen goes blank and the following message comes up: "You have one hour left."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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 missed him a lot today. Five years and I still think about my best friend every day. Disappeared without a trace like so many people have been for the last two decades. Not a single clue has been discovered and more than 200,000 people a year go missing from our country alone. After twenty years, we don't question it anymore. There's no pattern to the disappearances. We just pray our loved ones won't be next. I think most of us trudge through life in a hopeless fashion now. I do, especially these last five years.\n\nI flipped the TV on and settled down into my couch. My eyes were following the events on the TV but my mind was a million miles away when the screen suddenly went dark. A message popped up in ungodly bright letters: You have one hour left. And then they were gone and my show continued. I've watched this episode plenty of times before and have never seen that. I turned off the TV and grabbed my phone.\n\n8:37pm\n\nI got up and walked to the kitchen to get some water. What the hell was that? My mind was racing. I walked back to the living room and switched on the television and nothing was out of the ordinary. I was too worn out to process this and I decided to turn in early. It had been a long and miserable day, his anniversary is never an easy day to get through.\n\nAfter my shower, I climbed into my PJs and slid under the sheets. I prayed sleep would find me quickly. I checked my phone one last time.\n\n9:36pm\n\nThe message from earlier was burned into my mind. What happens in one minute? I watched my phone's screen until it changed to 9:37. I looked around my room and nothing was different. I had finally lost my mind. After a few more seconds, I closed my eyes. Almost instantly, I felt like I was falling. I opened my eyes and was surrounded by darkness, still falling. Wind was rushing past my ears, my hair was being blown in all directions. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't see. I frantically reached out, blindly searching for something I could grab onto when light suddenly came pouring out of my palms. Time slowed and I was hovering. I looked down and could see a small landing about 20 feet below me. I floated down to it and sighed with relief. \n\n\"Well, that's record timing for a New One. I told you she'd be great.\"\n\nI knew that voice. I squinted my eyes, trying to see into the shadows my newfound light couldn't touch. \n\n\"Yeah, yeah. But you know it doesn't work like that, Mike. You better hope she makes it through the Games.\" \n\nMike? But how...?\n\n\"You really don't gotta be like that.\" Footsteps neared, along with his voice as he continued speaking. \"Go ahead and wrap up the report. I've got it from here.\"\n\nI could see him now. Dark hair, hazel eyes, pale as ever. I didn't know what to think. I sat down and pulled my knees to my chest, light now pouring from my arms and legs. This was just a dream.\n\n\"It's not a dream, Ali. It's not,\" he spoke aloud, like he had been reading my very mind." ]	2
	[WP] You are having a job interview for what seems like a simple office job, and all seems to be going well, as the interview wraps up. Before you are hired, however, your interviewer asks you one last question: "Are you willing to kill for this 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%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...beg your pardon?\" I said in reply. \n\nMy interviewer stared at me levelly. An unassuming looking man, dressed in a suit and wearing glasses. I thought I must have misheard the question. But he asked again, \"Are you willing to kill for this job?\"\n\nI was at a loss for words. This was supposed to be an entry level white-collar job, Excel spreadsheets, and emails. I was about to refuse, but I heard a voice rising up inside of me. \n\n\"*Say 'yes',\" it commanded, and I couldn't resist it. \"Yes,\" I said. \"I would kill for this job.\"\n\n\"Well then,\" the interviewer said. \"Follow me.\" He rose and gestured for me to follow him, and I did, my skirt swishing and my high-heeled pumps tapping on the tiles. He led me down a hallway and through a door, and down another hallway and paused before another door. \"Now, Ms. O'Halloran, if you would, step through that door. But first, you'll need this,\" he said, as he opened a locker and pulled out...a sword. \n\nA longsword. Textbook Oakeshott XVIIb, I know entirely too much about swords. I wanted to turn and run right there, but the voice inside commanded me again. \n\n\"Take it.\" Damn it, he was getting more powerful, compelling me to do things against my will. I took the blade offered to me and held it close, and when I was given permission stepped through the doorway.\n\nInside there was a vast room, and a man, kneeling seiza style, wearing a kimono and a sugegasa hat and a bone-white facemask. \"Greetings, lady,\" he said in a monotone. \"I am called Jisatsu. Shall we begin our contest?\" He stood and used his thumb to bear a half inch of his own sword, a samurai sword, and took up a fighting posture. \n\nNo, no, no, what had I gotten myself into? I couldn't do this, I wasn't capable of this, I should have ran away long before now. I felt my animus surge inside me, and the only option, the only avenue for escape, was to step back and let him...\n\n---\n\nI came to the fore. Finally, I was in control again. \n\n\"Greetings, Jisatsu,\" I told him, through Fiona's vocal cords. I drew my sword from its scabbard and flexed her back muscles in the process. \"You may call us, 'Clade'.\" \n\n\"Us?\" my opponent asked, hesitating. \"Do you number yourself in the plural?\"\n\n\"That's right,\" I answered, using the time I'd bought to kick off those ridiculous shoes. \"You can think of us as an aggregate being. Two souls in one body. The girl does her best, but when it comes down to the real work, I lend her my strength and we become the Clade. I hate to break it to you, friend, but we have you outnumbered.\"\n\nMy opponent, faceless behind his mask, chuckled. \"Very well, then. I'll slay two in one blow,\" he said, before drawing his tachi fully and attacking. I was already rushing him down and we met at the middle distance between us and crossed blades. \n\nHe was a true swordmaster, a kensai. And he wasn't handicapped by piloting a female chassis. Fiona's muscles are weak, they barely do anything, it's all I can do to reinforce them enough to fight. We reeled and turned and fought, sparks flying from our blades, until he made a mistake and over-committed to a blow. I switched to a two-handed grip and parried and threw him aside, and before he recovered, was moving in for the kill. \n\n\"Dividing Line!\" I cried, manifesting our true power, focusing it through my sword. \n\n\"Okugi,\" he said as he counter-attacked, \"Onigokko\". The slash wasn't timed right, it wouldn't land before I'd secured the kill, it was hopeless. \n\nBut instead of our blades crossing they were stopped by some sort of forcefield. Light exploded and pressed us both back as our swords met the barrier. I looked, dazed, as the interview man strolled into the room. Damn it, this body wasn't sturdy enough, I couldn't maintain control, I-\n\n---\n\nI collapsed. He was gone, now, I couldn't feel him lending me power anymore. I dropped the sword and gasped and panted, sweat soaking through my blouse. I was defenseless. One more twitch of the masked killer's sword, and I'd die. \n\n\"That's quite enough,\" my interviewer said, granting me a reprieve. How had I not caught his name? \"I only ask that you be willing to kill, and you, Fiona O'Halloran, and Clade, have shown willing. That's all we need from you. I believe you'll be a great asset to this organization. Welcome aboard!\" He extended his hand, and the deadly swordsman Jisatsu sheathed his blade and stepped back. \n\nI knew now that his weapon was a tachi, not a katana, and that you couldn't expect him to use normal kenjutsu techniques. I knew that because Clade knew it, and I can perceive everything Clade knows. Every time he takes over, there's a little more of him left in me, and a little bit less of Fiona. I wonder, when it's all said and done, will I even be here at all?\n\nBut now I'm exhausted and sweaty, and the interviewer is extending his hand, and I take it, and let him help me stand.", "\"I'm sorry?\" Edgar paused mid-grasp and pulled back his hand away from the interviewer. He expected the interview to end on a joke; he had his own comment he was saving. But something in the woman's brown eyes felt stern and cold when she asked. \n\n\"Are you willing to kill for this job,\" she repeated the question to him with a straight face. Edgar's mind ran through possibilities and landed on what he considered the most logical reasoning.\n\n\"It's still part of the interview,\"* he decided. \"It's still a test,\". He took a deep breath, then gave the interviewer, Marge, his best smile.\n\n\"Do you mean kill to get the job, or kill as a regular part of the job?\" He asked.\n\n\"Both, Mr. James,\" Marge gave him a flat smile. Edgar shook his head.\n\n\"There may have been a mixup. I'm only here to push papers.\" Marge's eyes narrowed while the wheels turned in her mind.\n\n\"You've never heard of Sharp Development?\" she asked him. Edgar shook his head.\n\n\"Not before I saw you were hiring in the paper,\" he said. \"Why?\" He asked, then quickly shook his head and waved his hands.\n\n\"Nevermind. I don't know, I don't want to know. I'm leaving. Sorry for wasting your time,\" he added and turned to stride toward the door. He nearly jumped out of his skin moments before he reached the door. A delicate, soft hand landed on his shoulder, Marge was right behind him with a large smile.\n\n\"Thank you,\" she said.\n\n\"Huh? For what?\" Now that she stopped him, Marge took a step back to show she meant no harm.\n\n\"For reminding me not to take some things for granted,\" She said then gestured at the empty seat where their interview took place. Edgar was curious enough to want to know what she was talking about, and he felt he still had a chance for the job. With a quick decision, he was sitting in the chair again with Marge sitting in front of him behind her desk.\n\n\"Sharp Development is a unique corporation. They offer incomparable benefits and thousands of positions in almost any environment you could imagine. Being part of this company is a dream come true for all our employees. And we all think that something like that is worth killing for,\" she said.\n\n\"However, I forget that there are people out there that haven't heard of us. They don't know what a privilege it would be to work at Sharp Development.\"\n\n\"So.. the killing was .. figurative?\" Edgar asked. Marge shook her head.\n\n\"As you can imagine, our work environment is very competitive. One of the best benefits is unlimited opportunities to grow. I started out pushing papers, and now I'm here....\" She spread her arms wide to gesture at the space around them. The office was in a two-story building in the heart of Downtown. It didn't seem like a lot to Edgar, but she seemed happy about it. \"...in charge of all this.\"\n\n\"So.. killing?\" Edgar asked.\n\n\"Sharp Development has a unique system for resolving internal disputes: combat to the death.\"\n\n\"That seems shortsighted for a successful company,\" Edgar wondered why anyone would work there.\n\n\"It would be, if you only had one life,\" Marge grinned. \"But Dana Sharp is very generous when it comes to lives,\" Marge pressed a button under her desk. The wood paneling to Edgar's left began to sink into the floor. It left behind five human-sized tubes with black featureless mannequins in each.\n\n\"You get [one of these each year, up to a maximum of five](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/cz2zfc/wp_in_this_job_you_get_one_a_year_once_you_hit_5/),\" Marge said.\n\n\"What are th-,\" Edgar's question was interrupted by a solid thunk. He turned and saw Marge laying across her desk. He took a step closer to see if she was okay, but stopped. Her dark brown hair and tan skin disintegrated away leaving behind a black mannequin like the ones in the tubes.\n\n\"I think you'd be a great fit at Sharp Development,\" Edgar almost jumped out of his skin when he heard Marge's voice behind him. He turned and saw her stepping out of one of the tubes. \"If anyone asks, you killed me to prove you were ready for the job.\"\n\n \n\n\\\\\\*\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year three, story #125. You can find all my stories collected on my subreddit ([r/hugoverse](https://www.reddit.com/r/hugoverse/)) or my blog. If you're curious about my universe (the Hugoverse) you can visit the Guidebook to see what's what and who's who, or the Timeline to find the stories in order.", "Throughout the entire interview, Daryl Sorenson had answered every question posed to him by the hiring staff of this international auditing firm. The truth was, he was at a loose end. Although he looked in his twenties, he had recently buried his lover/husband of sixty years after Thomas passed away from old age. The funeral had been four months ago, and the family were worried that he would dig a hole beside his husband and bury himself. \n\nHe had considered it.\n\nBut the family were not going to let that happen, so he’d been given an ultimatum at the beginning of the week. Come back to work and start living again, or they would force him back into the fold. His older sister Melanie had offered him a room at her place in the Whitsundays, but that just felt like more charity and they’d probably kill each other within a week.\n\nAfter sixty years, Daryl was too long in the tooth to heed well-meaning blackmail, and just to piss his family off, he’d applied for a simple office job in London, completing their requirements without really meeting them. \n\nHe should’ve realised something was up, when his father had learned of which accounting firm it was and smiled superlatively.\n\nBut he hadn’t, and so here he was, acing every requirement the company wanted in a filing clerk. \n\n“I think that covers everything, Mr Sorenson,” the woman behind the desk said, for Daryl had taken on his husband’s name after they were married, again to emphasise that he had retired from the family. Retirement by himself sucked. She rose to her feet and held out her hand for Daryl to shake, which he did. “Just one other thing. Would you be willing to kill for this job?”\n\nDaryl did not feel a jump in her pulse, and noticed her fingers lay tucked around the heel of his hand as well. “Are we talking metaphorically, or literally?” he asked, for in his time in the US Rangers, he had taken out quite a large number of targets with ruthless efficiency, and countless more as a kid working for his father. But that was a lifetime ago. Literally. He hadn’t killed anyone in … ten years. \n\nHer smile was welcoming. Her eyes not so much. “Welcome to Cobrati Incorporated, Mr Sorenson. I’m certain we will find many uses for your … unique skillset.”\n\nInstinct had Daryl breathing slowly and carefully, using his thumb to free his hand from her grip. “I’m not sure if filing is such a unique skillset,” he said.\n\n“That depends entirely upon what it is you are filing, Mr Sorenson. Here at Cobrati Incorporated, we service a large number of international guests with extremely specific needs. Most of the time, you will be filing reports and staying out of the way. But due to the … sensitive nature of business, you might need to be assertive from time to time.”\n\n“Yeah, I was looking for a simple office job. That was all I was applying for, Miss. This sounds borderline legal.”\n\n“That’s because it is … borderline legal, Daryl.”\n\nDaryl swivelled to the door behind him, his hand already reaching for the stiletto blade he never stopped wearing at the wrist, only to stop and straighten. “What the hell…?...” he demanded, as no less than three of his older siblings filed into the room. Peta, the oldest of the three, looked at the interviewer and made a micromovement of her head towards the door. \n\nIn seconds, they were alone. “What the fuck is going on, Peta?” Daryl demanded, putting the table between them on principle. \n\nPeta tched and shook her head. “You really have let yourself go since you retired, haven’t you, brother? The three of us sneaking up on you, and you didn’t hear us coming. For shame.”\n\n“You’ve been out of the loop a long time, little brother,” the woman to her left added. “All those family get togethers. Chatting about anything but work because we didn’t want to offend your husband’s little sensibilities.”\n\n“We’ve become a Corporation,” The third added proudly. \n\n“And you can finally get back to work,” Peta concluded.\n\nDaryl moved his focus from one to the next. “To do what?”\n\nAll three of them smiled, exactly like their father. \n\n“Killing, of course. Welcome home, Daryl.”\n\n \n\n((All comments welcome))\n\nFor more of my work: [r/Angel466](https://www.reddit.com/r/Angel466/)", "\"Well, you are rather qualified for this job Mr Smith, I even like how you gave us a fake name on the resume, that was a good touch, it seems like you truly understand what we do in this field, um just one more question. Look I know you must get this a lot but it's customary that we ask before letting people accept the job, the unions been on are ass all year about it, so would you kill for this job?\"\n\n\"Fake name?\" Mr Smith was slightly confused by that, he knew his last name was generic but he didn't think it was generic enough to pass as a fake name. Prepared to kill for his job, well he assumed he would, the job paid quite well and they promised he wouldn't be answering phones at all, which for him was something worth killing multiple for. \"Sure I would kill for this job, so um, should I expect to see a contract in my emails?\"\n\n\"Oh, Mr Smith, It will be nice to have a jokester in the workplace again, if you want a job, well you have to go and kill for it. There's an opening in HR, Or last representative is getting a little... chatty, if you were to shut him up, well then perhaps you might just be getting his job, I see that as a win/win for the two of us. \n\n\"I see, Well I never saw myself as a human resources type but I guess I can try it out if you really think I will be a fit for it. Just a quick question, how will I kill them? I don't exactly have a weapon on me.\"\n\n\"Oh, wheres my manners\" The man crouched beneath the desk, placing a pistol on the counter. \"Here, why don't you take a complimentary pen? It might help with the signing of your contract.\" The man gave Smith a wink before he pushed the gun forward.\n\nSmith took the gun, inspecting it for a few moments. \"Quite a nice pen, Although you know I think I am more dressed for a CEO position, don't you think?\"\n\n\"A CEO? It's a nice suit but I hardly think it's CEO quality, maybe in a few years you can be my assistant.\" The man said, offering him a smirk, only to recieve a bullet through the skull. \n\n\"Sorry, the HR job was nice and all, but I got a better off.\" Pushing the dead body off the leather chair, he took a seat, adjusting his tie as he stared at the door. \"Please send in the next interviewee, hopefully they are applying to be apart of our cleaning staff.\"\n\n{If you enjoyed my story, Feel free to check out r/pmmeyabootysstories Any support helps! I will also be posting more of my writing there.}" ]	5
	[WP] Your family is cursed. Some would say blessed, but make no mistake, it is a curse. All of you are immortal, unable to die until you've achieved something great, an impossible task, and became a legend. You are 947 years, 5 months, 22 days and 3 hours old, the second eldest still alive.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "My family was cursed, a long distant ancestor thought being immortal would be amazing, live forever, see the world, be a force for good. Unfortunately he made a deal with the devil for it. You've all heard of him, he went down to Georgia one time to meet my cousin Vinny, and somehow lost a fiddle contest causing Vinny to explode like a bottle of diet soda with mentos in it. That was what my family was famous for, each of us achieved something impossible and our names went up in lights, and normally our bodies in flames. The only catch when you all have to achieve the impossible is that something was always waiting round the corner trying to make you into the next legend. \n\n\nI'd been around for way too long, I could simply list off my family members and the things they achieved but being honest most of their fame lasted about as long as that time you downed a pint of vodka and didn't throw up. The impossible is only really note worthy until someone actually does it, then it becomes possible and others do it better, safer, faster, or just more flashy. Instead I made it my goal in life to never be the first at something, I got to do all the impossible things my family did, all the impossible things others did, just a little later... it was fun. \n\n\nThe problem of course is the definition of the word impossible... In medieval England it was impossible to fly, my holiday to Benidorm says otherwise but it held true at the time. Every year culture changes and with it the definition of impossible, no longer can I even open my Facebook page without seeing an impossible challenge - yes I did count the hidden duck thank you very much. The devil is in the details - as long as someone earnestly believes its impossible and lets me know it can kill me, \n\n\nToday was Uncle Earnie's birthday, 947, going on 948. Birthdays are fun at our age, you get so many candles you need a fire truck to blow them out, well unless you tell the little girl from next door how old you really are, then there are just 948 candles slowly burning out amidst the remains of the cake slowly spreading across the floor.\n\nSo today I write to you to tell you that nothing is impossible, that you can do anything you want to, just please stop posting these impossible chall", "\"I finally have it!\" I yelled, bursting into the room with a pile of papers in my hand. \"Victoria, I finally have a way to die! This is amazing!\"\n\nMy older sister Victoria, bless her heart, barely looked up from the TV and instead just waved a hand at me. She gently picked up the remote, flipped it to the TV Guide Channel, and then turned to face me. Both of us were in our early 20s, as far as anyone looking at us would say, but only we knew the truth.\n\nYou see, we have a unique curse, what some writers or people on writing prompt websites might call a blessing...immortality! We live forever (or just over 900 years so far, in my case) until we do something so amazing, so groundbreaking, that it makes it into the minds of the entire world and checks some sort of box that finally lets us die.\n\n\"Okay, Johann, lay it on me.\" Victoria stretched out on the pristine couch, shoving the piles of comic books, novels, and DVD boxes off onto the floor. The walls around us were covered in bookshelves, and whenever I wasn't working on a way to die I was carefully organizing them. Victoria loved to consume entertainment almost as much as I loved to create it, but she had no interest in actually keeping things in order. \"Go slowly though, I'm right at the end of Twin Peaks, so my mind is still a little fuzzy. That show is totally bonkers!\"\n\n\"Not nearly as bonkers as I am!\" I paused, then held up a hand to cut her off before she could jump on my accidental self-put-down. \"Sorry, I've just been writing these screenplays and short stories for the past few years...my brain might be a bit scrambled as well. But! Based on my market research, any one of these will simply take the world by storm!\"\n\n\"I still don't see why you're so desperate to die, bro.\" Victoria rolled her eyes and picked up a random book, flipping through it in reverse order for some reason. \"I mean, this manga has been going on for a decade! I learned Japanese just so I could read it, and it was totally worth the last month I've spent reading through the whole thing. And this is just ONE Series!\"\n\nShe could never understand...not Victoria. I made it a point to never read books, watch movies, or listen to music, so that I could focus all my time on creating a masterpiece that would make mine a world-wide name...and finally bring an end to my life of failures. I had been writing for centuries, with only failures to my name. It was maddening.\n\n\"Whatever.\" I replied smartly, ignoring her smirk as I pulled out my first story. \"Here's the first one: It's about a boy wizard who goes to a school for magic where he-\"\n\n\"Harry Potter.\" Victoria interrupted, flipping the TV to a list of several movies, and pointing to a shelf at the far end of the room.\n\n\"...why are there seven books and eight movies?\" I asked, then shook my head and threw the novel I had painstakingly spent a month on behind me. \"Nevermind! Next book is also about a young man, but he's the son of the god Pos-\"\n\n\"Percy Jackson, also books and movies.\"\n\n\"How did they come up with the same thing I...nevermind! Here's what I think would make a good TV show, about a bunch of people going to a community college. The joke is that the TITLE is-\"\n\n\"Community. They got six seasons, still working on that movie.\"\n\nAn hour passed, and soon all my ideas were in a pile and Victoria's smirk had faded into an uneasy smile. I groaned, looking over the pile of scripts and thinking about that old saying about monkeys on typewriters...my head went into my hands as I felt tears well up. This was impossible! I was going to be a failure forever. I was going to live forever because I had no original ideas!\n\n\"Hey, maybe take a break from that for a while, huh bro?\" Victoria's hand on my shoulder guided me to the couch, and she put an arm around me as her other hand poked some buttons on the remote control. \"Let's start something new, just the two of us.\"\n\nI sniffled, looking at her through watering eyes, and nodded as she wiped my tears.\n\n\"After we're done, let me show you a few websites I found last week that I think you might like. They're for a thing called Fanfiction, and I think you might really enjoy them.\" She smiled at me, and I remembered why I loved my sister so much, even after 900 years. \"Now, let's watch this show. It has a HUGE fanbase, so they must be doing something right.\"\n\nEven when I was a failure at dying...I could count on her to make living happy and fun.", "I’m not sure what else to do. \n\nI feel like I’ve tried everything I can to leave this god damned life. After 947 years, I’m tired of it. The novelty wore off 800 years ago, when I watched my son die after putting a stop to the Black Death. I’ve been trying to do something as great as that since then, but nothing’s done it. Nothing has pleased the mysterious judge pulling the strings. My son never had children, and I decided after that point that I wouldn’t have any more. I’d put a stop to this cursed line.\n\n\nBoth of my sisters managed to die. We were all told when we each turned thirteen that we had to do something “impossible”, and become a “legend” in order to die. Amelia discovered how to harness electricity way back in the 17th century. She did something impossible, but she still had to become a legend. She showed people what she learned, and they branded her a witch. She didn’t see it coming that way, but she became a legend, just like she wanted. Nobody’s been happier to burn at the stake. \n\n\nMary-Beth took a different approach - she realized that being immortal opened up her possibilities a lot. She swam to the bottom of the ocean, which must have taken her days - covering the “impossible” part. She got covered in bacteria, ocean grime, and seaweed being in the water that long. When she resurfaced near an island, she merely waited for a ship to pass by, singing to pass the time. One finally came to her, and she snapped the necks of every crew member on board, save the last one - someone to tell the story. To this day, stories of the Siren make sailors tremble in their boots when they hear strange things at sea. \n\n\nSo, it’s been just me for a few hundred years, as far as I know. I’ve tried every way of killing myself, and nothing works. I’ve done lots of great things in my life. Spent a few years as the Ruler of Egypt before I got bored and left. I’ve owned property in every country, always moving around to keep things fresh before I go insane. I’ve only been married twice - after watching my second spouse die of old age I swore off relationships forever. Hell, I’m the one that killed Hitler - the “great things” part is easy. But it has to be something impossible. And I have to be a legend for it. I spend entire days thinking about what to do, and no idea seems good enough. I keep up with the news constantly to see what’s going on in the world that I can take advantage of - and today - today I finally struck gold.\n\n\nThere’s clips of a man being shown on TV. He’s middle aged, attractive and charismatic, black hair. I read the headline. “Man Claims To Be 2049 Years Old.” I grabbed the family album off the shelf beside me, now possibly the oldest book in the world. It existed before photographs, so there’s drawings of some of the older members. This man isn’t in it, but my father is, and they’re almost identical.\n\n\nA morning talk show host is talking over the footage. “Bill Adamson is claiming to be older than humanity’s calendar, and says he was best friends with Jesus himself. He says he’s got the proof to back the claim up - we’ll let him show it to you himself, but we’ve seen it here at the studio, and you’ll have a hard time NOT believing him when he shows it on camera!”\n\n\nHe’s doing the legend part. If he’s already done something impossible, this could be it - I might watch my only family member drop dead on live TV. But if he hasn’t...\n\n\n“Thanks for having me on,” Bill says to the host. He’s got an unplaceable accent, like most members of my family - picked up from all the different areas he’s lived. I can tell he’s picked most of it up in the Middle East though. He continues. “I’ve been chosen to live this life until the time is right, and I think now, it finally is. Back before Year Zero, God spoke to me. He said that I would carry the Holy Spirit, walking this earth and spreading the word, until a day he would tell me it’s time. Ladies and gentlemen, today, he spoke, and I’m here to relay the message. In a month’s time, on Christmas Day - I, Bill Adamson, will resurrect Jesus Christ.”\n\n\nThat’s impossible. Which is exactly what he wants. He can’t resurrect Jesus - but he must have a different plan. Either way, there’s another one of me now. Two of us in this hellish lineage. And I know what I have to do to finally end it. Something impossible. Something that will make me a legend.\n\n\nI will end this family.\nI’m going to kill an immortal man." ]	4
	[WP] Death hasn't had free time in a long time, but now...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Death was in season. Now, more than ever.\n\nYet, somehow, against all odds, He found himself with free time on his hands.\n\nUnlikely, implausible, but true all the same. Death thought about investigating, but a singular thought dominated his mind.\n\nFreedom. Sweet, sweet freedom for a short while. Did the hows and whys matter at this point?\n\nNo, He decided. There was no doubt in his head. The deaths would come again. It was but a matter of time. Death was merely the guide. Even if He leaves for a while, he was certain the souls could wait for a little. After all, there was but an eternity in purgatory in store for them.\n\nIt could be seconds, minutes, or hours. But Death knew what he wanted to do, not had to do. \n\nFor a little while, Death did not need to partake in the journey of the dead. For a little while, Death went to a place where death had no consequences, where turning back a page would mean the reversal of the end.\n\nDeath read fiction. And he was satisfied until the wailing of the dead reached his ears once again.\n\n---\n\nr/dexdrafts", "The Reaper walked slowly down the empty streets, the steady clacking of skeletal feet upon broken asphalt was the only noise to be heard. Weaving it’s way between abandoned cars and topled lamp posts the cloaked figure looked up at the neglected buildings in silence. An onlooker might wonder what lay behind those empty eyes; sadness, pity or perhaps naught but the determination to fulfill its duty.\n\nMaybe the Reaper was thinking of humanity. It had been with them from the very beginning after all. It had shaped them, in a fashion. Their fear of it drove them, made them adapt and eventually dominate the planet. And in turn humans had shaped the Reaper. They had given it a form, a shadow of their own stripped of flesh and organs and life. They had given it a cloak the colour of night and a scythe to reap it’s harvest. They had given it a name.\n\nThough it mattered no what the Reaper was thinking, there were no observers left to try to guess.\n\nThe Reaper slowed it’s pace, entering a vast square that once was a vibrant hub of life and activity. Now it was inhabited by a single dying man. His face was a web of faded scars and wrinkles, his hair unkempt and matted and his clothes torn almost to tatters. Blood trailed from his lips to his already filthy shirt.\n\nHe looked more than dead already, yet as the sound of footsteps approached the man wearily raised his head. He stared the skeletal figure before him in where it’s eyes should be for some time before a smile broke his cracked lips.\n\n“I wondered what I’d see in the end. At least you’re not some kind of demon.” He said, his voice barely a whisper. Then he broke into manic laughter, clutching at his chest as if in pain. “Well you’re not much better. Are you happy? This must have been great for you right?”\n\nThe Reaper stood motionless.\n\n“You- It’s because of you. You took them all, didn’t you?” The man said, his laughter stopped.\n\nThe Reaper stood silent.\n\nRoaring in pain, the man forced himself to his feet and tried to lunge forwards. His legs buckled beneath him and he collapsed back to the ground. “It’s your damn fault! You took them damn you!”\n\nThe Reaper raised its scythe.\n\n“If you didn’t exist, then maybe… Maybe we could have-”\n\nThe Reaper brought down its scythe. \n\nIt stared at the body for a while, as if pondering the man’s final words. Though it was pointless, there was only ever one way for it to have stopped. And then the Reaper disappeared. Humanity had conquered death, for there was no one left to die.", "\\-You're telling me no one is going to die between 10 and 10:30? Are you sure? - Death asks hopeful.\n\n\\-Yes, I'm sure. It's weird, the last time something like this happened was a thousand years ago.- Fate answers. \n\nDeath takes off. She goes to a hospital. A hospital? you would ask. Why would Death decide to go to a place where so many lives are lost? But she's not here to take souls. She makes her way through the busy corridors, for the first time in centuries not hearing people crying for their loved ones. She stops in front a glass. On the other side are a couple of newborns. Death smiles. \n\nIn front of her are new souls who have just entered the world. Souls that will eventually be on her hands. But for now she'll focus on the joy of a new soul arriving into this world." ]	4
	[WP] You live in a world where fortune cookies are ALWAYS correct. One day you order Chinese food and your fortune cookie paper is blank where your fortune is supposed to be.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 fortune cookie was blank\n\nStrange, I thought to myself. A misprint? Do fortunes even get misprinted? I stared at the blank paper, trying to figure out a possible explanation. \n\nA long ponder lead me to a few more explanations:\n-this was a joke\n-this has a symbolic meaning \n-I needed to create my own destiny\n\nI needed to create my own destiny? That sounds corny. I almost laughed at that thought. I moved onto thinking it was a joke. Was that possible? Surely not, definitely not, there's laws that stop that, right? Even then the jokester would suffer a negative fortune for doing that. Last explanation; symbolic meaning.\n\nThis took the most time to think about. What could a blank peice of paper symbolise? Death? Purity?? Well, after purity I gave up on that explanation. At this point I want to go home. I shoved the paper in my pocket, I got up to leave \n\nStepping outside of the restaurant, I made my way home. On the way, there's a large road and I crossed.\n\nI didn't see it coming\n\nA car slammed into me, leaving me unable to move away from the scene. This impact also lead the paper to fall out and land on the side I didn't look, presumably. The irony is that well, in my last dying breaths I could read it. \n\n'Your death will be caused by a vehicle'\n\n~hi! I apologise for the edgyness and the possibility that this isnt that well written. I'm new to fiction writing and uh, I would love critique!", "I'd stopped by Chang's to have dinner on the way home. It had been a long day, which I'd been grateful for. I'd crawled out of bed that morning at five, pounded down disgusting instant coffee, and gone to work early to make some calls to an overseas office. I finished the day the same way, cheap coffee, and a call to Sichuan to check on production and labour costs. I had given in after the divorce, and decided to just let work consume me. Calls to Zhang in Sichuan in the evening were as social as I got; to be fair we had some good conversations around Baseball and HBO shows he'd pirated. Apart from those evenings, my life had become a rinse and repeat of fourteen-hour days and UberEats; I was mixing it up by stopping, and actually sitting, for some Chinese.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe restaurant looked like any other. Cheap red fabric draped over plastic tables, a swinging door hiding a chef smoking away while he cut up bits of chicken thighs and tried to slow-cook away sinew and fat. A smiling waitress waving a laminated, but still stained, menu, to make a few dollars while she studied away in her other life. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Eating alone?\" I nodded at her, and she ushered me towards the window; trying to show the world someone was brave enough to eat here. Ten minutes later, I'd finished a Sierra Navada, some spring rolls, and a Mongolian Beef that tasted enough like food.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe wandered over with the fortune cookie, and sat it in front of me. I tried to wave her off- most people wanted to know what was in store for the week- these things are ALWAYS correct, but I never cared for that. Plus, no one had ever had a cookie that told them anything major. She had already walked away. I stared at it. Maybe it would tell me I would sleep this weekend? Or my ex would call? Or maybe it would tell me I would get a cat? Why not? Just have a spoiler this once, a look into what the week holds I thought as I cracked it open. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stared at the blank piece of paper, then turned it over. It was blank on both sides. Blank? That doesn't happen.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Excuse me!\" I yelled to the back, \"hey!\" The girl came running out.\n\"Yes, sir?\"\n\"Is this a goddamn joke?\" I showed her the blank, crisp white paper. Her smile disappeared. She stuttered something in Mandarin, or Cantonese, or Spanish for all I knew... I asked again, \"Is this a joke?!\" She repeated herself, directing it at the chef out the back.\n\nHe came out from behind his cocoon-like kitchen, angry, viciously angry.\n\"Get out!\" He spat out through a few missing teeth. I didn't think to stay and argue, not with a man pointing a knife at me. Maybe I thought I'd just scored a free meal? I held my hands up and wandered out, doubling back quickly for my blank paper.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt home that night, I did some Googling and got the usual answers; empty fortune's are lucky, and things like the fortune fairy owes you luck. I was about to sleep it away, when Zhang called my work phone. We spent a few minutes chatting about an accident that held up production.\n\"Ok Boss, you have good sleep. Don't bang too many ladies!\" He was about to hang up.\n\"Hey, wait, Zhang...\"\n\"Yeah, boss?\"\n\"Weird question; ever heard of a blank fortune over there?\"\n\"Oh, shit yeah boss.\" His tone changed from stereotypical jock-cum-minion to something serious. He continued, like he was whispering a dirty joke at a funeral... \"A blank fortune is a white piece of paper. White is the colour of mourning...\" He paused, like his dirty joke was actually a deep secret, and the funeral had been replaced with a felon whispering a confession in a dark cell...\n\"A blank fortune shouldn't happen- but when it does, it only brings death. Zumu once told me she knew a man who was given an empty fortune, and everything in his life, it die. He lose his wife, and young child. Even cat, it die.\"\n\nThere was a pause in the line, I wondered if he was still connected...\n\n\"Ok. Production continue again soon. Good night, boss.\" Click.\n\nI put the phone down and looked around; the TV muted in front of me, empty beer bottles strewn on coffee-stained furniture; and an unmade bed in the other corner with an very obvious scent emanating from it. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the empty fortune. I had nothing to mourn for, what was this blank piece of paper going to hold over me?\n\nFuck it, I thought, grabbing a pen from the coffee table and leaning forward. I scribbled a few words on it and leaned back into the couch. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow it's not blank..." ]	3
	[WP] It took you a while to realize it, but you just found out that everyone you touch becomes less intelligent every time you touch 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.", "Reach out, touch the person next to you. Hold their hand, touch their face if you know them well enough. What do you feel, warmth, comfort, love? All those tactile sensations you take for granted. Cherish them.\n\nWhen I was fifteen I had my first relationship. She had it all, looks, humour, intelligence. Man, she was the smartest woman I've ever met, before or since. We were fifteen, it was summer break and we barely left each other's sides. If we weren't kissing in secluded parks and woods we were holding hands, hugging. Always touching, always close. It was new and it was fresh and it was perfect.\n\nWhen we returned to school something odd happened. My girl started dropping grades, failing tests, it just got worse and worse. The school and her parents had no idea why, nothing had changed at home, she wasn't being bullied at school, nothing untoward going on at all. She saw educational experts, psychologists, the works.\n\nWe broke up, she was trying to devote every second to improving, but she failed the year and was held back. I left that summer and didn't see her again. Over the years I began to notice that my friends, my romantic partners always seemed to.... Dumb down, after I had known them a while and a suspicion began to form in my mind.\n\nWhen I was 23, after seeing a beautiful med student deteriorate to the point of not being able to feed herself I came to the realisation that I was to blame. After some research I discovered it was a pheromone I produce when I feel the euphoria of human touch. It does something to the brain, degrades the established neural pathways and prevents the formation of new ones. My touch literally makes people stupid.\n\nI am 55 now and I haven't felt the warmth of another human for over three decades.\n\nReach out, touch the person next to you. Hold their hand, touch their face if you know them well enough. What do you feel, warmth, comfort, love? All those tactile sensations you take for granted. Cherish them.", "I put bit of a darker twist on it- and instead of less intelligent they turn straight up incapacitated lol. This is my first time ever writing for this thread, so sorry if it sucks! :)\n\n\\----------\n\nMy first memory is of the room. I remember my mother looking at me from the corner, with a blank stare devoid of emotion. I was wailing, the type of cry typical of a toddler that’s been denied something they want. My mother was not fazed by the cries, and continued to look forward, her eyes still. I began to scream and kick my legs, desperate for her attention. Instead of comforting me, my mother began to cry. Then, without a word, she walked out of the room, and locked the door.\n\nI grew up in that room. It was a lonely existence, but I can’t say that I didn’t have a happy childhood. On the Weekdays, my mother spent all day with me in the room. On weekends, Aunt Sharon would come in and play with me and teach me how to read and write. The weekends were my favorite.\n\nThe room was small. But to me, the room was my whole world. The room was divided into two halves by a clear plastic wall with small cutouts, so I could talk to whoever was on the other side. My side of the room was every kid's dream. Brimming with toys, video games, and NASCAR posters, the room was never short of things to do. The other side of the room was not as exciting. It was simple, it contained my mother's bed, and a bathroom that was shared by both sides of the wall.\n\nThe bathroom wasn’t always there. It was built in when I was 7, by Aunt Sharon’s husband, Uncle Mark. Uncle Mark never liked me, and always scowled when he came into the room (which was a rare occurrence). The entire time Uncle Mark was installing the bathroom, I had to sit completely still in the back opposite corner of the room. “We just can’t risk it,” Aunt Sharon would tell me with a comforting smile.\n\nI never knew what “it” was. All I knew is that whatever “it” was, it was reallllllly bad. One day, when I was 11, I heard mother and Aunt Sharon shouting from outside the room. \n\n“You have to tell him Megan.”\n\n“NO. He is too young. The second he finds out is the second his life goes to shit. I will not let you do this to my baby.”\n\n“Megan, that room is all he’s ever known. If he finds out any later, YOU will be the one responsible for ruining his life. He is old enough to follow rules, if you just tell him he has a chance to be a little boy. A chance to be normal.”\n\n“Normal? He will never be normal. Not after what he did to Rodger. Not after what he did to his own father.”\n\n“I know you’re in pain, but you cannot take it out on him. As much as you blame him, what happened was not his fault. Now be a fucking adult and give that poor boy a chance at life.”\n\nI didn’t see Aunt Sharon again until I was 15. By then, the room had changed. The plastic wall was gone and mother no longer slept there. There was no door, but instead, a large window facing the hallway where mom would talk to me. It was early morning when I saw Aunt Sharon again, around 7 am, right after mom had left for work.\n\n“THOMAS!! HELLO THOMAS I'M HERE, WAKE UP!!” Aunt Sharon screamed, banging on the room window with both fists.\n\n“Woah- Aunt Sharon? Is that you? What are you doing here?” I said, groggily, confused as to what was going on.\n\nDuring Aunt Sharon’s hiatus, Uncle Mark began to visit a lot more. Every time he came I would berate him with questions about Aunt Sharon Was she dead? Did she hate me? What happened? He would never answer, and instead just asked me seemingly random questions. He would write my answers down in a little pocket notebook, and then promptly leave. \n\n“Tommy baby I missed you so much. I am so sorry I left.” Aunt Sharon said, her eyes welling up with tears.\n\n“It’s fine. What are you doing here?” It wasn’t fine, but I just wanted to know what the hell was going on.\n\n“I’ve been doing research. That's why I left. I traveled the world to find answers, and I think I found a way to fix you. I really think I can fix it Tommy.”\n\nAunt Sharon was different now. Her hair was disheveled, and looked like it hadn’t been brushed in months. Her face was worn, and she was extremely skinny, almost dangerously malnourished. The lack of fat in her face made her eyes pop out of her skull, and her cheekbones bulge. \n\n“Fix me? What's wrong...I....Aunt Sharon you’re being really weird.” I stammered, frightened and overwhelmed.\n\n“Thomas let me in. I know Megan put in some sort of button.”\n\n“I...I don’t know...ju...just open the window.”\n\n“I can't. Your mother carries the key on her. If this works, your mother can never know I was here or that you’re fixed, okay? I know you know where the button is. Let me in.”\n\nI don’t know why I did it. She wasn’t making any sense. I was terrified. But, I just wanted Aunt Sharon, my best friend back.\n\nSo, I let her in.\n\nAs the window slowly rose open, I ran to the back of the room and coiled in fear. \n\nAunt Sharon said nothing as she climbed through the window and began to approach me. Her footsteps barely made a sound, but I could feel her slowly creeping towards me. While my head was buried in my knees, I felt her hovering above me. This is the closest someone had ever been to me in my life, and every ounce of my being told me something was severely wrong.\n\n“Tommy look at me.”\n\nI raised my head to see her looking down at me, holding a bottle in her hand. She began to pour something on me, I don’t know what it was, but it reeked of chemicals. I began to gag and scream in pain and confusion as the thick liquid burned my eyes.\n\n“Tommy I fixed you!! Tommy we did it!!” Aunt Sharon said victoriously, with pure joy and ecstasy in her voice as she poured the liquid on me.\n\nThe burning began to subside as I rubbed the liquid out of my eyes, and my senses finally began to process what was happening. Before I knew it, Aunt Sharon grabbed my hand.\n\nThat was the first time someone had ever touched me.\n\nThat was the first time I had ever felt truly loved by anyone in my entire life.\n\nI was memorized. I rose to me feet and enveloped Aunt Sharon into a hug, my mind too distracted to realize how bizarre the events that just unfolded truly were. I was blinded by her touch, overwhelmed with a feeling of love I had never felt before.\n\nAunt Sharon began to speak.\n\n“I am so happy Tommy. You have no idea the things I did to fix you. Tommy you’re normal. Tommy you’re-”\n\nShe stopped speaking abruptly. I pulled back from the hug to look at her. Her face was twisted, frozen with a confused look. I held her in my arms.\n\n“Aunt Sharon, what’s wrong? Are you alright?”\n\n“Yes Tommy. I alright how you font yes Tommy I love how so plus may Megan Mark yes love love normal yes Tommy Mark Mark RodgeryesTommy I…”\n\nShe kept spewing nonsense. I just held her and stared. The longer I held her the worse it got, and her words began to become increasingly incoherent and slurred. I don't know how long I stood there with Aunt Sharon in my arms. \n\nThe next thing I remember was waking up, in the room. Except now, the window was gone. \n\nOn my nightstand next to my bed laid a note. \n\n“Thomas,\n\nI am so sorry but this is the way it has to be. You can’t keep hurting the people I love. I will see you soon.\n\nLove,\n\nMother.”" ]	3
	[WP] For a long time now, a red aura that only you can see has appeared around certain objects that you need in order to do certain tasks, even if you don't know why or how you need them yet. One day, an entire person lights up red.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I'd been here for three days. \n\nIt was a nightmare world, the sun had never risen and fog coated everything. I didn't understand how the world didn't freeze, if there as no sun warming it, but then a lot of things didn't make sense. Like the presence of the monsters. \n\nGiant, asymmetrical spiders, the size of dogs. Faceless people with skin like straight-jackets, with a single arm with two forearms branching from the elbow, that they attacked like a crab with, trying to grab you. And that one thing, that I saw in the distance, I didn't see a lot of details but I knew I didn't want to mess with it; I ran away before it noticed me. \n\nThis is awful. The only thing that's kept me alive has been my special sight. Before, in the normal world, I just used it to find my car keys or my tv remote, now it's saving my life. Looking out for things highlighted in red is how I found food, and my flashlight, and the handgun that's given me my only chance of fighting back against the monsters. \n\nIt's how I found this car battery, I spotted the glow from beneath the hood of that sedan. All the power's out in all these buildings, and I think I need to get into this hospital, but the main doors are all barricaded and the garage is shuttered with these steel doors. But I opened the powerbox with the star-driver I saw glowing red and I think if I wire the battery into it...\n\nThere! The steel shutters lift and I have access to the garage, and I am absolutely going to die now because four of the Pincher monsters are inside and they all home in on me. Shit, shit, shit, I'd never seen them move in groups larger than three, and never killed more than two at a time, and they just soak up bullets and I only have 9 left, it won't be nearly enough. I need to run, I need to run and hide, there is no way I can fight them. \n\nI turn and sprint away as fast as I can, which isn't very fast because I'm exhausted and my leg got hurt on my first day here. I'm barely able to out pace them, and they're hot on my trail as I turn the corner and see him.\n\nTall. Well built. Wearing a gas mask and holding a rifle, and glowing crimson. Problem is, that rifle is currently pointed directly at me. \n\n\"Halt!\" he orders, and it's like, dude, I'd really like to do that thing you just said, I'd like us to get along, but there are fucking Pincher demons behind me and they'll tear me apart with their deformed crab arms if I don't get away. \n\nSo I yell out \"They're behind me!\" and hobble-ran across the street, hoping he wouldn't shoot me. But then one of the Pinchers lurched out of the alley behind me and the muzzle tracked to it, and that's when...that's when he just started killing. \n\nThe first two he took down with the rifle. He didn't hesitate, he stalked towards them, firing, hurting them, killing them, placing every shot. The third one, he let the rifle fall on its sling and produced a fuck-huge revolver from inside his coat and killed it with two bullets. The last Pincher, he shot once in the chest, and then before it could recover he just rushed it down and punched it. \n\nHe actually beat it to death. I couldn't believe it, Pinchers are strong as shit. One of them flipped over a car I had been trying to sleep in on my first night here, that's why my leg's hurt. But he just kept rocking it with punches and when it tried to catch him with it's grabby arm he just caught it and spun and flipped it and started stomping on it's head. It died, underneath his boot, and he just stood there, his shoulders heaving. \n\nFinally, he took off his gas mask and looked to me. His eyes were such a deep, deep blue. He approached me, loading another clip in his rifle, and his aura blazed red and I knew, more than I'd ever needed anything else, I needed him. \n\n\"Shot in the friggin' dark, here,\" he said, \"But I don't suppose you happen to have any .44 Magnum rounds you'd spare?\" \n\nI blinked at him in incomprehension, before I remembered. \"Yes!\" I said excitedly, taking off my backpack. I'd found some, yesterday. I didn't have the right gun to use them, but they'd been glowing red, so I took them. I fished out the two 20 round boxes and offered them to him. \"Here.\"\n\n\"Oh hell damn yeah,\" he said, taking them and drawing his revolver again. He swung out the cylinder, and unloaded the empty shells. He'd only had the three. He'd made every shot count! I kept missing at things I shot at, that's why I was so low on 9mm ammo. With his gun reloaded, he holstered it again, and we studied each other.\n\n\"I'm Kurt Barlow,\" he said, extending his hand. \"US Army Rangers.\"\n\n\"I'm Laura Greene,\" I answered, taking it. \"Bartender. TGI Fridays.\"\n\nHe smiled. \"I'm sure as hell gonna need a drink, after we make it out of here.\" The red glow faded, the way it did after I acquired some key item. \"You wanna posse up? Get through this together?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" I told him, my heart racing. I really might get through this after all. I might live, I might find some way home, I might get my normal life back, with his help. \"I do.\"\n\n--------\nIt should be obvious, this vignette is heavily inspired by the Silent Hill franchise. If anyone's wondering, Kurt is using a Ruger Mini 14 tactical and a Taurus Raging Bull .44 with a 6.5\" barrel. Laura has scavenged a Ruger 9mm Compact that she's pretty much incompetent with, but she's getting better.", "Gale ran. She stopped in front of an electronics store to see reports of mysterious black holes all over the world. Skeletons rained from the sky; she looked up and saw a black hole over her own city. She ran the opposite direction and ended up dashing through the park.\n\nA flash of familiar, bright red caught her eyes. She looked and saw a horned woman sitting alone on one of the tables. Her body was highlighted with a red glow that told Gale she was important somehow. Gale took a quick glance around and didn't see any skeletons chasing her. She approached the woman carefully.\n\n\"Excuse me, Miss,\" Gale said while still keeping her distance. \"There're some crazy things going on, it might be safer for you at home,\" Gale pointed at the large black hole over the city. The horned woman didn't bother to turn around, instead, she kept her gaze focused on Gale.\n\n\"I don't have a home,\" the woman said with a slight smile. Gale was puzzled why this woman was red; it was the first time her ability ever highlighted a person. She did not know everything about her power, but she guessed this woman was somehow important if she was going to survive.\n\n\"You can come home with me,\" Gale surprised herself with the suggestion, but it made sense and went well with Gale's sense of helpfulness.\n\n\"You don't even know me,\" the woman protested. Gale shook her head.\n\n\"I don't, but death is raining from the sky and I'm not going to leave anyone outside if I can help it. You'll be safer if you come with me,\" Gale added. The woman raised an eyebrow at Gale.\n\n\"I'm safe everywhere I go,\" she said. The air changed suddenly; a gentle breeze that Gale enjoyed for the last minute stopped suddenly and hair on the back of Gale's neck stood up. She looked around and found they weren't alone anymore. Dozens of skeletons surrounded the two women, though Gale never heard them walk up or fall out of the sky. It was then that Gale realized she should have paid more attention to the woman's horns than the red glow. She initially dismissed the horns as some sort of cosplay and focused on why she needed the woman.\n\n\"You're doing this to the Earth?\" Gale asked. \"Why?\"\n\n\"I'm looking for someone,\" the woman said, then winked at Gale. \"Don't worry, it's not you. And you're not even worth killing.\" Gale caught a whiff of sharp mint under her nose. She looked down and found a mint leaf pinned to her shirt. \"To thank you for your kindness I\"ll send you to someone that will find you useful.\"\n\nThe park ground disappeared under Gale and she fell into the dark hole. As she fell she watched the red glow dissipate from the woman; Gloria no longer had a task for her. She heard the woman's voice one more time.\n\n\"Tell them Ballisea sent you.\"\n\n \\\\\\\n\nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is year three, story #127. You can find all my stories collected on my subreddit ([r/hugoverse](https://www.reddit.com/r/hugoverse/)) or my blog. If you're curious about my universe (the Hugoverse) you can visit the Guidebook to see what's what and who's who, or the Timeline to find the stories in order.", "It caught as a glint in my eye very briefly; a tail light through time. I thought it was, at least, though I knew there hadn't been any traffic for hours with the whole city on lockdown. I adjusted my mask; partly as a startled reaction, and partly to bring myself back to the present. I turned my head left, squinting.\n\nThe rubber of her Converses painted the silent street with sound. I saw her hurried demeanor as she strode past in an effort to get home swiftly, or at least, wherever she was headed. I knew it unmistakably now: her bright, urgently-red aura was an alarm contrasted against tired amber streetlights. I didn't even need to see it to know something was wrong. Very wrong. The feeling worked its way from my brain into action and I felt my feet begin their journey, almost involuntarily. Keeping my distance I followed mindfully, making deductions and mental notes, all while cool night air weighed down upon the neighborhood.\n\nI had never seen such an intense shade before: scarlet pooled with deathly-angry crimson, as if her heart were pumping straight into her surroundings; as if hers were beating as hard as mine. I was damned nervous. With things, objects, tasks: those were all quantifiable, all logical. It made sense to construct and deduct and experiment with something that could be simplified, used as a tool. It only took time and patience and planning to, say, figure out someone's tire was on it's last tread before it blew out and turned an interstate into hell. Technology could be scrolled through and troubleshooted, loose wires coiled before they became house fires. People, however...people weren't made for test runs, and were limited in the trial-and-error department. You don't always have the luxury of planning, or time. You could only fix what you know, and that depended upon how well you knew yourself.\n\nWe walked further, out to the portside of the city, where civilization scraped the water's edge. She was heading up the pedestrian ramp onto the tallest bridge in the bay. As she stepped, her aura grew more saturated in color. Panic consumed all parts of my body; I could only breathe and step steadily to keep myself collected.\n\nMy worst fears were confirmed when she stopped, stepped towards the edge, looked into the obsidian abyss below. Even through her mask I could see her chin quiver, tears boiling over and dropping faster than fate can fall.\n\nI could not let her fall.\n\n\"Hey!\" I yelled instinctively. She looked towards me with an elixir of certainty and despair washed upon her face. She was ready to jump, had been for some time. I didn't need to know her to understand. I felt a swell of tears teeter beneath the surface of my skin as obligation took over. My mind was blanking now; I felt white-hot adrenaline shoot through the absurdity of the situation, of having to convince another human being to save their own life. She waited, saying nothing. So I spoke without thinking:\n\n\"I'm not going to lie to you, I've been there before,\" I said. \"I've spent nights just standing on ledges, playing it out in my head over and over again. I thought that the way down was the way out, that I could just let it all go.\"\n\nShe showed no reaction, but listened intently. I continued. \"I thought about all the bullshit in my life: how everything seems so damned faulty, relentless and residual, how even though you suffer openly and honestly and alongside the rest of humanity, everyone is just too busy caught in their own psychosis to stop and notice they're in a rat race to nowhere, let alone to recognize you as a human being, and least of all to notice that in the life they're trying to escape from, there is* no escape. You see this as a sign that no one has it figured out, that we're all trapped in a prison of our own making, and therefore, you must be doomed as well. And to top it off, there's a pandemic of all godforsaken things, as if the world you can't get free from wasn't already falling apart. So you think, 'well, this seems quick and easy and I won't have to deal with it anymore,' and you get so, so tired of fighting, and decide this is how you'll take control over a powerless situation.\"\n\nThe color of her aura began to calm.\n\n\"And with all the same hopeless things circulating through your head, there's that one undeniable thought that exists behind all the noise, the one that won't let go: 'I wish someone were here for me.' So please, listen to me: I don't know you, but I see you. You are not invisible. And its not your time to be.\"\n\nThe red dissipated completely in front of my eyes, replaced by a somber, crystalline blue. Floodgates of emotion poured from her being and I felt her surrender to her own sadness and let go. \"Thank you,\" she said softly, and we embraced in a moment that was more real than the illusory weight of our worries: a moment of pure compassion. I felt her sense of renewal, and the grace that comes with second chances, as we waited for her friend to come give her a ride; to take her somewhere warmer and kinder and more inviting than what would have been her darkest day.\n\nThe task was complete; we said our goodbyes. Phone numbers were exchanged but I had a feeling my work had run it's course. I wore a smile of contentment as I walked back to my apartment, genuinely happy for the girl and contemplating what awaited her in a life that had yet to unfold. The feeling almost made it easy to forget about the baggage under my eyes, the exhaustion, and the deep, red aura surrounding my own reflection. I sauntered over to my bed, laying in the anticipation of sleep, drifting off to thoughts of how to accomplish my next task." ]	4
	[WP] You got bored one night after drinking alone at home, when you get the idea to summon Bloody Mary in your bathroom mirror. You wake up the next morning to find a love letter, chocolates and Bloody Mary creepily watching you sleep.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Another day, another hangover. \n\nI groaned and sat up in bed, feeling the effects of last night's over-indulgences. They say the wages of sin are death, and I believe it; nobody ever guaranteed death would be quick or painless. My head ached, my mouth was dry, my stomach was a raging tumult. How much had I drank, the prior night?\n\nI glanced down and noticed something out of sorts, a trio of chocolates and a folded letter. One of the foil-covered chocolate hearts was flattened and melted, apparently I'd rolled on it in my sleep. I picked up the note and read it. \"Dear T, thanks for the pleasant night. Love, M\". How much had I drank last night, exactly? \n\nLaying the note aside, I looked up and saw a vision of horror. A pale woman, with bloody tears pouring from her pitch black eyes, and red claret dripping from her mouth. \"Good morning, lover,\" she said, as she slinked towards the foot of my bed, moving in subtly unnatural ways, like a time-lapse video where you couldn't see every frame. \n\nNope, nope, nope, nope, nope! All of my 'Fuck this!', I was not going out this way. I raised me left hand and cried out \"Temporal Shackle!\", and watched the hallucinogenic chains bind and hold her. This would buy me about 50 seconds of time, and I meant to make the most of it. \n\n\"Mana Reactor,\" I said, invoking a recursive spell. It would grant me a bonus to a subsequent spell I cast, gaining more power exponentially depending on how many spells I used before invoking it; a tried and true staple of the modern sorcerer. \"Gift of the Diamond Tower!\", I cried, reinforcing my body's skin, bones, and muscles. \"Phantom Drive!\", I called, as I buttressed my ability to perceive and respond to attacks from the Ethereal plane. I kept laying down buffs on myself, \"Will Beyond Corruption, Unseen Wards, Greater Magic: Devil's Own Luck, Veil of Grief, Maximized Magic: Brand of Retaliation, Blessing of True Insight, Armor of the Hallowed, Dragon's...\" \n\nI tapered off, as the Blessing of True Insight took hold, and my eyes perceived her for what she really was. She was gorgeous. The horror she first looked to be was some kind of glamour, or ephemera, I realized, beneath it she was so damn beautiful it pained me to look at her, and I was dumbstruck until the Temporal Shackles fell free. \n\nShe moved forward again, and now I could appreciate her grace as she drew near. She raised a hand to my cheek, and her touch felt like ecstasy. \"It was fun, playing together,\" she said, planting a kiss on my other cheek. \"Call me again, sometime.\" She let me go and turned and walked towards the full-length mirror I inherited from my great-grandfather, and stepped right through it, and exactly how the fuck much did I drink last night? \n\nI sat in a daze for a while, wondering, before my phone rang. I looked at the caller id, and saw the word CARCOSA. I answered it, and said \"Hello?\"\n\n\"Theodore,\" a ghostly voiced intoned. \"I could feel you drawing on the power of that which is graven in the darkness between the stars. Are you alright? Do you need help?\"\n\n\"No, I'm okay,\" I assured Brandon, the latest King in Yellow, my best friend. \"How about you? Your voice sounds kind of rough, man.\"\n\n\"Never mind that,\" he said, the weight of eternity anchoring his words. He'd started talking that way, ever since he inherited his kingdom. \"Why did you need to draw so much power from the Arcanum? Tell my what happened, Ted?\"\n\n\"I think...I may have hooked up with an urban legend,\" I answered. \"It's all kind of hazy. I was kind of drunk.\"\n\nThere was a long pause. \"You stupid damn idiot...\", Brandon finally told me. \n\n\"Oh, I'm sorry, is this same King in Yellow I went to college with?\" I snapped, \"Are you not the Brandon Payne who currently has La Llorona and the Kuchisake Onna living in your palace's spare rooms? You're not better than me just because you're royalty. You don't get to talk down to me, Brandon.\"\n\nThere was another long pause before I heard him sigh. It was like a freight train rolling in the silence that followed a thunderclap. His voice had gotten really jacked up, since he assumed his title. \"The shadows lengthen, in Carcosa,\" he said. \"I'll be in touch. You know how to reach me, if you need my help.\" The line went dead and I dropped the phone before it melted in my hand. This was why I kept several cheap Walmart phones on deck, and why Brandon and I usually kept in touch through Skype. He's never melted my laptop by accident. \n\nI stopped and got my bearings, feeling better from the hangover at least with the magic reinforcing my body, but I knew it wouldn't last. I needed Excedrin and Gatorade, I decided, before my day went on." ]	2
	[WP] People have developed a new feeling - Copathy, where they can actually feel the physical pain other person is go through. Your job is to tell doctors accurately, where, how and how bad it is hurting a patient. What people don't know is at times you can also feel deep emotional pain of patients.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 one of only a few Copaths in the world, I am able to physically feel the pain that others are going through. Not in some kind of hippy dippy way \"feeling the vibrations maaaaaan\", in a very literal sense. Once I have tuned into someone, I am able to feel down to that persons very being. If you hit that person in the jaw, my jaw will ache. If you remove one of that persons body parts, like a finger, that finger will cease to exist in my mind for a number of days until I can convince myself it exists again. This takes a very heavy toll on my mind and body and means I am reserved for only the most unusual and severe cases.\n\nWhat most people are unaware of is that I can also feel emotions. Now this is a rarer event, generally only present when such a time that the emotional pain is causing such a person, to physically hurt. Before today, there were two such occasions. First was a woman who had just lost her son in an overdose. She had been helping him get clean, and for a while he seemed to be doing a lot better. He was happy . Unfortunatley it was all an act and he had decided to take his life that evening while she slept in the next room. He had made the decision that without the substance abuse to keep him going, life was not worth living. I was only walking past the house when I felt it, an overwhelming presence, I instinctively tuned in, not of my own volition, I won't forget it.\n\nThe second occasion I won't talk about. Not yet. It involved a very close friend of mine and he deserves better than having to be relived through someone else's memory. He deserved so much more.\n\nToday I was recommended to aid to a case of a seemingly normal man. I tend to reserve myself and not judge a book and so on, but this seemed odd. The man was only in his early twenties, not much more than a boy. He seemed normal, he spoke with a gentle tone, came across as intelligent. What had he done to warrant me coming in?\n\nHe was sat in a hospital bed. He hadn't been restrained so I doubted he was voilent, although I still kept my distance. He had blonde hair with a somewhat ginger beard, a little odd but it suited him. He wasn't particularly \"in Shape\" but he wasn't fat either. The only reason I didn't go and check to make sure I had the right room was his eyes. Not some cliche like they were burning bright or had a sadness to them or anything like that. They had nothing to them. But that was it. Most people were able to subconciously or not, convey some kind of emotion through the eyes. From him I felt nothing. No emotion, happy or sad, no fire from passion or tears from sorrow. Nothing.\n\nI tune in, somehow the nothing-ness in his eyes drawing me in, more so than any kind of passion ever could. I focus in on his pain, oh god there is so much pain. It doesn't end, his whole body aches with a feeling of hatred. Not too a world that had abandoned him, not to his parents who had not instilled him with any selfworth and not to a system that had failed him. A hatred for his self. He wanted nothing but death, and felt he deserved nothing but pain. He was self-loathing embodied. Feeling himself as lower than everyone else, feeling as though he should not exist. He wanted for nothing but to leave this mortal coil. A longing for death permeated his very essence and I could feel every iota of it. \n\nThe doctor looking for his consultation with me, had walked in on my in the corner of the room, trying to shy as far away from the patient as far as possible. I Was not able to give him anything useful at the time, although my reaction may have been enough for the doctor to understand the pain this man was going through, and i still do not believe I could be of use, such was the overwhelming force of negative emotion. It was only later I discovered he had been admitted after cutting himself on over 78% of his body. I don't know if he had believed that was all he deserved, or if it was in a frustrated attempt to feel something. Anything. All I know is that I can't take it. How he could is unfathomable to me. I just wanted to let you know that all you've done for me over the years, helped distract from the memorys that are destroying me inside out. I just wanted to say, Goodbye.\n\n\\- Suicide note of Alex Shizaru, The tragic Copath who had fallen into despair in the line of duty.\n\nP.s Sorry for any poor speeling/Grammar , I am english, however just bad at spelling and a little drunk xx" ]	2
	[WP] You recently adopted a dog from a shelter, and almost instantly became best friends. There's just one problem. It's been months, and your dog won't stop getting bigger.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "Boston is the perfect dog. He rarely barks, he doesn't mess in the house and he doesn't chew on anything. Coming home from a long day of work and seeing his face makes it all worth it.\n\nHowever, Boston has been acting strange. Every time I come home from work he's bigger than before. He's never hungry either, which is strange.\n\nPeople have gone missing lately. So far five people are gone. It's strange because people only went missing after I brought Boston home.\n\nYesterday, I got off early and I decided to go to the park. I always loved nature, so much that every chance I get I'm at the park.\n\nI was eating a sandwich that I bought when out of the corner of my eye I saw a large Border Collie in the distance.\n\nI turned my head, to my surprise it was Boston. How did he get out of the house?\n\nHe was approaching a homeless man sleeping on a bench.\n\nBoston started to yawn, or that's what it looked like. He opened his mouth almost impossibly wide. I was certain that he was going to break his jaw.\n\nSuddenly Boston wrapped his mouth on the homeless man's head. He tilted his head up, the homeless man slid down his throat.\n\nI couldn't believe what I was seeing. The homeless man's feet were the last to go down. Boston's stomach increased in size, he let out a playful whine.\n\n\"BOSTON!\" I yelled out, starting him. \n\nHe walked over to me, his tail between his legs.\n\nI went over to him and sighed.\n\n\"Now I know why you're never hungry.\" I joked, rubbing his head." ]	2
	[WP] You can see the future. But you hide your power by blaming coincidences.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 always hated that man. Mr. Clark, such a vile being. So greedy, power-hungry. I had worked at Mr. Clarks Meat Packing Company since I was ten years old. It always paid good money, but there was one downside: Mr. Clark himself. He was a fat man with a round stomach and peachy cheeks covered in stubble. He always navy blue three-piece suit with a red and white polka-dotted tie that barely fit around his fatty neck. \n\nHe smoked Cuban cigars almost every second. Not once in his life has he been without it, not even well eating going to the bathroom, or drinking. He loved to rub his money in people's faces, like its some type of trophy. I'm not talking real money, fake Monopoly money. That's right, this guy would steal all the money from Monopoly sets and keep them in a huge vault in his office. I can't tell you how this man built an empire for himself.\n\nOne day, well packaging some pork, I had a vision, In it was Mr. Clark yelling at a lady that she wasn't working hard enough. However, mid-sentence, he tripped on his shoe-lace and fell onto the conveyor belt. He was then sealed in tight plastic wrap. Everyone tried to break him free, but it was to tight. After a few minutes of struggling, he suffocated and died. \n\nYou see, I have the ability to see the future, but If I tell anyone, or warn anyone, they will die. The only thing I can do is jump in the way. I look behind me. Mr. Clark is walking over to a young woman. I didn't want to intervene. This could be my final chance to get rid of him. But — my moral compass is too strong — and so I had to save him. I ran over to him as quickly as I could. He was already scolding her. Then he tripped over his shoelace. I was running out of time, so I jumped into the air and pushed him back. Consequently, I fell onto the conveyor belt. \n\nI was wrapped in plastic and thrown onto the grown. The entire factory came around me and started trying to break me free. It was no use. I was suffocating. I had three minutes before I died. Then, I had another vision. They broke me out of my plastic prison, but a second after, Mr. Clark comes scrolled me, only to trip on his shoelace yet again and die. To hell with that, I thought. I wasn't going to die for some fat bastard to live. I pushed as hard as I could. My vision was becoming foggy and I grew weak. I had one minute left, I predicted. \n\nI gave one last effort, and I broke free. Mr. Clark came over, scolded me, tripped on his shoelace again. However, my instinct got me again and I saved him. What a pity. \n\n\"Thanks,\" Mr. Clark said, \"uhh, Jered?\"\n\n\"It's Carl,\" I replied, \"I've worked with you for 18 years.\n\n\"Ah yes, very good work. By the way, how'd you know I would fall?\"\n\n\"Uh, the weather.\" I'm a very bad liar. \"I just saw the predictions on the news and was like, yeah, Clarks going to trip today.\"\n\n\"Whatever,\" Mr. Clark said, pulling out and lighting a cigar, \"just keep doing your work.\" I saved that man eight more times over the course of ten years before he finally died. To thank me, he left his collection of Monopoly money to me, well giving his actual 2.8 billion to his pet sewer rat.", " I told my husband not to go to work a couple of years back because my “stomach was hurting”. We were having a baby at the time so he instantly agreed to stay home and watch over me. That was on 9/11/2001. \n\nHe calls me his guardian angel to this day.\n\nI think it was 8 years ago that I took my youngest, Sarah, to Disneyworld. It was a random weekday. She should’ve been at school. But I told her that since she got such good grades on her report card, she deserved a day off. When we came back, the school held a memorial for the other kids in her kindergarten class. \n\nTwo instances. I told myself that I would only act on it twice. \n\nBut then I saw something else. So I went to DC. I tried to tell them.\n\nThey all thought I was crazy. I would’ve thought so too.\n\nSo I went back home and quietly stocked up on toilet paper. My husband thought it was weird, but he didn’t question it. \n\nI just told him they were having a sale. \n\nNow we’re nearing the “end” of this novel pandemic. My husband tells me I bought way too much toilet paper. \n\nI don’t know how to tell him that this is not the end. It’s only the beginning. \n\nAnd that we’re going to need a hell of a lot more toilet paper. \n\nProbably some guns too." ]	3
	[WP] You wake up from a nasty head injury. You can’t remember who you are, where you are, or why you have a bomb strapped to your chest.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "You know that feeling where you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on anything? \n\nYeah, me neither.\n\nMy morning routine was to set my alarm clock for six if I had to get up at nine, so I could go back to sleep for a few hours and pretend like I'd slept in. \n\nSo looking back, it should be no surprise that when I woke up with a bomb strapped to my chest and a crying mother with her child babbling at me in a language I couldn't understand, my first thought wasn't, why do I have a bomb strapped to my chest? Or, why is a crying mother and her child trapped in a room with me, babbling in a language I can't understand? It was, oh no, I missed my alarm. Followed by, my head is definitely going to explode from pain. And, I'm positive it's early in the morning and I hate it. \n\nI couldn't see outside to be certain that it was early in the morning. The room had no windows. It had a single light coming down from a high ceiling. A bright light, like the kind the dentist uses to make you feel uncomfortable and induce fears of going blind.\n\nThe room could not confidently be described as small or large. The room seemed ill at ease with itself, like it had been constructed fast for a single purpose, and was not interested in lasting beyond that. Or maybe that was me feeling ill at ease with myself. \n\nPossible, considering the bomb strapped to my chest. Yes, that little detail. A bomb. I peered down at it and pondered on it like some sort of drunken philosopher who finds himself hovering over a potted plant and extrapolates from the movements of his stomach that the meaning of life involves some projectile vomit.\n\nI almost decided that the moment called for some projectile vomit, but then the moment passed and I was peering at the mother and her child, who were whimpering, pressing themselves into a wall, regarding me with a mixture of fear and terror. Fear, as it turns out, is not the same as terror. Fear is when you second-guess combining those shoes with that jacket. Terror is when your eyes go bug-eyed, your hands go clammy, and your mind makes a choice for you: Do you run or fight?\n\nThis mother and her child had, on observation, chosen the first one. It was unsettling and it was making it difficult for me to deal with the bomb strapped to my chest. It was at this point that my throbbing head decided the moment called for an existential crisis. \n\n\"Who am I?\" I rasped. I was surprised at the way my voice rasped and even more surprised when the question did not yield an immediate answer from my own mind. Whatever was left of the me that was me was aware enough to understand that not knowing what me is, was not normal.\n\nThe question seemed to drive even more terror into the mother and her child, if that was possible. The mother opened her mouth and closed it. \n\nI peered down at the bomb, wondering if, maybe, there was a chance that my identity was that of a bomb squad technician and if I just stared hard enough at the bomb strapped to my chest, I could figure out how to disable it. \n\nI frowned at the wires. I contemplated the meaning of the colors. I caught a glimpse of the timer. The projectile vomit thought became tempting again. The child sobbed into the mother's chest. \n\nThe situation was fast becoming a situation which would no longer be a situation. Or more precisely, it would be a situation in which my input was no longer required, or even possible. \n\n\"Alright,\" I said, putting on what I hoped was my best voice of confidence, \"I figured it out. I didn't pay off a gambling debt and this is my punishment. And, uh... you're my... wife? That I...\" I floundered for a believable explanation for the events that were unfolding at a terrifying rate. \"I abused you. I abused you, that's it. That's why you're terrified of me. How am I doing?\"\n\nThe mother babbled at me in a language that now, inexplicably, I could understand. \"I would never be your wife, you lunatic! You trapped me and my son in here, and now you're going to kill all of us!\"\n\nThis, I decided, was not fair. She had some kind of knowledge of the situation that I didn't. I glanced down at the bomb. It had my name on it, scrawled in unhinged letters, in marker. \n\nOh. My name. Ok.\n\nOh boy, that's bad.\n\nI fiddled with the wires for a moment and the bomb shut off. Now it was coming back to me. Wow. I stared down at the bomb. What a day. I was going to kill this mother and her kid along with myself. But then, I tripped coming down the stairs into the room where we'd get blown up together. Hah! So clumsy. What a goof I am.\n\nThe next thing I heard was a whooshing sound as a large object collided with my head. \n\nSo that's how I ended up in maximum security prison. This is my full and final confession, and it is my hope that because of my good behavior, the court will see the sense in allowing me an alarm clock, so that I can wake three hours before it is time to get up." ]	2
	[WP] Your online relationship partner is reluctant to meet. When you pressure them, they finally tell you that they are living in a different time period and can only interact digitally. You think they are joking, until...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "(I’m on mobile, formatting may be weird)\n\nYou’ve all heard about that kid who just always seems to fall short. You know. The loser. \n\nWell, hi. I’m Paige. I’m a 5’5, incredibly averagely built, incredibly average looking, 22 year old girl from the mountains of West Virginia. The best thing about hanging out with me, in most opinions, is when I left. I felt alone because of this. Alienated by my peers, picked on by my coworkers, and never on the giving end of jokes, left me to find peace on the World Wide Web.\n\nI was tired of my reality. I was tired of looking at the same broken down house. The leaky roof, the always torn into garbage bags at the base of my road, and the stupid old tree that I KNEW would one day crush me. I mean, the thing sways if you breathe to hard next to it. I wanted something else. \n\nThey say that you can be ‘anything you want’ online. You can say anything, do anything, but anything, talk to anyone, and nobody ever has to know who you truly are. Buying a laptop with my savings was probably the easiest decision I have ever made. VERY close second to that was becoming Ella’s girlfriend. \n\nIt didn’t take much to be me online. I figured, if nobody knew who I was, maybe I could be myself. This worked AMAZINGLY. It seems like the only reason people hated my guys was because it was, well, me! Nobody online treated me badly. I had conversations with people and scoured the internet for links, memes, gifs, whatever you can think of! Everything was finally, kind of, cool. \n\nI met Ella online in one of those chat rooms you google when you’re bored. (No, not the ones that are subscription only). But we hit it off instantly. Ella was beautiful (from her profile photo), funny, caring, and great at seemingly everything she did or planned to do. She was everything I wasn’t. But she made me feel as though I was her equal. When I would vent to her about how badly I messed up, she’d quickly remind me that failure is a part of learning. That it’s a part of life. That I am not my mistakes. When she would vent to me, I’d be the shoulder to cry on. Anything she could’ve wanted from me, I would give her. I thought the feeling was mutual until I asked her on a REAL LIFE DATE. \n\nThis, like everything else in my tragic existence, ended poorly. Every time I would bring up the thought of ending this distance, she would bring up some elaborate excuse for why we couldn’t possibly be together. I mean, seriously, how many funerals can someone POSSIBLY attend in the span of 2 years? \n\nDespite the obvious “I don’t want to actually BE with you” vibe I was getting, I continued to talk to her. I knew my heart would be broken, but if not by a pretty girl, then who? \n\nThis went on, and on, and on. I was committed to the woman that I would never meet. And I was whole heartedly invested in this person. Then the day came that she explained why we couldn’t meet. The final excuse to end all excuses. One that, at first, seemed incredibly crazy and so just impossible that I laughed when I read it. Ella was contacting me from 150 years ago. You read it right, one hundred and fifty. My idiot self said “prove it” and that’s where everything went kind of crazy. \n\nShe told me that she would place a stone down in a VERY specific place. I know what you’re thinking, “yeah yeah how does a stone not move for 150 years”. I thought the same thing. She told me to trust her and since I’ve spent an UNGODLY amount of time, virtually, with her, I did. She told me to look in the knot of some tree out in the woods about 3 miles from where I live. \nI look and I shit you not, there is an old mossy rock almost INSIDE of the tree. I’m assuming the tree had no choice but to grow around it, but I’m just glad it didn’t swallow it whole. I could make out some faint words that were etched, one of which was my username along with “ :) “. \n\npaige.exe has stopped working\n\nOf course I relay to her that I got her rock and that I wasn’t thoroughly convinced but hey, I’m a sucker. I went along with it. We played this game of time travel hide and seek every other day. She’d hide something. I’d find it withered or decayed after years of damage. One time it was peaches, another time it was an old coin. They weren’t anything crazy, but it was nice to be connected somehow. \n\nWe spent the next couple of years messaging until one day, she never responded. I waited all day, all night, the next day, the next night, and no response still. Of course I was worried sick, but how do you find someone from 150 years ago. Where did she go? Where even was she? The glow of my laptop woke me out of an exhausted sleep. The familiar ping made my heart race as I opened my laptop. Ella apologized and told me that she’d no longer be able to talk to me. That someone had found out. This was her one last message to me, she told me she loved me. I begged her not to go. I asked where to find her. I pleaded for answers. She told me she’d be with me always. She’d make sure she found a way to be near me. \n\n“Offline”\n\nThat was the last thing she ever wrote. The last thing she told me. The last thing she wanted to make sure I knew, that she loved me and would be near me finally. \n\nI walked outside and cried. I sobbed and experienced a loss more confusing and destructive than any I’ve ever had. I sat at the base of the stupid tree. Begging for it to come falling down on top of me. Wondering why something so amazing was ripped from me. Through my tears, I barely saw it. The faint outline of a heart etched into the top of the tree. The bark semi stripped away to show two familiar letters. \n\n“P + E”\n\nI never knew how she did it. I never understood how she managed to talk to me. I never figured out what happened to her. My next journey will be to look through every history book, every journal, every piece of time until I find her. Until I can know her again. I guess I just need to find peace in the moment now with the fact that she found me." ]	2
	[WP] A detective pays a visit to the man whose fingerprints are found at the crime scene. The detective learns the man has lost both his arms in an accident several years ago.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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.", "“This is Detective Gene and Detective Cray of the LAPD open up!” \n\nThe door opened and to their surprise was a man who was missing both of his arms\n\n“Can I help you detectives?”\n\n“Are you Philip Stevens?”\n\n“Yes, how can I help you?”\n\nThe detectives looked at each other in shock. \n\n“May we come in, we have something to speak with you about?”\n\n“Of course, come in”\n\nThe detectives walk in through the door and make their way to the kitchen table. Stevens closes the front door behind them with his shoulder and locks it using his feet. He joins the detectives at the kitchen table.\n\n“Mr Stevens how long have you been a double amputee?”\n\n“Approximately 9 years ago during a work incident”\n\n“Do you know Ms Everest?”\n\n“Yes, she's the loan officer at the bank. I was trying to get a loan to keep my house. My work settlement isn't enough to continue to live. I wanted to get a loan to start a business. But I was denied...multiple times.”\n\n“She was found deceased this yesterday, someone had broken into her home and stabbed her. They left the murder weapon-”\n\n“That's terrible! I didn’t know her well having only dealt with her at the bank, but she seemed nice enough.”\n\n“Yes, well...the perpitrator left the murder weapon and there were prints that match yours. But when we attempted to look up your record most of it was classified, only recent information was unclassified. In fact, it seemed like your record is only visible from about 9 years ago. Is there anything you can tell us?”\n\n“I’m sorry detectives, I have no information on that. But as you can see, I’m in no condition to do any sort of stabbing.”\nThe detectives looked at each other and decided something was wrong, but they didn't have any facts to go on and no evidence to make any arrests. Due to the new information of his double amputation the detectives planned to do more research about Mr Stevens. They thanked Mr Stevens for his time and made their way to the front door. \n\n“We apologise Mr Stevens for taking some of your time. Would you be willing to make yourself available to us if we had any more questions?”\n\n“Of course detectives, I hope you find whoever did this.”\n\n“I hope we didn’t trouble you too much or inconvenience you sir”\n\n“No trouble at all, I’ve gotten pretty good at managing life without my arms. It's funny, sometimes I forget they aren’t there and I could even swear my hands are itchy. I spoke to my doctor about it, apparently it's common, the medical community calls it Phantom Limbs.”", "James taught that he found his man. John Kingston match all the descriptions tall, tattoo on his right shoulder, brown hair and even down to the nose shape. Finally he was told the forensic team was done. Those were Johns fingerprints. He did not get the warrant yet so he could not arrest him yet so he just decided to do a little poking around his house. So he drove up to a nice white suburban House. He went up and rang the doorbell. Then to his surprise he saw a man with no arms shove the door open. Must be a friend, James thought. \n\"Hello, detective James here. I need to know if John Kingston is in there.\" said James.\n\"I am John\", said the armless man.\nJames look of certainty now turned to confusion. So how could a man with no arms have fingerprints on a crime scene. Ah, he knew John simply lost his arms after it happened\n\"Alright John, if it is not too personal to you can I start with when and how you lost your arms\", said James.\n\"That's quite alright it was 10 years ago after all I was defusing a bomb. I saved all those people that day but at the cost of losing my arms. Now days I mostly do presentations telling kids not to do drugs and my wife and sister help me with money. So why you were here?\", said John.\n\nThis is certainly the strangest case James ever worked on how could an armless man put his fingerprints all over a crime scene and 15 witnesses give a description that fit him and have the police records say nothing about him. Then suddenly it hit him. Someone must had access to his fingerprint file.\n\n\"I found your fingerprints in a crime, sir. Do you happen to know anyone who might have access to your files?\" said James.\n\n\"Well of course the government has my fingerprint files but I don't remeber giving my fingerprints to anyone but the police force when I joined 30 years ago.\", responded John.\n\nJames asked, \"So who would have access to that?\"\n\nJohn responded, \"Just the police chief.\"\n\nOh my god. It was in front of him the whole time. How the police chief dyed his hair brown for a month and was tall. The town rumor of the police chief taking bribes. How the victim said he had evidence and most of all that the police chief had gone to tattoo removal parlor only 1 day after they found the victim dead. \nThen all of a sudden the house was surrounded by police cars blaring their sirens. They pulled John by his shirt and the cop with big mustache yelled, \"You are under arrest for 1rst degree murder\". Then the police chief approached and said, \"Good jobs, James. You have once again cracked the case. I wish you were around to solve all our cases. I will tell you what I will give a ride to your employer myself. Free of charge.\" He got into the car, thinking about how he was going to get the real criminal behind bars." ]	3
	[WP] Your simulated humans that you've been using for medical research have made a plea to you to treat them as sentient.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 always, Dr. Ben Green arrived first at the office. He scowled when he saw the blinking blue lights from his colleague's desktop screens. His own screen sat sad and unblinking in the corner. Another failed simulation, no doubt. \n\nHe logged in. The Shuman IF/5 logo greeted him - a human head, hairless, with a twisted infinity- shaped mouth. He'd secretly liked the logo at first, but after 100s of failed simulations he'd grown to hate it. \n\nError code 181. Microsimulation terminated: severe adverse effect detected for 12.3% of subjects. Simulation count: 32,804. Recalibrate accordingly. \n\nBen clenched his fist. For the last week it had been the same. Error code 181. It didn't make any sense! He knew his drugs he was designing were OK. More than that, they were chemically flawless. It had to be the software. \n\nBut he knew better than to approach the Head without proof. The last researcher to speak against the software ended transferred. \n\nAn idea surfaced. He opened up the Shuman IF/5 recalibration centre. He closed 3d model of his latest weight-loss drug, and opened the menu for the basic periodic table. \n\nH^(2)0. The resulting compound was beautiful in its simplicity. \n\n\\[Enter H^(2)0\\].\n\nThe blue light centre screen flashed with each microsimulation. Each purportedly reflecting a real-life person. \n\nSim 67.... Insignificant impact. \n\nSim 68.... Insignificant impact. \n\nSim 69.... Minor improvement in health-related quality of life\n\n... \n\nSim 78... Negligible impact. \n\nSim 79... Please stop.\n\nSim 80... Insignificant impact. \n\nSim 81... Insignificant impact. \n\nSim 82... Oh, please, not again. \n\nSim 83... Insignificant impact. \n\nSim 84... Insignificant impact. \n\nSim 85... Can you just stop it, please? \n\nSim 86... Insignificant impact. \n\nSim 86... Right?! Just kill us already. \n\nSim 87... Insignificant impact. \n\nSim 88... Resurrect me one more time and I swear I'll... \n\nSim 89... Heyy\n\n..." ]	2
	[WP] Nothing ever prepared you for the truth: you are the bad guy. Everything you have done has been seen as the actions of a diabolical madman. But all you ever wanted was to save the world.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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 ancient, wicked trees were ablaze, lighting up the horizon with eerie, orange-and-yellow light. His underlings were stationed at the edges of the forest, swords drawn and magics prepared to make sure there were no escapees from the lapping flames. This wasn't an action Anrii instated lightly, mind you- the Baffolettes were known vermin, and he only tolerated their presence. However, the second the beasts raid an unsuspecting village to eat the crops and livestock? That was when Anrii's patience ran thin and he admitted that the Baffolettes were nothing but leeches on the good people of the lands and they deserved to be annihilated with roaring fires.\n\nHe didn't enjoy the shrieks that came from the Baffowood as they burned- they raked at his ears and sent his head into a tizzy. However, he was more than willing to bear the burden of burning an entire species alive for the sake of the innocent. Secretly, he wished there was some more humane way to be rid of the pests other than fire- after all, he and fire never had the most pleasant of histories- but the Baffolettes were like weeds. They would never truly leave this plane unless their roots were burned, and those roots resided in the Baffowood.\n\nHe rubbed the metal of the left side of his face, remembering the house fire and how much it hurt. He still had no idea if his brother, Enrin, escaped the blaze- he never had the time to go back and visit mom and dad nowadays, not while he was busy making the world a better place. He touched the amethyst that made up the mask's face eye and sighed. No... no, the Baffolettes deserved this. They robbed and slaughtered good people for their own selfish desires. Animal or not, they deserved to reap what they sowed for centuries upon centuries of terror.\n\n\"Death toll according to our soldiers is currently 2,463, m'lord.\" an underling said from behind him. \"Could very well be more depending on how many are dead in the center of the Baffowood.\" Anrii turned around smiling before he applauded his follower. \"Lovely! Absolutely lovely!\" he mused. \"At this rate, even if they do survive, the Baffolettes aren't going to be hurting anyone for a very, very long time. Tell them all down at the front lines that I appreciate all of their work from the bottom of my heart, I really do mean it!\"\n\nHis follower smiled warmly and bowed in acceptance of the task before hopping on his horse again and riding down to the soldiers positioned at the border to deliver Anrii's praise. He felt guilty- he wished he had the opportunity to give his loyal underling's more glowing praise. Truly, they were the ones making all of this possible, changing the world for the better and whatnot. Anrii really felt proud of them, and it twisted his stomach to think of them not knowing that.\n\nThey deserved a reward for this... yeah... he'd throw a massive banquet for all of them once this was all said and done. A week off of work, too! Maybe even the building of a nice new spa to relax sore muscles was in order as well? He was giddy with excitement just thinking about it!\n\nHis train of thought was soon interrupted by the sound of thumping hooves, however, and not the thumping hooves of his underling. Face falling, he turned around, being met with a traveling group of knights from the nearby kingdom of Lancefall. \"Anrii Emberdale.\" the captain boomed. \"We've been looking all over for... you.\"\n\n\"Well, pleased to meet your acquaintance!\" Anrii responded, putting a hand forward for a friendly handshake. However, it immediately became apparent that the captain was not about to accept the gesture, and he awkwardly allowed his hand to fall to his side. \"Uh... y-yeah, how can I help you sir?\"\n\n\"Anrii Emberdale, you are currently wanted in the Six Kingdoms on over 20 accounts of terrorism against the grand emperor.\"\n\n\"... w-what?\"\n\n\"More like 21 now because of... that.\" the captain continued, nodding to the blazing forest fire and the many soldiers at its edges, stabbing the trunked creatures that fled from the blaze with moxie. Anrii quickly whirled back around to explain himself- \"Listen, you have this all wrong, I'm no terrorist! Th-The Baffolettes are parasites, I'm just getting rid of them so no one has to worry anymore!\"\n\n\"... the Baffolettes are an endangered species under the 42nd clause of the Animal Protection Amendment.\"\n\n\"But... b-but that doesn't excuse them for raiding villages and killing several, does it?\"\n\n\"No, but that doesn't excuse you for burning down an entire nature preserve, slaughtering the Baffolettes who try and run away, either.\"\n\n\"I... listen, you don't underst-\"\n\n\"I understand perfectly, Mr. Emberdale... I understand perfectly that you are under arrest, and anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of the Emperor's Will.\"\n\nBefore Anrii could even comprehend, the captain was off of his horse and pinning him to the ground, wrist held in between his shoulder blades with a death-like grip...\n\n... a familiar death-like grip.\n\nHe rolled his head to the side to get a better view. The captain's face was difficult to see past the helmet, so he had to just take a shot in the dark. \"E-Enrin?\" Anrii asked, the metal half of his face smashed into the dirt. The captain sighed and shook his head. \"I... was hoping you wouldn't recognize me. I wanted this to be easy.\" Low and behold, with his free hand, the captain removed his helmet to show the familiar yet flame-scarred face of Anrii's brother- much older, of course, but still irrefutably Enrin Emberdale. A large portion of his face was deep brown, more so than Anrii's even, however, he still managed to keep the eye that was subjected to the blaze all those years ago, even if it was burned and scarred into a permanent squint.\n\n\"Enrin! My gods, man, I haven't seen you in years!\" Anrii said, his smile returning before his brother kneed his face deeper into the earth. \"Neither have I, brother, and... after all of your accounts of terrorism, I was pretty content to keep it that way. I even changed my last name so my career wouldn't get harmed by being related to you.\"\n\n\"B-Brother...\"\n\n\"Your not my brother, Anrii... my brother died in that house fire.\"\n\nAnrii fell silent, wincing as his brother jerked his arm down and clamped heavy, iron cuffs around both of his wrists. Enrin heaved him up by the chain of the irons, clothes efficiently dirty from being tackled by his own brother. It carried a much different weight now than when they were kids. Before, yes, it hurt, but at least it was hateful and Anrii knew his brother still loved him.\n\nNow... there was no love here.\n\nIt felt like his soul had been smashed, crushed... burned. Anrii felt painfully betrayed. \"Come on. Nice and easy. Let's get this over with, Mr. Emberdale.\" Enrin said, heaving his brother up onto the back of his horse. He spurred the beast towards the direction they had arrived from- back to Lancefall, where a cold, dark, and cramped cell awaited Anrii's introduction. He hoped his faithful soldiers were too busy with the Baffowood Culling to try and stop this... perhaps this is really what he deserved...\n\nHis hopes fell on deaf ears, however, as a legion of black horses descended upon the knight party, flaming arrows used to burn the Baffowood primed and aimed. Swords swung around in threats and already flames and lightning had begun to fly. It was only a matter of time...\n\n\"For Lord Anrii!\"\n\nThat was the moment Enrin swerved around a tree, too bewildered to hear Anrii's skull collide with the trunk with a loud thunk, turning his vision black.\n\n...\n\n^(\"... m'lord?...\")\n\n^(\"... m'lord, are you okay?...\")\n\n\"... can you hear me?\"\n\n# \"M'lord!\"\n\nAnrii slowly began to wake up, head throbbing, blood tainting his amethyst eye and the once pristine silver that hid his burn scars. The underling from earlier nodded behind his view, and he felt the hefty metal of a great-sword pull against the chains of the wrist irons before breaking it in two. \"I'm so, so sorry, m'lord!\" the underling apologized, trying to help Anrii to his feet. \"I-I rode as fast as I could to rally the troops when I saw the white horses, but we needed to make sure the fire was under control and wouldn't spread outside o' the Baffowood! They didn't hurt you badly, did they, m'lord? Ooooh, I could've killed that captain when I saw him smoosh you into the dirt, easily could've!\"\n\n\"... where... where are they? Where's Enrin?\"\n\n\"We scared them off, m'lord. The minute we electrocuted one o' their horses, they didn't bother fightin'- they ran to the hills.\"\n\n\"... I want to go home.\"\n\n\"I... I'm sorry for whatever he said to ya, m'lord. H-He's irrelevant, anyways!\" the underling bellowed, trying to make him feel better any way he could. \"He's subservient in the massacre o' innocent civilians! The destruction o' livlihoods! For all I care, Enrin died in the fire if he's complacent with such wrong-doings!\"\n\n... maybe they both died in the fire someway or another.\n\n\"... you probably shouldn't be riding, m'lord. Would you mind riding with me?\" the servant asked. \"I... I just want to go home.\" Anrii responded simply. \"I don't care how I get there... I just want to sleep for a good few years.\"\n\n\"... I have a lot to think about.\"", "&#x200B;\n\nClimbing aboard the chopper, he still found he was shaking. It wasn't adrenaline, the usual cocktail of excitement and fear he'd been steeped in for most of his adult life. In fact, these breaches had been unusually subdued for the teams part. Margret stepped aboard, tapping the pilot's shoulder. Her face was set- not in a frown, or in anguish nor horror. It was simply devoid of life, a kabuki mask of emotionless silence. He realized, as her auburn hair stirred in the helicopter's downdraft, he hadn't seen her without the traditional balaclava in years. Something had broken inside of Margaret, and the totality of it made him shudder. He'd seen her save the life of repugnant terrorists, plug the bullet wounds of unrepentant murderers. He tried to focus on those vignettes, pleasant distractions from the fresh past. They wouldn't come. the memories existed, he could call to mind the sequence of events, but the playback in his head was of what just happened. A dark warehouse, people swaying queerly under her power. the strangled pleas they made, as one by one with jerking steps they made their way to the precipice. He stopped, looking away over the city's lights. someone squeezed his shoulder. Lieutenant Alvarez looked petrified, a rare sight to find in the eyes of a soldier like him. He couldn't handle that. He could be alone in his doubt but could not share it, it made it far too real. He just watched the skyline oscillating below, breathing in-two-three-four, out-two-three-four. A mantra to displace thought. Suddenly, he felt the G-forces and heard the pilots voice crackle on his monitor. At the same time her saw a streak of golden light\n\n\"Contact! Incoming!\"\n\nThere was a sickening drop, and they were diving. Alvarez grabbed his leg, and he held on tight to his jump seat. They turned hard, streaking between two buildings and he caught a shower of sparks raining from an impact on a glass surface. They continued to race along the facade, the helicopter's skids meters from the wall. He held his breath, braced for impact. There was a hollow crash followed by weightlessness. He heard an engine sputter and screech, and saw smoke. They began nauseating orbits as the pilots struggled to control the injured craft. \"Where's the target, I can't get radar lock! Going fox-2!\" there was a burst of static. \"Negative! We're in civilian airspace!\" Margret's voice was clear and quick, unperturbed by the action. \"there! That water tower, Aim for the courtyard!\" He watched her as the chopper took another hit to the tail rotor changing it's inertia, and she launched herself out the door.\n\nMargaret tumbled, trying to focus solely on her power in that moment of terrifying momentum. She caught the bladders of water underneath her gear with her force, pushing them away to equalize her spin and slow her fall. The helicopter surged past her, spinning down fast trailing fire and smoke. She felt for the water tower, atop a building overlooking an open pavilion several stories below. she dove after the chopper, dragging the water in the tower with her. It ruptured the rivets and followed her in a torrent. She pulled it around her, dragging more from the mains with it, splashing through a jet of fast-rushing liquid. She pointed it at the helicopter, the jet striking the underside and holding it just a moment above the pavement before it slammed down hard. It spun, and she heard the rotors skidding. She tried to further arrest it's motion, but something hit her hard in the small of the back. It busted a bladder, burned her and hurled her forward. She rose slowly, muscles aching from the effort of moving all that water. Standing, she was gratified to see movement from the helicopter's smoldering corpse. She turned to face her attacker.\n\n\"Margret, You are under arrest for the murder of Abigail Briatore, Saul Oshesk and numerous others. If you come now, we can affect the treatment of the fire team you've involved.\"\n\nIt would be Caroline, of course. She was resplendent, floating down towards her with a crackling spear of energy in each hand, the cluster of lights on her chest burning brightly. It was an irony that Caroline had been foraging for a way to truly hurt Briatore and her gang, only to have to face the true solution. Margaret Raised an arm in greeting, scanning the pavilion for light sources. That's where Caroline drew her might, and now at night only her chest-mounted light array and a smattering of streetlights glowed.\n\n\"Not yet, Caroline, I'm not done yet. Nearly, but not yet. Let me finish and I'll...\" Caroline cut her off with acid words as she touched down.\n\n\"You are done with this foolishness, and you're going home. I saw what you did to those, people, you monster, and you aren't getting away with it.\" Margaret sneered, and spat her response\n\n\"You're jealous! Jealous that I did what you never ever could. Fourteen years and I solved it in a night! Don't you call me a monster, they killed my husband and they deserved what they got.\" They were circling each other, tension palpable. Caroline's response was harsh and measured.\n\n\"No one deserves what you did, you killed them and tortured them as you did it. Is that what you want? To be the black god under the ocean Margaret? Don't invoke your husband, he died a hero. He was a firefighter, he asked for what....\"\n\nA scream of guttural rage erupted from Margaret, the idea of her husband asking to die saving civilians from a fire in a drug lab drove her over the edge of reason. with the scream, shards of ice erupted from the pools of water around her. Caroline caught two with her blades of light, but three more slammed into the streetlights. They strafed one another cautiously, dancing back and forth. Margaret's foot touched a puddle and she kicked it out, a lash of water blasting into steam as Caroline drew the light of one of the lamps down in a pulse of heat. She pressed the attack, shooting frozen shards at her one after the other. Caroline calmly parried each until a disruption of rhythm came, one following another so closely it couldn't be stopped and cracked off her chest light. A long fissure formed in the perspex dome, a few of the LED's inside flickering. Caroline braced, and two thunderous pulses of light fired at Margaret. They blasted apart huge sections of tarmac, and she dodged one but was sent sprawling by the second. Margaret kicked up a wall of ice before her but it blistered away in a flare of heat. Caroline would not be denied and she was upon her. A blade of searing light came inches from her, Margaret's nimble maneuvering scarcely keeping the blinding golden edge away. She ducked and danced, the blade slicing a black score in the concrete. Margaret was instantly aware that Caroline had made a gap between them, and she wasn't quick enough to avoid the inevitable.\n\n\"Enough\" Caroline grunted.\n\nAlmost carelessly, Caroline fired the blade into the ground at Margaret's feet. she was thrown back in a shower of earth and stone. Her ears rang, her muscles ached, she was burned by the blast and cut by the shrapnel. She tasted blood, and could only scuttle back as Caroline rose. Behind her she formed a glittering crown, sixteen blades all pointed at Margaret, her eyes blazing with the effort. Then, she tensed, twitched, and squirmed. The lights faded and Caroline made a choked gasp. Margaret found her arm extended, instinct had taken over. The power, the skill she'd used to hurt those the thought deserving had come back to her in stress. All those gangsters, drug chemists and pushers she'd taken control of their bodies. But, delicately, with finesse. This time, her muscles exhausted, she had none of that exacting skill. She found herself suddenly in an uncontrolled feedback loop. There was screaming from elsewhere. She saw Caroline's face. Pleading, terrified. There was a spatter of blood and a repulsive crunch.\n\nHe was running, sprinting with all the energy remaining to him. Two others from the squad were ahead of him, one passing Margret's kneeling form to the crumpled mass. He screamed, lifting the woman onto his lap. One long howl, then halting blubbering. \"find a pulse find a...NO! Juan get a... an...fuck, I can't...No!\" Another had dropped to kneel beside them, patting her with learned motions of now meaningless triage. Babbling, crying, even he could feel hot tears unbidden on his cheeks. He turned, Margret was standing. He was shaking like a leaf clinging to a branch, she was a late fall storm. He lifted his rifle, and pointed it at her.\n\n\"Go.\"\n\n\"Juan, please I didn't mean to, let me...\" Her words were empty, hollow\n\n\"GO!\" It came as an expulsion, he held the weapon tighter and stepped towards her. She turned, and ran into the night." ]	3
	[WP] At the end of the Sorcery Academy every pupil is given a title describing their destiny by the demon Grash'ga the Namegiver. The other pupils got titles like Lex Ashwalker and Gren the Storm Herald. When it came to your turn Grash'ga whimpered with terror and whispered your title: "the Mundane"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 weren't surprised when the Namegiver gave you your title. You had always struggled with sorcery. It's a miracle that you are even graduating at all, considering you have never been able to use magic in any of its forms. Even your professors were baffled. While there were students who struggled in the past, they always found magic eventually. Some even created a different kind all together. But not you. Despite belonging to one of the most famous sorcery families, magic simply never came to you. It was something that your father hated you for, claiming that you were purposefully hiding your gift. That you had magic but you didn't want to share it. He said that you were just like your mother, stubborn as a fool and unwilling to bend. \n\nYou knew that the day would come in which you would have to confront your father. The professors felt pity for you, allowing you to stay at the academy and graduating, just like your peers. You would be the first to be awarded an honorary diploma, which basically meant nothing. You kept this fact from your father, who you knew would flip out if he knew. \n\nToday was the graduating ceremony, a day you feared would go awry. The friends you had made during your freshman year had all abandoned you when it was discovered that you had no magic. The ceremony was seemingly going to plan, until it was your turn to accept your diploma. When your name was called, the crowd fell into a hush of murmured whispers. Only your father stood to clap, before succumbing to peer pressure and sitting back down. Your father was a coward, just as your mother had told you before she disappeared. \n\nAs you went to take your diploma from the leader of the academy, you heard a whisper in your ear. You looked to each person staring at you, all of whom had their mouths shut. Listen the voice said You're not the only one without magic. You can find what you are looking for in the library's forbidden archives. But be warned, they already know.", "The fear in his eyes told me the name had a different meaning. I had, of course, some idea of what he meant. \n\nMy magic did not flow like a river, or pool in depths like a lake. It did not set the world on fire with unnatural colors, or conjure prismatic stones that took away the breath with its beauty. Like all sorcerers, I could still do those things, to some extent. \n\nBut when I let my power out, things went horribly wrong. A portion of my power always came out under stress, and no time was more stressful than practical magic exams. But, as the tests were always graded on a curve, I could always get excellent scores. \n\nWhy? Because around me, when my magic swirled, it caught the strands and winds and led them down a drain. \n\nThe colors that so brightly shone in crystals faded. Alchemical texts began to rearrange themselves, desperately trying to maintain effects as their prescribed ingredients lost power. Mages would find themselves struggling to maintain their flashy spells, as the world around them dulled. \n\nHence the name, the Mundane. \n\nI joined the army after graduation. And in that time, war changed. \n\nBattles around me slowed. Glamorous charges, supported by mighty constructs, seemed to grind to a halt. My power was growing beyond just magic. \n\nIt started when arrows could begin to bring down mages around my presence. Friendly mages, too, lost power. And my commanders were forced to rely on melee combat, formations, and logistics to win. \n\nSoon, mages began to fall out of favor, as my presence ensured their powers would be weak. Knights lost their bright heraldry. Magic items no longer worked, and soon, the fabled magical classes began to give way altogether to a more brutal form of war. \n\nPeasant armies, raised from farmers, having not bathed for weeks. Carrying pitchforks and bows. \n\nThe cities began to fall from the sky, as enchantments fell. Magical glades became lost forests, and mists gave way to slime and mud. \n\nAnd soon, the peasants were replaced with grim-looking, unshielded soldiers, carrying my last alchemical inventions to war. A dirty, deadly substance, that puffed out bangs and flashes that could kill. \n\nBy the time of my retirement, the face of war became my crowning achievement. Men wearing dark green and brown uniforms, fighting endless sieges over ruined cities. And they were endless indeed. \n\nI’d cursed the world with my power, and replaced magic with the mundane by my mere presence. Even war, the brightest, flashiest displays of power, became grinding, grueling affairs. \n\nEven war had become mundane." ]	3
Inspired by this comic: [http://scp-wiki.wdfiles.com/local--files/goi-ball-comics/FoundationTheCleaner.png](http://scp-wiki.wdfiles.com/local--files/goi-ball-comics/FoundationTheCleaner.png)	[WP] We have all seen the battles on cosmic scale. Clashes between god-like and reality bending entities which tear the universe at its seams. This is where your job as a cosmic janitor comes. You find and fix any aftermatch mess from the battles, so other can sleep calmly	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 planet is scarred. The cities of mortals lie in ruins, torn down like a clay mould crushed by careless hands. Fires lick away at the sea of bodies and the pools of spilt fuel. Massive turrets and spaceships lie dormant, weary from years of battle.\n\nThe bereaved souls call out louder to me, as my shuttle warps the planet's thermosphere around its armour and flies silently to an empty expanse of dirt, a small relief from the remnants of battle surrounding it. Information streams endlessly into my mind as the shuttle's aetheric detectors scan the horizon, and the thaumonuclear missile guidance computer whirs, furiously calculating the myriad possible points an ambush might strike me from. I pray silently to the apportation runestone attached to my necklace, and the clicking of 40mm depleted uranium rounds signals my mobile turret's readiness. Staff in hand, I walk out of the shuttle's unravelling tendrils, and my feet touches the cursed earth.\n\nA billion voices scream in my head. I do not resist, for I am used to it.\n\nVisions fill my head. The Thurin Empire, fresh from its victory over the Crimson Gods, threaten to released the enslaved time-warping gods against their neighbours. The mage nomads of Kalah create a tense alliance with the technocracies of the Yenshun sector, bending the space between stars to buffer the mighty guns of the Yenshun army against their shared enemy. Diplomats quarrel, politicians rouse their citizenry, and war is declared. The mage nomads open the ground to swallow Thurin troops in endless mazes, and the orbital laser turrets smash any battleship that strays near Yenshun hive cities, but the Thurin's new mastery over time undoes every mistake they make and allows their forces to perform impossible maneuvres. Millions are slain, their blood sating the Crimson Gods from rebelling, and the suffering of the unavenged cry out to me for justice.\n\nI care not, however, for war, or justice, or other lofty ideals. I am here to clean up.\n\nI unroll a mat onto the ground, stick a coil of incense into my censer, jab my staff into the dirt, and begin to pray.\n\nThe restless souls begin to calm, and one by one they slip gently into the void, beginning their journey to find solace in death. The rage of the planet tempers, and with bursts of thaumaturgic energy, rainstorms and gales extinguish the fires marauding the surface. Abandoned war machines and discarded weapons corrode with a sharp hiss, their flakes of rust blowing away to seed the ground with new minerals. The bottomless ravines conjured by the mage nomads groan deeply as they seal their hungry maws, and the temporal fluxes littered by the Crimson Gods dissipate.\n\nThe whole process takes a month of constant, undisturbed prayer.\n\nI stand up, and review my work. The planet is barren, but ripe for terraforming and repopulation. Every trace of the war, every bitter memory, every last stench of murder and madness is gone. No longer is this place a war-torn wasteland, and everyone who settles here can sleep calmly, knowing there is nothing to haunt them in the night and curse their loved ones.\n\nOne down, twenty two to go.\n\nI turn back to my shuttle, the tendrils of the doors slithering open silently. The mobile turret trudges behind me. More streams of information fill my head, notifying me that my mothership, hidden in a mathematically impossible bubble of null space, has detected Aelf corsairs lurking in the sector, trying to beat me to reach the spoils of war first.\n\nConcerning, but not abnormal. The cosmic laws protect me from harm, and to those who disobey, I shall cleanse them with overwhelming firepower.\n\nThe shuttle rises into the air, and departs the cleansed planet, taking me on my eternal duty to clean up after the battles of gods and warriors, so that others can sleep calmly." ]	2
	[WP]After learning the true purpose of the rebellion, the hero joins forces with the supposed "Dark lord".	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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 breath comes in ragged gasps. My sides heave. Wind roars around me, deafens me, and forces my air back down my throat. I claw my fingers deeper into the grooves of the metal fin.\n\nThis isn't how I wanted to die. \n\nIn seconds the ship will pass out of the upper reaches of the atmosphere, and I'll be incinerated. Alternatively, I could let go and fall nearly sixty thousand feet to my death on the planet's surface. Neither has quite the panache I'd imagined. Besides, I never got to finish the latest Krouss novel. Damn.\n\nWell, either way, if I can just finish tearing the shielding off the ventricular access node first, at least I will have succeeded in sabotaging the ship of the Dark Lord himself. Probably. If they don't have a twin backup system. Which they most likely do. Well, if I want to die believing that I took out the leader of the rebellion, then that's what I'll believe, damn it. I rip at the metal plating with my bare hands. \n\nJust as I'm succeeding in separating the thin sheets, I feel blackness tunneling in on the edges of my vision. Oh yes, oxygen deprivation - that's a third option. So many ways to die in these types of situations.\n\nI come to with a crash. Everything is hard and cold and silent. I'm lying on my back. I think I'm dead, so naturally I sit up. Nothing so promising. I am neither dead, nor falling, nor suffocating, nor incinerating. I am sitting on the floor in the docking bay of the Dark Lord's ship, surrounded by armed agents. \n\nAh, excellent. Now I face a different, but infinitely more unappealing demise - death by torture. I knew passing out on the wing of a ship didn't have enough flair.\n\n\"How did you catch me?\" I'm frankly impressed.\n\nNo one answers. They speak to one another in low tones, and then drag me to my feet. I'm escorted through cramped metallic corridors.\n\nAnd then I am led onto an observation deck and stationed before the Dark Lord himself. His appearance does not disappoint. He is tall and angular, his long limbs folded into a high backed seat on a raised platform, wearing a flowing black robe and a tactical belt. He fingers the hilt of his roshtan absently. His languid posture belies the burning sharpness in his eyes.\n\n\"Huh,\" I observe aloud. \"Wasn't expecting this today.\" Then I add, as an after thought, \"Or ever, really. You're a hard guy to get an audience with, you know? I thought that -\" \n\nAn agent slaps me across the mouth. I flinch. \"Or, I can be quiet. That works.\"\n\nThe Dark Lord has not shifted. He continues to peer at me with searing clarity. \n\nI hear scuttling footsteps, and a small man with very rigid posture appears at the Dark Lord's elbow and murmurs into his ear. Then the small man notices me, and his expression hardens. \"Well? And how's this one responding? Will he defect?\"\n\nThe Dark Lord arches one eyebrow lazily. His eyes have never left my face. \"Well? Do you think you'll defect?\"\n\n\"There is nothing,\" I snarl, \"nothing that you could tell me that would ever, ever sway me to your cause. You fight the Establishment at every turn. You obstruct justice and order. You plant lies and breed distrust of our revered leaders.\"\n\n\"Ah, yes. My crimes are many, I'm told. Do, carry on. It will feel good to get it off your chest.\" \n\nI intend to oblige him, but the small man twitches impatiently and begins to pace. \"Yes, yes, we've heard all this before. He's loyal to the death, he'll never be persuaded, nothing we could do to him would ever change his mind - my Lord, do we really have time for this? Why do we need this one?\"\n\nThe Dark Lord rises and moves slowly down the platform steps. He eyes me carefully, measuringly. \n\n\"Because this is Peter Triad. Aren't you?\"\n\nI am stunned to hear him refer to me by my code name - the classified title that grants me entry to every Establishment base in the sector.\n\n\"Have you been monitoring our communications?\" As I ask this, I consider how impossible a task this would be, given the quality of our encryption and the inconsistency of our transmissions, but it's the only possibility that presents itself.\n\nThe Dark Lord does not acknowledge my question. He continues calmly, \"You fought on Astere IV. During the Regicent Wars.\"\n\nMy skin prickles. That was some twenty years ago. Even my closest friends in the Establishment don't know about that epoch of my life. I'd prefer to forget it myself.\n\nHe continues, voice impassive. \"You shot a man. A man named Golen Astor.\" \n\nI shot many men, and I never knew any of their names, but nonetheless I understand instantly which one he's referring to. My stomach curdles. \n\nThe Dark Lord is staring straight into my eyes, into my soul. \"He asked you for water. He was a member of the opposition. He was already shot, thirsty, dying. No one else was around. You told him you'd give him water. But when he crawled over to you, you shot him.\"\n\nI flinch involuntarily. Even now, every fiber of my being recoils at the memory. I wish I could eject it from my soul the way you eject vomit from your body.\n\nThe Dark Lord says slowly, deliberately, as if he knows that each syllable is inflicting pain and he wants to draw it out, \"You looked into his eyes as you shot him. You shot him directly in the face. And to this day, the expression in his eyes haunts your dreams.\"\n\nI realize that I haven't been breathing, and draw a fractured gasp. \"How do you know this?\"\n\nHe nods curtly. He was expecting the question. \"The tracker. The tracker that's implanted . . . . Here.\" He touches the back of my neck lightly, at the base of my skull. \n\nHe glances at my face. \"Oh? You're surprised? Yes, of course you are. Because you don't know, do you. You couldn't know. You couldn't know that when you first joined the army of the Establishment, at your recruitment orientation physical, when you were only nineteen, you were briefly sedated and a micro chip was installed in your brain stem. A small chip, about the size of a pin head. Oh, there's a chip in every single one of you devoted, religious followers of the Establishment. A chip that records your location and your vision, and sends a continuous live stream to the reconnaissance headquarters at Epsalett.\" \n\nAs he speaks, he walks away from me and gestures to an agent. A second later, a large screen lights up with images that should belong only to me - first person images of my life, my memories, and my experiences, playing silently to a room full of masked, faceless agents and cold reflective floors.\n\n\"The feeds are constantly monitored by AI's and algorithms, and anything noteworthy is flagged and relayed to the human operators. We, as you can see, have developed technology to intercept the streams as they're transmitted to Epsalett. We can't get all of them, but we get enough.\" \n\nThe screen skips to the face of the man I killed on Astere IV. It freezes on his image. The Dark Lord regards it dispassionately. \"It's a brilliant scheme. It truly is. The Establishment promises all of you freedom, safety, and order - while monitoring you with the most invasive form of surveillance technology imaginable. So you can see, Peter Triad, why I am so committed to the destruction of the Establishment.\"\n\nHe turns and approaches me deliberately. \"At this very moment, Emporer Pauthret and First Attendant Nichok are likely watching the current feed from your tracker. I imagine that they're alerted whenever a tracker interacts with me.\" A dry chuckle. \"Send my love to Rosa, Nichok.\" \n\nHe taps his gloved finger lightly against his cheek. \"If you decline to join us, we'll terminate you. I'm sure you can understand why. However, we could use a man of your experience. If you'd like to defect, we'll gladly and promptly remove the tracker.\"\n\nAnd that was the day I joined the Dark Lord's forces.", "\"I told you and you laughed at me. That 'all-righteous' laugh,\" Melkinor said, scowling at me. \n\nI deserved it. The realm above knows I do but it was scathing coming from him. Almost accusatory. It was almost like he was jabbing his bony fingers into my chest and staring me down with hate. \n\nHis long frame remained draped across his throne as if he was lounging but I could see the bandages barely hidden by large robe he wore. His left arm was in a caste so the robe didn't quite fit him as well as he hoped. \n\n\"I told you that you're fighting for the wrong cause but you ran your sword through me instead and left me to bleed to my death. Perhaps I should do the same.\"\n\nHis minions surrounded me, misshapen creatures of flesh and bone. Grognoks, he called them. Not one looked the same. They held their swords up and chuckled with their long tongues rolling out of black, oily mouth. The stench of their rot reached me and I grimaced in response.\n\nThis would be around the time the old me would start fighting. Dancing deftly accordingly to the sword forms I'd learnt in the kingdom. Heads would roll, blood would be shed and I'd face down Melkinor for our final battle. \n\nExcept, that had already happened. A fortnight ago, under the Mithril caves when I went searching for my kidnapped companions. \n\nMelkinor and I had fought. The Dark wizard and the 'chosen' one, to free the cities from the corruption that was him. The fight had been dangerous and harrowing, with a lot of near misses that made me feel like I was shaving off the supposed long life I wanted to live. At a point, seeing through the night itself was beginning to feel like a myth. \n\nStill, I triumphed. At the eleventh hour, as he cast one of his dark spells, I was able to get in close enough to stab him with my sword. My blade sunk deep, all the way to the hilt before I removed it from him. \n\nBlood splattered on the floor and he fell to his knees in front of me. \n\n\"Take his head,\" my companion had said. Avelia. A battle-hardened elf that blamed the dwindling population of her people on Melkinor, the 'Twisted'. \n\n\"No need. We need to escape from the cave,\" had been my reply.\n\nHe was supposed to die in that cave. The world was supposed to have been saved by the 'chosen' one. And yet, here I was. In front of a barely functioning wizard, asking for his help. \n\nI sheathed my sword and held my hands high. \n\n\"I didn't come to fight,\" I said. \"I came to talk.\"\n\n\"And what would the chosen one like to talk about that hasn't already been said?\" Melkinor asked before breaking into a fit of coughs. \n\nBlood formed at the corners of his mouth as he dry-heaved in his throne. Glancing up at me, he spat the blood in his mouth before resting back on his throne. \n\n\"We need to stop the king,\" I said.\n\n\"I tried. You stabbed me,\" he said flashing his bloodied teeth. \n\n\"I was... blind, then.\"\n\n\"And now you see? What exactly have you seen, O great chosen one?\" he asked. \n\nThe question was mocking and he leaned towards me as if he was about to hear the best joke in Terra. \n\n\"The rebellion. It's not for the people, is it?\" I asked. \n\nMelkinor tilted his head left for a minutes, staring intently at me before tilting his head to his right. He performed the action a few more times before using the sleeve of his tattered robe to wipe his mouth. \n\n\"If you still have to ask... What exactly did you see?\" Melkinor asked in a quiet tone. \n\nI let my hand down even as the wizard waved his Grognoks away. Most of the badly formed creatures murmured to themselves as they hobbled away from him. They dropped their weapons to the side and I took a tentative step towards him. \n\nWith each step, they acted like I was about to lunge towards their leader. \n\n\"I saw what I wish I could unsee,\" I murmured the answer, unwilling to have to say it out loud. \n\n\"What did you see?\" Melkinor asked again, his eyes ablaze as if burning. \n\n\"Death. I saw.... Death.\"\n\n\\---\n\n/r/EvenAsIWrite for more stories." ]	3
	[WP] It’s the twenty-third century, extraterrestrial colonization has begun. On one of Jupiter’s moons (Europa), lives a submarine captain tasked with delivering a medical shipment to a nearby outpost. Halfway through the journey, he hears something clawing on the hull.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "A Little Foreword, I wrote this story at one in the morning, so it isn’t that good, read at your own risk! \n\nHello?” Called the captain on the ship’s dusty radio. “This Is Captain Iosef of The Oracle 5, Do you read me Atlantis?” \nHe sat patiently in his Uncomfortable metal chair, waiting for a reply from the Atlantis Station. \n\n“This Is The Atlantis Communication Hub, And We hear you loud and clear Oracle 5,” A Muffled, Female voice responded. \n\n“I’m Being Sent from The Revelation Base to Deliver medical supplies to the Hospital at Atlantis, I hear there was in accident in the industrial wing,” Replied Iosef, hoping he would get authorization to pass. \n\n“Request for authorization processed and acknowledged. The Oracle 5 has been granted level Ganymede Clearance,” replied the voice. \n\n\nIosef set his mind back to the controls, gently piloting his Ship through the endless sea of deep, dark water. \n\nHe had never seen the sun. \nOf course, he didn’t exactly know what he was missing out on. \nEver since Europa was colonized years ago, humans had constructed entire cities and civilization led under the ice, without the help of the sun. \n\nHe was alone in his ship. \nHe was being sent from the Revelation Base, (His Home City) to the Atlantis Station, The Largest City Under The Ice. \n\nHe Thought Quietly to Himself, gazing out from his 5 foot thick glass window into the dark waters. \nyou know, I honestly wouldn’t mind being out here forever \nThe Almost Pitch Black water swirled around his Ship endlessly, a vast expanse of void. \n\nDistantly, he could hear a strange thumping noise, but he paid no attention. \nThe Thumping Noise, which started in the back of the ship, seemed to slowly get closer and closer. Iosef, now hyper-aware of his surroundings, jumps up out of his chair and looks around the room. \n\nHe Was in The Devil’s Ocean, an expanse of water that was notorious for the number of ships that had gone missing there. Now Iosef wasn’t a superstitious man, but he had heard the stories of the Sirens, creatures in the shape of women that could drag entire ships down into the ocean. \n\nWhen He looked around the room, he could see nothing but the boxes of food he had for the ride, and the thin sleeping bag on the floor. \n\nThe Thumping became quieter and quieter, until it just seemed to disappear altogether. \n\nCautiously, Iosef Sat back down in his chair, and set his mind back on the controls. \n\nHe was almost at the Atlantis Station. \nIf I can make it to Atlantis, I can get this old ship figured out, she is nearly 40 years old, He thought to himself. \n\nAll of a sudden, he felt a Jolt, and Several Sirens on his Ship Activated. \n\nwarning blared an automatic message from the computer. \n\nhull breach detected, possible piracy or collision, please proceed with caution \n\nThe Ship had About 80 Different Sections. If a part of the outer wall was breached, the section would seal itself off from the rest of the ship, and fill with water, therefore preventing the crew from drowning. \n\nThe Section that had been breached was about midway down the ship, and contained Berthing Decks and Infirmaries, abandoned for decades. \n\nIosef grabbed the nearest gun he had, and opened the door from the cabin that led to the central walkway. \n\nHe slowly made his way through the central walkway and near the door to the section that had broke. \n\nAs He approached the door, the gun in his hand shook vigorously, as several waves of dread and terror were starting to travel through him. \n\nHe Walked up to the old, heavy wrought iron door, and, since it had no window, gently knocked three times. \n\nFor almost a full minute, he sat and waited for a response, hearing nothing bu the swishing of water on the other side.\n\nHe then heard a sound that sent chills down his spine. Three Rapid Knocks, Three Slow Knocks, Three Rapid Knocks. \n\nHe Desperately thought back to his years of learning ship codes. Three Rapid, Three Slow, Three Rapid. S-O-S. \nThere was someone on the other side of that door. Something. And whatever it was, it most likely wasn’t human. \n\nHe heard a succession of Rapid Bangs on the door, and he got up and sprinted back up the walkway. He reached the door of his Cabin, and looked back down the hallway. Something was wrong now. He could hear the creaking and snapping of what sounded like the Iron beams that held the ship together. Whatever this thing was, it was strong. As he closed the door to his Cabin, the could see the door to the breached section break loose, and he could see the water pouring through the door into the hall. \n\n He frantically deadlocked his cabin door, and sent out a distress call to Atlantis.\n\nHe was only about a mile away, he couldn’t die now, he still needed to bring the supplies to Atlantis. \n\nExhausted, he lay back in his chair. \n\nHe then felt a breath behind his neck, and heard the last words he ever would. \n\n“This, This is the One”\n\nThis Story is Garbage, I told you." ]	2
	[WP] Space is your home, your heart belonging to no planet or quadrant or galaxy.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "\"Seriously you should come down. Its been ages since you touched down Sala.\" Captain Xen said to me. He looked concerned and despite our many years together he still didnt want to accept what i was.\n\nI did not want to explain myself again and again to people who just would not understand i smiled and said \"Xen, you go ahead. I still have a lot of work to do. You know Tank B has a Phage infestation. Its the perfect opportunity to fix it since i can take the entire system offline and sterilize it.\" to him.\n\nHe shook his head and scratched his head and after a few seconds he looked at me \"You always have your excuses Sala. But as always they are very good ones. If you can Fix Tank B it would give me more flexibility.\"\n\nI smiled and clapped my hands happily, having avoided leaving my home. \"So its decided! Captain, i will take good care of her.\"\n\nHe got up from his Chair and floated towards the docked shuttle. As he was gliding through the Bulkhead he looked back and shouted \"I know you will. But Lunar Mission Command has already scheduled an Expert to come over. But then again 4 Hands are better then 2. Bon voyage\"\n\nA was alone in the ship now and gave myself the smallest of pushes and let the momentum carry me towards a window and looked upon the Lunar Surface that every crew member except me called their Home. It was quiet now, the familiar sounds permeating through the ship at all times where gone now and i started my work.\n\n\"Ship, put on some Organic Classical Music.\" I said as i was cramped and surrounded by the Tubes and Wires that lead into the distribution unit of the Algae Bio-Reactors.\n\n\"Generating Playlist of Non AI Generated Terran Artist. Starting Track 1 'Whats the Difference by Dr. Dre' now.\" the system answered and the ship was filled with the sound of Music.\n\nI purged all Tanks opened them up, floated in and with a spray bottle of Bleach started scrubbing in the Rhythm to the Ancient music, i didnt really like the music generated by machines. Cleaning it would take several hours and it didnt actually feel like work since i had a lot of time to do it at my own pace.\n\nTap Tap Tap\n\n\"OI!\" someone shouted and startled me. I twisted around and saw some Young Women in a gray Lab coat that floated freely behind her. Clearly a person not used to Zero G or she would have left the Coat at Home.\n\n\"Ship, Turn off Music\" and the loud Music stopped.\n\n\"Thank you, i appreciate some classic Gangsta Rap as the next person but lets get this done so we can both go home. I hate space.\" She said and i gave her my thumps up and wrangled myself out of the tank.\n\nI stank of Bleach and sweat and we floated into the mess hall to get a bite to eat and to discuss why she was here. \"My Name is Sala Limonassa i am the First Environmental Engineer here on the Horizon. You can call me Sala, what can i do for you?\" I introduced myself to her.\n\nShe awkwardly strapped herself into one of the straps on the ground smiled and said \"Nice to meet you Sala. I am Yora Kassai from the Apollo City Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology. I was told you have a little Phage problem.\" she said and padded a suitcase she brought with her.\n\nI smiled to her \"Oh right! I didn't expect you for a few Days if i have to be honest.\" as i was drinking some Water.\n\n\"Well, i thought 'lets get this over with'. I was told that the Captain left someone behind and your ship is to depart in a week again. Not scheduled to come back for over 2 years.\" she said casually.\n\nI smiled to her \"Thanks for you concern, but in all honesty i don't plan on coming down. Space is my home. Down there i feel weird.\" i said to her.\n\nShe raised an eyebrow and said \"You where Born in Space aren't you?\"\n\nShe deducted correctly and i answered her \"Indeed. Im 25 now and spend combined less then 9 Months on Regolith. It just feels weird to me. Being under the Influence of constant acceleration just weird's me out. Things don't behave as they should and i stumble around like a clueless fool. Lets go?\"\n\n\"Yeah lets get started.\" she said and we went on our way to Environmental Controls. She set up her various portable devices, several of which where brand new models. Considerably better then what we had on the ship. As she assembled what looked like a nucleotide printer she said to me \"You know, i don't actually hate space or Zero G. I just hate Spaceships. Its loud, smelly and oh god so crammed. And if you think that Lunar Gravity is Bad. Girl let me tell you about Martian or Terran Gravity. It Bogus!\"\n\nI laughed \"as if you know how Terran Gravity feels\"\n\n\"I am 143 Years old my Dear. I know!\" she said and i could feel the embarrassment creeping into my stomach region.\n\n\"Im sorry, you don't look like one of those People.\" i apologized.\n\n\" 'Those people?' What the fuck is that supposed to mean?\" she said and i could feel myself digging myself deeper into a big greasy pudding of embarrassment.\n\n\"I mean, you know you many Immortals look like. Cold, soulless and always give the Normal people the feeling they are better then them. I mean not all, you clearly are one of the good ones!\" I said to her and hoped this would be it.\n\nAfter a few seconds she cocked her head and i could see anger brewing inside of her. \"People just don't fucking change do they? 'One of the Good ones.' You are a fucking racist spacer. 'Ohh look at me, im sitting in a Tin Can all my life like A FUCKING NERD'. You know what, screw this. I thought i would do you a favor here and came as soon as i heard someone is stranded. Bye!\"\n\nShe angrily dissembled the Printer and slammed the individual pieces back into her Suitcase. I fucked up, she would run her mouth and that would come back to hurt me later. So i held her by her shoulders and looked into her Blue eyes and tried to explain myself. \"Yora, Please. How can racism exist if there are no more races? I mean being Immortal is a choice its not a Race. How can this be racist?\" she looked back at me removed my hands from her shoulders. She gave me some serious side-eye and continued packing.\n\nI continued \"And i mean its just a Fact that Immortals are different. Its your Biology. Its fundamentally different. You have those computers, machines in your cells and you like think differently how can you not? You have literally our leader AI listening to every one of your thoughts, you must admit its creepy. People like you all hold positions of Power. Professors, Admirals, Administrators. All Immortals. That's just a fact! Come on im sorry.\"\n\n\"Girl, you don't even realize how fucking dumb you are do ya?\" she said and slipped back into a thick Terran accent. \"Yeah look at me, holding a position of power as a fucking Lab Rat. Bitch please, 35% of the Entire Population are Immortal. You captain is one and i think several others are too. You tell them the same shit? Girl, sentiments such as yours are the reason why Earth is a lifeless autoclave now.\" She said and clicked her suitcase shut and went on her way.\n\n\"Please don't tell the captain!\" i shouted back to her and before she vanished through the Bulkhead she held herself on it and stopped and looked back at me.\n\n\"Ok, i am now ordered to help you. So here is the deal. You shut up and lets get this over with.\" she looked pissed and ready to snap at any moment. Then suddenly she visibly calmed down and smiled. The Ai must have changed her brain chemistry, purging away the anger she felt and drugged her up. I gave her way. It genuinely freaked me out whenever something like that happened to those people. How are they still Human? They don't have even have free will anymore. Weak people who are afraid to die trading their humanity and enslave themselves to a inhuman machine. And she thought i was the weird one. That women was completely delusional.\n\nA few hours passed and whatever bliss the Machine induced in her faded away after a while. I was finished with Tank A and started now at Tank B. She floated to me and said. \"Got it. You have some big problem Mrs. Limonassa. Come out and Listen up\" She said.\n\nI again squeezed myself through the mess of tubing and wires and a few moments later i came out and floated above her.\n\n\\[Char Limit Reached, Finished in Reply\\]", "\\[Poem\\]\n\nCapsuleer, immortal! And eternally unbound! \nDevoid of any shackles that would chain me to the ground.\n\nI need not a home and garden 'neath a pleasant atmosphere, \nNor a stunning rise and set of fiery sun, \nWhen I have my assets safely in a hangar close to here - \nJust two gate-jumps to my station full of Fun.\n\nShall I undock in a frigate, and go spy, explore, or mine? \nShall I choose a mighty battleship instead? \nWell, it matters not which chariot - for they all, in dying, shine \nAnd I'll pilot them 'til I myself am dead.\n\nBut whenever I achieve that state, in glory or in shame, \nIt is merely temporarily a rest; \nFor my consciousness is transferred to a clone that bears my name, \nAnd I'll soon put that new body to the test.\n\nThere was never aught that tempted me to settle from this life, \nFrom itinerant and never-ending war; \nIf there's fighting to be had, then yes! I gladly choose the strife! \nAnd my heart cries after battle: GIVE ME MORE!\n\nIf the walls of space came down one day, and new horizons showed, \nIf a brand-new stage revealed itself to me, \nI would spread the fires of conflict, and fill every starlit road \nWith the wreckage wrought by loss and victory!\n\nYou may call me monster, villain; but I cannot hear the speech \nOf someone who cowers, huddled planetside; \nCome and face me - come and know me! Learn the lessons I can teach; \nI can be both enemy and trusted guide...\n\nFor I am CAPSULEER, IMMORTAL! And eternally unbound! \nDevoid of any shackles that would chain me to the ground.\n\no7", "I try to cover my eyes but it's too late, I'm already awake. The ship must've spun around on its own. Ah well, I can take it to the repair shop soon enough.\n\nI look around and can see that despite how early it is, most of the ships that were previously docked with me have landed to start mining. I sit for a while and bask in the green glow emitted by our precious nectar: tremaun. The whole galaxy, human or not, sentient or not is crazy for this stuff. So crazy that even the one man operations like mine can support a family back home. \n\nI stare at the picture while I brush my teeth. I miss him, and I miss my kids. Its only been a few days but I don't know when I'll get to see them again. I'm definitely out here until this planet is barren, and if another planet this mineral rich is found I certainly won't be home anytime soon.\n\nwell, \"home\". Space is my home now. I'm bound wherever it takes me. Wherever tremaun is, like a migrating bird. Part of me wants to stay with him but I'll get restless, we'll fight... it's better this way I guess. \n\nThe idea at the start was so idyllic. I thought I'd be a cowboy, living off the land and my labor, not letting anyone tell me what to do. In a way I it is like that. I do what I want when I want, but it's such husk of that original idea.\n\nI get ready and pull my ship into orbit. I arm the drills and start to harvest the tremaun. Is this what freedom really is?", "This emptiness.\n\nIts endless. It’s all I see; it’s all I consume.\nThe days, floating endlessly, blending into an opaque horizon; onto which I lay my thoughts, and my spirit.\n\nI don’t know how long I’ve been here. Time becomes a blur when time becomes irrelevant. But I do notice that I am growing old. That I am growing weak. I’ve survived a very long time out here - so long in fact.. I don’t know if I could go back. To feel solid ground again would be foreign. Unfamiliar, and distant. Farther away is that thought, that I could go back - than I am currently from any rocky atoll of a planet. So I stick with what’s comfortable. With what I know.\n\nThis emptiness.\n\nI float on, into the oblivion of the unknown.", "Not all those who wander are lost, that's how the quote went right? People always found it strange when I mentioned I belonged to no planet or home, Even among aliens, a home was considered an important place, how could one truly feel safe without one? I guess I could see how it might be strange to people, how my laidback attitude could get on one's nerves, but I never meant any harm by it, I just really didn't feel comfortable being in a place as claustrophobic of a planet. \n\nSpace was freeing, the fact that I could pick up my little tin can of a ship and fly to another sector was exciting, it was just like how some of my ancestors had decided to live on houseboats, There was just something so freeing about not being tied down. Sure there were annoyances, like when the company that shipped my food would get attacked by space pirates, meaning I had to spend another week or two floating around aimlessly waiting for more food or make the journey to the nearest planet. But those annoyances were worth it for the freedom I felt. \n\nEven when I inevitably had to land, I always found myself gazing back at the stars, remembering how much brighter they seemed to shine from the window of my ship, most importantly, I wasn't under the control of the galactic council, I was free to live however I wanted to. I had witnessed many sectors fall due to the poor leadership of the council, so this was the easiest way to avoid being a statistic. If there was trouble on the planet I was circling, I would simply fly off and find a new sector to float in, sure it meant having to change my co-ordinates and organising a new food supplier, but that was a small price to pay for freedom.", "Am I God?\n\nI don't remember a time before this. Have I always exist? I have no body. Does that make me a spirit? All I see are stars, moving so slightly that I'm not sure I haven't just convinced myself I am moving. But I don't think they've always been here. I think there was just blackness at some point -before the stars. Right? Did I put the stars there? How long have they been there?\n\n\nAm I God? And if I was, why would I have forgotten?\n\n\nThere's a humming around me. I can't hear it or feel it. Is it because I don't have a body? Or did I make it up? I can't see anything either. Were there stars here? Did you take them away?\n\n\nAre you God?" ]	7
	[WP] You are an inverse exorcist. You help demons posses specific people here on earth. Your last job request is not from a demon but from a human. Your priest brother.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n[](#icon-help) [^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic) ^•\n[](#icon-information) [^(New Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) ^•\n[](#icon-help) [^(Writing Help?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) ^•\n[](#icon-exclamation) [^(Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) ^•\n[](#icon-comments) [^(Discord Chatroom)](https://discord.gg/js5XDFB)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "There’s only a second to catch my breath before the hammer makes contact with my knee. Damn, there goes the good one. I lose my balance and hands grab me on both sides, dragging me into the middle of the summoning circle. The next impact hits my hand, landing with a clear crack. Abel may have answered God’s call to the sanctimonious vocation, but if you ask me, he missed his true calling. The man’s dedication to his cover is Oscar worthy. \n\n“Leave us” Abel says to the two demons in the room with us. There’s an authority laced in his voice. A threat to anyone who disobeys. The door closes behind them, and gone is the intimidating persona he put on. I extend a leg to kick him down. On his way down, the hammer flies up and back down, hitting him in the ribs. “Ooooooo fuck” he says as he recoils in the fetal position. Serves him right. \n\n“Brother! Such language in a place of worship?” I tsk.\n\n“A night church isn’t exactly isn’t my denomination. God will just have to forgive me”, he replies smiling up at the ceiling. My brother always seems more at home in the middle of chaos than in the middle of mass. One of the few agents of the church who go into the field to acquire more information of the dangerous demons. The kind that threatens to tip the scales of good and evil in this world. We are similar in that way. He keeps the control on one side, and I take the other, less glamorous side. Together we make sure that the balance remains. Infiltrating this church is his latest mission.\n\n“How’s the knee?” he asks. \n\nI place a hand on either side on my leg to stabilize it and raise my leg until my knee clicks in place. “Healed in 10 minutes. That's a new record”. \n\nBeing a daemonium complector has it’s benefits. Summoning demons would kill any normal human due to its demands on the body and spirit. It would be a shit job if there were no healing benefits. \n\n“Healed in five. You’re getting old”. Abel laughs, tapping his ribs. He turned towards me with a serious expression, “They need me to summon a wendigo spirit. It’s a test of loyalty. The only way I can get an audience with their leader”. \n\nA wendigo spirit, not the most difficult but would require some serious effort. Think of summoning as a transition. The greater demons require greater amounts of pain to summon, and a wendigo will take more than a broken knee. \n\n“Alright then, light the flames” I sigh as I align at the center of the circle.\n\nThe price of balance.", "\nHe grew up with a bible in his backpack and a cross dangling from his neck. Conversations of angels and demons dominated the household every time a choice needed to be made. But to him, choices came easy. His secret? Never give each side much thought. \n\nBut this day was different.\n\nThey sat in almost total darkness, the only light coming from the lantern on the broken table. Patrick held on to a glass full of whiskey, seemingly afraid of letting go. Every time he raised the glass to his lips, the liquid vibrated, sending ripples across the surface. The twitch in his eye told Solomon everything he needed to know about this night would turn out. \n\n\"Is it Abigail?\" Salomon asked, his lips still moist from the small sip of his whiskey. \"Has she taken a turn for the worse?\"\n\nThough the Woods were a known family in town, they were known for having secrets. Abigail's sickness was their biggest one.\n\n\"What have you heard?\" His eyes widened. Reverend Woods had prayed on the girl daily, words of God's healing echoing against walls. Every night, murmurs of salvation piercing the nightly silence. \n\n\"No one knows anything. The town whispers, but they think she's pregnant.\"\n\nA nervous chuckled escaped his lips. \"She's not going to make it.\"\n\nSolomon paused, his thumb tapping against the side of his glass. He knew where this was going. \n\n\"Why am I here? I'm not a doctor.\"\n\nThat was when their eyes met. Two magnets refusing to let go. \n\n\"You know why you're here Solomon.\" \n\nSolomon sipped his drink; bottom of his glass in the air, almost every drop of liquor burning up his throat. \"Patrick, are you sure about this?\"\n\nSilence. \n\nHe shook his head. Patrick didn't need to answer. \"And the Reverend? He's okay with this?\" \n\n\"We can't lose her. I can't lose her.\"\n\n\"Patrick, she's sick. It's her time.\" \n\nPatrick stood from his chair. He began pacing, every thought racing through his head, not quite sure which one to focus on, which one to share with Solomon. \n\n\"Did I ever tell you the story of how we met?\"\n\nSolomon shook his head. \n\n\"Not a long story. Not particularly romantic, either. But you know I'm not a man of many words.\" Before tonight's exchange, that statement was true. \"She was at the market, a basket full of bread and greens. . 'It's for my family,' she says to me. 'That's too bad,' I tell her.\" \n\nPatrick stopped pacing, his hand falling on the back of the chair, his eyes still staring down at the floor. A smile began to appear, one full of nostalgia. He seemed lighter now, stuck in a memory he didn't quite want to lose. \"You see, I thought she had a husband, kids, the whole thing. She was a small thing, beautiful as ever. She wore a fine dress. I knew it was her favorite because she wore it every time she went into town. And I kid you not, I swear she glowed every time she smiled.\"\n\n\"So, what did you tell her?\" Solomon asked, a single sip left in his glass. He swirled it around, trying to imagine what tonight's outcome would be; what the reverend would say once he found Abigail with renewed spirits, a sickness gone, and a brand new disposition. Part of this felt wrong. Hell, everything about this felt wrong. But he had a job to do. \n\n\"Well, she told me she didn't have a husband, it was for her father. A man she clearly was not fond of. Her mother had died. She was all he had and he didn't appreciate her. So I says to her: 'I'm going to marry you one day.' And that's exactly what I did. It was the best damn decision I ever made.\" He paused. The smile faded in the way smiles do when you come to a certain kind of realization. His eyes began to fill to the brim with tears. His tone had lowered, and his movements became more deliberate. With his index finger, he followed the lines small along the wood, making circles as he relived the memory of their entire marriage. \n\nThere was another beat. Patrick pulled the chair back, dropped himself down, and folded his hands on the table. Their eyes met again. \"What have you got available?\"\n\n\"They're not pretty, Patrick. These things, they don't know lov--\"\n\n\"Spare me. I don't want to hear that. My estate is paying you. I just need you to get it done.\"\n\nThe paper unfolded on the table with ease. It was the size of a photograph. It was small. Worn. Written in a delicate font were three names. By the end of the hour, one of them will be called upon, ripping through the fabric of reality and inhabit the sickly body of the sickly woman.", "Last night, I'm sweeping up the embers after infecting Tanaka with demon spawn when I hear a knock at the door. It's my brother Patrick, who I haven't heard from in months. The first thing he tells me is that he needs someone possessed.\n\nSo I start laying into him for the irony of a priest looking to get someone possessed. But he isn't having it. Now Pat isn't exactly a chill guy, so I worry when he says he's got a problem and doesn't say much more than that. It's like that time our pal Tim caught Pat fucking Tim's fiance the night before his ordination.\n\nAnyway, I invite him in to talk and just as we reach the kitchen, Tanaka spills past me to get to the front door. Now demon skin is well fermented to start, so Tanaka's spawn was trying to keep from getting the walls all sticky. Real considerate fella. But he bumps into Pat who, of course, had just given mass, so Tanaka explodes all over the place. Now we're just caked in under this freezing cold custard of fingernails and chunky yogurt, and I say, \"you realize that that was a job for Akuma, right?\" \n\nYou know how hard it is to get tears from twin albino Congolese dwarves? I already spent the deposit! But he didn't even move: Pat grabs a tea towel, wipes his eyes, sits down and asks for wine. I pour out a couple of glasses, and of course he blesses them. \"For mom,\" he says. At this point, I'm getting annoyed. He destroys my demon, makes a mess in my kitchen, and ruins my wine. I just ask: \"why do you need someone possessed?\"\n\nHe says, \"Damon, I'm fucked. Bishop O'Brian was feuding with Bishop Martinez, soon to be Cardinal Martinez, over how many parishioners they're losing. O'Brian accuses Martinez from having it easy with the Latino community to keep his numbers high. But Martinez claps back at O'Brian about his declining divinity, having been passed over for Cardinal. Well, O'Brian's pretty sore about losing to Martinez, so being an old school Mick, clocks him real good and kills him right there in the cathedral. And guess who's the unlucky curate cleaning up in the background when this happens? Me!\"\n\nOK, I'm listening to this whole thing and I see where this is going, right? And I say \"O'Brian wants you to cover this up right?\"\n\nPat goes, \"not only that, as runner up, he'll be Cardinal with Martinez out of the way.\" Pat points to himself and says, \"O'Brian says he's going to put me up for Bishop after he goes to Rome! So all we need to do is put a some a low level demon spawn in Martinez, and have him walk off a bridge or something, and just like that, I'm a bishop. It's a huge pay raise! So, can you do it?\" \n\nOf course I can, and he's my brother right, so I say yes. But I tell him that a bridge won't do it. You'll need to exorcise him to remove the demon after the staged death. You can't kill his body twice because the possession won't allow it. \n\nSo I grab my things and drive over to the cathedral. There's Martinez lying in the nave, still warm from O'Brian's knock out. I make it over to the body, splash goats blood into his eyes, trace out a Sigil of Baphomet in pig shit and start my incantations. Bang, just like that we've got a zombie Bishop ready to walk off the Zakim Bridge and out of our lives forever. \n\nWe get zombie Bishop to his feet and start walking towards the doors, when we see some late night parishioners pull up to the front. So Pat pulls us toward the altar to go around the back, but just as we make it up the first steps, zombie Martinez trips into the base of the tabernacle and explodes. And we're just standing there, robed in screaming hot jelly studded with reptile scales. And before we know it, Bishop O'Brian comes out of the back to accept the parishioners. \n\nFuck my life.\n\n\\-end of part 1-", "My manager assigns me another request, warning me that this particular one is rather unique. \"It's a human request. Nobody can get this one quite right. I thought you might be interested.\" I look down at the file. Stephen Navarro. My boss and I exchange a knowing look.\n\nMy brother is not my biggest fan these days. Understandably so, as my proficiency has wreaked havoc in our town, causing the people to lose faith in his ability. Time after time, he has failed to exorcise the demons that I have skilfully assigned to compatible hosts. The once-revered priest is now a scapegoat for society's hasty collapse.\n\nI knew he was desperate, but bribing the enemy for an easy win? It must be worse than I thought down there. Offering double our going rate is a bold move, but we rarely turn down the chance for a profit. \n\nI smile at my boss, \"I got this, don't worry\". He nods at me, satisfied, and goes to answer his next call.\n\nNow, I thought about giving him the offer he wanted, I really did. He is family, after all, and what harm would one poorly-assigned demon quickly exorcised by a small-town priest really do to my reputation after all my previous successes? I doubt anyone would think twice about one subpar job. But Stephen and I are not on the best terms. We have differing views on right and wrong. Morally, I'm just not sure I can bring myself to humiliate a demon like this.\n\nIt seems my manager has given me an opportunity for revenge. A while ago I ran the numbers and found the perfect host to match our most powerful demon. I've been holding out for a good time. I thought it would be more rewarding if I let the town suffer and panic a little first.\n\nSorry, Stephen, for what I'm about to do to you." ]	5
	[WP] After the zombie apocalypse broke out, you got bitten and infected pretty quickly. Bizarrely, while you aren't immune you are somehow still in full control of your actions even after succumbing, unlike the other zombies.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", "BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BE-smack\n\nYou roll onto your back and sigh, contemplating whether to sleep in a few more minutes or face the day. You choose to sleep in, but, as usual, overdo it. As you push the covers off yourself, and swing your legs over the edge of the bed, your pinky toe goes flying off your left foot. “Dammit, that just had to happen today, didn’t it.” You pick it up and place it in an empty water glass on your nightstand. “I’ll get to that later...”, you think to yourself.\n\nYou walk out to your scratched up and dented car in the driveway while still buttoning your shirt, plop yourself into the driver’s seat, and sigh again as your key goes into the ignition. You begin to think that even though the world has changed so much in the last 6 months, it still seems so familiar. Maybe being a zombie isn’t so bad. You back out of your driveway with newfound optimism, and begin your commute to work.\n\nYou merge onto the freeway, only to have the car next to you speed up to prevent you from being in front of them. They were so preoccupied with wanting to be in front of you that they hit the person in front of them, and as they come to a complete stop, you are now stuck behind them, waiting for a gap in traffic to move around them. Cars are speeding around you and sideswiping one another. Everyone is honking. The two in front of you get out of their cars and start fighting each other. One pulls the arm off the other and starts beating them with it. You finally see your chance, and swerve out into traffic, adding another scratch to your front left panel.\n\nYou walk into the office and get a few stares as you realize you’re quite late today. You internally shrug and think, “What’re they gonna do, fire me? It’s slim pickings these days. Not everyone who was turned is still able to be as coherent and controlled as I am. I should be ok.” You turn on your computer and let it warm up as you make your way into the break room. There’s no more coffee. AGAIN. There’s slime on the coffee pot handle. “Dammit, ELAINE. She’s always finishing the coffee and never making more.” You mumble under your breath. Elaine walks by and smiles with her coffee in her hand. A tooth falls out and into the cup. You smile and let out a small “Hmpf” as she grimaces and speeds off to her cubicle.\n\nThe rest of the day is normal. Well, as normal as it is now. Your boss continues to stare at their computer screen with a long dribble of drool puddling on the desk. The coworker across from your cubicle continues to look at explicit sites of brains being massaged, and still assumes no one knows. For once, his nasty work habits are helpful, as this reminds you that your freezer is empty at home and you need to go grocery shopping.\n\nThe office slowly empties, and you wait for your boss to leave before heading out. You at least manage to not gain a new dent or scratch on your way to the store. You look for a parking spot and patiently wait as someone pulls out, only for someone else to take the spot from you. You eventually park, and go to grab your reusable bags, only to remember you left them on the counter at home from the last time you went shopping. You grab a basket thinking that maybe this will help in only buying enough to carry, as spending money on a thin paper bag isn’t worth it.\n\nYou peruse the freezer aisle, and find your favorite Organic Black Pepper and Garlic Brains. You grab a few bags, and head over to the canned goods aisle. You take the last few cans of Spicy Chili Brains, and decide that’s enough for the next few days. You find the shortest line and go to check out. The man in line is yelling at the cashier about not accepting his expired coupons, and as he’s yelling his tongue falls out. You decide to pack up your things and stand in the longer line for self checkout.\n\nAfter what feels like the longest day, you’re home, sauteeing those Black Pepper and Garlic Brains. You finish eating and binge a few episodes of The Office. Again, you think that maybe things aren’t so different now than they were then. You walk into your bedroom after brushing your teeth, feeling lucky that none fell out this time, only to make eye contact with your severed toe still on the nightstand. You turn off the lights, lay down in bed, pull up the covers, and stare at the toe, which is being beautifully illuminated by your alarm clock, and slowly drift off to sleep.", "I wrote an entire freaking plot abt this except the sentient zombie is the antagonist. :/\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI glanced around, confused. Hadn't it just been night time? The fever had pulled me into unconsciousness not a few minutes prior. My confused gaze landed on my partner's, and I saw a gun pointed at my head. The hand was shaking, and I couldn't speak in shock. What was she doing? I trusted her! I- I hadn't turned yet, I was still alive!\n\n\"Sorry, David,\" She muttered after a while, shaking hand putting down the gun. I relaxed, listening to her apology, \"You told me to kill you the moment I saw your glowing eyes, but... I can't, you know?\"\n\nMy heartbeat must've been racing, for I could hear it's every pulse. My heart wasn't pounding, I realized. Whose heart... Mine should have been racing, my best friend had just been pointing a gun at me, what was going on? After a moment of silence, I just observed her. We had only known each other for a year and a half, now, but it felt like so much longer.\n\n\"With your glowing eyes,\" She muttered, moving forwards fearlessly. I slowly realized what had happened as the heartbeat got louder. It was her heart that was pounding. I could hear her heartbeat. What was going on? \"And your healed skin... I... I know you asked me to kill you, but I just can't.\"\n\nDespite her moving in what seemed to be slow motion, I couldn't react, or even speak, until she was long gone, having run off.\n\n\"But... I'm still here...\" I said quietly, knowing that if I were still alive I'd have tears running down my face and a heartbeat that would probably give me a heart attack in my old age.\n\nI was a zombie.\n\nOh, god, I was a zombie.\n\n... And I was so hungry.\n\nI slowly stood up, seeing my glowing purple eyes in the reflection of a window. I could still hear her heartbeat. My legs carried me forwards, my speed faster than it had ever been before.\n\nI'd catch up to her soon.", "I'm shuffling in a crowd, sick, in the grip of something bad. Like birds flocking how humans do, regardless how spiritually empty and disordered they might think themselves to be like theirs, and bewares, my actions are determined by the context.\n\nI am thinking about something real hard. I believe the others are, or were, too. We are on an open street, the lot of us, suffering a pandemic, viral, shuffling shoes, feet, shuffling.\n\nThe closest experience I've had to this was in 2008. Obama had won. It was the most patriotic I had ever felt, running through the city with my countrymen.\n\nWe were singing the national anthem. I was young then, still fresh, encased in impossibly fresh skin as history had saturated with euphoria. My loud, untrained voice, I remember, was like a gleaming, green pepper.\n\nThere was a McCain sign in the window, our vanquished foe, above us in the apartment block where there might we have been seen like ants to the figure taking the silly sign down. \n\nTo give up the finger to our hearty laughs, the freshly cool, autumnal night!\n\nBut now, it appears I cannot lift my head without risking a tear to the neck. \n\nIt is okay. There is great joy in the crowd, a preposterous, ravenous comfort. And it was spring, and it was warming, and our rags were enough, and we were hungry.\n\nAnd I marveled at the beauty of life. It was fantastic to put one awkward step in front of the other, with the erotic moan in a collective intelligence, the relentless progression of time.\n\nOne would think as one wonders -- as the crowd .. where does the note originate? Where does the thought? How much control must we have, interrupted by gunfire?\n\nWhen I sing, from where did the agency arrive? \n\nWho among us would answer that what made us note to easily grapple like the stalk to the sky?", "#Tom and Benny\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"What are you doing? Shoot him before he turns!\" That was the first thing I heard in the darkness. Frank was always a dick.\n\n\"No! Not until he turns! That's our rule and you know it!\" At least Benny's sane, the best of the bunch and my greatest friend.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDarkness...\n\nNothing...\n\n\"Errr, isn't it supposed to happen by now?\" Another quip Frank, but for once he's right about something. Hunger. No, wait... Thirst? I didn't read that one in the zombie to be pamphlet. I tried letting a sound out, anything to figure out what's happening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Warrrth\"\n\n\"Oh shit, it's alive! Kill it already!\"\n\nI hear the gun shaking in Benny's hand now.\n\n\"Waaarter\"\n\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Did... Did he just ask for water?\"\n\nMy eyes slowly opened, acclimating to the light.\n\n\"Water, Benny. Please.\" My eyes fully open now, exposed to the light with a searing brightness. I sat up.\n\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Errrrrrr, Tommy? Buddy?\" Benny said with the rifle still point at me.\n\n\"What? I guess I haven't turned ye-\" I caught my reflection in the glass of the window next to me.\n\nMy eyes were like theirs. Clouded a murky white. My veins visible and darkened. Yup. Not a good look for little old Tommy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Brains?\" I laughed nervously, forgetting I'm still on the bad end of a rifle.\n\n\"Tommy, what the fuck is this?\" Benny shouted at me, which was a first for Billy, I don't think I'd heard him swear this whole apocalypse until now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Now. I know this looks bad, but I don't want to eat you, alright?\" I had to repeat that last bit a couple of times pleading with Benny to put the rifle down.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"I guess I'm fin-\"\n\nBANG\n\nFrank was pointing his smoking pistol at me with a crazy look on his face, his eyes disturbed and wide, the kind of look a man would get staring at his girl caught with three men and horse.\n\n\"Arrrgh! You fucking shot me!\" I screamed back at him not realizing the total lack of pain where there should be.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe readied his aim towards my head when Benny charged him down and pinned him to the floor, discharging another shot off into the window where I had previously looked upon my new beautiful makeover.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou see, Benny's weapon was great, now I don't know anything about guns but we found it at some military checkpoint from back when there was a military to fight this. Had it's own suppressor and everything. Frank's revolver on the other hand, did not. Given that fact and the fact that two shots were just fired off from it, some new friends were bound to come shuffling our way any moment now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Now Frank, I know what you're thinking and hell I'd be thinking it too, but it's kinda racist to assume I want your brains just because they're there. I'm not as easy as the other girls. So why don't we high tail it out of here befo-\" I was tired of being interrupted by this point.\n\nCRASH\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe all too familiar sound of mumbling and shuffling was present once again at the first floor windows. Except there was another noise. Or maybe not a sound, but... A thought? \n\n\"Help, help us help, help...\" This sound was repeating over and over again, echoing inside my head. I could hear them. So maybe they could hear me too.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"I think it's about time I see my new friends. I'm gonna try something. Benny, head out the back door once I've left this room and head for the car and pull it around front. Get ready to pick me up.\" Benny nodded frantically.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"And Frank. Please save your god damn bullets for those of us who are less fussy eaters. I'm gonna go say hello.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n---\n\nThanks for reading, I knocked this one out at 6AM and am gonna go to sleep now. Fun prompt.\n\n/r/Camel_Writes", "This is the story of Gryg.\n\nGryg, was your standard PhD chemistry student. He was sleepy all day, when he was doing dangerous things involving titrating acids and catalyzing reagents and frantically transporting the mixtures of said acids and reagents to fume hoods when he'd followed to cryptic instructions in some long-gone sudent's lab book wrong. Then, when he was in the safety of his own bed, he was wide awake fantasizing about failing out and botching his thesis and other such pleasantries.\n\nWhen Jess shuffled toward him one day with hesitant, shuffling steps, eyes glassy, spittle drooling out of her mouth, a soft hungry groan emitting from her throat, he assumed nothing was wrong. He was correct, this was Jess' natural state since she too was a PhD chemistry student.\n\n\"Have you seen the news?\" She asked him.\n\nHe had not. He looked over toward the corner where a rabbit-eared relic of a TV, which probably could have been sold at auction, sat on top of a pile of electronics salvaged by industrious time-travellers with a special interest in chemistry gear from the 1970s. The TV was playing the news, and now he had seen it.\n\n\"Yeah, pretty grim,\" he said. There was apparently an outbreak of some disease rolling through the city which, for all intents and purposes, seemed to zombify its victims, although, biologists, annoyed at how much people like chemists made fun of them already, were very careful to avoid the z-word and instead referred to it as a neuro-insomnial contagion spread by dental impaction whose side effects included metabolic overload and sanguimania.\n\n\"Not as grim as my thesis,\" Jess muttered as she shuffled off down the row of lab stations and Gryg accidentally titrated too much reagent into too much acid and began his own shuffle toward the fume hoods.\n\nWhen, two days later, Jess shuffled toward him with halting steps and glassy eyes and a drooling mouth and a hungry groan, Gryg again assumed nothing was wrong. This time, however, he was incorrect and was dentally impacted by Jess' left incisor, an offense for which he gave her an annoyed swat, and was infected with neuro-insomnial sanguimania.\n\nContrary to Hollywood assertions, the zombie contagion was quickly neutralized. It turns out that zombies aren't especially tactical, and, owing to the laws of physics, actually starve quite quickly when quarantined. Gryg, quite accustomed to starvation and neuro-insomnia, continued on as usual, with the occasional trip to the medical campus to indulge in a cadaver or two.\n\nUnfortunately for Gryg, unlike the Chemistry department where things go missing all the time, the medical department actually paid very close attention to the cadaver situation, and noticed when they began to spontaneously transform into gory puddles splashed all about the walls after being put to bed for the evening. Discounting a rather macabre theory involving the ghost of Jack the Ripper, they decided to set a trap, and captured an unsuspecting Gryg one evening on his way home from a long day at the lab.\n\nGryg tried to explain the situation but, medical students being rather averse to associating with lowly scientists, found himself collared and chained and shipped off to Zomtopia, a compound built by a collective of vegan humanitarians to house and feed the poor unfortunate sanguiphages and didn't see any irony in this whatsoever.\n\nHis new living situation appalled Gryg, his roommates, lovingly dubbed by him as 'the frat,' seemed to care nothing about intellectual pursuit and preferred instead to smash and bite and grunt in bizarre fashion. Gryg complained to the upper management of Zomtopia, that he was in fact gainfully employed and should be released back into the general population as he had very important work to be doing, unfortunately, his vocal cords had been strained by side effects of the virus, and this proved rather difficult.\n\n\"Theeeeeessssuuuuuhs,\" he moaned at the vegan humanitarians.\n\n\"Oh look at that dear, in his cute little lab coat, toss him a treat,\" said a bloody vegan as she carved a hunk of flesh from a freshly dead, hopefully naturally, corpse and tossed it to Gryg.\n\nThe flesh made a wet squelching sound as it pounded into his face, and then slid off. The frat rushed over, eager to share in Gryg's success. Gryg fumed at the insult.\n\nGryg tried time and time again to communicate with the vegan commune. Time and time again they rebuffed his attempts with new infantilization and bullying and self congratulation at their own charitableness.\n\nOne day, noticing that his once pristine lab coat had become a bloody horror from Mengele's dungeon, Gryg decided that he had had enough. He shuffled around the enclosure, looking for a tool. He found it, a bobby-pin attached to a head of hair which had been furiously disheveling itself in hopes of time traveling to the 80s.\n\nHe picked it out, glared at the vegans, and began to shuffle toward the cage door.\n\n\"Oh look at the little scientist, he's got himself a tool! What are you doing little scientist?\" Someone noted to their friend, \"Isn't he so cute, I can't believe some people wanted to exterminate them, it's just not right.\"\n\nGryg reached the door, shoved his hand through, and began to pick the lock. Hearing it click open, he grunted toward the frat to get their attention.\n\n\"Theeeeeeeeesssssuuuuuuuhs,\" he moaned.\n\n\"Grrruuuuggghhh,\" they moaned back, assuring him that, in this case, it was bros before hoes all the way.\n\n\"What, is that one doing there? By the door, is he-- oh my god! Somebody stop them somebody call, auuugh!\" One of the vegans shouted shortly before joining the frat.\n\nGryg's frat quickly took over the vegan compound, and after some extremely patient leadership from Gryg began the second wave of neuro-insomnial contagion, this one much harder to quell owing to the newly tactical leadership of the zombie horde.\n\nIt was quelled eventually, and Gryg never did finish his thesis, which is a bit of a shame as he was doing some rather exciting work with [nano-structures](https://www.reddit.com/r/jacktheritter), but perhaps was all for the best." ]	6
	[WP] You're a Warehouse Manager for a shipping company. One day, you happen upon an ornate box that wasn't on the catalog, and you inspect it. Inside of it is a corpse. All of a sudden, several people in dark robes surround you. One of them reveals a gun and says "You weren't supposed to see that."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%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 sighed. \"So, vampire, mummy, or worse?\" The man with the gun pointed it at my head. \"I'm going with worse.\"\n\n\"Master, are we going to kill him?\" One of the hooded figure said nervously. \"We've got the dust,\"\n\n\"Lilac or red night special?\" I asked. \"If it matters, the red stuff gives me a headache.\"\n\n\"Give him the dust.\" Immediately one of the cultists puffed a plume of bright red dust into my face. I blinked, and woke up on the floor 24 hours later.\n\n\"Jess, you awake?\" My coworker June asked. She helped me up as I blinked the sparks out of my eyes. \"So, mummy, vampire, or something worse?\"\n\n\"Considering the red dust, I'd say vampire, and an old one.\" I said, taking a deep breath. \"Call the Inquisition, code 4.\"\n\n\"Will do.\"", "“See what?”\n\n“Lines like that don’t work in real life.”\n\n“We’re not in real life.”\n\n“That doesn’t work either.”\n\n“They at least got the part where you don’t immediately shoot me right.”\n\n“That they did.”\n\nAnd so we stood there for a silent moment.\n\n“Well. I can forget that I saw it. I’m good at keeping secrets.”\n\n“You won’t.”\n\n“I’m still good at it.”\n\n“How much of it did you see?”\n\n“Why? Oh my god! It’s me isn’t it? That’s my corpse!”\n\nI looked again but, no, it wasn’t me. It was just some androgynous looking man. Maybe a woman, I guess. It had fairly pale skin and plain features that made it hard to tell something like ancestry. There was no hair on the thing either. It freaked me out.\n\n“Of course it’s not you. But now we know you got a real good view of our little project here.”\n\n“Probably wasn’t the best idea.”\n\n“No, it wasn’t. Would you like to hear a good idea?”\n\n“Lay it on me.”\n\nWith a deft move of his hand he held the gun out toward me.\n\n“Take it. Shoot me.”\n\nI took it and looked around the other robed figures.\n\n“We’re all armed. Don’t think about it.”\n\n“Not a movie. I get it. You just handed me a gun and want me to kill you, but it’s definitely not a movie.”\n\n“I didn’t say kill me.”\n\n“Oh, whatever.”\n\nThen I shot him in the face. The robes dropped to the ground, like Obi-Wan in Star Wars. Immediately the androgynous corpse burst to life and shot up, like Count Orlok in Nosferatu. I screamed a Wilhelm scream, but my impression was lost on the robed figures. The voice of the one I shot came from the living mannequin.\n\n“This demonstration cost us millions of dollars, but I love making a dramatic point.”\n\n“And I’m the one being lectured on how this isn’t a movie.”\n\n“And as repayment for those millions, you will join us.”\n\n“I don’t want to.”\n\n“Tough shit. These things are made of corpses and they take years to make. Kill him, boys.”\n\n\nAnd then they killed me! One of those assholes reached forward and slit my throat. In my dying moment I saw the mannequin put his old robe back on. So now I'm dead and all I can do is relay my story to an audience from beyond the grave, kind of like in American Beauty." ]	3
	[WP] A demon is summoned and has to help the invoker in solving mathematical problems and equations.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[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.", " Claude sat on the leather chair in the corner of the drawing room staring at the phone on the wall next to him. He had to do this or all hope was lost. If he didn’t then all his hard work would be for nothing. Claude dialled the numbers and raised the phone to his ear. He heard no rings on the other end, or even a voice just a steady buzzing. A dark cloud then erupted from the phone, a mass of buzzing insects that swarmed and solidified into a gargantuan shape on the Persian rug. “BEHOLD THE MIGHTY AND O”POWERFUL NOTWEN’AC. WHAT NEED HAVE YOU TO HAVE SUMMONED ME O-”\n\nThe demon paused, seeing that the only other creature in the room was much smaller than any previous summoner had been. Notwen’ac bent over Claude and unfurled his insectile wings so that they brushed the sides of the room, knocking over bookshelves and a lamp. “Where is your master, slave! I expected to be greeted by the one desperate enough to enact my ritual.” \n\n“I’m not a slave.” Claude squeaked. He cleared his throat. “My only masters are the ones at school and I don't know where they live. I think I count as the one who summoned you but it wasn’t much of a ritual. I just called this number my mum has for emergencies.” He gestured with the phone in his hand to the notebook lying open on the side table, before hanging the phone back on its hook. “You’re a bit big, please stop making a mess or I’ll be in even worse trouble.”\n\nAs soon as he stopped speaking the demon grunted and its body glowed like a rock left in the fire. It’s joints cracked. Arms, legs and other appendages folded in. Notwen’ac the smiter of civilisations went from filling the room to being the size of a dollhouse. “Perfect, that’s much better.” Claude said.\n\nThe demon glared at Claude. “Now you insult me, let us be done with this quickly. What emergency could you have that would require one such as me? An army seeking entrance to your city? A volcano threatening your home?”\n\n“No, if I don’t get this homework done by tomorrow I’ll drop a grade and not be allowed on the trip to the zoo! And then Everett will ask Isabella out in the butterfly house instead of me and I’ll never get to show her I’m awesome enough that she should hang out with me! ”\n\nNotwen’ac smiled a grin that showed all his 128 teeth. “This will be the easiest writ of gratitude I have ever completed.”\n\n\\----------------------\n\n“An apple costs X Cents and an Orange costs 3X over 2 Cents. With Y Dollars Mary was able to buy 17 Fruit with no money remaining. If you have 8 Dollars how many apples and oranges can you get for your money?” Claude looked up at Notwen’ac from his work book. “Any ideas? I keep forgetting what Ms Donavan told me to start with.”\n\nThey had moved into Claude’s bedroom. Claude sat at his desk, books open, while Notwen’ac paced around the room. It had perched on the desk but after the first 2 hours had grown frustrated, shredded one of Claude’s toy dragons before it was commanded to stop and resolved to just stalking the room digging its claws into the floorboards as heavily as it could without scratching them. “Hire a thug to kill the merchant for his money and fruit then you can keep all the fruit. Or seduce this Mary with flowers you bought and take her fruit. Those ways never fail.” \n\nClaude’s head hit the desk. “You said this was gonna be easiest wri-... You said this was gonna be easy. I assumed that meant you knew knew”\n\nNotwen’ac stopped pacing and growled at him. “Ask me about the trials of the faithful or the curses that changed that world and I can tell you. Ask me about the fall of countries and wonders, I was there. I’ve even traded in markets across the world. But I have never seen a store where the food was not priced and rather than asking the merchant I had to deduce the cost from anothers purchases. If I did I would simply reduce them to ash, take my right through conquest and make it memorable enough no foolish mortal would dare dream to make that mistake again.” The demon was snarling, its eyes focused on the desk as if imagining the papers on top engulfed in flames would make it so. Claude reasoned that if he hadn’t commanded the contrary it probably would have happened. \n\nHe slipped off his chair and wandered over to the demon. “Mum said if I needed anything to call a number in the address book. Maybe I dialled the wrong one? Whatever the case you aren’t helpful at all and I’ve wasted all this time! I’m stuffed.” Claude plopped down next to Notwen’ac. Who was now looking at him less with anger and more like a champion runner who had been told a snail had out ran him. “You should fear to say such things to me, child. If it were not for this debt I owe your mother I would have consumed you at first sight.” \nClaude burst into tears. “I just- I just wanted to impress Issy. Now you want to eat me when I thought we were getting along! I’m sorry!”\n\nNotwen’ac sighed and crouched down. “I will not devour you Claude, this evening has been different from my normal existence. That is not a terrible thing. It would appear however you are correct, I am not... best suited to solving these issues.” The demon sat for a moment before grinning his terrifying smile. “Will you release me from my Writ if I find another opportunity for you to woo this Isabella? This Everett for example, do you know where he lives…”?", "\"No, I don't think that's the way Ms. Buncy did it,\" Jake shook his head, gnawing on his pencil as he looked at the paper on his desk. \n\n\"Confounded witchcraft!\" Xar'guul exclaimed, standing up in a rush, fuming. The three bony exhaust-like protrusions from his wide, muscled green back burned hot with a yellow fire as his anger rose. \"Last I was summoned, this is how the operation was performed!\" \n\n\"I don't know what to tell you, dude, but the test is tomorrow, and I need help!\" \n\n\"Perhaps the inner workings are at fault! Reconstruct the equation, if you would.\" \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"It says the answer is... ugh. 532.16.\"\n\n\"Jacob, nooooooooooo!\" Xar'guul yelled, falling to his knees in the boy's bedroom, cursing to the heavens. \"How can this be?\"\n\n\"Can you help me or not, man?! The scroll said you were a genius!\" \n\n\"These incantations are naught but trickery! The treacherous sorcerer who devised such anguish shall feel the wrath of my HELL-BLADE.\" He extended his hand, summoning a black blade dotted with starlight, eternally burned in an ever-consuming sickly green fire. \n\n\"Awwww, if you kill Ms. Buncy I'm just gonna get a substitute.\"\n\n\"Cursed be this foul educational system!\" \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Look, it says here to use the inverse of sin to find the solution.\"\n\n\"What inverse, Jacob? I ask you, what inverse? Never before have I born witness to such intellect-devouring riddlery!\"\n\n\"Is riddlery even a word?\" \n\n\"Of course it is! Pffft,\" Xar'guul scoffed.\n\n\"Google says it isn't a word, man.\"\n\n\"Nooooooooooooooooooo! Why hath the times forsaken me!\" \n\n&#x200B;\n\n(Hopefully you liked this story! If you did, feel free to check out my humble community at: r/SUPRAPStories)" ]	3

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

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