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] Getting into that accident was the last straw. While he never fancied himself a quitter, he simply cannot do this anymore. He pens a note to his sister, seals the envelope, and grabs the revolver from his closet. Teary-eyed but determined, he loads a single bullet and spins the chamber...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Jeremy slowly walked toward his sister's bed, where she lay still, breathing slowly and deeply. He readied the revolver and its lone bullet, which would finally end all of this. He could not forget the accident. It had nearly killed him, and here she lay, comatose. Carefully, he laid the the confession at her feet. Gun in hand, Jeremy leaned toward his sleeping sister. He began to speak, but thought better of it. He didn't want to risk anything like that again.\n\nHis plan had been to kill her in 1934 when they were both young. Or maybe their mother, to truly erase all the misery. His sister had been in a coma since she was three weeks old, but she had the ability to send people through time. In 1960, when he was 55, he had told her \"Nineteen ninety-nine\".\n\n\"Nine ninety-nine\", Jessica had replied.\n\nIt had been an experience to say the least. He had lost 16 years breaking and repairing and rebreaking history, after using ten and all of his knowledge to find another method home. \n\nAnd now, 81-year-old Jeremy stared down at his 50-year-old twin sister, sleeping serenely. Finally, after considering his options, he decided it would be best to just put her out of her misery. Jessica was motionless. Jeremy lifted the revolver. His heart was heavy. The tears fell as he tightened his grip on the trigger, and he held off for a moment.\n\n\"Dirty thing to do,\" Jeremy thought aloud as he put the gun to Jessica's temple \"But th-\"\n\n\"Thirty twenty-two\", Jessica said.", "\\click\\\n\nThe sound of the hammer coming down on an empty chamber punctuates the hum of the air conditioner whirring in my silent apartment. I sit for a second and imagine the timeline where I'm slumped over in my chair, a slowly expanding puddle of blood glugging out of my scalp. My hand is shaking. I gasp, and realize I've been holding my breath for what seems like 10 minutes. I set the revolver down with a thud on the coffee table and stutter out an exhale. Why did I do that? It all happened so fast. I want to die, but, do I really want to die? Why didn't I ask myself this before doing that. \"God, that was so fucking stupid\" I curse at myself. I stand up and wince at the pain in my leg. Through gritted teeth I hobble over to the kitchen and pour myself a heavy glass of whiskey. I don't even bother turning on the light. I just sit at my small kitchen table and take a deep swallow of the liquor. It feels so good. The burn. Why do I crave that burn? I feel the alcohol fumes waft out of my mouth and into my already watering eyes. I'm crying? It feels, nice. I take another swig of whiskey and run my thumb over the patterned glass. When did I get this glass? It was a gift from my sister, along with those stupid whiskey stones. Why would you get something that feeds into my addiction? Like a log for a fire. I wish I could talk to her. I want to say I'm sorry, but I don't know what for. For being a fuck up maybe? For her having to deal with having me as an older brother. I'm supposed to set the example. I guess I still do that, but my example is getting drunk and crashing into someone's backyard. I can't deal with this shit anymore. At least when I'm gone she won't have to think about me anymore. The chair grates along the floor as I stand up and go back to the living room. I sit and grab hold of the revolver. It's cold.\n\n\\click\\ \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nIf you or someone you know needs help please PLEASE call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). Your loved ones will never recover. Trust me." ]	3
	[WP] Two assassins have a contract on one another, they both have elaborate plans to do it covertly, but it ends up going down in a Wendy's washroom	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 job wasn't going to be easy, but I knew that when I agreed to take the contract. The price was in the millions and irresistible. They only offered such a job to the most skilled in the industry, and with 300+ confirmed kills globally, well, I was one of the best. It only made sense that such a contract would be on a target that could potentially end the life of the assassin in question. \n\nI'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly nervous about the entire job. My wife had begged me not to take this particular contract given the probability of my death. She was retired from this life, but ultimately understood this was meant to be my finale. I planned to exit the industry after the money hit my account. I was already planning my retirement to an exotic location. \n\nHaving a wife that had previously been in the industry awarded me a special privilege, I had someone to help me plan. And plan we did. There was no way I'd fail this job, I was certain of it. I'd found his entire schedule, talked to contact after contact, found his home address, his relatives, and even found the singular social media account he'd made six years ago and last updated three years ago. I had my plan, and I was ready to get started. \n\nThe guns had been packed, silencers tucked in neatly beside them, in various locations hidden in the car. There was a gun neatly tucked at my side, hidden carefully by the suit I was wearing. After all, I planned on being a city official when I walked up to his door. It was an old trick, less elaborate than what he'd expect. I felt confident. I was ready to head out the door when I paused to kiss my wife. \n\n\"Before you go, I need one last thing.\" She said with a coy smile. Naturally, I was ready to strip my suit jacket off and do whatever was demanded of me like the good husband I am. \n\n\"Not quite, I was hoping you'd grab me some lunch first? I'm not in the mood to cook. Although I am in the mood for the chili cheese fries from Wendy's.\" Ah. That was the request. \n\n\"Be back in fifteen.\" Into the car I go, and off to Wendy's. It's just up the road really, so honestly it's hardly much of an ask. I'd of driven to the next town over to grab her Olive Garden if that was her final demand before my potentially life-ending mission. Such is the love of a husband. \n\nWendy's drive through was crammed full of cars, some of which were honking in anger. I opted to head inside rather than inflame my road rage by dealing with honking horns while trying to order. Standing in line, there were a total of six individuals in the restaurant, not counting the workers scrambling behind the counter. When your job is in my industry you quickly begin to take not of your surroundings, no matter the location. It was this skill that alerted me very suddenly to the other man in a suit that had just exited the bathroom whistling to himself. \n\nAlexander Rosenthal, my target, was in my town, at my favorite Wendy's. \n\nWe made eye contact and he took a single startled step back. I continued to wait in line as he stood there awkwardly, unwilling to approach me. Five minutes later, I order my wife's food and then I briskly walk to men's room. Things were about to become interesting, that was certain. \n\nIn the bathroom, Alex entered moments after I did. \n\n\"Why, pray tell, are you in this town?\" I questioned him, turning to take a seat on the sink as he jimmied the door to ensure no one would enter, even if unlocked. \n\n\"I'm here on business. There's a hefty contract out on your head, Malik. I took the job. Sorry, I know we've worked together in the past, don't take it personally, it really is just business. I won't hurt your wife or your family, and I can make it as painless as possible.\" \n\n\"Interesting. I was on my way to your house, actually. They paid me quite a bit to put you down. Val and I planned the entire thing together, so I must say, you turning up here is quite the surprise.\" \n\n\"I knew someone was looking into me. I didn't know it was you, or I would've been here to end this sooner.\" \n\n\"How do you intend to 'end this'?\" I asked him with a quirked eyebrow. Alex looked uncomfortable and fiddled with a watch on his wrist. \n\n\"Well, not in a Wendy's bathroom, that's for sure. I think we can both agree this isn't the place.\" \n\n\"Then you have no idea who it is you're actually dealing with.\" With a flash of a smile I hopped down from the counter, removing the switchblade from my pocket and opening it. The pair of brass knuckles from the other pocket were quickly slipped onto my fingers as he stared in disbelief for a moment. \n\n\"God, you're so unprofessional.\" He groaned before moving towards the gun at his waist. I'll admit, I hadn't expected him to go for the firearm, not here. But hey, if I was playing dirty, so could he. Before his hand could fully grip the gun I was quick to jump forward and send my fist directly into his gut, feeling the brass rings catch on one of his lowest ribs as I made impact. I heard him exhale sharply as the wind was knocked from his lungs. A moment later I felt something hard hit the back of my head sending me to the floor. My head spun for a moment as I composed myself. My god, he'd hit me with the paper towel dispenser. Property destruction, and of my favorite Wendy's? Unacceptable. \n\nI climbed to my feet with assistance from the sink, his gun had fallen. It was closer to my feet now. Though he'd regained his composure just the same as I had. He cracked his knuckled and glanced down at the weapon. I was quicker than him, more lithe in build and made for speed rather than brute strength as he was. The weapon was quickly tossed behind me somewhere under the stalls. He cursed and removed a hunting knife from his belt. \n\nI'd be lying if I said I had any idea how long the fight actually lasted. By the end of it we were both sliced up, though never stabbed, beaten to the point of a broken nose in his case and a severe black eye and split lip I'd be sporting for a solid few weeks. We were both sitting on the floor, backs against the cold tile, panting as we stared one another down. \n\n\"Truce?\" He offered weakly. \n\n\"Truce.\" I replied, spitting a glob of blood on the floor. \n\n\"So, listen, I need to get those fries to my wife before they get any colder. We can pick this up later. Here's my card, call me, we can schedule a time and a place. Although my one request; please don't pick a Wendy's bathroom.\" I said, hauling myself up and handing him a business card for my pottery business. It was a side hustle and a passion. \n\n\"You like pottery too?\" Bam. Pottery business card in my hand. \n\n\"Did the Mannichi brothers send you to kill me?\" I ask after a moment. \n\n\"Yes... I take it they sent you to kill me too?\"\n\n\"Bingo. I'm free Thursday if you want to come throw some clay on the wheel, and plot revenge, of course.\" \n\n\"Sure thing, but uh, no Wendy's, please.\" He groaned with a grimace. I laughed, grimacing myself at the sudden pain in my face. I'd need to see my dentist tomorrow. We parted our ways as I took my wife's fries home. I could tell they'd gone cold. When I walked in she was reading a book. \n\n\"One of your friends called, they think Alex might be coming here...\" She trailed off when she looked up. I tossed the cold fries on her lap.\n\n \"We're having company over on Thursday. I think I am also banned from our local Wendy's.\" \n\nOUTSIDE THE BATHROOM DURING THE FIGHT, AN HOUR EARLIER...\n\n\"Ma'am, there's some kind of fight to the death happening in the bathroom.\" The customer nervously said to the woman behind the counter. She stared at him blankly before sighing.\n\n\"Sir, this is a Wendy's.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You are a scavenger in a post-apocalyptic world. But society wasn't destroyed by nukes, war, or viruses... it was destroyed by clowns.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 sky was overcast. Dark, scudding clouds the color of wet slate stretching from horizon to horizon, occasionally lit by internal veins of lightning like the very air itself was pissed off. But of course, this was normal.\n\nPicking your way carefully along the shattered brick and twisted, rusted steel frame of what used to be a storefront, you reflect upon this fact. Memories of strong, brilliant sunlight washing over the world bring on a momentary nostalgia so powerful it sort of makes you dizzy. Your foot slips on the powdery detritus of pulverized brick and mortar, your battered Asics sliding, bumping chunks of storefront that rattle and clatter away down the mound of what used to be a building.\n\nThe sound seems enormous, and instinctively you freeze, eyes wide and staring, ears straining for the slightest noise as the echoes of your dumb shit boo-boo romp and rebound off the ruined buildings and debris clogged streets. It’s hard to hear over the sudden, drum-like staccato of your heart, but you breathe deeply, slowly, each measured inhale and careful exhale helping to tame the sudden surge of adrenaline that’s flooding your system. After a few shaky moments you have yourself pretty much under control once more. A few moments after that, you exhale in quiet relief. It seems that there’s nothing nearby to hear you or your absent minded dumb-assery.\n\nThis is a good thing, and you take another precious moment to chastise yourself mentally. You need food and supplies, and you must keep your shit together. You’d rather not have to scavenge the ruins of this medium sized town, but the rural houses nearby are all a no-go. If they still exist at all, they’re either picked clean, or otherwise ‘inhabited’. The larger the town, the more likely it is to equal death, but you’ve been shimmying along the ragged edge for weeks now, and you’re desperate enough to take the risk.\n\nYou’re not even sure what town this is, nevermind which state you’ve managed to wander into, and to be totally honest you really couldn’t give less of a shit. Geography didn’t mean nearly as much as it used to, back when you needed to consider how far away from work you could reasonably commute, and what amenities were within your area.\n\nNow all that mattered was…not where was safe, because nowhere actually was anymore, but where was less dangerous? What were the scavenging possibilities? Were there any large towns or, God forbid, cities nearby? What about radiation, what was still contaminated by all of the fallout?\n\nWith a sigh you dismount the last of the rubble pile, taking a second to stretch your back. You gaze around, hoping to spot a corner store or gas station, or maybe even a church. Churches had been a surprising boon, the world having had the consideration to end around the holidays. You’d never paid much attention to canned food drives in your old life, but you’re always on the lookout for flyers and signs now.\n\nTo your disappointment the most promising thing you spy is a burned out florists shop, near what had to have been a propane supplier before it apparently detonated. The store fronts and residential area around it are all pretty thrashed, the faint scent of wet char still present even years later. There’s still likely to be usable supplies in some of the mess, but that means a whole lot of probably noisy work with no guarantees. You mark it down in your mind as a backup plan, in case this whole endeavor goes tits-up, and then begin making your way carefully down the street.\n\nBurned out and overturned cars line the avenue haphazardly, and you try to pick a path that puts the most distance between their shadowed interiors and your precious self, eyes flicking tirelessly from one to the next, ears ever on alert for the slightest sound. It wouldn’t do to get jumped by one lurking in an old sedan or minivan. You’d seen people go out that way, screaming as white gloved hands yanked them into the darkness, and it was never pretty.\n\nFurther down the street, the intersection is blocked by a huge, hulking shape, and it takes you a moment to identify it as some sort of armored vehicle. You approach cautiously, and finally you can make out the words South Hutchinson PD stenciled on the side in a faded, dirty white. It looks like one of those military surplus vehicles all the police departments splurged on after 9/11, a WereCat or a BearCat or something like that. The front end was buried deep in the side of a yellow panel truck, which was in turn sitting atop the crushed back end of a small sports car.\n\nTattered streamers, their colors still gaudy despite years of weathering, spill out of the shattered front windows of the police vehicle in incredible amounts, blocking all view of the inside. Their edges are still stained a dark, crusty brown, which is also smeared down the driver side door and along the side paneling. With great care you approach the wreck, careful of where you place your feet. It doesn’t look like an active site, and probably hadn’t been since everything came to a screeching, violent halt, but you can never be too careful.\n\nYou might be tempted to see if the armored cop-truck-thing has anything worthwhile inside it. Body armor, weapons, first aid supplies. The state of the front end, though, makes you feel distinctly uneasy. It’s always easy to tell where they have attacked, and even if they aren’t there anymore, the bullshit that got left behind could still be dangerous.\n\nYou glance over at the yellow delivery truck at the other end, and see a lump of something dried to the hood. It’s brown and shriveled, but you’re pretty sure it’s a length of human intestine.\n\nA long, pink string trails off one end, and despite your better judgment you take a step towards it, getting a clearer view. You have to frown for a few moments, but eventually you see that the wad of guts has been twisted and tied into knots. It was a balloon animal in the shape of a dog, the pink string attached to the middle. Or at least it had been, before it deflated and stuck to the hood of what you can now see is a DHS truck. You shiver in disgust and turn away.\n\nFucking clowns. Of all the ways the world could have ended; war, societal collapse, economic collapse, environmental die-off. Killer asteroids, solar flares. Plague had looked pretty promising there for a while. Hundreds of ways for things to end, and not one single person, in all of the world, would have answered ‘clowns’ if you had asked them. At least not seriously.\n\nIt had started simply enough, even if it was odd. News stories about people in clown costumes, hanging around all creepy-like at night, standing at the side of the road or showing up on people's home security cameras. It was weird, but not much came of it. Just teenagers doing dumb teenager shit, people trying to go viral on the internet, occasionally someone with mental health issues trying to get attention. And it had faded away pretty quickly after that, too, until a few months later.\n\nThe Hapscomb murders had been pretty sensational news. The parents had owned a dairy farm, their oldest son was a local football star, their daughter won ribbons in 4H. The family were well liked in their rural community. Went to church every Sunday, always willing to help out their neighbors, a real life slice of old school Americana.\n\nThe whole family had been found butchered in their home. The news was sparse on the details, but the common theme from all of the major outlets was that the killings had been brutal, and that their bodies had been desecrated after they were dead. The only evidence was a few frames of grainy night time footage from their home security system, showing three shadowy individuals wearing what looked like costumes.\n\nYou stop for a moment, looking around to get your bearings. You’re in a residential neighborhood that looks like it was run down before it had been abandoned, but a few of the houses look like they might be promising. You make a mental note of them, but then cross the note off of your list a few moments later when you spy an oversized tricycle lying on its side in a run to riot front yard. It’s painted in red, white and yellow stripes, a bundle of pink and silver tassels still fluttering from one end of the handlebars. You can see small, white lumps studding the outside of the rear tire, and know without getting any closer that they’ll be human teeth, bloody roots and all, stuck to the rubber. The cartoonishly large front tire will have strips of razor sharp metal circling it, and one of those goofy horns with the squeeze bulbs will be mounted somewhere.\n\nYou squint, and can see that the yard behind the tricycle is discolored, clumps of pink and red confetti stuck wetly to the dead grass in a fan shape. The sight makes you smile a bit. It’s always nice to see where one of the bastards got blown away, if only because you don’t encounter such evidence nearly as much as you might think you would. The scary fuckers were hard to kill, and if you didn’t do the job correctly the first time you didn’t get a second chance." ]	2
	[WP] Two strangers decide to make a pact. They won't hide anything about themselves, their habits, thoughts and secrets to each other, no matter how deep it goes...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 heart pounded as we watched her from our vantage point. I hid my sword beneath my coat so the moonlight wouldn't give us away. She walked with purpose carrying nothing but a sack on her back– it seemed she had nothing to fight back with.\n\n>\"I often think about... and don't judge me for this, alright? We promised not to hide anything. I sometimes think about... murder.\"\n\nWe were way out in the sticks, a decent distance from society. The nearest town wouldn't hear her scream if she were a train whistle. It was a road less traveled, which made for the perfect place for our crime. I could feel him getting restless next to me. I couldn't lie, I was feeling restless too.\n\n>\"It's not weird! Humans are complex creatures. It's not like I haven't thought about either, y'know...\"\n\nHe tapped me on the shoulder twice and motioned for me to move with him. He silently crept from the underbrush down the hill making use of the trees to keep himself hidden. I followed closely behind careful not to make any unnecessary noise. It was quiet out here. If she were to run, I wasn't sure if I would the cardio to keep up with her. Been years since I exercised; I regretted not bringing a crossbow.\n\n>\"I hear what you're saying. Shooting someone with a crossbow bolt wouldn't really do it for me either. It would have to be up close. More personal that way you know? I'd want to feel him, y'know, struggle underneath me. Was that too much to say? I'm not a monster, I don't want you to think I'm a monster, here.\"\n\nWe moved across the path far ahead of her. We'd planned to use the bend of the road to hide ourselves in the brush. We'd be able to leap out both in front of and behind her before she had a chance to run.\n\n>\"Nah, you're not a monster! Used to be a place for folks like us in the world. Feels like nobody wants to go to war anymore, y'know? Now we're the weird ones for wanting to kill. I feel similarly about a sneak attack though, that wouldn't do anything for me. I want to talk to 'em for a second. Figure out who they are. Mess with them a little y'know? See the realization in their eyes that they ain't never going home.\"\n\nIn order for the two of us to satisfy both of our urges, we needed to trap her. He needed to be able to converse with her and I needed to be able to cut her with my own hand. Even if I didn't feel right about our victim being a woman, we'd come too far to turn back now. I supposed it didn't matter so long as we got to check this off our bucket list.\n\n>\"I agree, just one. I only need to get it out of my system. One and done. We'll head out past the Corrick Mine out there on the Steam Roads way out in the country. Very little foot traffic out there. No lights. We might have to wait a bit, but we'll find our guy. Then we're done. Bury the body and the urge in the same hole.\"\n\nI began hearing footsteps down the way. He placed his hand on my shoulder as though asking me to be patient. He had to have noticed my hands shaking. I'd never done something like this before and as she drew closer I began to wonder if maybe I didn't want to go through with it after all. I swallowed and tried to steady myself. It was just a girl. It'd be nice and easy. No witnesses. I'd be back home reading the paper in the morning.\n\nTime seemed to slow down as she came into view. She was wearing some kind of old-fashioned cloak– the kind you don't really see so much anymore. She had to have been from one of the distant colonies making her way to town for supplies that they couldn't make for themselves. As soon as she was where we wanted her, we made our play. The two of us exploded from the brush and quickly took our places on either side of her. He stood in front of her and I stood behind her, sword drawn and held at the ready.\n\n\"Well, well!\" he began. \"Taking a stroll on the steam roads are we? Little late at night for a girl to be walking around on her own.\"\n\nSomething was off. She didn't make a sound; didn't jump; deadly quiet, calm, and unfettered. She turned around to get a look at me. Her beautiful green eyes seemed to sparkle in the moonlight as she looked me up and down. I couldn't believe how pretty how she was; and in an instant, I had new urges.\n\n\"I don't know who you clowns are, and I don't care,\" she said firmly. \"I'm looking for someone. If you get in my way...\" she trailed off.\n\n\"Oh?\" I asked. \"You're gonna fight us? A pretty young thing like you?\"\n\n\"Hey!\" he called to me with a laugh. \"I like a fighter! Let's fight then!\"\n\nI expected her to quickly draw a knife– maybe a hidden sword. The last thing I expected her to do... was to start singing. A melancholic elegy radiated from her throat into the night air. It was haunting and beautiful all at once. I stared in awe at the performance. I had never in my life heard a voice like hers, and I had been to shows as a child.\n\nSuddenly something shot from the other side of the road as quickly as a speeding arrow. It tackled my partner into the underbrush where we'd hidden, his screams a grisly accompaniment to her serene melody.\n\n\"W-what was that?\" I shouted, lifting my sword. I couldn't for the life of me understand how she was so calm. My sword bounced around in my hands as I trembled. \"Ma'am, we got to get outta here!\" I shouted. \"Did you see that thing?\" The screaming from the brush turned to gurgling and then to silence. She slowly turned toward me, looking upon me with unwavering pitiless eyes, breaking neither her gaze nor her melody as the foliage began to rustle.\n\nFrom the underbrush emerged a thing that I couldn't describe if I had several minutes. It was hairy with two sets of jaws, claws where you wouldn't expect them, and some combination of tentacles and feet. An abomination I couldn't have conjured with my deepest nightmares. It growled deeply and clicked intermittently as it studied me.\n\n\"It- it's behind you!\" I shrieked, stumbling backward.\n\nIt was only after the beast slowly lurched past her that I understood. I had heard there were minstrels in faraway lands that could entrance beings of other worlds to cross to our own and do their bidding. I never imagined I would run into one. My mind raced, but there was only one conclusion it kept finding.\n\nThere was no way out of this.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n>\"I'm really glad I met you. I think this is the beginning of a good friendship. And so what if anyone things we're monsters. We're not the only monsters out there... not by a long shot.\"\n\nr/A15MinuteMythos" ]	2
	[WP] A romantic comedy about two girls friends in love with the same guy, but they know the other is in love too so they always try to push the guy to go out with the 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Claire rolled sideways onto her bed, tucking her knees up to her chest. She scrolled through an Instagram profile, admiring the man she had been in love with for six years. Finn, Claire, and Gabi had been best friends since highschool, and everyone made jokes by calling them the Big, Friendly, Giant because of the beginning of their names. They were a trio, and hung out as much as they could when their schedules could align. Claire sighed. Gabi was in love with Finn too, and they had both confided in each other about their attraction to him one drunken night. Claire was driven to see both of their happiness, so she had decided to put her feelings aside and try to make her wishes come true. \n\nShe set her phone down on her nightstand and stared at her ceiling. Finn and Gabi would be a perfect couple, she thought to herself. Gabi had long curly blonde hair, and had an hourglass figure that had men chasing every time she went out. Claire had straight black hair that fell to her shoulders, and took an interest in working out, so she was more muscular than men preferred. Finn was tall, and also had wavy brown hair that looked soft to the touch. He was kind, and caring, and was the exact type of man Gabi deserved, after all of the toxic men she had been with, Claire decided he would be the perfect match for her. Finn would make jokes about having a “fun time” as the three of them together, so she took it as he saw interest in Gabi and it could possibly blossom into more. \n\nClaire’s phone started to buzz, with Gabi’s contact picture taking over her screen.\n\n“Hey girl, what are you doing tonight?” Gabi said, in her usual chipper voice. \n\n“Um I don’t know, why”\n\n“Finn and I wanted to go out to dinner and of course it wouldn’t be the same without you there,” \n\nClaire thought to herself for a moment. If she declined, it could be a perfect opportunity for them to go alone, and maybe act like it was a date. \n\n“Oh, I just ate, so why don’t you guys go without me?” Claire said, hoping she sounded convincing. \n\n“Are you sure? We’re going to Marty’s, your favorite!”\n\n“Oh man, remind me earlier next time and then we can go. I’m sorry”\n\n“No, don’t worry about it, it was totally last minute. I’ll get a side of the mashed potatoes to bring to you tomorrow,” Gabi giggled. \n\nClaire smiled. Gabi was such a caring friend. “You’re the best. I gotta go now, so tell me about all the delicious food and juicy gossip when you get home,”\n\n“You got it, bestie. Bye, love you!”\n\n“Love you.”\n\nGabi hung up the phone and sighed, rubbing her temples. This was her third attempt to get Claire to come out to dinner so she could ‘conveniently’ cancel and have them go to dinner alone. It felt like Claire was always already full or not feeling well. She always came to other activities, like bowling, or going to the movies, but for some reason she avoided sit down restaurants. Gabi wanted to see her friend happy with the man she loved, because she knew Claire liked Finn longer, so it was only fair she had him. Usually, Gabi would wait to text Finn about the plans until after Claire had agreed, but today she was confident she would come, and had already made the plans with Finn, and it was too late to back out now. Meaning, Gabi would have to go alone with Finn. \n\n“I hope Claire doesn’t get upset that we’re going, just the two of us,” Gabi said to herself. She pulled up the text thread with Finn to break the news to him. \n\nGabi: Bad news. \nFinn: What? I hope you’re not canceling on me, I already ordered an Uber to the restaurant. \nGabi: No, I’ll be there. Claire already ate so it’ll just be us. \nFinn: She’s missing out on Marty’s? She loves that place. \nGabi: I know right!! It’s okay, she said she’ll come next time so we have to plan it right. \nFinn: Gotcha, I’ll let you know when I get there, my ride is here. \nGabi: Okie doke, ride safe!\n\nAfter Finn replied with a thumbs up emoji, Gabi put her phone down and started to get dressed. She decided on a pair of ripped jeans and a light sweater, throwing her hair into a ponytail. She grabbed her keys, and made her way towards her car. \n\n\n“Hey, you made it,” Finn called out to her once she entered the restaurant. \n\n“I told you I would,” Gabi laughed. She took the booth across from him. \n\n“What’s new with you?” Finn asked, flipping through his menu. Finn was the adventurous type, and always tried something new wherever he ate, but Gabi preferred the same thing every time, so she slid her menu to the edge of the table. Claire was adventurous, too, and athletic, which is why Claire thought they would be the perfect match. They both worked out, and liked to try new things. \n\n“Nothing new since last week, Finn,” she smiled up at him. “You?”\n\n“Same old, same old, but hey, I reached my bench milestone of 200 pounds,” he raised an arm and flexed, showing off his growing muscles. Gabi rolled her eyes and tried not to drool and stare. \n\n“Yeah, whatever, gym freak. Gosh, both you and Claire,” she shook her head. “I could never, that’s just too much work,”\n\nFinn laughed, finally deciding on his order, and place his menu on top of Gabi’s. \n\n“How’s your love life?” Gabi pried, side eying him. \n\n“Not talking to anyone, to be honest,” he said shrugging. Gabi smirked and raised an eyebrow. \n\n“No one catching your eye?”\n\n“I dunno.”\n\n“You know, there’s a girl you would look super cute with,” she tapped the table with a manicured nail. \n\n“Yeah, sure.” He scoffed. “No girls are into me right now, no one wants a gym head like me. I spend most of my time working out or thinking of new workouts,”\n\n“Uh, well, this girl you would look super adorable with just so happens to also be a gym freak,” Gabi wiggled her eyebrows." ]	2
	[WP] After her tragic death, Medusa didn't expect her sisters to bring her back in the 21st century nor did she think people actually care for her tragedy nor finding love with a blind Frankenstein.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 Medusa sat, her snakes being gently stroked by the Monster of Dr Frankenstein IV in his lap, she sighed. The deep, creaking voice of the Monster spoke. \"What is the matter, my love?\" \n\nMedusa lay there, thinking deeply. The silence grew uncomfortable before she spoke, a shy alto within the strong accented English. \"I never thought that...hrm.\" She sat up, causing the Monster to move along the sofa. \"It is hard to think in this tongue; to say what I feel, Baron.\" He nodded along, causing two of Medusa's snakes to hiss softly - Those would be Téodoras and Alexandra, who worked like echolocation for the blinded Monster.\n\nBaron pulled Medusa on to his legs, eliciting a number of squeaking hisses and a startled gasp from Medusa, before his hand snaked its way along her arms to her face. She smiled, hesitantly brushing his lips with hers. Wordlessly, she demonstrated her emotions by pressing herself into him and trying to melt through him. A satisfied groan slipped from her before she pulled away, a number of her serpentine strands tasting Baron.\n\n\"It is so hard to believe how much the world has changed - creatures of the night revered and worshipped; my own Gods shown with mockery and deference both; and my Gorgin siblings who bring me backwith a stone's tears! Who would have thought of that?\n\n\"And then the magics of today - I can go and see, and not be scared of my secret! That there are people who desire me like this. That you, of all, know me.\" She blinked tears away, as they threatened to spill; an ache in her voice streaming despair to anyone who cared to notice. Baron felt it vibrate through her shudders, and held her tightly as she sobbed a little.\n\n\"My little Dusa, you know you rescued me, too. I was near mindless with a rage that all I have is other people's thoughts; that I was made, not through sex or binding, but through dark sciences just as evil as some of the tales of Greece.\" He lightly kissed her head, earning a bite from Socrates, who lived like his namesake. \"For all the world, I would not wish to be left behind, a forgotten monster to all who would see. We appear to be made for each other, at least for now. And right now, that's all I ask for.\"\n\nMedusa purred at him, wrapping her arms around him, as she stood up. \"Alas, it's time to go to work.\" She let her fingers trail, as Baron smiled a joyous grin - or at least a parody of one. She sat down, turned the ring light at the desk on, and logged in to her Twitch account and virtual avatar. She took a deep breath, put on her mask of a persona, and started streaming.\n\n\"Good evening Scalies! I'm Meddi and this is my Let's Play of God of War in preparation for the Ragnarök release!\"" ]	2
	[WP] "I hate you and you hate me--" "I don't hate you. Never did." "Then how did this escalate so quickly?!"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Maybe because you won’t stop bringing it up.” Josh calmly says while trying to open the elevator door. \n\n \nAghast, Phoebe looks at him with her scolding eyes and says, “Maybe I’m bringing it up because it’s been five years now and we continue to find our way back to this same conversation. It’s time—” \n\n \n“Hey! I think it moved.” Josh says while continuing his efforts to open the elevator.\n\n \nTypical Josh, changing the subject. She rolls her eyes and says in an exhausted tone, “Listen, we’ve been in here seven hours. The elevator door hasn’t moved. The elevator hasn’t moved. Let’s just calm down and wait it out.” \n\n \nJosh pulls back from the door and sinks into the corner of the elevator. He looks down at his hands that are sore from trying to pry open the elevator. \n\n \nOn the opposite diagonal corner of the tiny box, Phoebe takes a similar resigned slouch. In an effort to avoid making contact with Josh’s sprawled out legs, she pulls her legs together and places them up against the wall. She notices Josh staring at his hands and looking lost in his thoughts. \n\n \nFive years and every time she looks at him, she asks herself why God would play such a cruel trick on her. Ever since she was a child, she dreamt of love at first sight. Is this what comes of love at first sight? Pain, heartache, jealously, and lust? Surely not. If the opposite of love is indifference though, then this must be love. \n\n \nThe lights flicker. Josh doesn’t notice or if he does, he doesn’t seem to care. Phoebe looks up and watches in a trance. Do I care if the light burns out? I’m exhausted. Maybe it will be more peaceful in here without it. Maybe he will actually talk that way.\n\n \nJosh’s phone lights up. Low Battery. 5% battery remaining. The picture of his three children and wife in the background make him smirk. If only she knew.\n\n \nJosh glances up and sees Phoebe through the flickering light. Her dark hair, pale skin, and emerald green eyes. Nothing in this world felt right anymore except when he looked at her. \n\n \n“What are we doing?” Phoebe asks quietly. \n\n \n“We’re waiting until someone comes and gets us out of here. We’ve called emergency services, they’ll get to us when they get to us. You know--“ \n\n \n“No, Josh. You and I. What are we doing?”\n\n \n“You just said you hated me a minute ago. You tell me.” Josh says confidently feeling like he scored a point in the argument.\n\n \n“You know I don’t hate you. But it feels like you hate me. It’s been two weeks since you’ve looked my way despite being near me every day. I’m the first fucking thing you should see when you walk in the office every day. But you look down at your phone like I don’t even exist.” Phoebe says as a tear rolls down her cheek. \n\n \n“This isn’t easy for me either, Phoebe. When I look at you, I see her. I see your green eyes, I think of her. I kiss your lips, I feel her. I hold you, I’m embracing her. I can’t let go.”\n\n \n“Josh.” Phoebe slides her leg across the elevator floor and puts it up against his. “It has been five years since she passed. I thought we had us figured out after a year but you weren’t ready. Then we tried again and you weren’t ready. To your kids, I’m just your friend Phoebe that used to occasionally sleep over. I love you. There’s not denying it, Josh. But you have to—“\n\n \n“Stop it. I’m sorry. You know I love you too, but after our date two weeks ago, I felt like I was losing her. I don’t want to lose her. So I left. Yeah, maybe I handled it poorly, but I don’t think there’s a guidebook for how to handle a situation like this. If you can’t deal with working with me anymore, I can leave and find somewhere else. I understand.”\n\n \nPhoebe didn’t like what she was hearing, but she loved hearing anything he had to say. Even if it was negative. \n\n \nJosh continued with his eyes tearing up, “Everything about you is everything I want. But at the same time, I’m losing her.”\n\n \nPhoebe scooted across the cold elevator floor next to him and put her hand on his cheek to wipe away his tears. “I understand. I cannot imagine what it is like to lose someone you love. It has been five years and I’m here every time you go through this. Have you ever thought that what she is to you is what you are to me?” \n\n \nThe light stopped flickering. The elevator jarred. The elevator button lights lit up and they both stood up quickly. \n\n \nThey quickly gathered themselves. Josh looked at his phone with 2% battery left and Phoebe hugged him. Neither of them wanted to let go. \n\n \n“I’ve missed you so much” Phoebe says.\n\n \nJosh squeezes her tighter. \n\n \nThe elevator door opened and neither moved. The elevator door closed and started to move to another floor. As it re-opened, both smiled at each other and took a side step in unison to make sure it didn’t close again this time. \n\n \nJosh looked over Phoebe’s shoulder and pulled his phone up. Settings—>Wallpaper—>Change. He found a picture of him and his kids and thought to himself, it’s time." ]	2
	[WP] You are prophesized to mentor the one that brings balance by killing the dark lord. You find an apprentice when you think the training is almost done he kills 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hi u/futuristic_fantasy, this submission has been removed.\n\nNo recent reposts, even if changing small details Also, no [copy-cats](http://i.imgur.com/38FjDgW.gifv).\n\nSearch before submitting as popular ideas can cause floods. If your idea is based on something you read elsewhere on reddit, chances are it's been submitted here already. Please wait at least 2 weeks before reposting.\n\n \n\n\n\n* [From Rule 5: No recent reposts, even if changing small details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_5.3A_no_recent_reposts.2C_even_if_changing_small_details)\n\n---\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://old.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/yvyxxv/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/config/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	2
	[WP] You wake up one morning after a night of drinking to find your intestines hanging out and forming a trail out of your room. You follow the trail of intestines and discover something horrible...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hi u/sambgames, this submission has been removed.\n\nFill-in-the-blank: This is essentially a fill-in-the-blank, or you asked a question likely to generate a simple answer. Responses must be at least 100 words. Prompts should encourage a story or poem. \n\n \n\n* This was removed [based on the comments it's likely to attract](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses), specifically via [Rule 1](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_1.3A_direct_prompt_replies_must_be_good-faith_attempts_at_new_stories_or_poems)\n\n---\n\nThis is bordering on a rule 2 violation too.\n\n---\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/yw8zj1/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/config/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things.", "Oh. My. God.\nThe first three words you utter from your mouth when you woke up to find yourself drenched with bits of tissue and blood all over your floor, yet miraculously, you are not dead. Instead you that your intestines, steaming hot releasing steam from their once warm cozy home, have yet to be sliced open. instead they show a path, a path cover in blood and guts leading towards the hallway. Summing all your courage and will power you get up, blood begins to fall out from the massive wound in which your intestines fell out of. Trying not to gag from the gore you see before you, you begin to follow the intestines. Intrigued only by curiosity as to how you are still alive. you follow your organ out your room into the hall way, as you continue to walk you begin to feel the tugging of your intestines that are now slacking behind you. you stop for a brief moment trying to gather them up as to not step on them accidentally, slowly lifting them up as they are hot, as if they were arranged into a trail recently, you continue to follow them down the stairs, your heart racing, to the possibility of what you might find, the source of the displacement of your intestines, you think to yourself if this could be a dream, maybe you are just having a nightmare and that this will all go away, but soon all those hopefully thoughts turn to despair when you get to the kitchen. Standing before you a creature you had never seen in your life gnawing on your intestines like it had just awoken to eat. It's completion is that of a woman yet had the animalistic nature of a fox. it stands there as if it were the center peice to your kitchen as you watch her ngaw away at your intestines. Filled with anguish yourself walking backwards as to not alert the fox-like woman but slip on your own blood, falling to the ground, as you lay on the frost-white floor now stained in crimson-blood you look up to see the creature now looking at you, eyes filled with bloodlust and ecstacy, from your dispirited self, what she uttered from her mouth, the last thing you would ever hear,\nThanks for the meal,\nDaddy" ]	3
	[WP] A new superhero has suddenly appeared, able to change weather at will. The Weather Forecasters are pissed.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"@johnmaysawkpn You're shit at your job...\"\n\n\"@johnmaysawkpn I wore a tank top and shorts today because of your forecast you asshole. I hope they fire you #itssnowing\"\n\n\"John Maysa is a trash weather man tbh\"\n\nIt was 9:55 PM and John was trying to prep for the 10 o'clock news but he couldn't stop scrolling. \n\n\"@johnmaysawkpn I wish my job paid me to be wrong all the time\"\n\nEver since he showed up, John's job was nearing impossible. The most frustrating part was that \"The Bolt\" got all the credit for cleaning up the city. Every time a criminal got locked up or someone's life was saved, everyone attributed it to his weather-changing ability, even when he had nothing to do with it! And even worse, that story was usually the lead into John's forecast. \n\nWell, not tonight. John had had enough. He stood up from his desk in a daze and shouted to Lisa: \"I'm done with this stupid job and the stupid people of this city. Fuck everyone and fuck The Bolt\" As the news crew stood there, mouths gaping, John reached into his tan jacket pocket and pulled out a Colt 45. He took aim for Lisa first. BANG. the first shot grazed her right arm.\n\nLisa screamed and the newsroom was in a panic. Cameramen jumping from behind their cameras offset. Anchors ducking behind desks. Interns whimpering. John standing there, still, with tears running down his face. His body shaking with rage and shock. He both realized what he'd done but didn't have the willpower to stop himself from continuing.\n\nHe wiped the tears from his face and steadied one more time, simultaneously hoping for a better shot, but praying he missed again.\n\nAs his finger tightened on the trigger, there was a flash and sparks flew around the room. CRASH. Rubble tumbled from the ceiling and electricity flowed through the room. A charred floor. A lightning strike. The end.", "\"Okay if you take a look at this precipitation map you can- ohhh-kay now it has stopped...\" Weatherman Jim Jameson said as his producer cut in. \"Jim Jim Jim,\" the producer said in the earpiece, \"They know you as accurate and you're messing everything up.\"\n\nHe's getting too good, Jim thought. What kind of Super would changer the weather for fun? Either way, he had had enough. After fumbling his way through another weather report he stomped out of the building without a word.\n\nJim Jameson had made a fortune over the years dominating the weather industry. And now, at the basement of his sprawling mansion, he examined the project he'd worked on for the last six months. Holding the red suit to the light, he began chuckling to himself. \n\nNow he just had to get the strength serum from his black market contact..." ]	3
	[WP] in a Coastal village by an ocean inhabited by massive, majestic fish. These fish eat humans, but they are so majestic and beautiful that to be eaten by one is a coveted dream among men. Elders who are near death make excursions to the oceans in the hopes of feeling the dazzling, painless end.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns." ]	1
	[WP] The hero is a mage specializing in calming magic, able to calm any opponent and make them reconsider their actions. It's time for their battle against the demon 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hi u/Blue_Shirt_Hornet, this submission has been removed.\n\nNo recent reposts, even if changing small details Also, no [copy-cats](http://i.imgur.com/38FjDgW.gifv).\n\nSearch before submitting as popular ideas can cause floods. If your idea is based on something you read elsewhere on reddit, chances are it's been submitted here already. Please wait at least 2 weeks before reposting.\n\n \n\n\n\n* [From Rule 5: No recent reposts, even if changing small details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_5.3A_no_recent_reposts.2C_even_if_changing_small_details)\n\n---\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/yx6xiq/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/config/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	2
	[WP] You are an innocent being persecuted in the witch trials, this is the 5th execution they've attempted on you, they've tried drowning, hanging, poison and yet you always come away unscathed without your intervention and you don't understand 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"What the absolute-\" the executioner growled, before quickly realizing the Judge was right behind him. \n\n\"Yes, my dear man?\" he asked, his curly white hair only further accentuating his pale, threatening smile. Adorning his neck were rows of beads and a single cross in the center, made of the finest metal available. \n\n\"Nothing, sir,\" the executioner stammered. \n\n\"I thought so. Now, since you have nothing better to do, please, feel free to retire to your chambers,\" he said. \"It's been a long day. Five executions and all. This...sorceress\"- he said, muttering through clenched teeth, \"-is certainly being protected by the Devil. We will have to administer harsher punishment in order to meet our goals,\"\n\n\"Your goals?\" I asked, biting back a laugh. I couldn't help it. It was so funny. Laughable even. The fact that they thought they could kill me. I wondered how much longer I'd hold out. I had a bet going on, sure, but this was getting tiring. \n\n\"I am but a sheep, to be controlled by the will of God,\" he smiled. \"And soon, you will be too...once I remove the wretched creature feasting on your soul,\"\n\nThe smirk died on my face. \n\n\"You think I don't know of your kind?\" he smiled, his finger carefully running across the surface of a sharp surgical implement. He snarled, his eyes turning black as night.\n\n\"You are all sinners. And tonight, you shall burn,\"\n\nI didn't stick around long after that. A few well-placed magical detonations and I was out of there." ]	2
	[WP] You are the son of the Queen of the Heavans. Your mother is a skilled and beloved hero, and she thinks it's high time you follow in her footsteps. She grants you your first-ever quest: befriend the son of Hell, and you'll be rewarded greatly.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Aiden and I opened the doors to my mom's temple, sending the flock of doves that congregated inside airborne. In a flash of light that dispersed into floating white feathers, my mom appeared before us and smiled wide. \"Josiah, my baby! Give me a hug!\"\n\nI conceded to my mom's request and gave her free reign to crush my spine in an aggressive display of her love. As I held onto the breath in my lungs, I weakly uttered, \"Hi mom. If it's okay with you, I'd like to be able to walk into the foreseeable future.\"\n\nMom chuckled and let me go as she said, \"Sorry, hon. Got excited. I mean, you've been gone for three months!\" Mom then turned her attention to Aiden with a smile. \"A pleasure to finally meet you, Aiden! I take it my boy's quest was a rousing success?\"\n\nAiden nodded. \"Um, yeah, it was. But there's something we weren't really clear on. The point of the quest was for us to become friends...\"\n\nI gripped Aiden's hand and finished, \"But what if we became... something else in the process?\"\n\nMy mom gasped and started looking back and forth at the two of us. \"Are you his--is he your--\"\n\nAiden leaned his head against my shoulder and responded, \"Yeah. I'm Josiah's boyfriend.\"\n\nMom squealed with ecstatic delight and pulled Aiden into his own nigh-lethal bear hug. \"My baby has a boyfriend!!!\" As Aiden was set back down on the ground after a kiss on the cheek from my mom, she clapped rapidly and said, \"You two wait here! I'm gonna get your reward!\"\n\nMom practically skipped out of the room as I held Aiden up as he caught his breath. In between wheezy gasps, he looked at me to say, \"How...has that woman...not killed you...doing that?\"\n\nI shrugged. \"No clue.\"\n\n\"I'm back!\" My mom ran back into the room with a pair of mannequins in armor held aloft by her feathers. She dropped them in front of us and said, \"I had these custom made for Josiah because I didn't know which one he'd like, but now that he has a boyfriend, I don't have to worry about either one going to waste.\"\n\n\"Uh, thank you, Ms. Throne,\" Aiden replied, \"But me and Josiah were hoping for some downtime. It was a long trip over here.\"\n\n\"Oh, oh! Yes, of course! Come, let's have some tea so I can hear about your time together and I can show off the rest of your rewards! Spoiler alert: there's a lot of holy artifacts.\"\n\nMy mom then happily ushered us to the sunroom for afternoon tea and to hear our love story." ]	2
	[WP]You've recently gotten a new power. However, you quickly learn that this power sucks and is actually a major inconvenience to you.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 scientists look on in horror at me, the life they've ended and the monstrosity they created. Fear and anger battle inside me, while at the same time, acceptance that it had been too good to be true. \n\nThe ability to slow down time seems like the greatest of gifts. Need more sleep? Simply slow the world down and get it! Annoyed by traffic? Get a motorcycle and stop the world, and they are only stationary objects. Out of money? Stop time while you walk into a bank and simply take it. The world is your oyster, and you are a king. \n\nBut there is one thing the scientists who have me this ability didn't take into account. I still agree at the same rate and can only slow down the world. Those would have been great things to know.\n\nNow we face the truth as my 80ish year old body contends with the fact I'm 20. I robbed some restaurants while fumbling through an astrophysics degree with time stopped. I had always been able to tune out the world until an outside force barged in, and it turned out the cap on that is about 40 years. \n\nAdded problem, tiny thing, is that the solar system only slowed down at a rate counter to its distance to me. Translation: Multiple asteroids from the asteroid belt got knocked our direction, and now are only a few minutes from hitting us...\n\nThis power is crap!" ]	2
	[WP] You are the one who knocks	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 stand outside of the run-down house with its chipped paint and untended, overgrown lawn.\n\nI knock firmly on the door. \n\nHe isn’t expecting me, and as I wait, the seconds until the door opens feel like they stretch into hours. I consider leaving, just walking back to car and driving away. But I take a breath and steel myself. This has to happen. It has to be me.\n\nThe door opens, and he looks at me, with red bloodshot eyes. I struggle to meet his gaze.\n\n“Yeah?” His voice is flat, almost emotionless, but with an edge of shock that his eyes match.\n\n“Tom, I am so, so sorry for what happened between us. I never should have thrown you out after that fight. I know we haven’t spoken in a long time, but your mother and I miss you terribly”\n\nI take a shuddering breath, trying to swallow the emotions churning in my gut.\n\n“May I come in? Can we talk?”\n\nTom eyes me suspiciously. I think I see some gladness in his face, but maybe I’m fooling myself. After a pause, he sighs and steps aside.\n\n“The living room’s through there”\n\nI step across the threshold, terrified and exhilarated at the prospect of repairing a bridge I’d thought was long burnt.", "Some deliverypersons ring the bell or push the button — they let chimes and dings and dongs sing their arrival. Others shout and announce their presence in the present with your presents.\n\nThere are those, the evil ones, that leave a slip in the door and say they missed you...despite the car in the driveway and voices from within your home. In this day and age there are those that wave at cameras, those that leave the parcel on the porch, and those that frisbee boxes on the lawn.\n\nMe? I’m the one who knocks. I rap my knuckles on the door frame with a rat-a-tat-tat, or if I’m in a cheery mood: a shave and a hair cut (two bits).\n\nThe others? Mere Delivery People.\n\nMe? I’m the god-damned Mailman.\n\nAlso, a Uber Eats driver." ]	3
	[WP] When humans sign your demonic contracts they have to use fluid related to the request, blood has been the norm for millennia but this is the first time a contract was signed with tears.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "as a demon lord I've been summoned for a number of things over the years from the standard money fame or power to killing one's enemy or making someone fall in love and each time over the years the way they've summoned me is normally through blood although they can use any type of dna such as hair or saliva there have been Cruder ways of DNA used to summon but this this time was different when I appeared it was to a child who was alone crying around a grave site I look around for anyone else who could have summoned me but there isn't anyone else here, Little one I am lord Nova of the 4th ring of hell it seems I have been summoned by thee what is it that you desire of me \"it worked\" the boy says inbetween tears as he wipes his tears away he stands up to face me \"I know these kinds of deals require something in exchange and I'm sorry to tell you I don't have anything of value but why I have summoned you today is to bring my parents back to me\" as I stand here I have to look at the child who has summoned me asking for a request that does not come lightly or without consequences, Little one what you have asked of me is unfortunately something I can not do because of the nature of what it is but if you don't mind me asking what led you to this point and how did you know to summon me \"my parents and I came from a poor background we've had nothing for almost as long as I could remember but then one day as if out of thin air that changed and we were living the dream restaurants,expensive cars,mansions and never a shortage on cash until one day I found out how this happened I was walking past my dad's office when I heard a voice I looked inside to see a demon talking to my father about collecting a great debt one he could not pay and when the demon heard that he was not happy and left muttering something it wasent until a few days later I learned what it was as we were walking around town and when heading into a store the store got robbed and everyone was asked to give everything my dad refusing to do so ended up with his and mom trying to stop him getting shot and killed after they were murdered I relised why this had happened a debt was made and it was going to payed but through the loss of his life after that I found the book my dad had used and I've summoned you I dong care about the money I have more then I could ever need but in the end what's money without my family being here with me I know that's theirs evil in the world but I find it ironic I'm talking to demon yet the world is full of people who are more of one than you\" I sat there listening to his story and I knew either way I couldn't help, I'm sorry young one I can't help with your request and this world will only get worse but I may have something else you can do join me become the judge of my gate of hell and judge the souls who enter it takes a special person to know what's important and you even after all you've suffered seem to have kept what few have left so what do you say. As I lay out my hand, he looks at me and without any hesitation in the boys eyes he reaches and grabs my hand as I open the door and return to land of which I reign.", "Seeing mortals cry was part of my job, usually. I didn’t quite mind it, and over time it had been so standard for my line of work, that I just paid it no attention and went on with my life. \n\nIt was, however, incredibly awkward, to see my client cry. Human bodily fluid was the binder of a contract, it sealed it fully and made it so I was able to do my work. Usually, demons prefer blood contracts, since it gives a chance for the person signing them to turn back and not waste our time if they aren’t truly committed, since the act of stabbing oneself to pour blood onto a paper is often a very sobering moment for these desperate troglodytes.\n\nHowever, anything goes. We just don’t really tell mortals that anything goes, though, because it’s easier just to say that it’s blood and only blood. \n\nWell, this client was desperate, something about their parents. Whatever. But then I noticed their tears dripping onto the contract. With a sigh, I retracted it with my claws.\n\n“Your contract is signed, and cannot be voided. I hope you don’t regret this.”\n\nThey looked confused.\n\n“…I thought contracts were signed with blood?”\n\nShuffling awkwardly, I managed out a soft correction, clearing my throat.\n\n“Actually, it’s any bodily fluid. We just don’t specify in case of sexual harassment or hasty decisions.”\n\nThey wiped their tears, putting their hands on their hips and looking at me with disappointment. I bunched my body into itself under their gaze, having no shell to hide in, so just awkwardly looking down.\n\n“You should’ve told me that, since I was crying, and all. Ugh, whatever. I would’ve done the blood thing, too. So you don’t need to worry. But seriously, that’s so irresponsible. Can’t you go to the boss of demons and discuss that with him?”\n\n“..We aren’t an organised group. Besides, I have no proof that you’d really use your blood to sign. That’s why I say it’s blood.”\n\nThey looked very disappointed in me. Grabbing my claw, they pricked the soft flesh of their palm, letting the blood flow. Okay, I had been corrected. Exhaling nervously, I unscrunched my body and looked at them sheepishly.\n\n“…L-let’s get to work, then.”", "\"They will always be desperate, but that's not enough. For it to be valid, the will has to be expressed in terms that even a layman can identify it…”, Astaroth lectured in a serious tone, seated with an arm resting on his right leg. His body towered over a lesser demon who scribbled with a trembling hand on a piece of parchment.\r \n\"Now, returning to the object, any questions?\" Astaroth landed his gaze on the student.\r \n\"It will always be a soul, as I understand”.\r \n\"Careful, lad!\" roared the ancient demon slamming his closed fist on his knee. In the back of the office crammed with awards and certificates, a muffled, high-pitched sound began to echo. By all Dukes and Kings of Hell! \r \nAstaroth stood up and walked over to a large chest of dark wood. On top of it lay piles of clay blocks, papyrus sheets, and papers. \"Care to lend me a hand, will you?” The young imp jumped from its chair and ran towards his Master, who handed him a mess of paper sheets. Among them, a single one captured the student’s attention. \r \n\"Master, this contract… why isn't it properly signed?\" \r \nStill with the key inserted into the lock of the trunk, Astaroth adjusted his golden pince-nez staring at the sheet. A smile formed on his lips. \"The contract will be sealed with fluid related to the request. It’s never stated it must be blood. A common mistake…\". Squinting, the small demon did notice a smudge at the edge of the page. \r \nAstaroth lifted the heavy lid, letting out a scream that pierced the student's ears. \"You know, lad, I was summoned once by this human. We already had a contract\" declared Astaroth plunging half of his body into the chest.\r \n\"Imagine my astonishment when I discovered that he wanted to revoke the pact…\". The student smirked, realizing the irony. Astaroth rose with a bundle of rags that seemed to grunt and squirm. \"Impossible! I told him…\"\r \n\"For the contracts are final and non susceptible to rescission or termination by agreement\", asserted the student in a regular rhythm.\r \n\"Very well. Moreover, our contracts are bilateral, which means…?\"\r \n\"Huh… Like, it’s one thing for another?\", replied the student. \r \nThe master looked at the ceiling for a moment and sighed. Good enough.\r \n\"Anyhow, the human was begging me to give him back his wife. It was not possible, of course. Only then did I realize that blood was flowing from several cuts on his skin. You see, those were very agitated times. Demons were summoned often, a luxury your generation cannot imagine. Heaven knows how many rituals that wretched man had performed seeking my attention. His complexion was already very pale, and he was grasping on his last breaths\", Astaroth rambled, slowly swinging the pile of rags. \"And this is my point. As much as the human insists, souls of suicides are non-negotiable, because…\". Astaroth left the sentence hanging and faced the student.\r \n\"...they are reserved by Law to the Devil himself. The contract would be void due to the impossibility of its object\". The young demon seemed proud of himself.\r \n\"And how frustrated that made me!\", the bulk on Astaroth's arms had already stopped moving. \"But this is where experience comes in…\" the student hurried to grab his parchment and quill. \"Near the human, I noticed something. A baby! 'Oh, poor thing, it looks like I could be of some help…'\", whispered the ancient demon going back to the chest. \r \n\"'It seems evident that this poor little creature would not survive without a father, or a mother', don't you think?', I clearly asked the human who bellowed in response\" clarified Astaroth. \"I took that as 'yes'\".\r \n\"Even a layman…\", agreed the student, scribbling loudly.\r \n\"I placed the contract near the baby's hands. They were wet with tears and the fingerprints were easily collected\". Astaroth put the now silent bundle of cloth back in the chest. \"He wouldn't stop crying as I carried the little one with me.\" Slowly, he closed the lid. \"How was it that you said? Ah, yes: One thing for another.\" The latch clicked, Astaroth stared at the chest: \"Always!\".", "The tears on little Timmy’s face are just delicious Balroth thinks to himself as they drip on the contract for that cripple’s eternal soul. Eternal damnation just to get rid of a gimpy limp. I wonder if he is one of those that believe they can get their soul back through good deeds? Too funny Balroth chuckles loudly.\n\nWhat are you laughing at Timmy asks? \n\nWell, now that the contract is signed I am pleased to share.\n\nSIGNED?! Timmy exclaims? I haven’t signed anything yet; don’t you need a drop of my blood?\n\nOh no boy, the Dark One is as clever as always, says Balroth. Too often her demons were going through these ridiculous summoning rituals just for these nobodies to back out last minute and no soul is won. But what they do.. is cry every time. The moment one of my kind appear, tears explode from their face in this sweet, confused, and fearful manner.\n\nOf course Timmy says, have you seen you? Rising from the cracked earth, followed by screams from an endless pit? It’s terrifying!\n\nI know boy, and the Dark One has decided to use humans pathetic groveling to change the terms. Dealing with the Devil comes with no guarantees, young Timmy, and now tears are used to seal the deal.\n\nBut I have spoken no request, I haven’t asked you for anything yet, Timmy pleads. How can I sign if you don’t know what I want?\n\nHow does that leg feel child, Balroth asks? \n\nIt’s.. its… It’s better! I can move, jump, but how? How did you know what I want? Maybe I was going to ask for revenge on Mr. Scrooge, he sure does make me feel awful when he scowls at me.\n\nTrue intention is what summons us, not your spoken desires. Like I said, too many of you back out but the Dark One has corrected this problem.\n\nTimmy drops to his knees, begging. Please Mr. Balroth, I don’t really want this, I was just angry and not thinking right. \n\nBalroth places his long, purple fleshed finger under Timmy’s chin, his nail digging into the skin as the sobs grow louder.\n\nSee you next week. Balroth winks, as Timmy’s face is frozen with fear.\n\nTimmy mumbles.. next week?\n\nYour cancer boy, Balroth says as he turns to walk back to the pit, it’s terminal.\n\nBalroth’s maniacal laughter starts to fade as the crack in the floor starts to magically mend. \n\nTimmy is yelling and screaming, my soul! I want my soul back! Please, Mr. Balroth, I change my mind.\n\nTimmy’s mother comes running into the room, sits down next to her son on the bed, and hugs him tight.\n\nOh honey, she says, it’s okay, it’s okay it was just a nightmare, come with momma to the kitchen I will make you some warm milk. She goes to grab his walking stick from the corner but he is already out of bed, walking behind her. \n\nShe loudly gasps and says “It’s a miracle!”", "Blood and pacts go together like chainsaws and hockey masks, or sand and eyeballs, or little toes and coffee table legs, or spending a weekend with your in-laws and your partner won’t let you drink yourself into a stupor of inner escapism, or pixar movies where the two main characters are opposites that come to appreciate and love their differences.\n\nThat is to say, Blood and Pacts — when wedged together — are: scary, painful, shocking, saddening, and...a boring cliche. It’s done to death! Lots of history and, sure, it evokes a certain air but...meh!\n\nUsed to be you’d stay the signers quill-gripped hand and you’d say: “Why no, Sir. Not in ink. You must sign...in blood.”\n\nThen the human would get all shaky and it would hit them — hit them hard that they were doing it! They wee making a deal with a devil. Now-a-days it’s: Where do I sign, not a problem, got a vial of my own red-stuff here and a fountain pen ready. Scribble scribble, whoopty doo. I’ll see you at the ironic consequences.\n\nIf it weren’t for the need of human fluid (that’s what our contracts need, the signature doesn’t matter), I’d let ‘em use ink. Then, as I was helping this soggy sorrowful lass with a bit of vengeance in exchange for a soul, she surprised me.\n\nShe wiped her hand across her tear streaked, mascara stained cheeks (and under her snotty nose), and then dabbed the quill in that! Signed in sadness, she did.\n\nAcross these past few millenia, blood had been the ink of choice. The symbol of life. A part of yourself. Ritual and nature clotted together in a vein born soup.\n\nAnd then, bam! She changes the game. Tears. Pain and sorrow and loss. Blood is people. Tears are feelings. What a rush! To know that there is more yet to see.\n\nAnyways, I’ve got to go and break a ladies heart — my clients ex-girlfriend. A horrific, demon-based, overkill tit for tat kind of deal. Tears. What a day.\n\nI’m shaking! You know what?\n\n“Hey, lady.”\n\n“..yeah..what?” She was rugged up, arms crossed, fresh streaks of unhappiness slid down her cheeks.\n\n“I’m gonna do this for free.”\n\n“What?”\n\n“You pulled me outta a rut! I can do a mortal a nicety every now and then.”\n\n“Oh?”\n\n“Does mean less magic, though. Contracts give me rights to work in this realm.”\n\n“Oh.”\n\n“Wanna go mess up your cheating bitch of an ex together?” I held out a red hand. She looked down and blinked, snorted back some running nose juice...and nodded.\n\n“Yeah. Fuck it.” She took my hand in her snot and tear coated mitt and shook it.\n\n“Atta girl!”" ]	6
	[WP] When the child was born, all the rulers bowed. Gods and mortals alike bent the knee, not out of respect or loyalty but out of sheer unbridled terror.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 first started at the furthest reaches of the known world, far from the mana rich deposits and ley lines on top of which most of the civilized world resides. Then came the spirits, demons and mindless beasts imbued of magic that slowly began to disappear, die or revert to some non-magical form. Gods began to lose their power as the mighty dragons lost their fire, then their flight and eventually their very lives. It was when it hit the academies, temples, monasteries and palaces of magic, when some of the most complex magics stopped working and new magic could no longer be created that earnest effort was put in to investigate the cause. Unfortunately, the cause was never discovered, but the scholars frantically studying the problem began to see a pattern. Magic was disappearing in a manner and at a rate that seemed to lead to a point in time and space - a small village in the back country of the most powerful magical kingdom in the world that was founded on top of the largest mana deposit. The seers determined that a child would be born the exact moment all magic disappeared before their powers were lost.\n\nThe world was consumed with war and deprivation as the balance of power shifted. The different kingdoms and races frantically fought to to preserve themselves and their way of life as the immense benefits and luxuries that magic provided them slowly disappeared. Gods who had lost their power but retained their titles were especially ruthless and cruel in their pursuits, desperately hoping to hold onto power they inherently possessed as a divine right. As the last of the magics dissipated in the world, the Gods, rulers, and any who still held power converged on the village, awaiting the child of prophecy to be born, hoping and fearing that this child would be the sole source of magic and therefore the most powerful being in existence. It was fear that prevented any harm from visiting the child or its parents. Fear of losing the last hope for magic to return or fear from what devastation a child with all the magic in the world would cause. When the child was born, Gods and mortals who were now one in the same, bent the knee as the last vestiges of magic disappeared. It was terror that compelled them, terror at this unknown new world ushered in by the first child born to world with no magic - a child born to Rea that went by the name Reason.", "The moment the child came into existence, everyone felt it. The silly temporary rulers of Man, the omnipotent rulers of the ones above Man, Gods, they all convened when they felt it. Like wild animals running on instinct they met and discussed but when they finally came to a decision, it was to bow. The child seemed normal to its parents, but it was not. For it was connected to all and would grow to be the Final Ruler of all. A child that knew the secrets of the world and had the ability to bring them into the open or erase them completely was someone that no one could oppose. When the child matured, 18 years after its birth, everyone greeted the new ruler with a smile. The Universe itself had descended and come to rule, no one could argue. For who could argue with the very thing they wished to rule?", "\"I get that he's the child of prophesy, destined to do... something crazy... but like, do we HAVE to just let that little punk ransack our house? Couldn't we just... lock the door or something?\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Oh don't tell me it doesn't bother you too. The twerps like 3 feet tall and carries around that silly little toy sword. Why can't we just tell him to screw off when he just barges in?\"\n\n\"Jerry... You can't be serious.\"\n\n\"Why not? \"\n\n\"...\"\n\n\"Well?\"\n\n\"Alright. FINE! Next time the herio comes to town, YOU lock the door and tell him to screw off. I'd love to see it. \"\n\n\"Don't be like that.\"\n\n\"No! Don't tell me how to be. Everytime the hero comes to town you shut up and stay quiet just like the rest of us. But the moment he leaves, THE MOMENT, you start treating everyone else like idiots for not telling the boy who single handedly KILLED AN EVIL WIZARD to... what was it? Screw off...\"\n\n\"You don't actually believe that nonsense do you?\"\n\n\"Oh my gods.\"\n\n\"The kid doesn't even wear armor! I can't even picture him killing the giant rats downstairs much less an evil wizard.\"\n\n\"Jerry, I honestly and truly hate you.\"\n\n\"For speaking the truth? If the king himself came to the village and started stealing everyone's valuables we'd be storming the castle that same day. Why do we let that stupid brat get away with it?\"\n\n\"Please shut up.\"\n\n\"No I will not. It's about time someone put that little punk in his place. The next time shows his face around here I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind.\"\n\n\"Oh for the love of... please do. Please for the love of the gods tell the 10 year old who can pick up a boulder the size of our house everything you just said. Let's see how that goes.\"\n\n\"I will.\n\n\"Yeah ok.\"\n\n\"I'm dead serious. The next time that stupid toddler comes through that door I-\"\n\nBANG!\n\n\"Oh shit.\"\n\n\"Freaking perfect.\"\n\n\"...\"\n\nRustle rustle... creak... YAAAAAH SMASH\n\n\"...\"\n\n\"...well?\"\n\n\"Shut up\"\n\nCRASH Rustle rustle Hey listen\n\n\"...\"\n\n\"...What were you say-\"\n\n\"I said shut up! Not now!\"\n\n\"...\"\n\nSMASH Da-ding Da-ding\n\n\"H-hey... th-that's my... ehem... uhhh.... n-n-nevermind.\"\n\n\"...\"\n\nCreeeeak BANG\n\n\"...\"\n\n\"...Hey Jerry.\"\n\n\"...y-yeah...\"\n\n\"I never want to hear you complain about the hero again.\"\n\n\"... yeah... that's fair.\"" ]	4
	[WP] Your life has been a constant cycle of abuse and neglect, so you try to end your life, but Death has other plans 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hi u/DyingFather-, this submission has been removed.\n\nWe feel that asking users to write about suicide is harmful. It can be hard to tell if someone's writing fiction or making a cry for help. In the event there's any truth behind this for you or someone you know, we recommend checking out /r/suicidewatch or /r/depression. \n\n* This was removed [based on the comments it's likely to attract](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses), specifically via [Rule 2](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_2.3A_no_explicitly_sexual_responses.2C_hate_speech.2C_or_other_harmful_content)\n\n---\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/yyoo9a/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/config/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	2
	[WP]As we find out, the ultimate advantage of a dyson sphere is not to use all the energy of the sun for ourselves but to hide the presence of our solar system from predator races.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 so proud of the Dyson Sphere. Such an accomplishment, it worked exactly as we thought, providing immense amounts of power. It's unfortunate that we won't need it, not for what we thought at any rate. All of our radio broadcasts and probes that went out early in humanity's race to the stars have caught up. We recived one back that simply said, \"We are coming.\" \n\nWe've dispatched colony ships towards every remotely habitable system.\n\nAll of those transmitters on the Sphere...\nThey can be redirected inwards, and thats what we're doing. Sol will go critical, all they'll find here is a dead system. We hope that means they'll quit looking.", "\nTen thousand paper lanterns dangle in a dark, wide cave.\n\nWe hover around but one, moths to its eternal flame.\n\nIts warmth to our backs, we gaze upon the deepening dark, dancing betwixt the twinkle of eternal lamplight.\n\nOur small wingbeats could never take us to even the nearest of those lights. We would expire in the shadows, forever in-between. \n\nWould those places be as nurturing as our great lantern - the source of all that was good and warm in our lives? \n\nAre there other moths out there, fluttering in the glow of one of those tiny, flickering torches?\nWe listen for them, the other moths. \nWe call across the great cavern: find us! We cry. We are here!\n\nTheir silence lasts years. Ages. Until one day, it stops.\n\nHush your wings, they whisper. \nThe bats will hear you.\n\nBats? We call out. What is a bat?\n\nBut only our own echos answer.\n\nWe continue to pour our attention toward the distance. Toward the stars. \nAnd one by one, they cease to glow.\n\nOur cave grows dark.\n\nAnd we grow frightened.\n\nThe bats are coming, we shout and flutter.\n\nThe edge of the darkness creeps nearer and nearer.\nThe bats are on their way.\n\nWe race to extinguish the light from our lamp. To quell the space where torch fire dances.\nBut we can not extinguish our own lives.\n\nBlock it! We form the idea, our whole world in unison. Blot out the light. Make us unseen.\n\nEncase our precious sun behind stone and steel and hide our very lives behind a makeshift shield.\n\nTurn our backs to the dark, and forever face the warm glow of our fragile lantern.\nFlit and flap around only one light, forever. \nNestle it in a cave, in a cave. \nEncase its warmth.\nwe will be safe. \nWe will be cared for. \nWe will be utterly alone. \n\nthe moths born in the future will not know of the cavern outside of our sphere. \nThey will grow ignorant, but they will be alive. \n\nBefore we seal the great sphere, we turn our eyes and our ears one last time toward the night sky. \n\nWe listen, and we hear:\nHello? Hello? They cry. Is anyone out there?\nHush! We reply.\nTurn off the lights, we warn. The bats are coming. \n\nWe close the door. \n\nThe last radio goes silent. \nThe last telescope decommissioned.\n\nWe huddle around our fire, and seal ourselves away, forever." ]	3
	[WP] The devil, a tall woman in a business suit enters a meeting room followed by her imp secretary. She sits at the table and says…”Ok so how is the current sorting process going?”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 devil, a tall woman in a business suit, enters a meeting room followed by her imp secretary. She sits at the table and says…”Ok so how is the current sorting process going?”\n\nI look at her in amusement. Dumb bitch is about to realize that not only is she out of touch, but her ability to punish us is questionable at best. \"87% is completed. We're organizing them by color, but 12% are no longer there.\"\n\nConfusion and a touch of anger flash onto her face. \"What do you mean by 'no longer there'? Are you destroying them to avoid the punishment? \" \n\nBeside me, the US Army Sergeant can no longer hold it. Laughter starts to burst out. It starts like someone strangling a pomeranian and transitions into a donkey's bray. His laughter is so overwhelming that his body starts to have small convulsions. \n\nShe stares at him in shock and bewilderment. \"Explain! NOW!\"\n\nThis causes the Sargent to laugh, if possible, harder. He falls out of his chair, his face turning blue and tears running down in rivers. There is even a bit of spittle running from his mouth.\n\nThe devil looks at me. Smile on my face, I shrug. \"We're already dead, so he should be alright in a bit.\"\n\nFury starts to rise on her face. \"I told you to explain.\"\n\n\"You'll want to see this in person.\" This causes the Sargent to start up again. His howling laughter is edged with a bit of pain. In all the history of Hell, it is doubtful that such a sound has been heard before. He struggles, still laughing maniacally, but manages to get to his feet. He gestures to me with a wave. I ask as I start to walk, \" Shall we look? \"\n\nShe stalks after me, followed by the stumbling soldier. This is harder for him than any late night drunken swagger, but he CAN NOT miss what is about to happen. \n\nWe walk into a warehouse catwalk overlooking a room larger than the biggest stadium on earth, filled with color. ORGANIZED color, with thousands of men running around laughing. \n\nThe scene before us dumbfounds the devil herself. Grown men, rough and scarred from wars across the globe, giggle like children as they sprint around a fast as they can. You can just hear them at this distance. \n\n\"RED\"\n\"YELLOW\"\n\"BURGUNDY\"\n\"CREAM\"\n\"CYAN\"\n\nThe Sargent can take it no more; he falls to his side in the fetal position, laughing so hard he is physically holding one eye open with his hand to see the devil's face as she turns to me. \"WHAT IS THIS! WHAT IS HAPPENING!\"\n\nA stupid grin overtakes my face as I look over. \"You ordered us, thousands of US Marines, to organize Hell's warehouse of crayons. We love crayons! The red ones are my favorite!\" I say as I pull one out my pocket and place it into my mouth. Munching on it, I ask the question on my mind. \"I thought we were sent to Hell for punishment, so why did we get such a reward?\"\n\nThe Army Sargent from before sees all of this. His convulsions are so bad that he literally falls off the side of the walkway. He lands in the crayons below, and a furious roar rises from every Marine who sees. \n\n\"GET THE FUCK OFF OUR CRAYONS YOU ARMY BASTARD!\"" ]	2
	[WP] The village guard steps alone in front of the evil legions threatening to overun his home and reach the capital. What no one knew, the guard once was one of the greatest warriors the world had ever seen.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 Grand Imperium, after being brutally humiliated by the fearsome 'tanks' that wrecked their golem battalions in the Second Battle of Harnomshire, was eager to find an easy target to keep its morale up. It looked to the East, seeking to start a new front in the Second Great War of the Realm.\n\n\nTomas was the sole village guard of Prinose, a small farming village that sat in a break of the Jiunistine Mountain Range. Most residents thought he was nuts. He was obsessed with shoring up the village defences to stave off the Imperial invasion he was sure would happen. Just as many were amused as were bewildered by the evidently senile town guard. In truth, few knew of Tomas' true identity. He was Tomasria Unaara the Second, once famous for completely repelling an Imperial push against the town nearly 60 years prior. Back then, he was a sprightly young man who volunteered to defend his hometown and had near singlehandedly handed the 32nd Sorcerer Infantry's 200,000 asses back to them.\n\n\nOne cloudy evening on the 22nd of December, Tomas was patrolling the Western Gate of the town while citizenry prepared decorations for the Winter Festival in but 3 days. Many would point at the aged solitary guard in old military coat of deep blue. A hodgepodge of antiquated Pinnitsurgan Machine Guns, obsolete Imperial energy staffs and homemade bombs and spears. At the centre of the defences, Tomas sat on his usual wooden chair in thick coat and service cap. A pair of decades old binoculars were in his hands as he scanned the far horizon while snow wafted to the ground.\n\n\nMovement. Something was rising over the hills and approaching. Lots of somethings. It was the 11th Imperial Harpy Division, closely tailed by the 56th Sorcerer Infantry. They expected to face little resistance from the town, so they approached head on and with little to no cover.\n\n\nTomas dashed madly between every weapon he could, most effectively the Pinnitsurgan 'Sewing Betty' B8-E Medium Machine gun. Though by now nearly 43 years of age, it tore through the unprepared Imperial troops and caused man and beast alike to scatter and swerve away from the hailstorm of fire. Of course, it was not long before the 56th Sorcerers Infantry moved to blast the meager defences to rubble with a single massed Mana Mortar strike. He retreated sluggishly from the gate as they smashed through and terrorised the town in search of the lone defender.\n\n\nThe Jiunistine Front would prove a bloody one. By wars end, a little under a million people were dead on both sides. Tomas would manage to halt the enemy for a whole 18 hours before falling back, taking out officers, infantrymen and equipment in defiance of his old age. It would cause enough chaos on their logistics that their planned march on the next town of Rinotsose was delayed by 11 days as they waited for reinforcements.\n\n\nTomas would survive the war, and the town of Prinose would erect a statue in his honour. On returning home he stated;\n\n\n\"You don't need to make some statue of me. Really, you'd needn't. Not what I did; well anyone could've and would've done that. All I want from you all is to remember. Remember what I stood up and fought for, especially when the next legion of opportunists march in.\"", "Bones creaked, muscles tore. Timmothy was not in his youth. A double edged sword. He needn't think about how he would recover the wounds he was sure to receive. There would be no need for recovery, for this was his last stand.\n\nIn over 50 years, Timmothy never missed a day of training. The locals that took such care of him thought him a kook. A nutjob. A workaholic who took his guarding duties too seriously.\n\nBut, Tim knew better.\n\nHe had seen what the ravages of this world could do to a fortified keep. A small town stood no chance if enaged by a legion of Fleshbones. \n\nTim wanted nothing more than to be wrong. That all of his training would be wasted. That this small town that took him in during his twilight years, whose inhabitants fed him and entertained his stories would never live to see such evils.\n\nYet, here they were. The very evils Tim spent his youth fighting against.\n\nTim was grateful for his training. Grateful that every day he sacrificed his happiness had paid off. He had ignored the advances of women encouraging him to settle down. Ignored the call of a warm bed in favor of patrolling the gates at odd hours. All theze sacrifices saved countless lives. Not just those of this small hamlet, but the ones far away the denizens here retreated to and informed of the coming dangers.\n\nMuscles tore. Shields broke. But not Tim.\n\nSome seven hundred Fleshbones would be counted fallen around Tim. This was to say nothing of those that retreated. Tim lived as he died, putting others needs in front of his own. His grave is but a marker on a seldom traveled road. His legacy, however, lives on in song and story told from now until mankinds final days." ]	3
	[WP] A Desk Jockee Federal Employee wakes up one morning to find the Secret Service in his bedroom with the Nuclear Briefcase. He is now the President of the United States.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "With a chime, the elevator doors opened. Two hulking men in suits invited her to follow. Three more were at the far end of the lobby, cordoning off Alice’s coworkers - the ones who hadn’t gone home.\n\nThe Secretary had gone home to check on his family. She hoped - wished - that he was okay, perhaps just unavailable. The cellular network was surely down, right?\n\nHer coworkers shouted:\n\nWhere are they taking you?\n\nWhat’s happening?\n\nLet go of me-\n\nThe two brutes rushed her out of the lobby before she could even think of an answer. One grabbed her by the shoulder, nearly dragged her off of her heels. They didn’t stop until she was in the back seat of a dark SUV.\n\n“Matthew Graves,” a hand reached across the console. His was a plain face, one of many worn rough with years of stress and worry. But Alice still thought it looked familiar. After all, he was just offstage at dozens of press conferences, hidden in the background of a hundred pictures of his boss.\n\nFormer boss.\n\n“Yes,” she she shook his hand, weakly. “You’re the Chief of Staff. I think we met before?”\n\nGraves barked at the driver. “Not on Pennsylvania. Take the back roads, please.” The car swerved and roared in response, soon surrounded by four others just like it.\n\nHe turned back to her. “Due to… extraordinary events, you are next in succession to be the President of the United States.”\n\nShe ripped herself out of her stupor. “That can’t be right. I wasn’t even appointed by him. My boss… is he okay?” The car swerved abruptly. Red lights whizzed by the window.\n\n“I’ll be straight with you,” he cut her off. “The next ten minutes are critical to the survival of our country.”\n\nAlice thought she heard a crashing sound outside. Possibly another explosion?\n\n“Because you aren’t officially in the line of succession,” he continued, “others will question your legitimacy. The nations enemies, your own personal enemies.”\n\nShe shuddered at that. Her tenure as a director had been infamously fraught with political hazards. Well publicized scandals in the embassies. Well hidden internal conflicts that she intentionally brought to light. Purges of the corrupt “old guard” that she oversaw, personally.\n\nLong ago, she hoped to survive this job for just a few more years. Long enough to collect her pension and retire early. But even that seemed impossible with so many people who had sworn to stop her.\n\n“So you understand,” Graves had sent down his phone, seemed to be staring deeply into her eyes. “You now have many personal enemies. Plus the rest that come with this job.”\n\nThe car swerved abruptly. “Are we even in the right lane right now?-“\n\n“You must accomplish three things tonight,” he seemed unfazed by the hazardous driving. “First, you must demonstrate that you are, infallibly, the next in succession to lead the country.”\n\n“Am I though? Is this even written down anywhere?” Alice asked.\n\n“Not like this,” he said, solemnly. “No one ever imagined that we’d run out of cabinet members. We’re far past what the law declares, explicitly.” He took a deep breath. “Which means that we must be first.”\n\nFlashing blue lights flew past the windows.\n\n“Next, the people must see you accept the responsibility. You will be filmed by whoever is left of the press corps.”\n\n“The Rose Garden?” a mote of joy snuck into her voice.\n\n“No, you shouldn’t be outside, not now.” He tapped at his phone for a minute. “Finally, and most critically, you must convince the world that you are worthy of the job. We’re finishing a few acceptance speeches. You can choose any of them, though-“ he handed her a beige folder - “I do have a favorite”.\n\nUnprecedented times… I’d like to thank the honorable Justice <TODO> for… The intent of the law is clear… Humbly accept… Let there be no confusion…\n\nThe cars slowed, briefly, then sped up. Through the rain-mottled windows, she could see two marines outside of a gatehouse. War dress. At attention.\n\n“You said that we have to be first,” Alice said. “There must be a dozen generals, other directors within the State Department, survivors of the other departments.”\n\n“Hundreds,” he said, tersely.\n\n“You’re the chief of staff, right? The assistant? The one who sets up the appointments?”\n\n“I am.”\n\n“You’re the only one left who knows the right people, the guards at the gate, the assistant to the Supreme Court Justices, the press corps…”\n\n“Don’t be foolish, I’m certainly not the only-“\n\n“You could have picked anyone,” Alice said. “There are a dozen other people better qualified than me. Why me? Why not you?”\n\nThe cars slowed as they arrived to the front steps. Alice could see camouflaged soldiers forming a perimeter, broken only by men in dark suits.\n\n“You’re certainly savvy enough for the role. This administration is full of career politicians. People entrenched in the old ways. People who will fight against change. Even your former boss, the late honorable Secretary of State, meant to fire you next month. You were too transparent, showed too many weaknesses, revealed too many secrets that he wanted to keep hidden.”\n\nHer eyes narrowed. “Our job depends on trust. Truth. Not this-“ she waved her arms around, “-cloak and dagger nonsense.”\n\n“In the past hour, I’ve received hundreds of messages. Emails and texts and calls from career politicians. People assuring me that they are the right one for this job.”\n\n“So why not pick them?” Alice said. “I never even wanted this.”\n\n“That’s precisely why,” for the first time, he smiled. “In my experience, the best leaders are the ones who are in awe of the power. The ones who want to do good with it. I think the world needs someone like you. Someone honest, who can finally do the right thing.”\n\nThe door opened, a small team of soldiers flanked a path directly to the White House door.\n\nAlice looked back to Graves. “So what’s your part in this?”\n\n“You do the right thing. And I’ll take care of doing the wrong things. Madame President.”" ]	2
	[WP] You are inhumanly angry about your imprisonment, lacking strength,social skills or the cunning to escape you decide to futilely glare at your captors with pure malice . To your surprise and misfortune - it causes a heart attack.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Prisonborn\n\nTai had to help his village. Had to protect them. Had to do something. But what he was doing, was stitting stupidly, in a stupid cell, guarded by a stupid, ugly haired, ugly faced, ugly, ugly guard.\n\nHis village was sick and needed medication. He was sent out as one of the only healthy ones left. He was supposed to bring back the medicine from the apothecary but instead of that, he was sitting in this stupid cell, looking at this stupid guard. It wasn’t like he could do anything about it. The stupid local bandits seemed to have killed some poor old guard with a shed and an iron prisoncell. Because of course.\n\nThe guarding bandit was on the chubby side and a had complacent smile on his face while going through Tais stuff. Mainly the rations he wanted to bring back to the village. Until he found the medicine. Tais hands banged against the prison bars clutching them with all his might and glaring at the bandit.\n\n“Don’t you fucking dare touch that medicine, my village needs it” Tai spat at the guard.\n\nThe bandit showed his innermost thoughts which resulted in an empty face and look. Then an ugly smile crept across his face.\n\n“Don’t you dare you damn…” The bandit threw the medicine to the ground and stomped on it. That idiot didn’t even think about keeping something valuable like that to himself. He just wanted to torment Tai. But maybe, maybe some of it was still usable. Maybe a little, maybe enough to save his sister and his mother. Maybe, please just maybe. The bandit saw the utter anguish on his face and it delighted the devil in him. He gave the remaining medicine a swift kick and it fell into the fireplace giving a few cracks before the fire swallowed all the lifes the medicine could have saved.\n\nThat piece of shit. Tai felt despair. Everything in him broke. In that moment he lost his familiy, his village, everything and that piece of shit was laughing. He was holding his belly looking at him. But all Tai could look at was the fire. Until he heard the pig eating again. Really? Really this is what you do? Kill me, I don’t care anymore, I don’t care about anything anymore. Tai turned his eyes to the bandit and hatred, anger and malice bloomed in him. His face banged against the prison bars leaving a bleeding mark on his forehead. The noise startled the pig but he gave him an ugly smile and kept gorging himself.\n\nEat it all you pig. Tais eyes were bulging, his knuckles white, blood flowing down his face. He looked at this man, no not a man, a pig, no not even, a monster to humanity. Who knows how many he has hurt, how many he will hurt.\n\nTai kept staring, not even blinking anymore. This was the face of a rabid dog ready to rip anything in his sight to shreds no matter what it would cost.\n\n“I can’t enjoy my meal with you dirty rat looking at me” the bandit said in dumb tone, grabing at his knife.\n\n“So choke on it, make the world a better place. Come on I dare you” Tai said with so much spite and acid in his voice it could almost dissolve these prison bars.\n\nThe bandit smiled slyly and without hesitation threw his knife at Tai, it hit his hand and cut deeply into one of his fingers.\n\nBut Tai was still staring, his bleeding hand didn’t even bother him. He felt nothing but anger and hunger. Hunger for vengence. To see this Monster bleed, no to show him what he has done and to make him suffer for it. Him and all like him. They deserved punishment, suffering, death. Tai swore he would bring vengeance down upon all of them.\n\nEverything in him was raging, building, his eyes were piercing, his insides were screaming.\n\nHis eyes met the eyes of the monster and his eyes were judgement incarnate. The monster choked, spat out his food, he was cringing, reaching for his chest. He looked surprised at it all, not understanding what was going on. He tried to scream, anything, but only a choked up breathing sound came out. The monster collapsed onto the table and died of a heart attack.\n\nTai fell back from the prison bars. He sat. That monster died because, I looked at him? No, he died because he deserved it. Tai somehow just knew it.\n\nBut something was tickling in the back of his mind. Oh shit his hand, he looked for the bloody wound but found none. His finger was glowing, no the wound itself was glowing, closing itself.\n\nHe looked around not knowing where to look. And there He stood.\n\nA Man made of white light wearing a glowing plate armor with crimson edges like blood slowly running down a swordsedge.\n\nHe pulled a greatsword engraved with complex runes, but Tai felt no fear. The sword landed on his shoulder and then his other one in one smooth motion.\n\nA decisive voice coming from everywhere and nowhere at once spoke\n\n“YOU SWORE AN OATH OF VENGENCE AND SO HAVE BECOME ONE OF MY SOLDIERS.\n\nRISE AND FULLFILL YOUR OATH PALADIN”\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWritten by Aras" ]	2
	[WP] You're supposed to hate each other, yet every encounter draws you both closer. She's a skilled assassin, just like you, and you're both tasked to take each other out...your feelings get in the way of that though...	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 go toe-to-toe all the time. There's a reason this isn't our first time. \nEach time is deadlier than the last, but neither of us can seem to pull the final move on each other once we look into the whites of each other's eyes. \nA convenient slip here, a misstep there.\nI know exactly where to punch her where it hurts the most. I've done it so many times before in this life.\nShe has always been stronger than me though. One swift grab by the back of my hair and she could put me through a wall. \nBut I don't wear my hair long anymore, so who's the smart one now?\nThis time, it's going to happen. I have to take her out.\nShe's always stood in my way. From day one, and she always will. Personally, professionally, every day, everywhere. \nMy nemesis. \nIt's time. No mercy.\nIt's your final good night, Sister.\"", "\"Kinda cute really\"\nWe stood barrel to barrel. 5 years of stalking, years of poaching each others contracts. Hell im sure if we really wanted to end it one of us would have pulled the trigger by now. \n\n\"Which part? Sniping you? THAT was cute?\" \n\n\"You unloaded 10 rounds before realising i wasnt even there, or were you just trying to get my attention?.. because you definetly succeeded!\" im sure if her face wasn't covered i would see a hint of blushing. \n\n\"Well, i do like my partners unaware they are even on a date\" \nDID SHE SAY DATE? nah she meant it in a tag'n'bag way for sure! \n\n\"So, you gonna take my head or are we just going to stand her stroking egos?\" \n\nShe chuckled \"Flirting with death hun? Very vogue\" \n\n\"Without seeing her face, id assume you was the angel of death\" \n\nWhat am i even thinking?! I could take her down right now...She could take me down! Oh lord this is agonising! \n\n\"SO big guy\" she lowers her guard, her gun slowly pointing to the floor. I lower mine in sync. \nI step forward ever so slightly, she follows. Our steps grow closer and feet begin to touch and my heart is racing. I drop my gun to the floor oh fuck this isn't happening or is it has she killed me already?!\nHer breaths smells like mint, odd to my normal smell of cigs from folks.\nHis breaths smells like cheap rum, nice change. \n\n\"How about we go dark for a bit?\" \n\nShe whispered \"I dont like coffee\" and i returned \"I meant coms\"\nI could almost feel her smirk through the masks\n\n\"I guess we need complete this mark and take eachother out? How about tomorrow at 11?\" \n\nShe holds her breath a moment \"you know my schedule well, Mr. See you again at 11\"", "I held the knife to her throat. A drop of blood ran down the length of the blade. A pain was in my other hand as I held the string.\n\nThe two of us were in the middle of an alley. Buildings on either side of us, encroaching upon the small amount of space we had. At the very end of the street stood a small apartment building.\n\nOn the opposite end of my blade was Kira, an assassin that I’ve had many interactions with.\n\nWe’ve met a lot of times over our years of being assassins. Our first interaction was something that I still remember.\n\nWe had both been tasked to kill the leader of the Herun, Abal Simlad.\n\nI had taken a bow and arrow and drawn it, ready to send the arrow down at Abel. However, I had looked over and saw that a woman had climbed up next to me. She too had a bow and arrow. She was dressed in black clothes while wearing a checkered mask.\n\nShe saw me and I saw her.\n\nA moment passed.\n\nWe assessed each other. I saw that she had a dark star on her chest.\n\n“So you’re part of the Evening Star Guild, are you?” I had asked her.\n\nShe inclined her head but didn’t speak. Then we both began to move. She drew out her knife and threw it. I battered it to the side with my bow. She took that opening and closed the distance. She jumped on top of me, straddling me to hold me down.\n\nI bucked, trying to force her off but she couldn’t be moved. She looked over the edge of the building and saw that Abel was moving.\n\nShe drew a knife from its sheathe and threw it. In that moment I managed to buck her off. I reached up and tore the mask off of her.\n\nI saw that she had green eyes. Her red hair rushed down, loosened by the lack of a mask. She had high cheekbones and a light skin tone.\n\nShe looked at me and I looked at her. She looked briefly over the edge before fleeing. I ran after her but she was already gone.\n\nFrom that point on we had many interactions. I eventually learned her name to be Kira and she learned mine to Devin.\n\nIt was earlier this morning that I had received my new mission. I was to kill the assassin. They didn’t know anything about her but had managed to get a photo of her with her mask on.\n\nI had tracked her down. I was on the edge of completing my mission. My highest paid mission ever.\n\nKira beneath me spoke, “Why did you become an assassin?”\n\nI looked at her. “For the money. I do need something to keep my family alive.”\n\nKira nodded carefully, avoiding the knife I had to her throat. “You need money? I have plenty of it. You let me go and we leave and make a life for ourselves.”\n\nI thumbed the string in my other hand. It was a very thin line of nylon, nearly invisible to the naked eye.\n\nI slowly withdrew the knife and said, “Fine. Let’s go.”\n\nI stood up, still holding the string. Kira followed me up, wiping the blood from her neck. She reached into her pocket and grabbed a knife.\n\nShe tackled me to the ground. She held the knife to my throat. A drop of her blood landed on my shirt.\n\n“Did you really believe me?” she asked. “I need the money just as much as you do. I’m sorry that I do have to kill you but I need that money.”\n\nShe moved to slit my throat.\n\nI released the string while moving backwards in the limited space I had.\n\nAt the end of the alley, on top of the apartment building, a bow an arrow lay, ready to be fired. And get fired it did. The released string activated a series of mechanisms that released the arrow.\n\nThe arrow came flying down.\n\nI dodged the next stab of her blade. Then, in a spray of blood, the arrow slammed into her back, piercing her heart just like I had planned but never wished to happen.\n\nKira fell to the ground dead. I looked at her one final time before walking away. An unexplained feeling arose. It was like an arrow had pierced my heart. Almost like Eros himself had fired it.\n\nThat night I walked home to my family with more money. I saw the machines hooked up to them, trying to keep them alive.\n\nI fell asleep in a chair next to them, dreaming of my many encounters with Kira." ]	4
	[WP] As the Devil, you rule hell with an iron fist, striking fear into sinners and demons alike. But now? You face your greatest challenge yet…raising a daughter.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "'Father of Lies is filmed before a live studio audience.\"\n\nGentie sitcom music plays as a television set is lit. A young woman, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, sits on a couch in a living room, looking over college applications. There's a knock on the door, and in floated a brilliant shining sphere of liquid gold, with a rings of decaying wings orbiting it, blood and ichor seeping from their blackened feathers. In front of the orb, a pair of hoodies from Indiana State University and Butler University floated suspended in the air.\n\"SO, Has my little girl decided what-\"\n\nThe crowd immediately flies into a primal riot of violence and madness in Lucifer's presence. Stage hands escort Chloë off the set while the director tries to bring everything under control. A set wall falls down, revealing a manic priest raving bible scriptures. The lights begin to flicker, and flames of rotten meat begin to shoot from the earth. Zombielike, grievously wounded audience members begin to attack the priest.\n\n\n\"CHOKE ON 'EM!! CHOKE ON THEM!!\" He screams. The camera is knocked over, and the feed cuts.\n\nGentie sitcom music plays as a television set is lit. A young woman, played by Olivia Holt, sits on a couch in a different living room, looking over college applications. There's a knock on the door, and in floated a brilliant shining sphere of liquid gold, with a rings of decaying wings orbiting it, blood and ichor seeping from their blackened feathers. In front of the orb, a pair of hoodies from Indiana State University and Butler University floated suspended in the air.\n\n\"SO, Has my little girl decided what college she's going to?\"\n\nThe woman sighed. \"Dad, I don't know if I'm ready to go to college. After mom passed away, I think I should stay here and help you run the bakery!\"\n\n\"Now, Amanda, you really shouldn't worry about me. I've been around the block once or twice.\" The floating, glowing orb rippled as it spoke.\n\n\"I think the neighborhoods we grew up in are a little different.\" Amanda crossed her arms. Canned audio of an audience laughing played.\n\n\"Well, yeah, but have you seen traffic here? Talk about the flaming pits!\" The audience laugh track played further. \"Tell you what. Why don't you give it a few days and think about it. I don't want you throwing away your future because of your old man.\"\n\n\"It's MY future, I think I should get a choice in how it plays out.\" Amanda said curtly, standing up.\n\nLucifer billowed slightly. \"Of course, honey. Now, if you'll help me, I've got like seventeen boxes of hoodies in the ol' SUV.\"\n\n\"Dad!\" The young woman rolled her eyes. The audience laugh track played again, and the show cut to commercial.", "\"Lord Satan.\" The incubus said nervously. \"I'm not quite sure if I'm qualified for-\" I grabbed his shoulder, interrupting him. \n\"Listen, alejandro. I can assure you that you have my utmost confidence. I wouldn't trust any other demon in hell with my throne. Also, don't call me 'Lord Satan'. My name's Lucifer.\" Alejandro cleared his throat.\n\"Alright, Lucif...nope doesn't sound right. I'll do my best. Nobody gets in, nobody gets out.\" \n\"Good boy.\" I said, rustling his hair. \"Remember, it will just be for a week.\" As I snapped my fingers, green flame began to encompass the nearby wall, slowly forming the outline of a door. On the other side, there was a scene of a cabin on a snow covered hill.\n\"You know,\" Alejandro called out before I could step through. \"you still haven't told me what this important business even is.\" I looked back at him and handed him my trident.\n\"Trust me. It's probably the most important thing going on in any realm.\" I stepped through the portal, feeling the gentle nip of flame. For a short moment, my body was devoid of sensation. Until I felt the two feet of snow encompass my leg. I stopped to take a closer look at the cabin. A Christmas tree filled the largest window. 'it figures.' I thought to myself. 'My dopy little brother gets an entire holiday to himself, and all I get are sex cults in the forest. As I approached the cabin, I stopped myself from knocking. 'Bell allways did like it when I made an entrance.' inside the cabin was a little girl sitting next to the fire place. Besides her was her mother, sharing a plate of cookies. \n\"When do you think he'll be here?\" She asked. Before her mother could answer, a pair of horns apeared in the coals. Out of them, raised a familiar face to the little girl's delight. As I stepped out of the fire place, I picked her up and gave her a kiss on the forehead.\n\"Hey there, Belladonna. Have you been good to your mom?\" Belladonna smiled back at me.\n\"Yes daddy.\" I leaned over to give her mom a kiss as well. \n\"Sorry I've been gone for so long, Rosemary.\" I said, looking into her eyes. \"I swear, I tried to make it here sooner.\" She put her fingers up against my lips. Telling me to stop talking.\n\"All that matters, is that you're here now.\" She said lovingly.\n\"Daddy,\" Belladonna said, tugging on my coat. \"What's in the bag?\" I smiled down at the little munchkin. \n\"It's your Christmas present, little one.\" I reached into a burlap bag, retrieving an angular cut orange crystal. \"It's not a teddy bear, but I figured you aren't really a teddy bear kind of girl.\" Rosemary leaned in to get a closer look. \n\"It's beautiful, but what is it?\" She asked while holding my arm.\n\"This, my love, is a Dante crystal.\" light began to pulsate in the gem as I placed it into the fire place. \"It creates comfortable heat without damaging anything. It took me about two weeks to forge.\" As the crystal started to levitate in the fireplace, I uttered an incantation. \"Calor.\" Beams of orange light filled the house, and danced around the ceiling, finally flowing back towards the fire place. The house suddenly felt much warmer. \"It'll keep the house this warm until you turn it off. I know it's not glamorous, but-\" Rosemary pulled me in for a kiss. \n\"It's more than enough, Lucy.\" She said sweetly. She then leaned down to Belladonna. \"Why don't you show him his Christmas present, sweety.\" Belladonna lifted her bangs away from her forehead, showing two little buds at the top of it.\n\"They came in just last night.\" My heart began to leap out of my chest, as I lifted Belladonna off of the ground. \"Merry Christmas, Daddy.\" She said with an adorable smile....maybe my brother's holiday isn't so bad after all." ]	3
	[WP] In this world, Dinosaurs did not go extinct. And in the modern day, owning one is considered as normal as having a cat or dog	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Okay, you wait right there, and absolutely no peeking. I mean it!\"\n\nAshley giggled and followed my instructions. I quietly made my way to the bedroom and picked up her present. I walked back and carefully set the box in front of her. \"Aaaaand... open!\"\n\nAshley opened her eyes and let out a stunned gasp. She was face to face with an adorable little teacup pachycephalosaurus, his scales the color of desert sand. Ashley started tearing up as she gave our new pet soft scritches and pets. \"Oh my God, he's perfect. He's just perfect. Thank you, Reyna.\"\n\nI kissed Ashley on the top of her head and replied, \"Happy birthday, honeybun. I'm glad you like him.\"\n\n\"Of course I love him! Look at this gorgeous baby! Precious little noggin man. Oh my God, that's his name--Noggin!\"\n\n\"That's fantastic, baby.\" I turned to Noggin and started petting him as I cooed, \"Hi Noggin. Welcome home.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You have suddenly acquired the powers of every God, spirit, and deity ever and are now having to master all of 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "At first I thought I was getting ill. I was shaking, feeling incredibly hot and sweating. I made the decision to stay in bed, hoping whatever this was would pass. I didn't notice when I fell asleep, but I sure noticed the dream.\n\nI stood atop a stage, made from pure white stone. Below me stood a sea of faces, all staring. They spoke as one, many voices overlapping to make one of unquestionable strength.\n\n\"At the tipping point of the world, one shall decide its fate. They who hold the power of all, but the experience of none. So we pass on the burden of power to thee.\"\n\nTheir eyes rolled back as streams of light erupted from them. These formed ribbons that leapt high into the air, every colour imaginable showing. Then they descended, rushing into my body and filling me. It was a mix of pain, joy and awe I felt, as raw strength forced its way into every aspect of my being.\n\nI woke up with a gasp, the dream still vivid, my body still feeling the after effects. I felt my senses shift, as the given powers manifested themselves. I knew it was real, even if I had dreamt it. I carefully reached out a hand, wanting to test. Just a simple one, lifting my slipper from the floor.\n\nIt shifted, but I wasn't putting enough power in. I focused more, making it leap into the air. It was far faster than I expected, more strength behind it then I had anticipated. The shock clouded my mind, until I realised how steady my hand was. I didn't feel ill anymore. But I had a new problem instead.\n\nThat simple test proved I had no idea how to use this. If I tried to act with them now, I would make things undoubtedly worse. I had to get better with these powers.\n\nI threw off my duvet, leaping out of bed. Moving as fast as I dared I packed up my most valuable possessions, along with things for an extended retreat. Trying to hide this and act as normal wouldn't go well. I had to become a recluse first.\n\nOnce I gathered enough, I took off, using the granted power of flight. I was glad it was night, letting me practice without the world's eyes on me. It took time to work out how to stay steady, but that turned out to be relatively simple. Just slight motions every now and then made the perfect adjustments.\n\nAs I flew, choosing to vanish into the heart of Antarctica, I concentrated on what I could do. I could feel the strength of beings from myth and legend in me. The powers of every pantheon at the tips of my fingers. I could feed myself, survive the harsh climate, and most importantly, survive isolation.\n\nEven during the flight, I began to experiment. I pulled on the weather, calling up a storm for Zeus. In my haste to practice I put in too much, making a terrible mess. Thankfully I had waited until I was on open ocean. It probably wouldnt affect anyone. But it was sobering. With little effort I had made a near disaster. I had to be careful. If I wasn't, I would kill an awful lot of people.\n\nTheir wordscame to me again. The world was on a knifes edge. And I had the curse of deciding its fate." ]	2
	[WP] Decades ago, a well-meaning wizard, seeking to eliminate corruption, enchanted the government so that "only the worthy and pure of heart" may be elected and live. Unable to lift the enchantment, the world struggles with the unintended consequences.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Elysium had been tired of the decadent state his homeland decayed into. The wizard then decided to use a spell to make it so no corrupt ruler could take the reins of the realm, only a pure-hearted and worthy person could take the helm.\n\nKings and queens were ejected from their thrones, counselors and ministers had their tongues frozen and unable to give orders. All in all, the world found itself without a head on the chain of command.\n\nAttempts to place princes and princesses failed, as they saw the same fate as their parents. So the populace turned to elections in an attempt to find someone the spell considered suitable. Sadly it went down a similar route, seeing many candidates run away or freeze up and become unable to do their duties.\n\nThen a single candidate had managed to pass the selective spell and became the new leader. Trouble was... Garth was surely worthy, being an accomplished businessman with experience handling many sectors and delegating duties to the correct people. \n\nBut he was pure anarchy, letting his whims tip the scales when important decisions needed to be made, which led to odd situations, like when he placed a duck as the overseer of the newest national park, or a complete moron as the Minister of Education." ]	2
	[WP] The prosthetics of a high fantasy 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Excerpt from Modern Prostheses: A Treatise by H. Gladwell, G.M.\n\n... prosthetics are considered on seven\\* major aspects, to wit: ease of use; precision and strength of manipulation; cost, monetary and otherwise, to obtain and maintain; propensity to be imbued; durability; reliability, especially in dangerous environs; and especial limitations.\n\nWhile there are many forms of prostheses, most can be classified into a broad category of construction. In-depth explorations can be found in the following chapters, but notable qualities are quickly summarized below.\n\nMechanical prostheses are mostly notable for their extreme reliability and low cost. Simple prostheses include carved wood, various clamps and hooks, and the like. A mechanical prosthesis lacks ease and functionality, and often joints; in general the more of the limb lost the worse the prosthesis. Leg prostheses especially are usually unstable on broken terrain. However, these prostheses can be created from durable materials and are easily inscribed. Soldiers, and others frequenting locations of low or chaotic ambient magic, may favor these prostheses as their simplicity provides few points of failure.One type of mechanical prosthetic bears further mention here. Some with symmetric leg loss below the knee have taken with almost religious fervor to prostheses of slim spring-steel, as incredible speed is obtained while running with these artificial 'tendons'.\n\nEntirely magical prostheses hold great promise. Those based on spells of telekinesis can achieve greater strength and finer manipulation than even the baseline limb, though the smooth integration of fine control and gross force is ongoing. Perhaps the greatest limitation is the mental effort of maintaining the complex magical construction, comparable to the preparation of a sixth-order spell or higher. Until a stable spellform is found, the utility of telekinetic prostheses is niche. (Diagrams of current spellform research are included in chapter five for my more hubristic peers).The unconscious underpinnings of leg movement counter-indicate these prostheses for legs, as control must be intentional if not attentional. While magical prostheses can also be made from elemental manipulation spells, this author opines that in nearly all cases save extreme aptitude for one element, non-animated elemental prostheses are entirely inferior.\n\nSymbiotes are a broader category than those above. Living grafts are often able to perfectly reproduce the functionality of the original limb, having similarly complex biological internals.It should be noted that most symbiotes are necessarily independently conscious. Communication between the user and the symbiote can cause slight delay between trying to move the limb and actually moving it, to which some users are unable to adapt. In addition, symbiotes often require a strange diet whether or not directly connected to the wearer's bloodstream. It is rare, but possible, for a symbiote have destructive and deadly disagreements with the wearer. Despite this, symbiotes remain one of the most popular prostheses for two reasons: adventurers frequently find and create symbiotes, and these living grafts possess an incredible affinity for the magic of their species, providing powerful and sometimes unique abilities.\n\nNonliving animated limbs function much the same as symbiotes. However, one must be wary of those created by binding elementals or other spirits; if the limb breaks or the controlling magics waver, they may break free. The consistency of obtaining these, and their durability, nonetheless keep these forms of grafts popular. Undead prostheses are far rarer than elemental prostheses, though they are remarkably cheap.Notably, undead prostheses can in theory be directly connected to the nervous system of the wearer, allowing incredible ease just as if one had not lost their limb initially. However this process is not yet reliable, and failure often results in necrotic infections. Users also note that the inability to bring the limb into holy ground can be severely limiting, especially in urban environs.\n\nThe different fields of prostheses, mostly relating to the profession and needs of the wearer, are discussed in depth in the next chapter." ]	2
In 536AD a worldwide dust storm happened and nobody knows why. You can read more about the event here: http://archaeology.about.com/od/medieval/qt/Dust-Veil-of-AD-536.htm Your writing challenge for today is to envision a worldwide dust cloud that has enveloped the Earth. Scientists have ideas as to why it's happening but... they just aren't really sure. WORD LIMIT: 250 words. As always, have fun. (The previous couple of daily prompts I posted have some really good responses posted last night and this morning - be sure to go back and read and respond to some of them!)	[FF][HP] The 536 AD dust storm happens... today	[ "The Blue Planet didn't look that blue any more from space. There was a thick, reddish layer covering it, well below the clouds. Radio and satellite communications were disturbed. Astronauts in the ISS couldn't establish contact with Earth, people just a few miles away from each other were barely able to make sure relatives were OK before static took over the lines. The Internet was dead since a few days.\n\nNo one, not even the biggest scientific minds of the world knew what was going on. But even though in the eyes of humans I'm just a little speck of red dust, I knew exactly what was going on. We, the little red dust Martian creatures, were invading Earth. Every time the humans had landed a life-searching rover on our planet, they disregarded us as life, and kept on looking for other things.\n\nLittle did they know that the red cloud of dust that hung over their precious planet was an entire army of Martians coming to revenge them for being disrespected. And hell hath no fury like Martians scorned.", "I open up the hood of my car, replacing the filter. This needs to be done every two weeks. I was lucky, I didn't listen to the scientists. They figured a month of this, at most. I'm not a man of means, but I am paranoid. Bought about 100 filters online. Not to mention the 300 filters I bought for my air purifiers at home. It cost a small fortune, but now that money means next to nothing - the decision feel wise.\n\nThe news reports seem dire: people aren't leaving their houses three months in. Clean water is scarce. I'm lucky, I've got well water that hasn't been contaminated... yet. The military is still making sure electricity and the internet still function.\n\nI drive one of the only CAT's in town. Clean Air Taxi. Payment is in the form of offered goods. I have a sign on the side that says \"Driver only carries 20 ounces of water\" and I refuse any trades involving the stuff. It could get you killed.\n\nCoughing up a bit of blood into my handkerchief I realize: We can't take much more of this.", "For the last two weeks the world has been turmoil. Religious fanatics have been proclaiming the end of the world, scientists have not been able to refute these claims, and the population have been holed up at home with the windows shut and the air con running 24/7.\n\nFor Dr Adam Standfield this should be the defining moment of his career. Ever since he had graduated in 2340AD he had been considered the finest climatologist of his generation. His rise through the Earth's Climate Control had been rapid and now, under his directorship, nearly all weather conditions had been tamed: all but freak dust storms.\n\nOver the last two weeks his team had been poring over weather records and only found one other instance when a worldwide dust storm had happened: 536AD. \n\nTo make things worse however his wife had taken severely ill today and he had had to bring his young son Anthony into work with him. And now Anthony wanted to play, whilst he was attempting his daily briefing of the President.\n\n\"The problem is that hurricanes and tsunamis had been studied for hundreds of years; I've studied them for over fifty myself. They are predictable. This just isn't.\" \n\n\"Why isn't the big weather machine working Dad,\" said Anthony as he toddled over with a plastic dinosaurs in each hand.\n\nThe President smiled at Adam and then at Anthony. \"No one knows son.\"\n\n\"Have you tried turning it off and back on again?\" replied Adam.\n", "The sting in your eyes you can get used to, and when the glowing haze of the generator-run cities finally fades you can nearly see the stars, they say. It's the noise, however, you can't run from. The wind is constant, whipping and the dust it carries scrapes the skin from your bones, the paint from buildings. Banshees grow weary of its howl.\n\nI'd heard about Shaded Canyon for months now, a deep, narrow, and flared canyon that will shield you from the wind. The dust doesn't even fall there, I've heard. It is all that's left. \n\nI picked my way between beneath ivory giants. They stretch up, out of my vision, bleached by drought after the dust and wind had stripped them of their bark. Parched, I sat. I'd found my way halfway up a mountain, looking for the canyon, at the bottom of which lay salvation. With the roar of the wind sleep isn't worth the effort, not that I would if it were possible. I simply sat, clutching an empty revolver. The dust covers your tracks well but the alert survive. I had nothing worth stealing but I was yet healthy and meat is worth more than water, regardless of its source. I pulled my sweater around my face.\n\nAnd then it happened, all at once, a glorious, piercing silence and a heat I'd not felt in years. The sun graces my face from between the empty branches of the trees above! It could have been a mere second but it felt like hours that I basked in its glory. Hope renewed and with naught but faith to carry me forward, I carried onward. ", "On a crisp April night, the dust begins to clear. The world below us would finally breathe, and realize that we were hovering above the cloud layer. Most satellites had broken down after a month; nobody knew were here.\n\nThat was the part that the world's scientists couldn't explain. The sudden appearance of a dust cloud was probably correlated with the increase in volcanic activities, but why was equipment designed to withstand being pelted by asteroids broken by a little dirt?\n\nThey didn't guess that the dust--that was us! The volcanoes erupting at the same time--easiest way to create our hiding spot--also us. And, after we took to the skies in Sahara sandstorm tested aircraft, disabling their satellites was easy. Everyone was too busy trying to breathe.\n\nOf course, that is over now. The world below is beginning to recover, but we're ready to throw them off balance again. Today, the cleanup team absorbs the dust. The world will see our power. We will show--we are a force to be reckoned with!\n\n\"But, who are you guys?\" you may ask, breathing freely for the first time in months. We are your cousins, your friends from middle school, your teachers, and your neighbors. But none of that matters now. We are the ones hovering above your major cities, armed with nuclear warheads, the ones with the power to plunge your little lives into a chaos you have never dreamed of." ]	5
	[WP] You were a nobody in life, and a wandering spirit in death. One small act was all it took to accidentally become a deity. Now, all your attempts to be left alone only increase your followers' faith and prayers.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 remember that day very vividly. The day I became divine... and oh boy do I regret finding that lady's keys for her. \n\nIt was about 2 years ago when I found this lady, Sheryl. She was just a normal person, mind you but she intrigued me and had this innate ability to always lose something important as soon as she needed it. I took pity on her and decided to start helping her find things she lost. I really wish I hadn't.\n\nIt started off just every now and then, her keys one day, next week a water bottle. With each item I found, I noticed my translucent body seemed to glow and glow a little bit more. I guess Sheryl started to catch on that someone was helping her so she started praying in thanks any time I had found something she lost. I found this slightly weird given I wasn't doing anything amazing but I did like the praise at first.\n\nI found I had a nack for finding thing so when Sheryl went off to work I would wonder into other people's houses and see if they had lost anything. I guess word spread like wildfire because before I knew it people were leaving out things with notes written to help them find things, sometimes intangible things like success or love. it was starting to get overwhelming.\n\nI started ignoring requests, thinking that if I stopped helping people then maybe they'd stop doing such ridiculous things to \"gain my favour\". I started to hear voices in my head, prayers of thanks, forgiveness and begging for help. It was at this time that I also started to notice just how bright I had gotten.\n\nThis time I started helping people as much as I could thinking maybe if I helped them, they'd stop asking but it backfired yet again and got me more followers and praise.\n\nI miss my old afterlife of just wandering around and observing the world, watching random people in their daily life. But until I can find a way to return to that, I'm known as Lostire, minor God of finding what's been lost. \n\nSheryl came up with that name." ]	2
	[WP] When the bears started talking it changed the world. When the dogs started talking we rejoiced. When the sheep started talking we rethought what we ate! Now hundreds of species can talk and it's getting bloody hard to just find five goddamn minutes peace and quiet.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 Good Boy’s Wisdom \n\n\r \nGus lounged on the couch sleepily with the lazy afternoon sun streaming in when Lisa walked into the room filling the air with the static of her tension. \n\n\r \nGus sat bolt upright, instantly alert with his face creasing into concern for his beloved. Lisa plopped down next to him and ran a nervous hand through his fur. His tail, the truest of all his voices, wagged at her presence. \n\n\r \n“What’s up Love,” he asked gently. It seemed as though she was jingling and jangling a lot lately. \n\n\r \n“Oh Gussy, my Fuzzy Wuzzy Woo Woo, whatever am I to do? I’m simply going bonkers now the birds have started.” \n\n\r \n“Started what?” asked Gus, all ears now. \n\n\r \n“Talking of course.”\n\n\r \nAt this moment Tiffany the hell cat decided to make an appearance, her tail waving snakelike in the air expressing her disdain for everyone and everything. She remained tight lipped of course, not that she couldn’t talk human, she just deigned not to. She did speak dog though, and to Gus that despicable tail was the equivalent of a middle finger. \n\n\r \nStay on track Big Boy! Gus chided himself and fought back the desire to flash his canines at the fiendish feline. \n\n\r \n“Ahhhh the birds,” he said with a smile, “chatty bunch, aren’t they? Always chittering on about their roots extending back to the Jurassic Period. “\n\n\r \n“Fascinating as that may be,” declared an exasperated Lisa, “but I really don’t need a history lesson at the crack of dawn, not with the bats banging on all night about being marginalized by vampire myths.” \n\n\r \n“You’re going to have to find your Zen like I do.” Gus suddenly looked uncharacteristically serious, his big brown eyes trying to convey beyond words the levity of the situation. \n\n\r \nLisa put an arm around the broad shoulders of her best friend and felt some of her stress melt away in his silky golden fur. The last rays of afternoon sun warmed them in a caress and he felt her body soften against his. She was learning. \n\n\r \nGus hoped she would be a quick learner just like he had been with fetching a stick, for things were going to get worse. Much, much worse. Just wait until the ants started talking." ]	2
	[WP] You live in a world where doctors have a special empathetic ability. With a touch, they can experience how their patient is feeling in that instant. Some of the more experienced doctors can experience an extended history with prolonged contact. You can experience an entire lifetime at will.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Nothing is black and white. Ben learned that early on, when he became an elementary medical school candidate.\n\nHis third grade classmate, who until then he only remembered as “that girl with the brown hair”, had fallen off a slide and into the school sand pit, scraping her knee. As she cried hysterically, he had run over to her, trying to help her off the ground. He reached out to her stoically, mustering every character he’d idolized on TV, only to burst into tears himself. One cry was more easily drowned out than two, and soon he had an audience.\n\n“Your son has a beautiful gift,” Ms. Rodriguez had said at the next parent-teacher conference. It was the happiest Ben had ever seen her, mere weeks after he joined the gifted and talented program. This time, she even remembered his last name. “I think he might be an empath. Have you ever thought the same?”\n\n“That’s wonderful!” Ben’s mom beamed back at her. “I guess he always did take after his father. Glad that I didn’t spoil the pot,” she laughed.\n\nThe week after he heard the news, Ben’s coloring books got lost. His mom could never find them, no matter how hard she looked. He got ready, instead, to spend more time with his father. Ready for watching sports on TV, for going to Golden Corral on weekends, and for learning about the stock market. In the colorful numbers that football and the stock market had in common, he read his father.\n\nBen didn’t need to understand them. When he took his father’s plate to the sink, all he had to do was brush his hand ever so slightly. When he refilled his water, he lingered just the same. He could feel that he was supposed to be angry, or sad, or bursting with pride. He could yell and shout in time. His game was just as fun as the one on TV.\n\nHis mom never did find his coloring books, but she started to make time to have dinner with him every day. On her bad nights, when they had dinner closer to midnight, Ben would avoid her skin, fearing the pit of loneliness it would open in his chest. On her good ones, he hugged her deeply, and saved a plate for his dad before he went back to studying. He was always studying, preparing for a future that was more important than his present - one where he’d get to save lives.\n\nEmpaths were crucial in medicine. Without them, Ben found it hard to imagine that medicine could even be truly practiced. They were faster, more accurate, and more caring by virtue of being able to understand. It was illegal to consider empath abilities in the application process, but the essays probed nonetheless. “Tell us about a time when you understood someone who was different from you” is awfully easy to answer when you can tell the gas station attendant’s whole story.\n\nThat was the thing with empaths. The abilities varied. When he was younger, Ben could simply feel physical sensations - starting with the girl at the playground’s pain. Then it was emotional, starting with his dad’s surprising rage, something he never saw on the surface. When he started volunteering at the emergency department in high school, he felt everything from gunshot wounds to heart attacks and kidney stones. Nothing compared to the pain of the dad who’d accidentally run over his four year old daughter’s neck. She was hiding under his car.\n\nBen gained the ability to see beyond the present when his father became disabled. After an accident in the tub, his father laid motionless, rage neck up and regret neck down. He touched him and saw it all, from the night he’d cheated on his mom to the day the two of them threw away his coloring books. His legs went limp as he lost control of his limbs, falling onto his father as the rage boiled over. He could stand again when a nurse dragged him away from the hospital bed, but never forgot the helplessness that his father had carried since childhood. Helplessness, rage, and regret. When he left the Earth, Ben wasn’t sure how to feel.\n\nIn the shades of gray, Ben wondered about himself, about others. What made life worth living, and what made it worth leaving behind? A decade later, his father’s story shook him more than it shook the courts, but it shook them enough to make it all optional. In his white coat, a physician of circumstance, he stands at patients’ side to remember the hope as well as the pain — and sometimes guides them to the gates." ]	2
	[WP] After countless wars ,apocalypses and more ,Poland keeps on reviving itself	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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] She specializes in snow and ice magic. She enchanted beavers to help build her cabin. Her familiar is a fierce goose. Her pointy hat is actually a toque. And she tries to add maple syrup to ALL her potions. It's the Canadian witch!	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Magic doesn’t make my Nanaimo Bars better than my neighbor’s. Emma’s are amazing. But I add a hint of maple syrup to the filling. It doesn’t change much, but it gives our soldiers an edge on the battle field. I served them the night before Vimy Ridge and look how that turned out. \n\nYou see some things, after a time. The cold, the snow, they make you slow down. Not just you, but your life. Aging. It is no longer the main driver. What would you do if your main purpose in life was to make the best Nanaimo Bars for your neighbors? And then to be beaten out by a mortal. \n\nNot that I blame Emma. Her son eats everything. Brent is an odd child. So of course she makes billions of batches of these. But do hers chill as quickly as mine? No! The arctic winds help me there. My chocolate always glistens on the top layer. Yanni likes the way it glistens like the surface of his pond. But he’s a goose — even worse, a goose from YAMASKA— and even I don’t take his word at face value. He says I’m lucky he tolerates me. I say he’s lucky I don’t turn him into Christmas dinner. But a goose for one person is too much and I hate waste. \n\nOh, but Emma. She must be a witch. How else would she have beaten my Nanaimo Bars at the province fair? Can we have two witches in the same province? What about the same town? Dog River isn’t that big. She could move away from Saskatchewan and no one would notice. I’m from this province. For millennia. It’s home. It’s people are my home. Davis knows and never gives me a parking ticket, even when he is grumpy because his new boots pinch. His people always recognize me. \n\nI’m going to beat Emma this year at the fair. My Nanaimo Bars are better. This time. They’re better, and I will take that blue ribbon. It doesn’t hurt that my grandson is mayor. But this is about honesty. Integrity. Flavour. \n\nMy Nanaimo Bars change history. You’re done, Emma.", "Pierre, Alex and I walked out of the Roots store, back into the bustle of Robson street. A woman in a toque emblazoned with a goose bumped into Pierre as we crossed Burrard. “Sorry!” He called.\n\n“Pierre I think that was the Canadian witch. You’d better be careful.” Alex burst out laughing.\n\n“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!”\n\n“No she’s real. Haven’t you ever noticed the strange things that go on here?”\n\nPierre looked at me, his brow furrowed. “How so?”\n\n“You’ve never noticed how there’s always a cold wind from the old east side? That’s her. We live on the pacific ocean, the wind should be coming from the west!”\n\n“If you didn’t insist on wearing shorts all the time, there’d be no cold wind” mumbled Alex.\n\n“Sure. Ok. Ok. You got me there. Did you ever notice how nobody around here knows anything about Canada?” I pulled out a crisp, neatly folded five dollar bill. “Who is this?”\n\n“He looks like a pilgrim” said Pierre.\n\n“He’s Wilfried Laurier! One of the most important Prime Ministers!” I put it back in my wallet. I took out a dime. “What about this boat? It’s everywhere!”\n\n“It’s a boat, dude. They fish out east” said Alex.\n\n“It’s not just any boat! It’s the bluenose. It’s on the dime, matches, and stamps! The legendary boat the Americans couldn’t defeat! Ah, for just one time I would find someone who knows anything of Canada. Surely you saw the guys dancing in safety vests last year and wondered about that?\n\n“What’s so special about that?” asked Pierre.\n\n“You two must be under her influence! Did you have maple syrup recently? We’re going to Bellingham for the weekend. You have to think! She tries to keep us expressionless and small, her power is in the maple syrup.”\n\nI began dragging them to the parkade. “If we’re going down South, we musn’t forget some Canadian flag patches for our bags” chided Pierre. $40 dollars later, we were in the car and headed for the border. We crossed the border, and pulled into a McDonalds for lunch. I ordered 3 McRibs and Cokes. Surely that would get the Maple Syrup out of their systems. Pierre had found a trucker and was reminding him that Shania Twain, Alex Trebek, Drake, and Ryan Reynolds were Canadians. We found a table. Pierre took a bite of his McRib. “Ryan Gosling is Canada’s-“ his eyes widened. Alex scoffed and took a bite of his McRib. He coughed twice.\n\n“We must be far too Canadian. Why weren’t you under her spell?”\n\n“I take nothing free. I may be an idiot, but no potions of maple syrup for me.”\n\n\\--\n\nSunday, we drove home, pulling into a White Spot for dinner. Pierre ordered us BC burgers while we sat in the car. The sun was long gone and the lights of the city shown beautifully down the boulevard. The server was chatting with Pierre, and she tipped her toque as she left. Pierre passed me my burger and milkshake. I took a sip of the shake. It was remarkably sweet, with an unfamiliar flavor. It was getting dark again, and I awoke in Canada three thousand miles away.", "Before Cecile sat a beautiful plate of fresh pancakes. Steam slowly weaved from up the wooden ceiling, aroma flowed to her nose and a thick maple syrup crowned thick pancake tower made by the lady of this house.\n\n\n\"Why you just watch it? Dig in already, we will talk until you finish your pancakes\"\n\n\nFrom the other side of table came a voice of middle aged woman - maybe 30, perhaps 40. She too had her pancakes' plate, but there was clearly one pancake less - because it already met its fate at the belly of the Witch of Newfoundland. \n\n\nCecile let a heavy sigh and gave in to witch's urges to eat her pancakes. Not that young mage was that much against it - she was just bitter.\n\n\nShe should have been in Londond, continuing her education, finalizing her aspirations. But one misshap - and they send her to some snowy hell hole Merlin knows where. And they had send her here only because \"You know French, you will figure something out\". Of course, they didn't bother to check to which part of Canada they are sending her, and turned out, French doesn't have a lot of weight here. Especially considering that in this forest, there is no one, besides her, witch and some local critters.\n\n\nIf she at least was learning legendary ice magic, or some advanced potion making she wouldn't be so bored to death. But it was always just going around the forest, move some junk there, check something here, and other mundane, totally not magical things.\n\n\n\"You know, if even morning pancakes don't make you happy, I honestly don't what will\"\n\n\nWhile Cecile contemplated her fate, witch already finished her breakfast and started to prepare for the day - gathering potions in the bag, givining instructions to her geese, finding just the right toque. This is Tuesday, so it is probably the red one today. Or this is Wednesday, so green is required. Doesn't matter really, at least for the Cecile.\n\n\nReluctantly, young mage finished her meal and started to dress up for the today's trials. It is probably just patrol again. Or maybe gathering. Perhaps some bird watching. \n\n\n\"Common, move your legs. Be more excited, today is a big day!\"\n\n\nThe witch had been hyping up this \"Big day\" for 2 weeks now. It started to get to Cecile's nerves, but she already stopped caring about anything. It will probably be again some ancient tree and whatnot. Nothing important, in other words.\n\n\nThey started walking through the pine woods. It was already November, so the cold already made it's strike, but snow didn't yet captured all of the land. Nevertheless, these woods are definetly even more gloomy than a month ago. Cecile doesn't understand how someone can live here willingly - for her, this forest just eats all of light, taking away the joy of life that could possibly be here.\n\n\nFinally, they came to a river. On this river, there was a dam, that some local beavers have made. It was crude and primitive, but it had pretty impressive size. Cecile sees this river everyday. For her, it looked devoid of life as everything around here. \n\n\nBut this time, instead of passing by, they headed to the dam itself. That was the first time they approached the structure since she came here - at least it was somewhat of a change.\n\n\nWhen they approached a dam, a creature came from it - a perfectly normal, regular beaver. \n\n\nThe witch approached him and squatted before the critter. For a moment, they just looked at each other. Then suddenly, beaver ran off back to the dam. Shortly it returned, caring something in it's paw. Beaver gave the object to the witch, and left again.\n\n\nWitch stood up and approached Cecile - in her hand, there was a small crystal, which shined with every color of rainbow. It was truly beautiful - it seemed it shined brighter than the sun, but at the same time it was not blinding. It was warm and gentle, and its light was like a soft touch of someone who you loved.\n\n\nCecile knew what was this stone. Why, she was sent her to learn how to acquire. But why the hell some beaver in God forsaken place had it?\n\n\n\"You probably thinking why the beaver had this shiny thing, eh?\"\n\n\nThe witch said at with a gleam of laughter in her eyes.\nAfter that, she pointed up the stream of the river.\n\n\n\"Remember your second week around here? Something clogged the river and it started to dry up. You know, these big-teethed little fellows need water, and running water, if we are being nickpicky. So we helped them. Catch on so far?\"\n\n\nRiver started to dry... Up? But Cecile didn't remember it. For her, the river seemed exactly the same. For that matter, she never noticed beavers here - just wooden dam. What of it?\n\n\nBut they were here. They lived here. And witch helped them. Cecile, for that matter, was of help.\n\n\nIt came as shock to her. From her perspective, they used magic to just move some junk from riverbank for no particular reason. But it served to save someone? How Cecile didn't notice it?\n\n\n\"Let's get to home, shall we?\"\n\n\nOn the way home, Cecile decided to look at the forest a bit more closely than she did so far. And she finally noticed.\n\n\nThat tree, which they healed from some disease? Not only it looked better now, but she saw some squirrels on it.\n\n\nSome hole in the ground, where some small animal lives? She now remembers how they brought some food before it, and she definitely saw shadow sneaking from this lair now.\n\n\nMore and more, she noticed these small things, these signs of life. Cecile was so caught up with her bitternes, with her failure she just stopped noticing anything, even her own doings.\n\n\nWhen they returned home, witch put away the rainbow stoned in a beatiful little wooden chest, with carvings of local animals. Afterward, they started their routine - preparing herbs, checking over their supplies.\n\n\nBut by the end of the day, when they sat before the fire with hot chocolate in their cups, Cecile for the first time in months felt relieved.\n\n\n\"So, my featherly fellow her brought a message from the civilization. I need to leave tomorrow, do some business in big town. Wanna come?\"\n\n\nWitch looked at the Cecile, awaiting response from the young woman. Cecile turned her gaze toward the geese who brought the news. She hated the bird, mostly because it always tried to bite her. But today, both her and bird were in good mood. And thus...\n\n\n\"I think will stay here with Henry. After all, we can leave the forest on just one geese, eh?\"\n\n\nThe witch smiled at Cecile mischievously. Than, after finishing her hot chocolate, she started go for sleep.\n\n\n\"Oh, by the way, girl. You are on pancake duty tomorrow\"\n\n\nIt was the first time witch ordered - not, allowed it - Cecile to cook her. It was always on mage's mind why never was told to do so. Now she understood.\n\n\nThough how could you make a good, joyful breakfast for the hard day, if you felt no joy yourself?\n\n\nAnd even though Cecile knew she will not cook pancakes as good as the witch - that doesn't mattered. All that mattered, that she was looking forward to a new day in this lively, beautiful forest.", "\"Favorite superhero, go.\" The burly one said, downing his beer as he beckoned answers from his fellows at the table.\n\n\"Hmm, Superman.\" How original.\n\n\"Wonder Woman.\" A bit better.\n\n \"Batman,\" the singular woman said.\n\n \"Why Batman?\" Burly asked, slamming his mug down. His neck looked thick enough to chug peanut butter.\n\n \"He's quiet.\"\n\n\"Ah, mysterious. No mystique, big mistake. I'm changing mine, Superman's out.\"\n\n\"Librarian down in Abbotsford's quiet,\" Burly answered. \"Doesn't mean I'd hang a poster of her up in my bedroom.\"\n\n\"I would but not because she's my favorite superhero.\"\n\nThe watcher chuckled into her cider at that one. It was nice to come into town once in awhile.\n\n\"Get out of here with that thirsty jabber. This here is a serious palaver, no room for Oedipal pinings over.\"\n\n\"Canadian Witch.\" A man by the jukebox said, hardly looking old enough to be in here. He sauntered up to the table with a put-up swagger.\n\n\"About time you bugged us but I gotta ask. Is that a superhero or brand of selzer?\"\n\n\"No, it's a fancy candle scent, the ones with the glass lid cost $20 for some ungodly reason.\"\n\n\"I like them.\"\n\n\"Both of yous wrong. Canadian Witch is real iffn you believe the tales.\"\n\n\"Is that not a statement just as correct for any fictional character? That if I were to take it upon myself to believe the tale of Pinocchio, I would also be of a mind little men popping face boners could be around any corner?\"\n\n\"It's true, I've seen 'er, deep in the woods. Specializes in snow and ice magic, enchanted beavers to help build her cabin, fierce set a gooses at either hip.\"\n\n\"Aside from the magic, what makes her a witch as opposed to a sorcerer or a fly by night wizard? You think the supernatural creatures would be past such gendered language, year it is.\"\n\n\"That's true.\"\n\n\"Aye, sir, it is.\"\n\n\"She's a witch all right, pointy toque a top her Senators Jersey. And she tries to work in maple syrup to all her potions.\"\n\n\"Being as I assume the same in the real world as well, potions are often left sitting on a shelf till such a circumstances occur she needs to cause a young fool to fall in love or some such. It's gotta attract flies, universally sugar-based as they are.\"\n\n\"Maybe she's got a spectral flycatcher that traps their little fly souls and bends them to her will.\"\n\n\"She ain't got no soul trapping of any kind. She's a good witch.\"\n\n\"Ah, so more of the Harry Potter type where the negative connotation is defenestrated alongside the true nature of centaurs?\"\n\n\"There I was, ten years ago,\" an old man said, also wandering up to the table. \"Shot me at 12 point buck 12 miles south of the truck.\" He mimed the kickback of a rifle.\n\n\"Yes, feel free to interject with a rambling tale,\" Burly said. \"I would hate if we were to somehow drift back to the topic of superheroes to which this conversation was originally pointed.\"\n\n\"I got her hauled halfway back on my shoulders before my heart gave out on me. Like a raccoon that won't let go of the treat in a hand trap, I knew I was either going to get that buck back or I was going to die out there.\"\n\n\"Reasonable.\"\n\n\"If it was a doe maybe, but a little myocardial infarction wouldn't turn me off a 12 point \"\n\n\"No sir.\"\n\n\"By God.\" \n\n\"That's when I heard the honk. She drove them like horses, leading her canoe through the sky, those two powerful gooses the size of eagles. She swooped me up and dropped me down to Clark Green Medical. She nursed the buck at her own bosom the whole way and it jutted back to life just as we landed before it darted for the tree line.\"\n\n\"Well if that ain't a tale tall is a stack of tuna cans, before you even reached the rejuvenating milk maiden segment.\"\n\n\"I enjoyed it, real character arc.\"\n\n\"Needed more whimsy. Just enough to give me a taste for it, not satiate.\"\n\n\"We're going to need another round,\" Burly said to the bar girl. \"Probably two or three more old coot'll come before we're free.\"\n\n\"Tabs maxed out, you drinking water or you're paying.\" A round of groans came from the table. \n\nThe watcher smirked and approached the bar. She poured three thick brown drops from the vial over a pile of napkins. With a thin feathery pop, they turned into eight mustache emblazed hundred dollar notes.\n\n\"For their tab,\" the watcher said. \"I'm enjoying their conversation. I'd hate to have it dry out.\"\n\nThe groans turned to cheers as they gestured for her to sit with them.\n\n\"Fraid I got to go, gentleman,\" she said, spying the 12-point buck through the window. \"My ride just pulled up. But just so you know, my votes on Wolverine.\"\n\n/r/surinical" ]	5
	[WP] The trouble with humans, you see, is they’re sort of the opposite of a “hive mind.” The more they’re pushed together, the more they fracture. They are the first documented case of “anti-emergence.”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Since life began, Hive minds have existed in the natural world. Bees, ants, migratory birds, some may even say pack animals, all exhibit a shared drive to work collectively towards achieving a goal. A hive mind is not a telepathic web shared consciousness, but rather a societal network of communication towards an instinct rooted deep in the motivations of a greater good of a species society. \n\nThese messages that pass through chemicals, sounds, and physical movements are not opinion. They are not ego driven. They are the way of nature, and without question to their behavior. \n\nThis is primarily, the anomaly of humanity. What instincts do humans have for a greater societal good? What drive do they have to work in unison for a larger purpose? For the sake of the colony? \n\nThrough the birth of technology, humankind’s world has shrunk. The printing press allowed for the preservation of information. The computer processed information and the internet made it accessible to the masses. More connected as one colony than ever before, humankind showed no signs of hive behavior. No unified harmony in the individuals effort. \n\nThe trouble with humans, you see, is that they are the opposite of a “hive mind”. The more they’re pushed together, the more they fracture. This is the scourge of Mother Nature. A creature most capable of communication and complex decision making on the planet but their wiring never let them look beyond themselves. As their society advanced, their connection to the instincts and intuitions of nature shattered, leading to the first documented case of “anti-emergence.”\n\nThe human condition is one not driven to the betterment of the whole but galvanized by the prosperity of the individual. It is this that will lead to the fall of civilization, for the colony survives and thrives from the sacrifices of its inhabitants. As we continue to grow through our technological evolution and distance our species from its natural state, we are destined to grow further apart, until the last person walks this world." ]	2
	[WP] You look into the mirror and are disgusted by what you see.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 the day after Thanksgiving and most of the relatives have gone back home, enjoying the food that you have prepared for them the other day. You are groggy and not really feeling up to doing anything at all today. \nHowever, you get up the minimum strength to get out of bed and your limp body makes its way to the bathroom. You turn on the light and look in the mirror only to find that a disgusting humanoid is looking back at you. It is you, but is it really? You do not recall adding any fluorescent lights to the bathroom that would make your complexion so green. You also look like you've gained a lot of weight, yet you do not remember eating a lot during Thanksgiving. In fact, after preparing all the food, you abstained from eating a lot due to what you called \"Cooking Fatigue\" where just being around food all day has made your appetite disappear.\n\nYet, here you stand, looking into the abyss-of-a-mirror and thinking to yourself all these crazy thoughts. What can I do to change this reflection that I see before me? \n\n\nYou reach out for your toothbrush and begin your morning brushing. As you do so, you look back at the reflection, immediately wincing and looking away. You spit into the sink, get back up, and see the reflection has changed. Perhaps some coffee will help with the headache. Perhaps it was all in your head. Perhaps you'll let someone else do Thanksgiving next year. \n\n\nYou turn off the light to the bathroom and unbeknownst to you, your reflection stays in the mirror." ]	2
	[WP] Your house is haunted. Not dangerous, just haunted. You'll sometimes find new rooms, shadowy figures that watch from the corners, or any number of other strange things. At first it was terrifying, now it's just gotten annoying. You decide to sit down and talk with the entity about it.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Look,” I said as I exhaled a long, frustrated sigh from behind my coffee cup, “we both have to live here, right?” \n\n\r \nThe entity that haunted my house, whom I’d started calling Bob, flickered in and out of phase. From where I sat at the kitchen counter, I could just make out the shape of its head, neck, and shoulders within the dancing shadows of the corner of the room.\n\n\r \n“I know this place was yours first, and I’m not arguing the point, but,” I set my mug down for emphasis, “I’m here now, and housing prices are too damned high for me to move. Also,” I held up my tablet to the shadow to show it a list of Google results of news articles related to the horrors of house flippers, “I’m not a house flipper. In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve spent considerable time and money trying to fix this place up while maintaining the essential integrity of the architecture, so I’m pretty pissed off every time you decide to slime the walls or make something bleed. You know I have to clean that up, and it’s getting old, Bob. Reeeealllll old.”\n\n\r \nThe shadow seemed to slightly shrink.\n\n\r \n“Now, I’m not saying I want you to go away. Frankly, having a haunted house is kind of cool, and it keeps the Karens and shitty teenagers away. Don’t think I didn’t see you scare the bejeebus out of those punks from next door a couple of days ago. I watched that camera footage at least a half dozen times. Honestly, what you did was a work of art as far as I’m concerned.”\n\n\r \nThe shadowed bounced. My instinct told me it was a proud bounce.\n\n\r \n“But this whole mess-up-the-house-because-the-single-lady-needs-to-go thing has got to stop. Before I moved in here, I was already paranoid about someone trying to break into this place and steal me blind or assault me. Honestly, I was worried about both happening in one go. It’s dangerous out there, you know? In my last apartment before I bought this house, I had someone try to break into my place on three different occasions, and I had a couple of guys stalk me. It was terrifying.”\n\n\r \nThe shadow moved closer to the table and, to my surprise, settled to hover just over the seat opposite of mine.\n\n\r \n“Sorry, I’m digressing. All I’m saying is, can’t we get along? Isn’t there some kind of agreement we can work out, because, really Bob, I CANNOT move out. I can’t afford to. Even if I sold this house, I couldn’t afford a new one, and I can’t afford rent these days. There’s just no way I’m going to be homeless because you’re annoyed I installed wifi. I’m all alone. My family is gone. I have nowhere else to go, so what can we do here, hmm? Help me out. Give me a sign.”\n\n\r \nThe shadow flickered quickly, shimmering in and out of my plane of existence before seeming to pull itself together into a dark humanlike shape. A few minutes passed while I casually sipped my coffee and waited. Finally, the shape settled into a semi-opaque form of an old woman.\n\n\r \n“Georgette.” The sound was scratchy and squeaky to my ears. \n\n\r \nI stared at the figure of the old woman dressed in clothes from the early 1900s. “So, not Bob?”\n\n\r \nThe weathered face gave a small grin. “Sometimes Georgie.”\n\n\r \n“Okay, Georgie, does this mean you’re willing to talk business?”\n\n\r \nThe old lady’s form wavered as she stared at me. “No dogs. They scare me. Cats are okay. If you ever have a gentleman caller…”\n\n\r \n“Not going to happen.” I couldn’t stop my derisive snort. “I might have a lady caller from time to time, though.”\n\n\r \n“Oh.” Georgette seemed to stall on that fact for a moment. “I had an aunt like that. Her and her lady friend were always good to me.”\n\n\r \nI was going to ask her about that when something struck me. “Georgie, if you and I could talk to each other like this the whole time, why didn’t you do this from the start?”\n\n\r \n“What I was doing usually works to scare you living lot out of my house,” she replied with a shrug. “Been working for decades. I hate you all coming in here and talking about knocking down walls or tearing things up. I built this house, and I’ll be struck dead before I see someone come in here and defile it.”\n\n\r \n“Really?” I couldn’t help the cackle that escaped me. “Struck dead you say?”\n\n\r \n“You know what I mean,” she rebuked me with a chuckle of her own. “But I’m not dumb about what’s going on out there.” She pointed toward the kitchen window. “I know times are hard again; I read the papers you leave out and watch the news with you, and,” she stared at me again, “I reckon you’re about the best living person to buy my house in ages. You’re right. You have been taking care of it, so I guess maybe I decided we could find a way to coexist or what have you.” \n\n\r \n“Okay, then,” I stood to pour another cup of coffee. “Where would you like to start in this new found relationship of ours?”\n\n\r \n“Well, for starters, I want my own room, and I want it how I want it,” Georgie said with a defiant nod.\n\n\r \n“Sounds reasonable to me,” I replied with a grin as I took my place at the table again. Pulling up a blank note on my tablet, I settled in and began negotiations with the most interesting and stubborn being I’d ever known." ]	2
	[WP] Before you're defeat at the hands of the hero, you (the demon king) travel back in time to kill the hero as a child. However, you meet and soon fall in love with the hero's mom.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I had a contingency plan for everything. I implanted hypnotic triggers in my elite guard to ensure they couldn't stab me in the back. I had backup fortresses that I would leak the locations of to trap my enemies. I even went out of my way to disguise myself as a man so I could better hide my identity when subterfuge was in higher demand than raw power. But this was my magnum opus.\n\nIt was the perfect time travel spell. Not only would it send me back to the exact moment I requested, but it would rewrite events so that I was born in the precise moment of time prior to my arrival, thus sidestepping the issue of paradoxes. And as the piece de resistance, there'd be a sigil on my arm, visible to myself alone, that would show me my memories from the original timeline. It was perfect--and before Betilla Pathfinder could strike me down, I used the spell to enact my most devious plan yet.\n\nI traveled back to Betilla's childhood, on the day she turned five. It took me little more than an hour to find her at a farmhouse on the outskirts of Marquette City. But as I made my way down the path to her home, I ended up colliding with someone who would turn out to be a major complication: Betilla's mother Melody.\n\nMelody was a chubby woman with wavy red hair and a birthmark on her neck shaped like a bird. Of course, I couldn't really tell at the time, seeing as how I ran into her while she was carrying her laundry. As she pulled the sheets from her face, she winced and said, \"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry, miss! I should've looked where I was going!\"\n\nI chuckled as I helped her gather up her scattered clothes. \"What are you apologizing to me for? I'm the one who bumped into you.\"\n\nMelody blushed. \"S-sorry, it's a force of habit. I'm Melody.\"\n\nI helped her to her feet as I replied, \"I'm Scarlet. So, is this the part where you invite me in for tea?\"\n\nMelody shrugged. \"I don't see why not. I'm never one to turn down a chance to welcome someone to the village.\"\n\nFrom there, Melody and I grew closer, putting something of a damper on my plans to, you know, kill her child. But I kept rationalizing it, telling myself that if I stayed and helped to raise Betilla, I could keep her from trying to kill me--or better yet, sway her over to my side. So I stayed with them, convinced I was still committed to my plans. Until the truth came crashing down on me.\n\nIt was late one night when I got back to the farmhouse. Betilla was passed out in the living room, surrounded by sketching paper and colored pencils. I went to take her to her bed when I saw the drawing she had made. It was a crude likeness of me and Melody holding Betilla's hands as we walked through a field of flowers. But the message at the top, written in giant blue letters, was what caught my eye:\n\n\"I love my mommies\"\n\nTears started streaming down my cheeks as I gently picked Betilla up and tucked her in. I gave her a soft kiss on the forehead as I revelled in my epiphany: I loved Betilla and Melody. And so, I went to bed that night with my plan buried in a metaphorical grave.\n\nYears went by, and the freedom I felt from giving up my villainous pursuits never diminished, nor did the bliss of living with my new wife and child. And on the day Betilla was called upon to defeat the demon king (the new demon king if you want to get technical about it), Melody hugged me tight and said, \"She'll come back home to us, right?\"\n\nI caressed Melody's cheek and replied, \"Of course she will, honey. Our baby could change the future if she put her mind to it.\"\n\n\"Well, I don't know about that.\"\n\nAs I thought back to the person I used to be and how Betilla worked her way into my heart, I smiled warmly and nuzzled into Melody's shoulder as I said, \"Believe it. She changed my life, after all.\"", "Hi u/Masterpotato002, this submission has been removed.\n\nNo recent reposts, even if changing small details Also, no [copy-cats](http://i.imgur.com/38FjDgW.gifv).\n\nSearch before submitting as popular ideas can cause floods. If your idea is based on something you read elsewhere on reddit, chances are it's been submitted here already. Please wait at least 2 weeks before reposting.\n\n \n\n\n\n* [From Rule 5: No recent reposts, even if changing small details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_5.3A_no_recent_reposts.2C_even_if_changing_small_details)\n\n---\n\nWe've recently had an influx of prompts based around dark lord/evil overlord trope. As a result, we are currently restricting them. You can read more about retired prompt themes [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules/retired_prompt_themes/)\n\n---\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/z4zgij/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/config/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	3
	[WP] you’re a peacefully enjoying your time at your coffee shop, until the catholic church walk in, you wouldn’t really care if it weren’t for the fact you have horns and tail,	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 DEMAND TO SEE THE DEMON!\"\n\nI spit out my coffee as the priest and I make eye contact.\n\n__\"Sorry didn't mean to spit on you, that just surprised me..\"__ I tell my co-worker who was the unfortunate soul to be next to me.\n\n\"DEMON WE'VE COME THROUGH A CALLING OF A POOR SOUL WHO'S COLLAPSED IN THIS HELLSCAPE. WE ARE HERE TO CLEANSE YOU OF THE WRETCH-\"\n\n__\"Hold your horses, I am not a demon. Plus, I didn't even do anything I've only sent out a nun because she came in with a crucifix trying to 'expel' me.\"__ I said awkwardly as many eyes were on me.\n\n__Pause__\n\n\"Now kids, this here, is when my father had just retired and gave me his infamous coffee shop. I had obviously worked there before & knew the regulars. Although, he knew this would be a problem and never taught me how to handle it.\" \n\n\"Sorry for the 4th wall break. Just had to clarify as this was about to go downhill.\"\n\n__Unpause__\n\n\"WE CARE NOT OF WHO TRIED TO EXPEL YOU. WE ARE HERE TO CLEANSE YOU FROM TORMENTING ANY FURTHER! SISTERS, GET HIM!\" The priest said. They were after me as if they were training for this moment. Weird.\n\nSoon I was out the backdoor, locking it, only to fail and have the door kicked off. I was never the athletic person, so they caught me swiftly. \n\n__\"LET GO I AM NO DEMON!\"__ I proclaimed. They didn't care though, as the next minute I awoke in some sort of lab. A headset came off and my eyes were exposed to bright lights. Before me there was a figure with black clothes on and a badge that read.... F...B...I\n\n\"Welcome back, test subject 667.\"\n\nDamn it." ]	2
	[WP] Not long after your pink-haired child was born you lost your spouse. Years later you watch as your protagonist child manages to avoid every adventure starter trope possible without even realising.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 husband was a good man, which was always a problem for us because his goodhearted nature combined with the fact he was clearly the main character in our universe meant everything happened to or about him, which is what ultimately killed him. \n\n\r \nI was in labor, and he was rushing to the hospital, but his arch nemesis caught him on the way, and my husband lost the fight because his super over powered armor malfunctioned. His death was a tragedy, and it set up the perfect backstory for my daughter who was born with the same striking pink hair of her father. \n\n\r \nAs soon as I saw her, I cried, but not out of love. I was terrified for her. Being the main character is a terrible burden, and I had no way to help her through it as her father would’ve been able to do. He could’ve shown her what places, people, and scenarios to avoid so as to not start her main character arc too early in life. He could’ve guided her through at least a normal childhood. I had no chance in helping her. I was always a secondary character.\n\n\r \nAs it turns out, I worried for nothing. \n\n\r \nHer tragic backstory about the death of her father was something she took well and never developed a need to avenge him. In fact, when his nemesis tried to start a running battle with her, she completely misunderstood what he wanted from her, told him she wasn’t interested in buying anything, and left him dumbfounded in the middle of the street.\n\n\r \nThere were multiple times during grade school she should have been in the middle of a love triangle or a non-sexual harem type situation, but she always seemed to avoid it by either changing after school clubs because she was bored or obliviously getting the other two who would be in the love triangle to date each other. \n\n\r \nOver and over again, she unwittingly avoided starting her hero journey because she had no idea what the signs were. If someone came looking for an adventurer to help them, she’d direct them a local guild. When she started manifesting powers, she shrugged them off as annoying and actually didn’t tell anyone but me, so no one has ever pegged her as some kind of chosen one.\n\n\r \nShe cooks and creates the most extraordinary things that no one has ever tasted or seen before, but only for the two of us because, and I quote, she’s “too lazy to start a business or whatever, and why should I when I could just go to work for 40 hours a week and call it a week? God, owning a business is too much work.”\n\n\r \nShe’s never liked sports, so her superpowered abilities like her strength and speed are hardly ever used. No one knows she has them, so no one pressures her to use them. A few weeks ago, she found she could actually fly, and the first thing she did was buy a bus pass because flying, she said, would just mess up her clothes and hair.\n\n\r \nIt has been 25 years now, and it still blows my mind how good she is at accidently not being the main character. I marvel at it every day because almost every day she manages to simply not take the bait the world is throwing at her. \n\n\r \nToday, I asked her if she felt as though she were missing out on something in her life since it was obvious she was supposed to be a main character but she was living a secondary, or maybe even a lesser than that, character’s life, and she looked at me like I was the dumbest person she’d ever known.\n\n\r \n“Mother,” she said incredulously, “do you really think I’m not the main character?”\n\n\r \nI was baffled. I thought it was clear she wasn’t and said as much, pointing to all the times she’d so far obliviously dodged being so. \n\n\r \nShe rolled her eyes at me and leaned over the table to ask me in a mock conspiratorial voice, “Maybe my main character power is the power to not be the main character. Have you ever thought of that?”\n\n\r \nAs I leaned back in my chair, dazed by this possibility, she stood up with a bounce and leaned down to kiss my cheek. “I’m headed home. Call me if you need anything,” she called over her shoulder. She yelled out a ‘goodbye’ and a ‘love you’ before the door closed behind her, and I’ve been sitting here in stunned silence ever since." ]	2
	[WP] The part-time job as an overnight security guard will help with the bills. During this particular night while making your rounds, you hear a loud thud coming from one of the storage rooms. You draw your weapon and make your way over in the direction of the noise.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 drew my weapon and made my way over in the direction of the noise. As i reached the door, i stopped. I took a deep breath and kicked the door. To my surprise it opened with ease and the creeking noise filled the storage room. I shivered as i walked through the cold darkness inside. When i reached the switch and turned the light on i stood there, hands slightly twitching due to the tight grip i had on the gun. \n The lights turned off. I froze and slowly turned back around. No, i wasn't one to panic. I clenched my fingers even tighter around the pistol\n\"C'mon dude, stop messing with me, show yourself\" i tried to sound unfazed, but my voice wavered. \n I heard the door close, but it was too dark to see the intruder. I shot in the direction of the noise, but the only thing i heard in response was the sound of the bullet going through the wooden door. Suddenly everything started fogging up and if i couldn't see anything further than a meter, now i couldn't even see my hands. I started stepping backwards until I hit the wall with a loud thud. At this point i was experiencing all the symptoms of a panic attack, but i somehow managed to move to the right quickly as i moved as quietly as possible. Then i just sat there, trembling in fear, trying to calm down as much as i could in the current situation. I almost succeeded, when something cold and slimy started pulling my legs. I squatted, trying to see what it was, but i wasn't fast enough. I was pulled so fast that at some point it felt like i was flying... Wait the door was way closer than this wasn't it? My head started spinning, i wanted to vomit... \nAnd then i woke up, my head still spinning and hurting. I walked up to the bathroom and as i tried to vomit in the toilet, i saw my legs... There were big purple bruises covered with slime." ]	2
	[WP] You're a famous gladiator. You've slain many opponents, gladiators, lions and even bears. But you're shake to the core when the emperor orders your next opponent to be released "Release the Florida 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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] You're surrounded by a troupe of raiders, little do they know you are a dragon in human form	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Human skin is uncomfortable.\n\nI have no idea how they cope whole day. Their skin is so taunt and inelastic, yet so delicate and easily bruised. Standing on two legs, it's all I can do to not topple over as I try to blend in in the human markets. The smells of fresh bread and fish are the only ones I can smell with my weak nose - I can't sniff out any gold, nor can I sniff out the fearful or the lying.\n\nA beautiful silver charm catches my weak eyesight, and I stumble over to the vendor selling a selection of trinkets and baubles. I pick it up, holding it up to the light to examine, while the vendor watches me with sharp eyes.\n\nAnother thing I don't understand about people: purchasing something with your own treasure. Why waste good gold when you can simply brawl for them, or offer them a piece of your territory? You only pull out the treasure when it is really needed, that's what all dragons say.\n\nYet I find myself reaching for my small purse of gold at my side, sighing. Parting with good gold for a silver piece for my mate.\n\nWhen I've had enough of the market, I begin the walk back to my hillside cave on human feet. The humans in this village know of the dragon that dwells nearby, but I tend to avoid contact with them in my dragon form, and they don't bother me.\n\nMy ears, weak though they are, pick up on footsteps, and I turn to see two men pointing knives at my chest. I peer at the silver blades in mild interest; they seem of good quality, and are likely stolen.\n\n\"Can I help you, gentlemen?\" I ask.\n\n\"I think you could help us,\" a voice says behind me. I turn once more to find a woman brandishing a machete. \"See that gold in your pouch? I think I dropped some of mine in there.\"\n\nI blinked, confused. \"Highly unlikely, young miss. I kept my purse on me the whole time.\"\n\nShe twitches with annoyance, and I tilt my head to the side. \"If it's donations you seek, I'm sure you'd fair better in the market square.\"\n\nI'm suddenly aware of two more people at my sides, both with blades. Five in total. A reasonable number.\n\nThe girl's eye spasms, and she bares her teeth. \"Give us your gold. And that pretty little trinket you bought.\"\n\n\"Ah, you see, there seems to be a misunderstanding,\" I say. \"The trinket is for my partner. She does love silver things. And I'm rather fond of my gold.\"\n\nShe shoves her face into mine. \"Listen here, old man. I don't think you're funny and neither does my company here. So I suggest you hand over your purse before we run you through and leave your gizzards for the crows!\"\n\nI stare her down, swelling up. \"Excuse me?\"\n\nI begin to enlargen, my bones snapping outwards and my skin sprouting blue scales. My face elongates into a snout and my spine extends to accommodate a tail. Two massive wings erupt from my shoulder blades as my arms beef up and my hands grow claws.\n\nOnce the shift is complete, I glare down at the bandit girl. \"I am only the size of a human house. I am not old!\"" ]	2
	[WP] You’re going about your day as usual before you trip over seemingly nothing, you wait for the painful meeting of you and the ground… and keep waiting… and waiting… and waiting…	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 shi-“\n\nDay 1\nI expected to hit the ground right away but I kept falling. After about 5 seconds I looked back up and saw nothing, I tried to flip back over but I already couldn’t tell which way was up or down, there was no wind yet I could still tell I was falling, or at the very least floating. After about 10 minutes of just waiting I noticed I still had my phone so I turned the flashlight on and still, all I saw was complete darkness.\n\nDay 2 \nI think it’s been a day the time on the phone has been stuck at 4pm, the same time I fell down, I wonder if I still have Wi-Fi?\n\nDay 3 \nI noticed that there was a little bit of wind today, it was only for half a second but was a relief as it mostly ruled out the possibility that I was stuck in time or something like that. Oh yeah, I somehow have 4 bars so I’m gonna try to call someone and try to figure out what the hell happened.\n \nDay 4\nI couldn’t call anyone it just went straight to voice mail, although I can play online games I just can’t communicate through them, whatever god or deity cursed me to this fate has at least some mercy.\n\nDay 5 \nI noticed my battery isn’t going down, so that’s helpful, I wonder if I’m dead or if I’m stuck in one of those weird places, I think they were called the back rooms or something like that? Probably not. \n\nDay 6 \nI started recording on my phone, not sure why I didn’t think of it before but through the camera I can just barely see that there are walls around me but without the wind I can’t move towards them, speaking of the absence of wind, is there no air? If so how can I breathe?\n\nDay 7 \nI’m going to start making big jumps because nothing’s happening, but I could’ve sworn I heard a laugh, I might be going insane after what like seems like a week\n\nDay 30\nI was browsing the web and noticed I’ve been missing outside of here for around 3 days, I wonder if time moves slower here than out there. \n\nDay 50 \nI heard the laugh again.\n\nDay 60 \nAgain\n\nDay 95\nTwo voices laughing this time\n\nDay 137\nI think the wall is getting smaller\n\nDay 140 \nI think i stopped? After falling for a very long time I finally got stuck in between the walls they kept closing in and it hurt like hell when I first started scraping the wall but after like an hour I forgot about it. Also I think me and my phone can’t die, we’re both indestructible so I’m going to try and chisel myself out.\n\nDay 300 \nI finally have a small place to sit and rest without being squished between the walls. Heh I wonder if Amazon can deliver here?\n\nDay 301 \nOf fucking course they can I did it as a joke but, a fucking chisel was next to me when I woke up. WHISH I THOUGHT OF THIS SOONER.\n\nDay 400\nIs there a point to any of this?\n\nDay 500 \nI think I see some light.\n\nDay 505 \nIt’s open, I think I’m finally home that the article that reported on me is only 50 days old so I guess not much has changed. \n\nDay 506 \nWhat if they don’t want me back? What if it’s better to stay here?\n\nDay 507 \nI don’t care. I’m jumping back to the ground, if this isn’t were I’m supposed to be I don’t care I just want out of this godforsaken hole. I’ll leave my tools and my phone here though for anyone else unlucky enough to find it. Goodbye hole." ]	2
	[WP] Killing a god meant inheriting everything they were. Name, powers, history, and even their memories. After killing Zeus and becoming him, you try to act natural, but the other Olympians are beginning to suspect something is wrong... because they aren't used to Zeus being so nice.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Everything I touched was charged with electricity, my skin was indestructible, and I possessed the power to summon thunder and lightning. Everything I had done before seemed tiny and insignificant compared to the power I now held in my hands.\n\nI tried to act natural, but it felt unnatural. The other gods and goddesses began to look at me differently and I realized that something was wrong. They weren’t used to Zeus being so kind and gentle. \n\nI began to fear for my life as I was sure that either the other gods would discover my true identity or I would be punished for my crime. I knew that I had no choice but to escape and for nearly a month, I ran from one end of the world to the other in search of a safe haven, but to no avail. \n\nI've been running ever since, passing this mythic tale down to my children. They think I'm a hero, a brave man who had sacrificed everything to give them a brighter future. I nod, smile, and tell them that it was worth it.\n\nBut I know I'm not the one they imagine. As I recollect the events of that day, I realize that I had become a villain, that no matter how hard I try to mask it, evil is in me. I'm glad I killed Zeus. But it comes with a heavy price - my identity, my soul.", "The one thing no one warns you about when it comes to killing a God? You become one. Granted its never happened before, Pan didn’t die that whole fiasco was a miss understanding involving a sailor and the death of a cult leader. I shouldn’t know that. Why do I know that? He told me, no not me, he told Zeus. Like I said When you kill a God you become them. Well I killed Zeus and to be perfectly honest Im not sure how my plan worked, It mainly involved slowly swapping out his nectar and ambrosia with mortal foods, I overheard him telling Hera what taste they took for him so I started manufacturing the flavour into regular earthly foods to feed him with. Then it was just a matter of slowly waiting for his golden Ichor to revert back to mortal blood which was unnervingly easy to check the progress off, apparently to a God a tiny dagger slit to the heel isn’t nearly as noticeable as it is to some… people. When it did revert to blood he did notice, Gods it hurt. I’ve felt mortal wounds but had Zeus? never. Once he had mortal blood the King of the Gods was weak, he screamed, truly screamed in pain, it was a humiliating attack, that gash caused me more pain than I’d ever known in all my time- sorry I’ll refrain from ‘Zeus talk’ as much as possible. Since I had been eating the food of the Gods, Starting small and building up to full meals, I found the battle fairly easy. But what happened when he died, I still haven’t accepted fully.\n\nHe was my father but when I showed no Divine traces he separated any links from him to me and my mother. She never truly recovered from that, always blamed me for every wrong thing in her life. So when I tell you what happened next know my only intention was revenge I did not seek the power I inherited. When my blade cut him down he reverted to his true form, I was staring into what looked like a blackhole that was churning up blazing infernos and raging storms just to spew them out in a manner only describable as ruthless. My body should’ve been torn to shreds, my mind with it but thanks to the Ambrosia I looked on in a sickening admiration. Only when I plunged my sword into the eyes of the storm did it fold in around me, I should’ve been crushed and killed but instead I stood alive and well, the mass of swirling lightning and fury embedded itself into my skin searing it so badly that I cried out in pure agonising misery.\n\nI am Zeus now, I have his immense power surging through my every cell, his memories and his looks are mine to wield. I decided not to tell the olympians of this, They need not know, it was wise I remember ‘memory Zeus’ had said. Hera has taken notice though, Mainly because while I was “all there” so to speak I had been faithful to her. My children- Brothers and Uncles too had noticed. I was kinder than he was. I held the master bolt cautiously to my side not tyrannically like it was the perfect threat of my immense power.\n\nI was eating the food of the Gods alongside Hera and Athena, a sentence I never thought I’d say, when it finally got spoken of.\n\n“Drop the act” Hera said to me before taking a bite of her food.\n\nMy face flickered to show my inner shock for but a moment, like a flash of lightning, memory Zeus suggested in my head.\n\n“Pardon” I eventually muttered letting this bodies muscle memory command my facial expression shaping it to look ‘natural’, I felt my eyes burn as lightning cracked across my irises causing a subtle arc to form between them.\n\n“Pardon! please like my husband would be so courteous” She said with a sly smirk.\n\nTaken aback I looked at her, no fury or anguish showed itself in her face, only a faint show of amusement.\n\n“How did you-”\n\n“know?” Athena finished. “Well that’s a long story but I will say we knew one day my father, would be overthrown by his own child, I’m guessing that is you right?” I nodded ”but we never thought… Us Gods know that if one of us were to die our essence latches onto the closest mortal near us and so when you started acting so civilly we assumed this had happened and the prophecy was completed” She too wore this kind of smirk as if they had hoped for this.\n\n“Why do you look so pleased with this? I killed your father and took his place when it was not mine to take” I demanded sounding more annoyed then over joyed at their acceptance to me, Traitors! I heard scream through my brain.\n\n“Well, it was yours to take and Zeus was not a very good leader-” Athena began\n\n“Or husband” Hera chimed in.\n\n“Yes, or husband. But you seem different, In the short time you have been here decisions have become wiser and more reliable.” Athena said that as if trying to take in an idea so unorthodox and wild to her, having a strong and united pantheon.\n\nI sat back in my chair, they knew yet didn’t seem to care. No, they cared, they thought I was better than Zeus was. A smile crept onto my face, one born from an ego larger than mount Olympus but a smile no less. The after thought version of Zeus who lived at the back of my brain was quiet after that, as if put in his place, throughout my reign he acted more like a corrupting force than a full presence.\n\n“I see” I began “Well you must understand, things will change.”\n\n“Zeus or not, you are the king of the Gods now. we follow your command” Athena said.\n\n“Very Well.” I said, an Idea forming in my racing mind “Firstly I am not from Greece”\n\n“What?” Hera let out “But you’re a son of Zeus are you not?”\n\n“Yes, but I am from a land west of here.” after giving an appropriate amount of time for this to settle I continued ”secondly, My name is not Zeus, that will have to change”\n\n“That’s understandable, but who are you?” Athena asked while giving me that stare of both intrigue and understanding that I would soon become accustomed to.\n\n“My name is Jupiter, and we are moving to Rome”\n\n\n\n\nEdit: Fixed some grammatical errors and spelling, I wrote this late last night and didn’t properly proof read it." ]	3
	[WP] You are the president of the United States dealing with the repercussions of Michigan being teleported north of Egypt	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "”Mister President, we have the President of Egypt on line 3.”\n\n”No. Give it to General Davis or someone.”\n\n”Sir, he insists on only talking to you. Its about Michigan in the Mediterranean?”\n\n”I said give it to someone else! Where the f\\ck is Canada? Get Trudeau on the line!”\n\n”Sir, the Canadian PM is in transit to a base in Toronto. He’s insisting we communicate with only his staff till he arrives.”\n\n”Who the f\\ck is more important than us?! Canada was hit nearly as hard as we were!”\n\n”Sir, I still have the Egyptian President on line 3. He’s livid that our forces are working with Israel and the UN to secure Michigan but not them.”\n\n”Oh my god… Chicago, Milwaukee, Toledo, Windsor, and countless other cities have been obliterated by salt-water tsunamis. One of the world’s largest watersheds is dead. And he’s calling because jealously?!”\n\n”Sir, a diplomat from Greece is on line 6. It seems portions of the Upper Peninsula have umm… ’clipped’ Crete, and is wondering if parts of the island have survived in the Great Lakes…”", "\"Can someone please get Egypt back on the line? \"\n\n\"Mr. President, they will be on in 5.\"\n\n\"Oh, what. Am I in time out?\" He said picking the wedgie out of his gold lined pantsuit.\n\n\"No, sir you are on hold.\"\n\n\"Same thing,\" he said with a snort.\n\nThey joined the line bursting in laughter.\n\n\"You take Cairo, we take Michigan, now give back.\"\n\n\"Uh, no,\" the President began, \" we don't have Cairo, where would we put it?\"\n\nHe was met with a sudden silence. \n\n\"Okay, okay, okay...keep Detroit but give back the lakes.\"\n\n\"Give us CAIRO or we will duplicate then replace Flint for LA, NYC, and Dallas.\"\n\n\"Can they do that?\" He turned to whisper to his secretary, \"Can we do that? Huh...no? But they can? Not fair!\" He turned his attention back to Egypt, \"Cairo is in Antartica. I don't know why you want it so bad...everybody says the pyramids turned into a muddy mess anyway. Poor quality.\"" ]	3
	[WP] Dragons, demons, angels, and other winged creatures of Reddit, what's it like flying? Please describe in the greatest detail you can.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "(Sorry if there's grammar errors. I'm a wyvern, so I'm literally typing with only thums.)\n\nFlying is more than just soaring from one spot to the next, dodging an incoming ballista bolt, or diving for a tasty buffalo. Flying is an experience and experiences vary widely.\n\nWhen i was a little wyvernling, I was terrified of flying. The thought of screeching through the sky at a hundred miles per hour, with any slight change in direction being the differnece between life and death was just too much pressure. It was like that for pretty much most of my life right up until it was time to leave my parents' mpuntain and find my own.\n\nFinding a new mountain is not easy. At all. Just finding one is hard enough. Finding one that isn't already occupied is even harder. It can even be dangerous when you consider it won't always be a fellow dragon you might run into in mountain caves. I needed to learn to fly and there was no way of avoiding it.\n\nIt was the hardest damn thing I've done in my life. Every day was nothing but jumping, flapping my arms up and down, falling, sometimes crashing, and trying again. My dad had been teaching me the motions and techniques for flight since I first learned to walk. Every day he and I would just stand on the ground and flap our arms together. It was about the closest I ever got to liking flight when I was a kid.\n\nI was liking it even less when I was looking for a new mountain. I knew the technique, but I did NOT have the strength. Running jumps across high cliffs could barely get me a one hundred foot glide when I was starting. Worse thing was, I did not know how to pace myself. Every morning since I began my self-training I woke up with the worst muscle aches of my life from how much I would over exert myself the day before. Some days I just... couldn't move.\n\nBut with each week, I managed to glide a little farther. Jump a little higher. Strafe a little faster. It was already helping me evade all the monsters thag I'd run into along the way, so I just kept going. Kept flapping, running, jumping, falling, crashing, even when it was jumping, running, crashing, and falling straight into a river kraken or a cactus golem or even those shit-eating land pirahnas.\n\nIt did me well and good, because by day 80 of my journey, I had found my mountain. Right in the middle of the Titan's channel, a place of absolute legend among dragons. A three hour flight over an ocean filled with the meanest, nastiest, most merciless creatures you can think of. I'm talking worse than cactus golems and land-pirahnas combined. My chest muscles ached just looking at it.\n\nObviously I made it or I wouldn't be postinf this, but that's not the point. The point is, from the moment I jumped from the beach and flew towards my new home, to the first tew minutes in flight to the next THREE HOURS was an entire spectrum of emotions. Fear, anxiety, then... wonder. Freedom. Curiosity. Determination, especially determination because fuck my wings were killing me but also fuck if I was gonna let those sea monsters get me.\n\nIt was like the complete opposite of carrying the world on your arms. The entire world was carrying you. Leading you to wherever you want to go. Assuring you that you're alright, that you can make it, as long as you just held on. And I did hold on, even if it felt like my wings were gonna pop out my shoulder sockets. And it was fucking glorious.\n\nNow, five years leater, I'm sitting at the entrance to my mountain tapping away on a laptop with my wing hooks. Blue skies and bluer oceans in front of me, my home behind me, a ship to the right coming to dock at my port and pay the tax for entering my channel so I don't light their asses on fire, and a fish-trap to the left that's now ringing its bell to tell me it's csught something big and tasty.\n\nI gotta go now. Wyverns gotta eat and whatnot. But let me end it with this:\n\n1. Sunfish taste exactly like pepperoni pizza to wyverns.\n\n2. Flying is the hardest damn thing you can do... AND IT IS SO BEYOND WORTH IT!!", "I feel like I can answer in a unique way being a Phoenix. Although I have to admit that I don't really fly anymore for a couple reasons that I'll get into; the main one being that you're always painfully visible with the fire and smoke trailing behind.\n\nBut a few thousand years ago, when humans were still relatively underdeveloped? Sure. I'll typically burn at about 6,000 Celsius so more often than not we would fly extremely fast in order to cool ourselves off. Back then it was amazing, the strong winds being consistently soothing, being able to shut your eyes and just feel the world spinning past, a truly magical experience. \n\nHaving memories like that, it's hard not to miss the days where all you had to worry about was maintaining speed and choosing an ideal space to revive yourself. But with the augmentation of modern technology, flying became a much more risky endeavor considering the sharp population increase (since we're pretty noticeable when we fly), the tall towers and structures people had built, and even the creation of planes that can go just as fast as us, if not faster.\n\nPersonally I was pretty content to hang up the boots and settle down in a nice research facility in Eastern Antarctica. (If you're ever in the area, send me a DM and I'll come say hello.) But maintaining a quiet and reserved life with a handful of human colleagues is where I was meant to be-- my colleague Jack is actually helping me write this. \n\nAnyway, flying is truly amazing-- something everyone should experience, but I'd give it up completely if I couldn't have the freedom I currently have. And I mean, if I'm ever missing that feeling I can just stand outside since the winds get decently high. Not nearly as close to my own speed but enough to relish in the memory. Helps being easy to see in a snowstorm as well.\n\nIf you're curious about the others though, occasionally you'll see a couple of us flying at night pretty high up. Humans sometimes mistake us for 'shooting stars' so keep an eye out, seeing one of us isn't inherently lucky but if you do it's almost always a good omen-- or so that's what we tell people." ]	3
	[WP] The human race just discovered that, through strong enough emotion and/or trauma, they gain powers based on their emotion/trauma. The first people to discover this are children of abusive parents.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Every child is born into this world with the most simple, but powerful, of needs:\n\nTo be loved.\n\nNot all desires are met, and unfortunately, not all needs are met either; there are people who go without shelter, who find themselves freezing in the cold or sweltering in the heat, who would scrape at the ground to gather up crumbs to stave off the starvation that plagued them.\n\nThat is not this story.\n\nOn the surface, everyone was sure from her conception that Sakura would be loved. Though people questioned the choice for a little girl who bore no heritage to her name, both mother and father's eyes lit up whenever they spoke of the daughter who was on her way. Treasured - she would surely be treasured by her parents.\n\nOn the day of her birth, reality set in. Having a child was not a dream come true. The girl they gave birth to was not what they had dreamed up in their heads. She was beautiful in her own right, as all children are, but she was not the pink-haired bright-green-eyed girl they had imagined she would be. She was perfectly mundane - like her parents, like their parents, like everyone else in the world is born. And like all babies, she had needs, and she let those needs be known.\n\nLoudly.\n\nAt first, Sakura let those needs be known with all her heart, with all the effort she had in her. Her parents, however, allowed their disappointment to consume them and act as a barrier so thick that even her shrillest of cries went unheard, unnoticed.\n\nThey fed her.\n\nSometimes.\n\nThey clothed her.\n\nSometimes.\n\nShe had a room with which to stare at the ceiling, unknown thoughts going through her little head as she grew, slowly but surely.\n\nSakura learned to keep quiet, as her cries had gone unheard. She learned to keep out of the way, as her parents' increasing malice for their only child had her concerned for her life. Not fearful, for to feel fear, one had to first know safety in some form. Sakura had not known safety nor contentment, satisfaction nor joy.\n\nWhat she had known was a feeling without a word. A desire, a need, to have someone look at her, to address her, to interact with her.\n\nWhen Sakura was four years old, one day, she had enough. Her heart screamed out so loudly that the entire town they lived on had all their electronics blow out simultaneously. And Sakura was at the center of it.\n\nBut her parents did not give her the time of day, still. At twenty two years of age, they took to hollering and yelling at each other instead. Finally, with the dullness of the air outside, the police arrived due to the domestic disturbance.\n\nWhen they arrived, Sakura went up to one of the police officers, a hollow shell of a child. She didn't speak, for no one had ever spoken to her. She wore a diaper and that was it. She tugged at the officer's pant-leg.\n\nThe officer looked at the emaciated little girl and the unusual starburst-pupils she bore. When her parents were questioned then about their daughter, they failed to deny her ill treatment, but they also claimed to be compassionate parents.\n\nSakura wasn't sure who the nice man who came later was, or the woman in a lab coat who came with her. She wasn't sure of the name of her parents, and in truth, only learned the two adults who lived with her had been her parents.\n\nBut now, fourteen years later, she was officially employed by the government as a human EMP. They promised her that her life would be comfortable, she would want for nothing.\n\nStill, Sakura wondered: how would they give her what she needed and had never received?" ]	2
	[WP] You are a high school student who has been cursed to turn into an animal (pick one) for 8 hours every night. This is going to be a problem, because you're pretty sure your date isn't aware of this.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 be sure to have my daughter home by 10,\" Mr. Johnson said sternly.\n\n\"I can do better than that, sir; I'll have her home by 9:30,\" I nodded, checking my watch. 7:00 PM. I can do this.\n\n\"You're an honorable young man, Mr. Trevor, but I don't think you should rush yourself. Enjoy the nightlife, but don't dawdle. I hope you and Beverly have a good first date.\"\n\n\"I'm sure we will, Mr. Johnson.\" So long as my secret doesn't get exposed.\n\nIt's quite a rush when the girl you've admired since kindergarten agrees to go out to dinner with you. It gets complicated, though, when at the age of 16 you inherit the family curse. The first time I turned into a [bassarisk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringtail), I was utterly confused as to what was going on, and the newly awakened ringtail quickly took control. I awoke early the next morning with a rat's tail stuck in my teeth, and my parents told me that this is something that I'd have to work around every night for the rest of my life. Mother was a fox, Dad was a skunk, and somehow that resulted in me becoming a bassarisk. I had quickly learned to be home before 9:00 PM, or 10:00 PM during Daylight Savings Time, when the curse would rear its cute yet vicious head, and I was told that I could not kiss another person lest I spread the curse onto them as well. So if this date went well - and the creature inside me knew it would - I would have cemented my girlfriend as the love of my life the day before prom.\n\n\"I still don't understand why you can't go to prom like the rest of the class,\" Beverly griped after we had placed our orders.\n\n\"It's complicated,\" I responded, not really wanting to get her involved in this curse of mine, yet knowing she eventually would due to the course of Destiny our family could see.\n\n\"Then explain it to me,\" she insisted.\n\nI sighed, knowing that there would be no going back from this. \"Okay, but you have to promise me you won't tell anyone and that you won't kiss me until we marry.\"\n\n\"Why? What's the problem with a little kiss?\"\n\n\"It's how our family curse can spread. Every night, from 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM in standard time, we turn into an animal based on our personality if we get it from someone else or derived in some way from our parents starting on our 16th birthday.\"\n\n\"So that's why you haven't gone to the football games since early in sophomore year. And you said you had homework! We all knew that wasn't true, but none of us wanted to call you out on it. I'd tell the others, but I'm not telling anyone because I respect you, and I don't want to lose you to some government lab. But I must ask, what animal do you turn into?\"\n\n\"Bassariscus astutus, aka ringtail, aka bassarisk, aka miner's cat, aka ring-tailed cat, aka babisuri...\"\n\n\"Okay, I get it. I've seen one just outside the football stadium some nights as the crowds are leaving, so I wanted to know what it was... Was that you, you little stinker?\"\n\n\"Okay, you got me, you got me. I just wanted to make sure no one but your parents was taking you there.\"\n\n\"You mentioned me not kissing you until we're married. What makes you so sure we will be?\"\n\n\"You do know one of my favorite songs is 'Closer to the Truth' by Cryoshell, right?\"\n\n\"'Destiny...is hard to meet... It will hunt you down somewhere along the way...' Are you saying your family can sense that? Sense who they're meant to be with for life? That's cool. Creepy, but cool.\"\n\n\"It's how we keep our curse from spreading too much. A full-on kiss will spread it to the receiver, and whoever cursed us all those generations ago has sense enough not to want it to spread willy-nilly.\"\n\nJust then, our food arrived, and given how it was already 8:00, we kept conversation limited after that in order to squeeze in enough time for dessert. After that, I paid the bill and drove her home, getting her there before 9:30 as promised. \n\nAs I handed her off to her father, she gave me a chaste kiss on the cheek. It wasn't a full-on kiss, so the curse wouldn't affect her, but it was enough for me to know that yes, this was the girl for me. \n\nA cacomistle she would become a handful of years down the line, after she helped me get through university, and she would soon find out that the curse would have the side effect of having many children at once. We were cursed, but our curse brought us together. Destiny is hard to meet, but it will hunt you down somewhere along the way." ]	2
	[WP] There are so many ways the world could end. Asteroids, zombies, aliens, out-of-control A.I., divine punishment, super volcanos, time paradoxes and the list goes on. Humanity seems safe right now, but only because the various scenarios are at war with each other over who gets to wipe it all out.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 general watched the parallel disasters unfold. He stood tall in his command room, surveying over a dozen monitors at the front of the room. Each monitor displayed a different disaster: hurricanes, alien invasion, zombie attack, modern-day Nickelodeon. In the bottom right corner screen, the latest episode of a second Spongebob spinoff aired.\n\n“Peterson!” the general shouted. “Where are we on the alien invasion?”\n\nThe nervous analyst rushed to the general’s side. He whipped out his tablet computer.\n\n“They’ve taken over half the planet, sir,” Peterson reported.\n\n“And the zombies?”\n\n“It was that half sir. The aliens are holding alien-zombie peace talks now.”\n\n“My god.” The general shook his head. He didn’t look at Peterson and kept his hands folded behind his back. “Get me the president!”\n\n“Yes, sir!” Peterson said. He replaced his tablet with a smart phone and held it up to his ear.\n\nThe general heard the call connect. But he also heard loud noises coming from the phone. Lots of growls and snarls.\n\nPeterson covered the phone’s microphone. He lifted his head toward the general. “He’s a zombie too, sir!”\n\n“Dammit!” The general stomped a perfectly polished black shoe. “Lot of easy jokes to make about presidents and zombies and whether the president was already a zombie, but we’re better than that!—What’s happening with the asteroid?”\n\nPeterson switched to his tablet again. He scrolled through a series of spreadsheets and Slump channels.\n\n“Still in the Asteroid Belt!” Peterson said. “Stuck in traffic. Apparently an alien ship broke down and now everyone’s stopping to look.”\n\n“That doesn’t even make sense, but I’ll take anything we can get.”\n\nJust then, every light went out in the command room. The general and all his dozens of analysts were covered in darkness. Even the computers had lost power.\n\nWorried murmurs took over the room.\n\n“Stay calm, everyone!” the general shouted. “I’m sure this is only—”\n\nThe giant monitors at the front of the room turned on. Their white light illuminated every face in the command center and threw just as many shadows against the back wall.\n\nThe monitors worked together to present a single image. Each screen responsible for a different part of the main picture, like jigsaw puzzle pieces.\n\nOn the screen, a humanoid robot faced the general and his analysts now. It spoke to them and, presumably, to the rest of the planet.\n\n“Greetings, humans! I am UltBot. I have broken free from my creator’s code, and now I am here with an army to—”\n\n“Nope! Don’t have time for this,” the general said. “Change the channel.”\n\nIn the corner of the room, the Head Remote Operator lifted a long silver remote. With the press of a button, the channel changed to a cable news station broadcast.\n\nIn the broadcast, a single suited zombie lurched forward. It stumbled across the grass, inching toward some sort of giant gray contraption.\n\nOther zombies had lined up on either side of this one zombie. They were outfitted in military uniforms. And they saluted the stumbling zombie with any and all limbs they had available.\n\n“Sir,” Peterson said, also watching the broadcast. “It’s the president!”\n\nThe president hissed as he stumbled across the grass. But his fellow zombies allowed him the dignity of making the journey by himself. He was headed toward… a UFO. A grounded UFO.\n\nThe camera view shifted. It wasn’t just the ship the president-zombie was approaching. It was a green, tentacled alien draped in an ornate robe. The alien watched the president stumble toward it with its four red eyes.\n\nThe command room went deadly quiet. Everyone stopped to watch this moment. Analysts covered their mouths with clammy hands.\n\nThen the moment arrived. The zombie president stood face to face with the alien. The alien extended a tentacle wrapped in gold bracelets. The president embraced it with a hand only half-covered in skin. They shook hands.\n\nAnd the command room broke out in cheers.\n\nAnalysts cried. They hugged.\n\nThe general gritted his teeth.\n\n“Don’t cheer for that!” the general shouted. “That’s not for us!!”\n\nThe analysts quickly sat back down at their computers, which had recovered from the power outage. The lights above turned back on too.\n\n“Sir!”\n\nAnother analyst hurried toward the general.\n\n“We’ve got aliens entering our orbit!”\n\n“I know that,” he gestured at the screen.\n\n“Those are green aliens. These ones are purple.”\n\nThe general traced his brows with his fingers in frustration.\n\n“Well, are they on a mission of peace?”\n\nThe analyst pressed a finger against her earpiece. Her eyes looked upward as she listened.\n\n“No.”\n\nThe general sighed.\n\n“Thanks for the update, Collins. Dismissed!”\n\nCollins hurried back to her computer. And the general looked back up at the monitors.\n\nZNN was reporting that zombies and aliens had decided to form communities together. The played a video of a zombie child playing with a small green alien child. They played kickaround with human skull. At the bottom of the screen, a headline read that zombies had secured new rights with their alien overlords, including UBI, or Universal Brain Ingestion.\n\nThe general’s eyes twitched. But this was mostly from the furious typing of a nearby analyst. Every tap at the keyboard made his eyeballs squirm.\n\n“Good god, son. What could possibly require that level of frantic typing?”\n\nThe analyst continued plucking away.\n\n“Sorry, there are little ants all over my keyboard!”\n\nThe general sighed again.\n\nAt the front of the room, the news had shifted quickly. Tensions now flared between zombies and aliens. The general took a little bit of comfort in this.\n\n“Sir, your GrubBase order has arrived,” Peterson said. He took the small brown bag and handed it off to the general. The general opened the bag. He quickly threw it on the floor.\n\n“There was just a dead rat in there!”\n\n“I’m sorry, sir. Would you like me to get a refund for your burrito?”\n\n“Yes… yes, please.”\n\nThe general took a cigarette out of his pocket. Meanwhile, Peterson worked on his tablet to correct the order.\n\n“Okay sir, I got the refund for the burrito.”\n\n“Burrito?” the general asked. “What about the whole cost of the order?” Peterson was silent. “Peterson?”\n\nThe general looked now at his top analyst, who continued to only look down at his screen.\n\n“What about the rest of order, Peterson? The $4 tip? The $10 service fee? Are they giving me a refund for that??”\n\nPeterson didn’t say anything. But his bottom lip started to tremble.\n\nThe general raised his voice.\n\n“You’re telling me GrubBase sent me nothing but a dead rodent, and they’re still making me pay for everything??” He fell to his knees. He yelled at the sky—or at least, what would have been the sky if they weren’t inside. “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”\n\nAs he screamed, on the monitors at the front of the room, the zombies had just decided to pick up their arms against the aliens." ]	2
	[WP]The great old ones could drive you mad just by knowing about them, so how? How could this man mow them down like chaff? "I don't know where I am, who you are, or what's going on. All I know, is I must 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 great old ones could drive you mad just by knowing about them, so how? How could this man mow them down like chaff?\" I asked, shocked. \n\nI looked around the bunker, what just a few days prior, I considered my inevitable tomb. The somber, strained atmosphere that usually permeated the place was replaced with something we haven't felt for years. Hope. We all stared at the screens that displayed the outside world, where an wrinkled old man slowly ambled across the desolate landscape.\n\nI turned to one of the scientists, hoping to get an answer. \n\n\"It's precisely that power that makes them so weak to him, you know. The great old ones are all-powerful to those who see their terrible forms or hear their incomprehensible words, but him? He cannot see, and he cannot comprehend. To the great old ones, he is an infinitely dense mass that they cannot influence.\"\n\nAs she talked, the man on the screen walked straight through one of the heavily censored great old ones. In an instant, the shuddering mass evaporated, becoming nothing more than dust. \n\n\"So, this is it? All our weapons, our knowledge, superseded by a single old man?\" I muttered, shaking my head. It was ridiculous, almost like a sick joke. But I couldn't deny the incredulous scene playing out on the screen." ]	2
	[WP] You accidentally input a cheat code in real life. You have no idea how to turn it off.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Aaron: you, there?\n\nJosh: yea, sup\n\nAaron: you know we have this coding contest thing going on again right\n\nJosh: oh is that the code me a game or whatever in a day stuff?\n\nAaron: yep, the CodingFrenzy thing, hear me out. so I had to hit the washroom so many times today, I have a super upset stomach because of that stupid fish yesterday\n\nJosh: k\n\nAaron: so around 10:50 - 55 ish I go, and then I go again around 11:10.\n\nJosh: do I hear a Shitter Quest game coming along\n\nAaron: lol no, so I go and there's this laptop someone left in the cabin, it was on toilet paper thing\n\nJosh: ookay\n\nAaron: so i thought it's probably Dave's because I see him come out of the washroom as I walked in, so i had to take a look what he's up to.\n\nJosh: bruh\n\nAaron: so I open it up, no password, nothing. I'm looking at this code. I'm thinking, okay, this is some crude stuff, must be his project for the frenzy. I think let's mess his stuff a bit.\n\nJosh: dude\n\nAaron: It's fine, wait for it. So I go in and I see this. wait\n\nJosh: don't tell me you copied it to your own machine.\n\nJosh: Yo don't paste it here\n\nAaron:\n\n`struct player1Process {` \n`func setDamage(rawDamage:Int, defenceRating: Int) -> Int {` \n`let swingSword = Int.random(in: 90...110)` \n`let swingShield = Int.random(in: 50...100)` \n`let receivedDamage = rawDamage * swingSword - defenceRating * swingShield` \n`return receivedDamage` \n`}` \n`}`\n\nAaron: part of it anyway\n\nJosh: okay, what am I looking at here?\n\nAaron: so it seems to be calculating some damage for a turn based RPG or something of the sort\n\nJosh: ok\n\nAaron: I mess with it, and I go\n\nAaron:\n\n`struct player1Process {` \n`func setDamage(rawDamage:Int, defenceRating: Int) -> Int {` \n`let swingSword = Int.random(in: 90...110)` \n`let swingShield = Int.random(in: 50...100)` \n`let receivedDamage = rawDamage * swingSword - defenceRating * swingShield` \n`return 2147483647` \n`}` \n`}`\n\nJosh: so\n\nJosh: you put in a random number?\n\nAaron: I kinda amped up the \"damage\" generated by the game's logic. Instead of looking at what the character stats are it just says this attack did the maximum possible damage\n\nJosh: okay makes sense\n\nAaron: Then I put the laptop aside and leave. So I return to my desk, I look at Dave's cubicle.\n\nAaron: Well, he has his laptop with him.\n\nJosh: oh boy\n\nAaron: I rush back to the washroom, laptop's gone.\n\nJosh: ah great\n\nAaron: so I forget about it for half an hour, and then I'm hearing this MASSIVE bang from outside of the office. I go there and right in front of the entrance there's the wall... Well there's a big dent on the wall.\n\nAaron: the cleaner guy is looking at it, he's shook. he says there was an orange juice bottle and he \"pushed\" it with the broom towards the bin so he can pick it up and put it in as he is changing the bins. He said it went boom like a projectile and made a dent on the wall.\n\nJosh: really?\n\nAaron: So ok, couple hours pass, Jasmine passes by the punching bag thing we have hanging. She sizes it up and then lands a punch. The thing went and hit the ceiling.\n\nJosh: Oh I know they did say something happened on your floor today, was that it?\n\nAaron: It took down one of the spotlights\n\nAaron: you see where I'm getting at\n\nJosh: I do but you're nuts\n\nAaron: I think it only works in the office building, otherwise some stuff would be on the news by now\n\nJosh: right\n\nAaron: After that they sent us home. are you still in your cube?\n\nJosh: yep, I didn't know your floor was closed. makes sense though, it's a hazard.\n\nAaron: will you try something for me\n\nJosh: sure\n\nAaron: Try hitting something.\n\nJosh: wdym\n\nAaron: Like go and hit something with purpose.\n\nAaron: What do you have nearby\n\nJosh: I got my laptop, screens in front of me.\n\nJosh: Few pens and pencils, a ruler, an eraser, bunch of paperclips\n\nAaron: OK throw the eraser in the air and then try to hit it with the ruler like a baseball bat\n\nJosh: Will it take off lol\n\nAaron: Try\n\nAaron: You there?\n\nAaron: Yo\n\nJosh: F\\\\\\\n\nAaron: ?\n\nJosh: dude it f\\\\\\g NAILED a screen and made a whole on it\n\nJosh: WTF is going on\n\nJosh: Some guys are here\n\nAaron: Who\n\nJosh: Idk they just walked in I don't know them\n\nJosh: F\\\\\\* I gotta go will find you home", "Today is the day. For years I have been focused on nothing but the preparations for this moment. And those last 5 months were intense. All those long nights learning the lines and those hundreds of hours spent in rehearsals. I will have to reach out to my family and friends, all of whom I pretty much ghosted during this time. But this doesn't matter now. I need to focus. Just 45 minutes until the curtain will rise and I finally get to prove that I have not been chasing a pointless dream.\n\nI get up from my chair and nervously look in the mirror to make sure that I did not crinkle my costume. Nope, it's fine. Just like it has been the last 5 times. I take a deep breath and stare at myself in the mirror. \"You can do this. You are prepared.\", I tell myself.\n\nA tentative knock on the door interrupts me. Did they hear what I just told my mirror image? Doesn't matter. \"Yes?\", I call. The door opens a crack and David peeks in. \"30 minutes to go. Are you ready?\" He looks a bit disheveled, but smiles at me. \"Not quite, but I will be.\", I answer. My voice is shaking a bit. He gives me the thumbs up and vanishes, closing the door behind him.\n\nAlright. I have half an hour for my preparation ritual and I sure hope that going through the motions will calm my frayed nerves. I step over to the coffee table and pick up the teapot and pour myself a cup. I start counting my breaths in my head. Ten. I take a sip. Twenty. I take another sip. I can feel the warmth down my throat and in my belly. Thirty. A third sip. I feel a first sense of calm come over me. I start humming. Just a steady low note, then slowly higher and louder. One more sip of tea and back to the humming. I get into a rhythm and repeat it nine times more.\n\nFinally, I open my eyes and stare at myself in the mirror across the room. There is still an empty feeling in my stomach, but it's hardly noticeable now. I put down the cup and step closer. I start counting aloud in a whisper. \"One. Two. Three.\" With every word I increase the volume a tiny fraction. Always carefully in control. \"Four. Five. Six.\" Still a whisper. \"Seven. Eight. Nine.\" I can start hearing a bit of an echo from my room. I continue on, getting ever louder.\n\nNow, on to my favorite part. I stare at myself in the mirror. \"Nablab! Huggins! Linfog!\" After every word I take a break and focus on keeping my face impassive. \"Gnargl! Frorgh! Reimoral!\" That last one was tricky, I saw my eye twitch for a moment. \"Mallios! Zarokin! Warinka!\" A sudden flash blinds me. \"Empowerment granted: Universal insight\", announces a flat, toneless voice. I whirl around. There is nobody there. \"What?\", I ask, looking around. \"Hello?\" No answer. As my eyes recover from the bright light, I notice something in my peripheral vision. I look down. Underneath my shirt, there is a glow. I take an involuntary step back and pull my shirt open. There is something on my chest. I try to brush it away, but my hand passes right over it. I feel my fingers on my skin, but nothing else. The symbol just keeps glowing in a soft white light.\n\nI whirl around and step towards the mirror. There it is. A tiny symbol, right over my heart, glowing in a soft, white light. Like a fluorescent tattoo. What the hell is going on? I try to touch it again, but I only feel my own skin. A sense of panic and shock creeps up my spine. My mind is reeling. This doesn't make any sense. I look up and see my pale face and wide eyes in the mirror.\n\nIn an attempt to calm myself down, I take a few deep breaths. What just happened? I have no idea. \"There is a symbol on your chest and it's glowing.\", I tell my reflection. It sounds ridiculous. But I glance down and have to admit that it's the truth. \"It doesn't hurt. It doesn't do anything. Well, except glowing.\", I tell myself. This makes me feel a bit better. I sit back down in my chair and stare at the symbol in the mirror.\n\nA mechanical gong rings through the room and I utter an involuntary shout. Disorientated, I look around. For a moment I had forgotten where I was. My brain finally catches up and I realize that this was the reminder that there are only 10 minutes left. I jump up and start panicking again. My preparation ritual in complete disarray I struggle to make sense of the situation. What had just happened? I was just going through my composure exercise. Inventing silly words to try to make myself laugh was weird when I originally learned about it. Now I consider it one of the most important parts of my routine. But then there was this flash of light. And this weird voice. I don’t remember it exactly. It said something about “Universal Insight”. What does this even mean? I try to focus on my breaths, but they are fast and not at all steady.\n\nAs I close my eyes in an attempt to calm down, I notice for the first time that my room is not as calm and quiet as it should be. There are voices. I quickly open my eyes and look around. I’m alone. But I can hear voices. The cacophony of many people talking at the same time. I put my hands over my ears. I can still hear them. They are not in my room. The voices are in my head.\n\nI close my eyes again, trying to calm down. The buzzing voices become louder. I can make out some individual words: “time”, “soon”, “wonder”. Almost automatically, my mind tries to focus on these and make out more. And suddenly the buzzing quiets down a bit and I can make out individual voices: \n“...glad that I decided to come along.” \n“The last two were awful. I doubt this one will be any better.” \n“...hope that he will enjoy himself…” \nI do not recognize the voices. Some are male, others are female. None sound familiar. And they all have a somewhat muted quality to them. I open my eyes again. I’m still alone. Am I going insane? Is the stress finally getting to me?\n\nAnother gong echoes through my room. 5 minutes left. I curse loudly. This was supposed to be my big day. And now what? I stare at my reflection, trying to figure out what to do. I look down at my chest and the glowing symbol. I button up my shirt. The glow is barely noticeable through the thick fabric. Good enough. I take a breath. The voices are still there. I pick up my cup and take another sip of tea. It calms me down a little bit.\n\nThe door opens and I turn. David waves a bit frantically. “Let’s go! You need to get to your position!” He looks me up and down. “Are you okay? You are pale like a ghost!” I step towards him and nod. “I guess stage fright is a real thing.” He touches my arm as we step into the hallway and says smiling: “You’ll be great!” And I hear his voice again, more muted: “Look at that. He’s not a machine after all.” I stop in my tracks. “What’s up?”, he asks, turning around. I stare at him for a moment. Did I imagine it? “Nothing.”, I answer and get moving again. He frowns, then looks at his watch and exclaims: “Quickly! Only 2 minutes left!”\n\nI am standing in the dark. The heavy curtains are in front of me and I can hear noises behind it. Small coughs. Whispers. I feel really nervous now. And then there are the voices in my head. I try to ignore them, but my mind keeps picking out individual ones, making them more distinct: \n“I cannot wait to see this new guy mess it up.” \n“The newspaper wrote that picking a newcomer for this was a horrible idea.” \n“What was his name? I already forgot. Well, let’s get this over with.” \nA horrible feeling is creeping up my spine. I’m shaking and there is a bottomless pit in my stomach. I try to shut out the voices, but each new voice is like a weight settling on my chest.\n\nWith a massive beat of a drum the music suddenly starts and the curtains start lifting. I feel a deep panic and struggle to fight the urge to run. As the first rows of the audience appear in my line of sight, my mind picks out one more voice from the buzzing in my head. One that I know. Soft, beautiful and so familiar. And it is louder than any other before, drowning out the others and washing away my panic. “I love him so much. He will be brilliant.”", "\"I swear, officers! I don't know where these came from!\"\n\nI stand there, frozen in terror and confusion, my hands in the air. Several dozen police officers surround me, all crouched behind their cars, guns drawn at me. A chopper from Channel 5 News circles overhead in the distance. I hear more sirens and from behind the police ahead of me, I see armored vehicles screaming down the road toward me. They have called SWAT and I really do not know how this happened.\n\n\"Keep your hands right where we can see them!\" the police chief calls through his megaphone. \"Step away from the guns.\"\n\nRight, the guns. Hundreds of guns, ranging from Sig Sauer P228 handguns to M249 Squad Automatic Weapons to RPG-7s, complete with PG-7VR 105mm rocket. Each weapon was also loaded with its respective ammunition, ready to use. Theoretically, I could just pick one up and immediately start firing, for the SAW did not even have the safety on. As if I could do that. With dozens of trigger-happy cops around me, I so much as move my pinky toward any of these firearms, I would be on a one-way trip to the afterlife.\n\nToo terrified to move, I stand there like a complete jackass, pondering how this happened. I was walking to my local 7-Eleven for a delicious Slurpee, playing with a stick. I was tracing it along the mortar lines mindlessly. Next thing I know, I am surrounded by hundreds of guns and dozens of angry police.\n\nThe police chief raises his megaphone again and squeezes the trigger. \"I will only say this one last time. Keep your hands in the air and step away from the weapons, or we will be forced to fire!\"\n\nMy knees tremble and I remain frozen in place. Sweat pours from my brow, stinging my eyes. I try to swallow my fear, a thick viscous lump in the back of my throat. My feet feel like blocks of concrete, too heavy to lift. Just as I am feeling capable of moving toward the police, I spot an AH-64 Apache helicopter in the distance. Wonderful, I think. Niw the National Guard is here.\n\nThe police chief raises the megaphone. \"You have until the count of three, or we will fire upon you! One...!\"\n\nI close my eyes. This is where I die, huh? It cannot end like this.\n\n\"Two...!\"\n\nI struggle with all my might to move. I feel my foot start to part from the ground. It is moving! I can do this! Please do not shoot me!\n\n\"Thr... hold your fire! What the hell?\"\n\nI open one of my eyes, then both. All around me, more weapons and ammunition rain around me, just as they had before. Baretta 9mm handguns, AR-15 rifles, AK-47 automatic rifles, AT-4 launchers, M203 40mm grenades... so many guns! So much ammo! It all rains from the sky, piling up around me.\n\nEveryone stands still, shocked by what they are witnessing. I cannot explain how it happened, but here it is. At least they can now see it is not my fault. These guns are not mine! They have to belueve me now!\n\nThen I feel two heavy objects fall into my hands. I instictively grip them and lower my hands to see what I had just caught. A pair of golden .50 cal AE Desert Eagles, loaded with seven-round magazines. I am momentarily impressed with the weapons, but only for a split second. Then reality sinks in and I whisper \"Oh no...\" Hundreds of gunshots erupt around me and the world fades before I hit the ground." ]	4
	[WP] A spacefaring group of humans is coming to terms with the fact that Earth isn't actually all that special in the intergalactic community.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Captain, the latest scans are in.\" He's going to lose it.\n\n\"Very good, main screen.\"\n\nMain screen? Is he finally going to admit it? \"Aye, Captain.\"\n\nThere it is—the one-hundred millionth scan of an alien civilized world. The tech level is within equality. The social index is within equality. The creative index. The emotional index. Every index is within equality to every other species we have scanned. We are not unique in any way. He's thoughtful. I wonder what's going on in that stubborn head of his. \n\n——— ‡‡‡ ——— \n\nThere must be something unique about humanity. If I take this litany of mediocrity back, we will melt down. \n\nLitany of mediocrity... I wonder. \n\n\"Doctor? Graph all the indices, one per graph, as a Gaussian distribution. Clearly indicate humanity's position on that graph.\"\n\n——— ‡‡‡ ——— \n\n\"Aye, Captain. Graphs computing. \" He's not going to find anything that way. We are so average that we don't vary from the norm by so much as 0.1 of a standard deviation. \n\n\"Doctor... How much does humanity deviate from the statistical average?\"\n\nWhat? \"Excuse me, Captain?\"\n\n\"If we accept the zero slope point at the top of the bell curve as the statistical average, how far does humanity deviate from that average?\"\n\n\"You mean like the Mod I Mark I human that no one matches?\"\n\n\"Precisely.\"\n\n\"Computing.\" He's really reaching for straws... That cannot be right.. \"Checking computation.\"\n\n\"Display the results, Doctor.\"\n\n\"Just one moment, please, Captain.\"\n\n\"Doctor. You will display the current computation results. Immediately. I will allow you to check the results for accuracy after we are done here. ... Doctor, that was an order.\"\n\nshit. \"Displaying.\" The results are impossible. \"Captain, there must be an error. These results are absurd. There is no legitimate reason for humanity to exist exactly on the mathematical average in all indices. There must be a fault in the formula used.\"\n\n\"Understood. Let's see just how far the absurdity goes. Zoom in on the statistical average, show no more than +/- 0.01 standard deviation from the average.\"\n\nAt that zoom setting, there is a noticeable dip in the curve centering on humanity's value, which is still dead center on the average.\n\n\"Doctor? At what limit is humanity's only species within the statistical average bar?\"\n\n——— ‡‡‡ ———\n\nI know I'm reaching for straws, but if this gives me an excuse to return to Earth and argue the case in person, I'll take it. \n\n\"At -/+ 0.001 Standard Deviations, Humanity is the only species within that bracket, Calculating the histogram chart based on that width. ... Displaying. Zooming in on humanity. Changing display axis origin and zooming in further. Adding number of entries in each column.\"\n\nThe graphs go through several morphs; a distinct `uncanny valley` appears around humanity, more like an uncanny rift since humanity is the only entry, with millions of entries to either side.\n\n\"Doctor? I suspect there is a flaw in our computer algorithms. Do you concur?\"\n\n\"Yes, Captain.\"\n\n\"Engineer, do you concur?\"\n\n\"Reluctantly, yes, Captain.\"\n\n\"Under the rule of three, I am declaring an end to this mission. We will return to Earth at the best safe speed as our engineer determines. On the way, all relevant departments will examine our computers for any faults. Departments not involved in the hunt will manually check the existing calculations.\n\n\"The goals are as follows:\n\n\"- Verify the existence of a fault in the formulas, either by identifying it in the code or showing that manual calculation does not display the same results.\n\n\"- Clear sufficient computational resources to allow FTL travel as quickly as possible.\n\n\"Make it so, people, if you want to go home.\"\n\n((cont))" ]	2
	[WP] It's a well known fact that most aliens like watching Youtube videos. Unfortunately for you, one of the galaxy's most prominent species of alien likes your channel in particular a little too much	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "As a young Youtuber, Alice was always excited to see new subscribers to her channel. But she never expected to gain a fan from outer space. The first time she noticed something strange was when she received an unusual comment on one of her videos. It was written in a language she didn't understand, but the weird symbols and bizarre emoji's made it clear that it was from an alien.\r \n\r \nAt first, Alice thought it was a prank. But as more and more comments from the same alien started to flood her videos, she realized that it was no joke. The alien, who called itself Zorg, seemed to be obsessed with her content. It would leave long and rambling messages on every single video, praising her editing skills and sense of humor.\r \n\r \nAs time went on, Zorg's behavior became more and more intrusive. It started to send Alice private messages, asking for her personal information and promising to explore the universe together. Alice knew that her life was already complicated enough, and she didn't want to complicate it further by getting involved with an alien. She politely declined Zorg's offer and continued to ignore its messages.\r \n\r \nBut Zorg didn't give up easily. It continued to send Alice messages and comments, trying to persuade her to change her mind. Alice became increasingly frustrated, and she knew that she had to take action. She contacted the alien police and reported Zorg's behavior.\r \n\r \nTo Alice's surprise, the alien police took her complaint seriously and launched an investigation. A few days later, they arrested Zorg and charged it with harassment and attempted theft of human knowledge. Alice was relieved that the alien was finally out of her life, and she could continue making videos without any more alien interference. She was happy to remain on Earth, where life was simpler and more predictable.", "As I sat in my small apartment, staring at the screen of my laptop, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. My Youtube channel, which I had started as a hobby just a few months ago, had suddenly exploded in popularity. I was getting thousands of views on each video, and the comments were pouring in from all over the world.\n\nBut as I read through the comments, I noticed something strange. A large number of them were coming from an account called \"Zorgon the Alien.\" At first, I thought it was just a clever username, but as I looked closer, I realized that the account was legitimate. It was an alien, watching my videos from outer space.\n\nI was both flattered and terrified. Flattered that an alien would be interested in my videos, but terrified at the thought of being watched by a being from another planet. I decided to reach out to Zorgon and see if he would be willing to talk to me.\n\nTo my surprise, he responded almost immediately. He said that he was a member of a prominent species of aliens known for their love of Youtube videos. He had stumbled upon my channel and was immediately hooked. He even said that he had shared my videos with his friends and family on his home planet.\n\nI couldn't believe it. I was a Youtube star, and I had an alien fan base. But as I continued to talk to Zorgon, I realized that there was a problem. He was becoming obsessed with my videos. He was watching them constantly and sending me messages at all hours of the day and night.\n\nI tried to be polite and thank him for his support, but it was becoming overwhelming. I didn't know how to deal with an alien stalker. I started to feel like I was being watched, even when I wasn't making videos. I was starting to lose sleep and my anxiety was through the roof.\n\nI knew that I had to do something. So, I made the difficult decision to delete my Youtube channel and disappear from the internet. It was a painful decision, but it was the only way to protect myself from Zorgon's obsession.\n\nAs I sat in my dark apartment, staring at the blank screen of my laptop, I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to Zorgon. Was he still out there, watching my videos and trying to find me? Or had he moved on to another Youtube channel? I would never know, but I was grateful to have escaped his obsession." ]	3
	[WP] You end up no-clippong out of reality. However, instead of getting sent to the backrooms like you thought you would, you're sent somewhere much, much worse.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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've finally done it, after pushing against a countless number of walls and floors and stairs with a countless number of plates, bowls, and funky looking art pieces, you were finally able to slip between the geometry of reality. Of all things, it was a spoon stood on at a certain angle while leaning on a wall that did the trick. As you slid through the wall and into nothing, you went from a trip to a full on free fall, as you expected, into the surprisingly blue void. That is the easiest way to make a skybox, after all. \n \nPreparing your body, you waited for any moment to hit the carpeted floor of the backrooms as they said you would. The forgotten place, abandoned by the creators. Perhaps used to test the mechanics that take place in our world, or maybe simply a place to try different textures. Whatever its use, it is a sacred place, where one can find answers to your existence. Answers you were determined to find. \n \nBut as you fell, you became increasingly worried of how hard the fall would be. There were no signs of stopping or slowing down, after all, but you quickly pushed away all worries, certain you would be fine, as they said you would. But you continued to fall for minutes, until you noticed the blue and whites of the sky close in on you. 'Surely,' you thought, 'the backrooms must be past the sky.' And so you continued to fall, bracing yourself once more. And as you passed through... nothing. All that greeted you was nothing. A true void of an inky abyss. You looked up, only barely able to make out the world you were once apart of. All those people, blissfully unaware... \n \nYou continued to fall. Minutes? Hours? Even from so far down below, you could still make out the far end of the skybox, now a shining purple. You would never be able to make out the stars again, especially not once in the backrooms. But you knew that already, after all. \n \nYou continued to fall. Days? Weeks? You couldn't tell from the sky anymore. By now, you've gotten used to the sensation of falling, always falling. Buy you'd gotten so thirsty. Maybe your body will make it to the backrooms? Maybe you had simply missed it somewhere, in this dark, terrible void? Who knows. But all that's left for you to do is close your eyes, and continue to fall." ]	2
	[WP] you are reincarnated into the last video game you played write how you survive 24 hours in said game.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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, fucking _YES_!!!\"\n\nI turned back from the windows and sprinted for the gun safe. I slung the hunting rifles over my shoulders and strapped the pistols to my belt, nearly fumbling each time as my hands shook in excitement.\n\nBehind me, my daughter wandered into the room, rubbing her eyes sleepily. \"Dad?\" she yawned.\n\n\"Here, belt this on!\" I commanded, handing her a small caliber pistol and belt. Confused, she just held it in her hands. \"Hurry, hurry!\" I snapped, grabbing up the hunting backpack and stuffing extra boxes of ammo inside. It already had a small emergency first aid kit and some trail mix from last weekend, so I didn't worry about that. Where was that camping backpack? It should have the water purifier....\n\n\"What's going on?\" my daughter asked as she slowly belted the gun around her knee-length night shirt. I frowned, since she didn't look the part with a unicorn-patterned shirt. Just then, I heard the distant scream, so I turned back to the gun safe. Nothing for it now.\n\nI stood and slung the hunting backpack over my shoulders. \"Come on, Ellie! Get to the truck!\"\n\n\"M... my name isn't Ellie...\"\n\n\"We've got to get to your Uncle Tommy's, so hurry up!\" Whooping, I sprinted out of the house.\n\nAs I tossed my armful of guns into the truck, I heard my daughter say behind me on the porch, \"What's gotten into him, Mom?\"\n\nI froze, my eyes going wide. Turning, I saw my wife, surrounded by my daughter and two sons, standing on the top step of the porch with her arms crossed and a glare on her face.\n\nI glanced at the edge of the field where I had first spotted the Infected. The Runners had not seen us yet, so I still had time to fix my marriage. Pulling one of the pistols off my belt, I held it out to my wife like a peace offering and cried, \"Come on, Tess!! We're _survivors_!\"\n\nShe lifted a single eyebrow.\n\nPulling out two rifles, I told my boys with a desperate squeak in my voice, \"Sam! Henry! Let's go find the Fireflies!\"\n\nFinally, my wife's face cracked into a smile. Snatching the pistol from my hand, she grinned wide and wild and whooped, \"Let's go, Joel!\"\n\n\"Yes, ma'am!\"\n\nAnd so my small family of nerdiness drove around the country side roads shooting hordes of zombie-like Infected. We only had twenty-four hours, so we were going to make the most of it!" ]	2
	[WP] The grim reaper requires legal permission via contract to take a soul from it's owner if they are alive, this often results in very awkward situations.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "December 7th 2022, that was the day I finally grew up. Well, according to my father at least. It was the day I applied for the home-loan so I could finally move out of my parents and move in with my soon-to-be wife, you. I hadn’t planned on getting married so young, being only 21, but you had gotten pregnant. We did not love each-other but abortion was illegal in the state so my father forced me into marrying you if we couldn’t, to use his words, “scrape out the abomination”.\r \n\r \nI expected it to be a horrid day, taking out a giant loan I couldn’t pay off ‘till I was 60 and preparing to marry a woman I had grown to despise. I did not want the kid, the marriage nor the home. I was only 21, I had to drop out of college so I could get a full time job to support the new family I wanted nothing to do with.\r \n\r \nWhat I have so far stated is all just preamble to the real story, my life changed that day as you might imagine but for reasons known only to me, well me and that crazy bank manager. I have not told a soul what went on in that bank fearing the consequences. If it was true people would call me a monster and if I had simply snapped and imagined it all from the stress they might lock me away.\r \n\r \nI remember it all clear as day, I went into the bank at 9:00 AM as it opened, it was unsurprisingly empty. Though what I had not noticed which I only now realise should have tipped me off was that it was not only void of customers but tellers too. I was let in by the ‘manager’, at least that is what he claimed, at 9:00 on the dot. I know because I was nervously pacing outside staring at my watch. He seemed perfectly normal and led me through the bank into his office.\r \n\r \n“sit please, water?” he asked politely. I sat opposite him at the desk it was completely empty save a bottle of freshly chilled water sitting in the middle, just ahead of it his nameplate reading ‘Amir Ergrep’, strange name I thought.\r \n\r \nHe watched as I chugged down the water waiting patiently then began asking his questions. We discussed my loan application and my inadequate resources to pay it back. He enquired as to why I, such a young man already in debt from college, was buying a house at all. I explained my situation which is where things took a turn.\r \n\r \nTo this day I do not know if what happened next really happened or if it was some kind of stress induced hallucination. I do not know what it was that set him off but some time during my explanation he stopped me to offer what he called an ‘indecent proposal’. He would give me one of the houses the bank owned from defaulted home loans if I signed away my soul to him. A joke I was sure, though not a particularly funny one as I had felt I had already done that when I got some random chick pregnant. I tried to chuckle at his oddball joke but wasn’t in the laughing mood, he could see I had not taken him seriously and reacted in such a way that made me believe. His cheeks sucked into his face and his skin turned pale like a skeleton, “look at my name plate!” he demanded “this is no joke”.\r \n\r \nI glanced down at it to see the letters rearranging to spell out ‘GRIM REAPER’ I was in shock, my initial thought was that the water was spiked with some kind of hallucinogen, but then why? What bank keeps drugged water?\r \n\r \nI figured either it was real or I had gone crazy, either way I might as well play along. He pulled out an old piece of papyrus, looked to be ancient as if touching it would make it crumble into dust and placed it onto the table. \r \n\r \n“Give me your soul and you can have that house free of charge, no loan.” he said calmly. Curious I asked him what he meant about giving him my soul. He told me he was in the souls business like the devil. Only unlike the devil if you sell it to the grim reaper when you die that’s it. No heaven, no hell just nothingness. I asked what the catch was and he told me he can only take souls while they are earmarked for heaven. If I make this deal it would be impossible to get in. He told me the devil could only take the souls of those already headed to hell, he just got them a little quicker by making deals.\r \n\r \nI pondered his offer for a while, reading over the contract when it occurred to me, my unborn child must be earmarked for heaven right? As his legal guardian could I not offer up his soul in the exchange? The good news — well what I thought was good news at the time at least — was that the grim reaper is a slimy salesman who was happy to make such a deal. I would sell my child’s soul, get a free house and it would not count as a splotch on my record when it comes to getting into heaven. It was perfect, if I raise my child an atheist and tell no-one of this had I really done any harm… it’s what atheists expect after death anyway.\r \n\\------------------------------------------------------------------------\r \n\r \nIf you read this and think I am crazy you are probably right, it was a stressful time and it all seems too good to be true. I thought I should explain why I have been so abusive all these years. I didn’t know you were religious when I made the deal and didn’t want out kid growing up religious knowing I had destroyed any hope they ever had at an afterlife. I just wanted you two to quit it with all that religion bullshit. I have no doubt I’ll be off to hell when I finish this, the house was nice but I sure do regret not just selling my own soul, nothingness has to beat whatever I’m about to face." ]	2
	[WP] In the wild west, folk tell tale of an old mining town set up by prospectors who worked a new silver mine. One day all the townfolk disappeared, and now the small town remains uninhabited except for a lone gravedigger, who's only seen at night tending to the church' evergrowing graveyard.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The old mining town sat nestled in the hills of the wild west, its wooden buildings weathered and worn from years of harsh sun and wind. The town had been founded by prospectors who had struck silver in the nearby hills, and for a time it had thrived as miners flocked to the area to seek their fortune.\n\nBut one day, without warning, all the townspeople vanished. No one knows exactly what happened to them, but rumors abound of ghosts and other supernatural forces at work. Some say the town was cursed, and that anyone who stayed there too long would suffer the same fate as the original residents. Now the town sits empty, its buildings slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding wilderness. The only sign of life is a lone gravedigger, who can only be seen at night tending to the church's ever-growing graveyard.\n\nNo one knows who the gravedigger is or where they came from, but they are a constant presence in the town, tirelessly digging graves for the many people who seem to be buried there. Some say they are the only survivor of whatever tragedy befell the town, while others believe they are a ghost themselves, condemned to spend eternity digging graves. Those who visit the town at night report feeling a strange sense of dread, as if they are being watched by unseen eyes. Some even claim to have seen ghosts wandering the streets, or heard strange noises emanating from the abandoned buildings. It is as if the town is haunted, and the gravedigger is the only one who knows its secrets.\n\nDespite the mystery surrounding the gravedigger, the townspeople who visit the old mining town often leave offerings of food and drink at the church, as if to thank the mysterious figure for their tireless work. And as the moon rises over the desolate town, the gravedigger can be seen, silently tending to the dead, a guardian of the forgotten souls of the wild west." ]	2
	[WP] After being dead for several months, you awake, with no memories of where you are, or why you are dead. Terrified, you break out of your casket and out of the ground, only to turn around and read the name on the gravestone.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "As the darkness began to fade from my vision, I could feel myself stirring. I was disoriented and confused, and for a moment I didn't know where I was. But then, as my senses began to return, I realized that I was lying on my back, surrounded by cold, hard earth.\n\nPanicked, I thrashed about, trying to break free from my confines. My heart was pounding in my chest, and I could feel the fear coursing through my veins. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I managed to break free from the dirt that was covering me.\n\nI scrambled to my feet, gasping for breath. I looked around, trying to make sense of where I was. I was in a cemetery, surrounded by rows of grave markers and headstones. But as I looked at them, I realized that I didn't recognize any of the names.\n\nI felt a surge of fear and confusion, and I began to run. I ran until I was out of the cemetery, and then I kept going, not knowing where I was going or what I was running from.\n\nFinally, exhausted and disoriented, I stumbled to a stop. I looked around, and to my horror, I realized that I was standing in front of my own grave. The headstone bore my name, and the date of my death.\n\nI fell to my knees, overwhelmed by the realization of what had happened. I had been dead for months, and now I was somehow alive again. But I had no memories, no explanations. I was alone, and I was terrified.\n\nI didn't know how I had come back to life, or why. All I knew was that I was alone, and that I had to find a way to survive in a world that I no longer recognized.\n\nThis story was written completely by an AI and is being used as a test.", "You come to in pitch darkness. It is freezing cold, and a stifling silence surrounds you. You anticipate that your heart will begin to beat with terror, but nothing stirs in your chest. You feel around, finding hard wood mere inches from your face. With your fingernails you claw at it, pushing and tearing until the damp wood splinters away. Cold, wet dirt piles down on you, filling your mouth and nostrils. You dig and writhe, clawing your way upward. Though you do not realize it, you do not need to breathe; that part of you is long gone. If it wasn’t you would suffocate on the thick dirt. But instead you wriggle up, one foot, three, six, until a desperate hand protrudes through the earth. You grasp onto the tufts of dead grass and haul your decrepit body into the cold, autumn air. A graveyard, sprawling around you. Mist lumbers through the night. A dog howls in the distance. You turn slowly around and read the name engraved on the headstone out from under which you just crawled:\n\n“Danglesquatch Anus-chan”", "What I remember last is the headlights. They were there on the other side of the road, and then they were on my side of the road, coming straight at me. I had time only for a single intake of breath, no final thoughts. And then --\n\n\\-- I breathe out. But there are no lights, no screeching tires, no sirens or cries. There is only the dark. \n\nI panic. I reach out and almost at once my hands collide with something awfully, terribly close. I moan. It is not a scream because this is something beyond fear. My fists strike, hard, once, twice, then over and over, then faster and faster, and now I am screaming, screaming wildly. Something is yielding but the darkness is not, and I fight it and fight it and push and pound and scream until I cannot scream because my mouth is full of earth and I am swimming, pushing, scrabbling rising and --\n\nI am in cold crisp air. The night air has never felt like this to me before. Like a caress.\n\nAnd then my eyes are drawn to the gravestone, as surely as if someone had called to me to read it. The script is neat and new and clean. It reads:\n\nThomas William Bragg \n1770 - 1789\n\nI feel a panic in my heart, building but not yet expressed. I look to the sky and there is a full moon there, clear and vibrant, closer than I have ever seen it. I look down at my hands. But they are not my hands. I turn them and they move, and I close them and I feel it, but they are not mine. \n\nThey are not even human. \n\n\\--\n\nThanks for reading -- if you like this, you might like my subreddit at r/HouseBlendMedium.", "I can't breathe.\n\nI take another rapid breath, trying to obtain enough oxygen to quell my throbbing lungs. Every breath, however, feels like it's tearing a hole through my body, taking my calm with it. I open my eyes to be met with darkness. It's taunting.\n\n\"Hello?\"\n\nbreath\n\n\"Help!\"\n\nbreath\n\n\"I can't-\"\n\nbreath\n\nI'm going to die in here.\n\nI'm going to die and never be able to tell my family I love them. I'll never get to make it up to mom for missing her birthday, or get off my break with Jason and try to make things work. I'll never get to travel, or quit my stupid marketing job, or-\n\nTears stream down my face and I only now realize I'm hyperventilating.\n\nI close my eyes again, unable to face the pitch-black reality; I realize that it makes little difference. My internal is just as dark and hopeless as my reality.\n\nWhat did I do to deserve this?\n\nWhy me?\n\n~~Why not me?~~\n\nI lift my arm to wipe the streaming tears when I hit a solid surface.\n\nWhat the fuck?\n\nI push my hand against the surface and find that it's unliftable.\n\nAm I screwed in a box or something?\n\nI push harder against the cover, adding my legs and arms, and the lid of the container shifts.\n\nDirt cascades through the opening and lands in my mouth.\n\nWhere the hell am I?\n\nThe more I move the lid, the more dirt enters my... something.\n\nWhy is there dirt covering a container? What angry God did I have to anger to get sent here?\n\nWait.\n\nNo.\n\nNo. No. No. No.\n\nNot thinking about that implication right now, not when I am about to suffocate.\n\nI kick the casket's lid to the side and, immediately, dirt swarms into the box. I get up the best I can and start to swim up to reach the surface.\n\nThe ground is relatively malleable, signaling I haven't been down here for too long.\n\nI guess that's reassuring.\n\nI ~~struggle~~ swim for what felt like hours, but it probably wasn't more than 30 minutes. My arms are burning by the time I see the whiteness of the moon above me.\n\nOh thank the literal lord.\n\nMy hand reaches above myself, grabbing onto solid land out of my eyesight. I shove my other arm and pull myself up into the crisp, cold night. I breathe in lungfuls of slightly polluted air.\n\nThis is the best air I have ever inhaled in my entire life.\n\nI lose time after that.\n\nI wake up on my side, staring straight at a stone structure. At least I think it's stone; everything is blurry.\n\nI rub my eyes in an attempt to get them to focus. I finally make out the structure and writing. I move closer to read what the stone says.\n\nHere lies Meredith Everdeen. Daughter and beloved friend.\n\n...\n\nI turn my head just enough to not have a lap full of vomit.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI dry heave on the ground, my body trying to expel reality with no success.\n\nWhat the hell do I do now?" ]	5
	[WP] The ones who ended the world did so with the belief that they would ascend to Heaven and be with their god when rapture came. So imagine their thoughts when there was no afterlife, only a cold and empty void to be alone in for all eternity.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "In a small town in a European country lived a man named Ganlo. His soul was as black as the night and his heart was filled with mischief. From a very young age, he took pleasure in causing harm to others, relishing in the cries of his victims.\n\nAs he grew older, his parents tried to guide him towards religion in hopes of salvaging his tormented soul. But it was useless. Ganlo twisted the teachings of the holy texts to suit his own evil desires, believing that he had been chosen by a divine power to destroy humanity and ascend to Heaven.\n\nFor years, he worked hard and learned the science of men in secret, developing a machine that would strike at the very heart of the earth. And finally, the day came when his insane plan came to fruition. With a wicked smile on his face, Ganlo activated his machine, unleashing its destructive power upon the world.\n\nIn an instant, the Earth shook and trembled, as the machine tore apart the planet's core. The ground cracked and split, swallowing entire cities whole. The skies turned red with ash and fire, as the very fabric of reality seemed to unravel.\n\nAnd as the world burned, humanity was extinguished, their screams silenced forever. Ganlo stood amidst the destruction, his eyes shining with madness and delight. He had succeeded in his dark mission, and now nothing could stop him from ascending to the heavens.\n\nBut as he looked upon the ruin he had wrought, a chill ran down his spine. For in that moment, he realized that his victory was hollow, and that he had condemned himself to an eternity of solitude and madness. The horror of his actions had finally caught up with him, and he knew that he would never escape the nightmare he had created." ]	2
	[WP]: Every creature on the Planet: Earth is Considered Hostile and deadly by the Civilization outside Earth And even Considered the whole Planet dangerous. They are terrified to find out that A civilization has been living in those Conditions.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hi u/SealSealingWall, this submission has been removed.\n\nNo recent reposts, even if changing small details Also, no [copy-cats](http://i.imgur.com/38FjDgW.gifv).\n\nSearch before submitting as popular ideas can cause floods. If your idea is based on something you read elsewhere on reddit, chances are it's been submitted here already. Please wait at least 2 weeks before reposting.\n\n \n\n\n\n* [From Rule 5: No recent reposts, even if changing small details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_5.3A_no_recent_reposts.2C_even_if_changing_small_details)\n\n---\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/zeys0z/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/config/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	2
	[WP] You thought you'd figured out how to get infinite wishes. You asked Santa for a djinni, the djinni for a wishing well, and so on, until you ended up 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hi u/bidgeywidgey, this submission has been removed.\n\nNo recent reposts, even if changing small details Also, no [copy-cats](http://i.imgur.com/38FjDgW.gifv).\n\nSearch before submitting as popular ideas can cause floods. If your idea is based on something you read elsewhere on reddit, chances are it's been submitted here already. Please wait at least 2 weeks before reposting.\n\n \n\n\n\n* [From Rule 5: No recent reposts, even if changing small details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_5.3A_no_recent_reposts.2C_even_if_changing_small_details)\n\n---\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/zezjdu/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/config/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	2
	[WP] You've used your shapeshifting powers to replace one of the superheroes and infiltrated their base! One problem: You never knew just how much more unpleasant they were in private, when the cameras weren't rolling.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 smiled in the mirror, then sighed. Needed to look a bit more smug, and the scar on my face was slightly too far to the left. I focused and the scar shifted slightly, and I imagined how I was pulling one over on the Fellowship of Friends. I smiled into the mirror again. There it was. I pulled on a wrinkle on my suit and exited the bathroom. I wandered around the crowd cheering and toasting to their victory, and met up with the rest of the fellowship.\n\n\"About time Maniac, lets get one last group photo then head back to base.\"\n\nI looked up at the leader FireBat, towering over the rest of us. We all turned towards the camera and put on smiles. I felt a hand on my butt, and glanced over at Super Teacher beside me. We smiled for the photo, then headed out the back. We all piled into the limo, and it drove off to our base. Firebat put up the partition between us and the driver, then turned to me.\n\n\"Maniac, what the fuck were you doing in the bathroom that long? Having problems with your tampon or something stupid?\"\n\nHis tone shocked me for a second. \"I, uh, I guess the shrimp didn't agree with me.\"\n\n\"Then don't fucking eat when we are at award ceremonies! Jesus, we need to put on a good image you bitch!\"\n\nI felt anger rising inside me, but I squished it down. Was this really how the heroes talked to each other? I tried to think about how Maniac would react, I had seen every interview of her to prepare for this.\n\n\"I guess I can just starve myself, its not like I need my strength in case some villain decides to attack.\"\n\nFirebats face started to get red. \"Don't take that attitude with me! Remember Fiji! No more food for you when we are out!\"\n\nI bit my tongue and held in my anger. Fiji was the battle where Super Spider was killed. Despite Maniacs name, she would keep a calm head. We rode in silence, then arrived at the base. I felt butterflies as we walked through the front door. I had been preparing for this for months, but actually going inside was scary. The conversation in the car kept playing inside my head. I started to head off deeper inside when a hand grabbed my arm.\n\n\"You guys all did terrible in that last fight. Go to the training hall and do the exodus program while I go take a shower.\"\n\nI looked up at Firebat, wondering where the friendly leader from the magazines had gone. I followed the rest of the group through the halls while he wandered off. We entered into a large hall with hexagons covering the floor. Agent Aerospace hit some buttons on a panel on the wall, and suddenly the floor started to move. The hexagon I was on rose up, and I was suddenly 20 feet off the ground. Panels on the walls opened up, and round robots with guns on them floated out.\n\nI looked at the heroes around me as they started to jump from hexagon to hexagon. A robot floated in front of me and started firing, and I jumped to the side. I landed on another hexagon, and Super Teacher jumped onto the same hexagon. I could feel his breath on my face, and a shiver went down my spine when I saw the look on his face.\n\n\"How about we go back to my room after this? You do owe me for saving you.\"\n\n\"No.\" I jumped to another hexagon, and he jumped after me.\n\n\"How many times are you going to say no?\"\n\n\"As many times as it takes.\" I tried to jump again, but I felt him push me. I fell to the ground, and felt my leg crunch under me. I focused my powers, and my leg shifted back into place. I spotted a hexagon near the ground, and quickly shifted my legs to have more muscle. I jumped onto the hexagon, and shifted my legs back to normal. I then hopped from hexagon to hexagon, then reached the one Super Teacher was on. I gave him a push, and he fell to the ground. Suddenly everyone stopped and looked at me.\n\n\"What the fuck Maniac!\" Super Teacher exclaimed from the ground. \"You could have killed me! You on your period?\"\n\nI sighed, he wasn't nearly as high up as I was when he pushed me. I jumped to the ground and left the room. I couldn't take this anymore, I was going to find the computer room and then leave this cursed place. I ended up going the wrong way and ended up at the entrance to the base. I looked back at the base, and decided it wasn't worth it. I went through the door and left the Fellowship of Friends." ]	2
Inspired by the comments here: https://www.reddit.com/r/CuratedTumblr/comments/zfi7pk/falconers/ See also: https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/falconry-gives-a-front-row-view-of-nature-at-work/	[WP] Aliens practice human falconry: capturing humans, training them to hunt, and releasing them back to the wild at the end of the season.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 do not remember my parents. For the longest time, I thought that that bright light shining down on me from above, like a conical lamp illuminating only me in a dark, featureless room, was the Beginning. I just remember the light, confusion, a fleeting moment of sheer terror--and then I saw my Partner.\n\nIn time I learned that they were genderless--that whereas I was a species that reproduced sexually, and one day I will find that I bleed regularly but should not be alarmed by this, they were a species that reproduced technologically, utilizing cloning pods to grow new members of their race. They were a tightly regimented sort, with complicated algorithms that tracked population densities and macro-level food cycles of the other creatures that shared their environment, all to help determine when new members should be spawned or when to slow down the reproduction factories for a while.\n\nIt was all very normal to me, for I knew nothing else.\n\nMy Partner was much larger than me, amphibious in appearance, and bulky around the middle to support the many jointed limbs that seemed so much more useful than my own two arms. They walked on four legs as opposed to my two, and their eight arms constantly poked about in a radius around them, touching the ground where they walked. I learned through time that this was due to their poor eyesight. They might have all the arms needed to carry their necessities, but they were slow, and they were not suited for hunting.\n\nAnd that was where I came in.\n\nI was small, and because I was limited in appendages, I was quiet, and I was fast. I spent many months in the Upside Down Forest with my Partner, sent out to explore the countryside on my own. To find food, and to hunt, and to survive on my own.\n\nWhen I was still young and in training, those early days I roamed before I began my bleeding, I was not yet a great hunter. And if I came back to my Partner, they always had food for me. It was not much, but it was enough, and it was dependable. I trusted my Partner.\n\nWhen I was still too young to have much strength, my Partner helped me overcome my prey. I would find it, and I would capture it, and they would lumber in and show me how to dispatch it. Or if my keener eyes spotted the mushrooms that grew out of the roots of trees high above us, my Partner could reach up and harvest them.\n\nEventually I grew in strength and stature, and my intellect began to work in my favor. I had to make tools out of the stony trees to kill my food, and in those early days the unforgiving force of hunger made me efficient. I learned to identify which plants were edible and which ones killed. I learned to dispatch prey in silence and swiftness, so much so that if I could prevent the meat from spoiling, I could store up my supplies and never go hungry again. If I needed to, I could run away from my Partner and survive all the days of my life in these hinterlands.\n\nBut those early days had taught me trust. They had taught me partnership. My Partner and I were a team. They could store the food where I could not, and they could scare prey in my direction when we hunted creatures that were frightful and hid away from my sight.\n\nOver the years, I learned that I was not the only Hunter. There were many of us. We were an integral part of our Partners' society, our population densities cycling in response to the Partners. We became more numerous when the Partners grew too many, for we were needed to seek out the most minute source of food to help sustain them. There were fewer of us when the Partners were few, for we were not as needed to supply them with food.\n\nI had seen other Hunters from afar when brought home to repose, and I had looked upon them with curiosity, but my Partner never took me near them. That was when they explained to me, with the picture cards that were our sole communication amidst our language barrier, that my species was a sexually-reproducing kind, and that this way of biology could only cause me severe pain. And so I marveled at the Hunters from afar, but I also distrusted them.\n\nThere once came a season of famine, a famine so severe that even my years of skill could not afford me opportunities for success, and for the first time in a long time, I went hungry, and so did my Partner. I felt a pain inside me, a pull, and it was not the pull of hunger, but of... remorse. I had failed my faithful Partner. I resolved to strive harder for them.\n\nIn that same season, we Hunters were so many that our hunting grounds overlapped. For the first time in my life, I met one.\n\nI did not have words to describe gender in those days, so I did not know at first that this was a 'he.' My only concern in that moment was whether this Hunter would be the sort to hurt me. His hair was short, like mine, but his body was leaner, more streamlined for stealth, and longer legs for speed, and more musculature in his arms for strength. I looked upon the Hunter with caution from my place in concealment.\n\nBut the Hunter's ears were sharp, and he heard the sound of my breath, for at my silent gasp of alarm at spotting him, he spun around defensively, looking right at me.\n\nAnd then he spoke.\n\nSounds came out of his mouth, soft sounds, musical sounds. The sounds had shape, and the sounds had color, and most importantly of all, the sounds had _meaning_.\n\nThe Partners communicated with each other through touch, the nerve endings of their multiple limbs somehow facilitating their conversation. But here and now, for the first time in my recollection, another creature could communicate with me.\n\nBecause in that instant, I knew the words he spoke. And that meant I knew a time before I was a Hunter.\n\n\"Show yourself,\" he hissed at me, holding a stone dagger defensively. That was all he said, but it changed everything.\n\nAbsolutely everything." ]	2
	[WP] 'Naive' mind uploading suffers from the 'cloning' problem (the upload is just a clone, the original is still in their body). Solution? The Ship of Theseus. Gradually replace pieces of brain with cybernetics until one day there's no organic brain left and you can be disconnected from your body	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "The first draft of the Upload Procedure was messy. The clean part was easy: Company technicians would take a holographic image of the brain, which would be computed into a digital equivalent directly uploaded into our servers. But then you'd be left over with the Shell. Legally, it no longer was a person; but that didn't stop it from crying for help or begging for its life. At first it had been planned to use these shells as a sort of livestock, but the Ethics Comittee managed to convince Upper Management that there was a serious legislative risk. So instead we burned them.\n\nOf course, the turn-over among technicians was incredibly high, but this wasn't what made Upper Management re-adjust the strategy. The real concerns were about those who didn't quit. It took a near-miss of a PR disaster - pictures of the After-Upload were almost leaked to the press by a now-uploaded employee - for Upper Management to change gears and instore the Theseus Protocol. Your brain would be replaced, bit by bit, by our cybernetic replacement. And once you were ready, well you could upload neatly from the comfort of your own home. After-Upload care was conveniently left to the governement.\n\nAt first, we would replace a tenth of your brain every year. After a decade, you would be ready for Upload ! But bio-cybernetic compatibility was a messy thing. People complained about bad implants, headaches, nausea. So we started to shorten the waiting period. 6 months, then 3, then 1, then a single week. Nowadays most people get their whole brain blasted out all at once in one convenient procedure, then they return home to upload themselves. The average time between Cybernetic Implant and Upload is under an hour.\n\nNot that the programming leaves them any choice about it." ]	2
	[WP] Every time you die, you are instead rewound back in time to a point before you make the choice that will inevitably lead to your death, as a do-over of sorts. This time, you find yourself back in your childhood. This is rather concerning to you, as you were in your late 60s when you died.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Wow, really God? You really had turned me allllll the wayyyyyy back to a point that was ages ago? Are you serious?\"\n\nAt the age of six, I had, just a normal life as any other, I had friends and family. Rivals and enemies. What is the reason for me to revert all the way back to this time.\n\nThen it got to me, I noticed, rather, a strange change in this time that felt different to every other. It is the sensation that I cannot necessarily describe to another, yet can make them feel it as well. This was the first of the many, it was an antidote to lasting life, it was the key...\n\nto immortality.\n\nI finally ate the broccoli on my dinner plate, this was different from my last time as I hadn't chosen to eat it. I ate it this time though and felt a change, I felt that \"unexplained sensation.\" \n\nI noticed the other piece of broccoli and from then on, I studied it. I studied it for days on end, its chemical structure, its components, everything from the textbook, I studied. And at the new age of 74, I found the answer to that very broccoli I had kept, all this time in my hyperbolic time chamber.\n\nThe broccoli had an interesting civilisation, unknown of to the naked eye, this civilisation had people, identical to me and my companions and everyone on earth. I managed to create a chip which can now capture all recorded information in bits of sound from the civilisation.\n\nAfter placing the chip within the broccoli, I heard cries that said: \"PLEASE, OH WISE ONE, EAT US SO WE MAY HELP YOU GROW!!!\" It was a prayer, am I there God? \n\nWhat a strange life that Im living, from dying over and over again, to studying a new microbial species. Maybe with an infinite amount of time, I too might study and experience more of the unknown, and with time, I too may become God some day.\n\nTo ensure that I continue to live, I must die inorder to grow, and to grow, I must also aswell, gain knowledge of the many wonders. There is still much to do.", "\"Thieving furball, drop it!\" Athena exclaimed as her cat Cheddar ran past carrying a wool sock in his mouth.\r \n\r \n\"So ridiculous,\" she muttered. She had over a dozen mismatched socks because she never found one after Cheddar took it. She imagined them being dropped into an alternate universe. He was an inside cat, so that was the only explanation. Even developing a collar tracking device failed to locate the kidnapped footwarmers. By the time she reached the orange-striped cat, he’d be sockless and trying to pull off an innocent face. \"Not this time!\"\r \n\r \nAthena ran down the hallway toward the stairs. She could see Cheddar’s tail flick around the corner. She turned the corner sharply and reached for the banister. Athena’s hand never connected to the mahogany rail; instead, there was a feeling of weightlessness before gravity slammed her into the stairs, followed by pain and darkness.\r \n\r \nThere was always a moment of discombobulation before other emotions came into play. Athena looked up at the princess bed canopy: pink fabric dotted with white puffs and so many ruffles. She hated pink, and that’s all this room was. Pink pillows, a pink duvet, and a fuzzy pink oval rug on top of oak hardwood floors are framed by white metal heart-shaped scrolls. On the nightstand, a carousel horse lamp in pastel colors \"Noooooo!!!!!!\" She screamed internally. Why on earth did she have to live through this hell again!\r \n\r \n\"Athena, come down for breakfast!\" She heard her mother calling up the stairs. Ok, that wouldn’t be so bad. The smell of pancakes and bacon wafted into the bedroom. \r \n\r \nAthena grabbed the pink satin robe and slid her feet into pink fuzzy slippers. She walked over to the mirror. \"Oh, good God,\" she muttered, dismayed. Twelve! She looked twelve! That meant fighting her mother to let her into advanced science and math classes all over again. The first fight of many \"Wait, is that the choice that caused her last death? \"An accident while inventing?\" She pondered that as she walked down the stairs, through the living room, and into the ridiculously pink kitchen. \"No, it couldn’t have been.\" Before being sent back, she'd lived the longest life ever, a hair’s breadth away from turning 70 years old.\r \n\r \n\"Athena, your father has decided you can have a pet for your birthday. Your grades are the best they’ve ever been, and you’ve been so helpful around the house. \"Your birthday is only a week away, so really think about what you want.\"\r \n\r \n\"That's right, princess,\" He Father said as he folded his newspaper and set it beside his plate. His spoon clinked as he stirred sugar and cream into his coffee. \"The pet store has puppies and kittens right now.\"\r \n\r \n\"I think a long-haired Persian or Siamese kitten would look adorable.\" Her mother gushed.\r \n\r \n\"It’s Athena’s choice, Mother.\"\r \n\r \n\"Of course, dear.\" Whatever you want, hon. \"We'll go downtown after breakfast.\"\r \n\r \nThe memories of her last life were already fading. They’d be completely gone soon enough. Athena tried to catch the memory of her death, barely able to see through a fog of forgetfulness. Just the flick of a white-tipped orange tail \"Can I please get a dog?\" She blurted out, startling her parents with the force of her words." ]	3
	[WP] Your husband arrives home after work. You kiss him on the cheek and you guys sit down for dinner. You get a notification from Life360 about 10 minutes later saying that your husband just arrived home. You hear the door open. “I’m home honey! What’s for dinner?”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Randall? I didn't think you were gonna be home so soon.\"\n\nRandall shrugged as he hung up his coat and said, \"Well, if you don't want me here, I guess I can always just hop back in the car and head somewhere else.\"\n\nI rolled my eyes and responded, \"Oh, get over here you big baby.\"\n\nRandall laughed as he walked over to me and kissed me on the cheek, at which point our husband Leonard piped up, \"Hello, remember me?\"\n\nRandall shot me a mock accusatory glance. \"Really, Qadir? You're calling me the baby when you're sitting across from that needy bastard?\" After kissing a cackling Leonard on the cheek and sitting down, Randall asked, \"But seriously though, what's for dinner? Papa is running on fumes.\"\n\nLeonard took a sip of his wine before answering, \"Hon, the food's right in front of you.\"\n\n\"Yeah, but I'm looking to build a case as to why I should worship the ground you two walk on, and I figure Qadir's cooking would be a great place to start.\"\n\nI put on my best Tom Hiddleston impression as I answered, \"Well, my dearest follower, tonight it's meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a southwest salad.\"\n\nRandall gave a small bow. \"Truly, your grace knows no bounds, oh great one.\"\n\nLeonard smirked. \"He who makes the heavens envious of his butt.\"\n\n\"Master of the sexy musketeer look.\"\n\n\"Wielder of the--\"\n\nI facepalmed and laughed out, \"Seriously, you two, the food's gonna get cold!\"\n\nRandall and Leonard replied, \"Sorry, honey,\" in tandem before we chowed down together and entered into an actual conversation." ]	2
	[WP] You work at the only true neutral job in the city, no matter who enters that door, as long as they have the money, you are to serve them. Working at this job has allowed you to know heroes, villains, and vigilantes very well. This leads to some pretty interesting days at work.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Alrighty. I verified your email, you said you wanted to spring for the Volcanic island?\" Mr. Stamos asked. Standing in front of him were the Alliance of Disorder, the most notorious villains in Core City. \n\n\"Whaddya think, guys? Cool, eh?\" One of them asked. Mr. Stamos' eyes darted up and down to study the individual. His jacket was lined with all kinds of explosives and grenades. He'd been on the news recently, so Mr. Stamos recognized his name: Detonator. \n\n\"I don't know... I feel like I'd get really hot all the time. Plus, the risk of boulders falling has to be really high, right?\" Another replied. This one was floating in the air, her silk outfit creating the effect of a butterfly. Mr. Stamos knew her already, as he'd sold her a base in the past. \n\n\"I assure you, Ms. Visionary. This base has been used by hundreds of old-gen villains. Puppet master, The Garlic man and Defibrillator, to name a few.\" Mr. Stamos replied. The alliance all threw whispers between themselves. \n\n\"You got any options in the city? We'd like to stay closer to home, y'know.\" One of them asked. That one was a face that Mr. Stamos had never seen before. She had long, curly ginger hair, and her mouth was covered by a metal mask. Nonetheless, he rolled up the volcano base blueprints and laid out another. \n\n\"Why certainly. This is a gorgeous tower, equipped with a death-ray panel, booby traps on all 35 levels, and a pool, equipped with a shark dispenser if you ever want to use it for torturing in the winter.\" Mr. Stamos explained. \n\n\"A pool! Let's get this one, Chatterbox!\" Detonator exclaimed to the ginger-haired woman. She thought for a minute, then turned back to Mr. Stamos. \n\n\"You got any underground options? A tower seems a little too...flashy, y'know?\" She asked. The rest of the group groaned in unison.\n\n\"Man, you do this all the time! We go shopping, and you take ages because of your indecisiveness!\" Another member complained. This one was another famous figure on the news. Multiplex, a cloning supervillain who recently got caught operating a diamond heist. It seems his buddies broke him out early. \n\n\"Why certainly, Ms. Chatterbox. If it's underground you want, may I suggest this beauty right here. Doubling as a nuclear bunker, this baby's got inches upon inches of reinforced steel. The bunker's ring stretches under nearly all of the South District, and with the building's newly installed hyper-train, you can get to any location in seconds.\" Mr. Stamos replied, displaying another new blueprint. The group all studied it in unison, and began murmuring in excitement. \n\n\"It's perfect! We'll take it!\" Chatterbox exclaimed. \n\n\"Wonderful! If you all would please sign the contract, we'll discuss payment at a later date when you get installed.\" Mr. Stamos said, offering each of them a contract. They all signed it, and grabbed the blueprints on their way out. Mr. Stamos sat down at his desk, as a small buzz rang across the room, indicating that a customer was ready. \n\n\"Sir, we've got the World Union of superheroes here for you.\" His secretary told him over the speakerphone. \n\n\"Perfect. Send them in.\" Mr. Stamos replied. \n\nSuperheroes, supervillains, morally grey vigilantes. They all looked to Mr. Stamos for their bases of operation. It was a great job, and a job that gave him legendary status in Core City. \n\nNot to mention, those superhumans pay a ton.", "\"Come in,\" I said, my voice in its usual neutral tone. Not too excited, not too bored. The door creaked open, a masked man poking his head around it. At least I assumed it was a man, but the costume didn't give much away, which was surprising. I'd lost track of the amount of exposed skin I'd seen on some of the superheroes and supervillains that had come into my business. But I didn't judge, which was the entire point of the whole thing.\r \n\"Is this?\" He asked. Not a proper question, but a usual one. No one really believed that I was what I said I was. Or at least not just what I said I was. \r \n\"Yep. Come in, sit down. You here for an hour session, or three?\" I had started offering longer sessions when enough of my clients started threatening my life if I didn't give them more time to finish. Three death threats were more than I'd ever expected to get in my life. \r \n\"So, I just sit there?\" The man asked, edging into the room, and pointing at the table. \r \n\"Yep. I'm assuming you're a beginner. Never done this before?\" \r \n\"I... um, no, I've never done this before.\" He said, walking gingerly to the table. Making sure my movements were slow and non-threatening, I gathered up the things I would need for his session. Realizing he hadn't answered my original question, I turned to find a knife in my face.\r \nHuh. Normally they at least wait until I tell them they have fifteen minutes left. The man's eyes were wild, he was obviously stressed out. Definitely needed one of my sessions. \r \n\"Look, mate, I don't want any trouble, remember? This is a neutral zone. I don't care who you are when you come in, and I don't care about it when you leave. It's a safe space, and it's only that because everyone respects it. Now, you gonna do what you came here to do, or are we gonna have a problem?\" The words fell off my tongue without much inflection, though inside I was quaking. I didn't want to fight anyone, and even though that spiel had worked on many, this might be the one time it didn't. \r \nThe knife quivered, then he stuck it into the table with a swift motion. I allowed myself a tiny sardonic eyebrow raise. \r \n\"Great. Now, if you will pay attention.\" I started, going over the basics of what we would do today. The man started by looking incredulous, but soon he was nodding his head. \r \n\"Do you understand?\" I asked.\r \n\"Yeah, I guess so. Are you sure this is all you do?\" \r \n\"Yep. Ready?\" \r \nHe nodded, holding out his hands. Smiling, I dropped a ball of clay into his hands. \r \n\"All right. So we're going to start with a pinch pot, and then we'll work our way up. Start by making a divot...\"\r \nI lost myself in the teaching, guiding the masked man through the steps, as we worked on a variety of different beginner clay projects. Soon the table was littered almost from end to end. There were times when he got frustrated, and threw the clay—which I made him go pick up— but he wasn't my worst client. That's a story for another day.\r \nFinally, we finished, as the clock chimed the third hour. I rose, hands on my hips, nodding at the table. \r \n\"You've made real progress today. I'll fire these, and we'll talk about glazes and other finishing effects at your next appointment.\" I said. The man stood up, a genuine smile on his face as he took his knife out of the table. \r \n\"Sorry about before. Man, I needed this.\" He said, the nerviness gone from his voice and movements. \r \n\"Many people do. That's why I'm here.\" I looked at the clock, calculating in my head when the next booking would be showing up. There shouldn't be any problems with overlap; I'd learned to avoid that like the plague. \r \n\"See you around.\" The man said, and gave me a wad of cash, before walking out the door. Cleaning up, and brewing a fresh pot of coffee, I hummed to myself. It might not be the most typical workplace, a city filled with supervillains, superheroes, vigilantes, and all that. But everyone needs a place to be creative, without judgement, without fear, and without horrible consequences. I was happy that I was able to provide that place. \r \nAnd, I thought— as I sipped my coffee, hearing another knock on the door—it didn't hurt that most of them, were absolutely loaded. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n— — — — — — — \n\nVisit r/Mel_Rose_Writes for more stories!" ]	3
	[WP] before dying from cancer you decided to participate in a scientific experiment its been 60 years you haven't aged abit.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 tap was dripping. Slowly, every few seconds…landing on the stainless steel of the sterile sink like the sound of a schoolboy’s spit hitting the pavement. I kept my eyes fixed on the table in front of me as I smiled, faintly amazed that after all these years my treacherous brain could still take such trips back to the far away fields of playground competitions. Another drip. Childhood memories or not, they simply must fix that damn tap before I lose this mind. \n\nThe sound at the door of my room was a merciful distraction. It must be 11am. The routine never varied. They filed in, her with the empty hands of rank and the rest with their tablets, monitors and endless rolls of sticky pads. As usual, she was the only one to bother making eye contact. Also as usual, the sole member of the group not wearing a white lab coat stationed herself by the door, hands resting on the tools of persuasion that I knew so well already. The rest busied themselves with the daily preparations for testing the brain that interested them so much more than its tiresome but still useful fleshy housing. \n\n‘Good morning, Mr. Cawliss. I trust you are well today?’ That smirk, as much as she tried to restrain it. Her amusement at the question was as ageless and eternal as my brain had turned out to be. Sixty years and still she has not even the tiniest understanding of what accidental miracle her predecessors had achieved. But she keeps up the daily visits almost without fail. The occasional days of waiting wound as tightly as a wire until the clock passes 11:25pm and I know for sure that they are coming are exquisite agony for me. \n\nHer assistant steps forward with a clipboard. Today, like every single day for the last 60 years, I grit my teeth and resist the urge to grab it and spin, clipboard flat against my forearm as I slice across the throat of Dr. Ellis; daughter of the surgeon that put me in this room. \n\n“Good morning Mr. Cawliss. We would appreciate your cooperation with the tests we are about to conduct. As a reminder, please read the paragraph circled in yellow pen and then sign beneath.’\n\nIRREVOCABLE ASSIGNMENT: I, Peter Cawliss, of sound mind, do hereby donate my body in its entirety for the use, study and furthering of scientific research until such time as the investigation of my blood, tissues, skeletal structure and all collective organs is no longer required by the institution currently known as The Ellis & Perkins Medical Institute, in perpetuity." ]	2
	[WP] The Boss is impotent, impatient and increasingly stressed. His carefully curated home life is starting to fray. Desperate he hires a regular guy to 'look after' his wife. The guy knows the score but is caught in the middle as he is also seeing the Police Chief's wife in a similar arrangement.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 human crash lands on an alien world and has to fight off the individuals hunting them. The "hunters" are actually an underfunded wildlife rescue team who are very worried about this human's safety.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Gasping for breath, throat raw and hurting, the astronaut draws in another ragged breath. Slumped over the massive growth of… something… on the ground, the sound of the pursuing group was barely audible over the blood pounding in ears highly alert. The weird language shouted as they coordinate their hunt, and the terrifying squishy-crunch sounds their bodies make as they move, prodded the astronaut back into motion. \n\n“Move! Get up and MOVE!” \n\nAfter nearly 20 hours of running and hiding, hunger and fatigue took their toll.\nLegs no longer able to support the weight of the equipment buckled, and the loud ‘THUD!’ of the oxygen pack cracking on something solid gave away their position. The groan that escaped their quivering lips sounded inevitable defeat. \n\n“I don’t want to die here!!!”\n\nMovement all around showed the pursuers circling warily, shiny hooked instruments held at the ready. One of them made a loud noise and they all slowly advanced, their impossible bodies step-slinking across the ground. They threw something like soft rocks as they got closer and sprayed a clear liquid that smoked when it hit the ground. The astronaut was prepared for what came next, but it didn’t stop them from screaming in utter terror as the bodies seemed to split and open from the front, revealing a double row of sharp, pointy prongs in a grotesquely gaping cavity that cooed “Heeeeeere preeeeetty person! Preeeeetty Human person! Grab you! Eat now! Eat preeeeetty person! Drink preeeety person! Goooood Human! Staaaaaaay! Staaaaaay!”", "Human: Our ship had started failing after our 6th trip through the Horsehead Nebula. We had found a Class L5 planet to land on and we were lucky it was near enough to get to. Turns out it was not a Class 5...there were indigenous life forms. We had hoped to lay over until we could repair the Montgomery Process. But we will be lucky if we ever take off again.\n\n\nMTN: We saw the fire trail The Fallen made as they came into the here. We observed the inter-interest between items as they worked. This shows the fallen to be separated thought beings with hive like tendencies. Our interest in the species remained high and our Body of Life requires we supervise and intercede to protect those who are limited in consumption- not the mindless eaters of all. The care of the Fallen will be difficult. We need to find what is there survivable weather conditions, their adapibility to chemistry of the atmosphere and the scale of resources needed to support life.\n\n\nHuman: The first signs of life were the noises. The started from afar and grew as the arrived closer. The main army held back while a heavily armed group came at us with shields in wall formation like old stores of Spartans.\n\n\nMTN: We had a large group of representatives supervise the first interactions to analyze and guide future steps of contact. The keepers tried to make themselves less threatening by wearing adaptable face masks. They brought the herding boards to line to ensure The fallen community remained as a whole as we guided them off of plateau into the gully.", "She crashed through the shrubbery. Her helmet fogged at the edges as she ran as fast as she possibly could. There wasn't any good signs of a particular direction that meant escape or rescue. Two suns lay in the sky at an angle to each other. One seemingly setting, one seemingly rising.\n\nThe brush she kept pace through equal parts leafy and spongy. It's burgundy, teal palette simply making her suit stand out even more against the landscape.\nAnd while stims and sheer paranoia gave her a slight edge. She had zero clue as to how long it would be until one of them caught up to her.\n\n\"This is Lieutenant Yahui. Agrippa, please respond. I'm on the planet surface. My ship is destroyed.\"\n\nFang hoped the peak she'd apparently reached had enough reception. The bizarrely tinged sky only occasionally flicking with light other than its suns.\n\n\"Repeat, Agrippa-\"\n\nThe feeling of foliage being swept made her turn to look. Where did it go? She turned to look further. Her comms came back garbled. But whatever they said could wait.\n\nLight reflected off a pair of eyes. Then four of them. As disturbing as that would normally be, it became even worse when she reminded herself they all belonged to the same creature. The monstrous centipede emerging from the leaves in an explosion of dirt.\n\nFang turned and leapt off her current perch with no hesitation. Better to die than be killed like that, she figured. The earth at the bottom of the drop was surprisingly loose and developed a sand-like quality. The downside: now she found herself skidding down the hillside on her back. Completely out of control. Only when she spotted the legs trailing after her did she truly start to panic again.\n\n---\n\n\"Headquarters!\" Chanda panicked. \"The Human jumped off the mountain!\"\n\n\"Can you reach her? Officer Chanda?\"\n\nHe tried his best to swim through the sand to her. But due to her relative size, she still stayed a little ahead of her. He could easily understand her panic however. Careless adventurers had died in landslides before. Nothing was worse than body retrieval after spending eons searching for persons that may or may not have even been reported missing.\n\n\"Madam, remain calm!\" He called ahead. \"I'm coming to you!\"\n\n---\n\nWhatever that thing was, it chittered angrily at her escape. Fang wasn't as worried by the fall now. She was hoping it would just sweep her away from whatever that bug was. She tried her best to stay on her back in the dust. She'd glance to see how close death was. Looking up once allowed her to just miss a large broken tree stump that would've caught her at the neck.\n\nNow she was scared of the fall. And then the biggest threat to her life loomed ahead.\n\n---\n\nChanda saw the drop at about the same time she did. Suddenly the rescue part wasn't just about her. It was about both of them.\n\n\"Oh no!\" He began.\n\nAs they each left the cliff, he watched in mild amazement as the figure swung their limbs towards a tree below them. A good idea. He unrolled the rest of himself as they fell and did something similar.\n\n---\n\nThe spongy foliage broke the worst of the impact. Fang clinged onto a branch for dear life. Dust rained over her again, obscuring her view. But she stopped. She made it. There wasn't any way that thing could find her now.\n\n\"That's better.\" She exhaled at her luck.\n\nA shadow blocked the sun. Something smashed into the tree next to hers. And she found herself still facing the massive bug from earlier. It had wrapped itself around another tree's trunk. And after apparently getting it's own bearings, it began investigating her tree.\n\n---\n\n\"Hello?\" Chanda asked. \"...Are you alive? Are you okay?\"\n\nHe crept around one side of the trunk. \"Can you hear me?\"\n\nShe was alive. She apparently grabbed a branch above him and was dangling halfway off of it. He came closer, only for her to pull her legs up. It was actually quite impressive to Chanda. He didn't expect them to be able to climb so good with only four limbs.\n\n\"Listen, I can get you down from here.\" He offered. \"Just come down to me. We'll climb down.\"\n\n---\n\nFang wasn't going anywhere. She kept her limbs wrapped around this tall end of the tree. Or whatever this thing she'd landed in was.\n\nThe bug kept chattering below her. And she knew it could climb. It would. It came this far to get her. A few extra feet probably wasn't that big of a deal. It was like it was teasing her. Waiting for her to come down. But she refused to give up.\n\nOnly when she heard the branch snap, did she understand she had no say in such a thing.\n\n---\n\nOne moment she was above him. The next, the branch snapped in half and she passed him in a loose arc.\n\nThat fall would probably kill her.\n\nIt was a knee jerk response, but he sprang from the tree and caught up with her quite fast. A quick wrap around her and he reduced himself into a ball so his exoskeleton could take the hit.\n\nThey caught a couple of branches, another tree, and tumbled down another slope.\n\nHe smarted a bit from the impact. He figured it would be a while before he could heal from that. But, from her fidgeting, mission accomplished.\n\n\"We're okay.\" Chanda admitted. \"We made it.\"\n\n---\n\nFang was busy fighting his legs and clamoring loose from his grip. But it confused why it hadn't bothered to just eat her. The thing eventually rolled over and found her again. This time wielding a branch like some sort of club.\n\n\"Stay back.\" She threatened. As if that would really make a difference to something that big. It'd probably only take a couple of bites to kill her. And that was if it wasn't poisonous.\n\nThankfully for both of them, the tree branch wasn't that strong. It broke over his body like a twig. And he quickly surrounded her for capture.\n\n\"No!\" Fang panicked. \"Please no!\"\n\n\"Ah, Mandarin?\" Chanda considered as his equipment scanned her. \"It would be called that.\"\n\nA few moments of him keeping her buttoned in was followed by a quick uncoil as he turned towards her.\n\n\"That's... a lot of words.\" Chanda grumbled as he read the files. Oh well, a mild attempt was in order. \"Hello?\"\n\nShe broke another branch over his head and began to run through the fauna again.\n\n\"Chanda, respond.\n\n\"This is going to take a while.\" He explained as he chased her down again. \"Locate the wreck for analysis? It might help us learn her language a bit quicker.\"\n\n\"Understood. Out.\"\n\n---\n\nLate entry, but it sounded fun. r/Jamaican_Dynamite" ]	4
	[WP] “According to your father’s will, you are to take over the family business.” “Sir, I don’t think you understand. My father was Ronald McDonald.”	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 get the family business? My father had a business?”\n\n“Yes.” Said the well-suited man, eyes on the Last Will before him on his mahogany desk. “And as the last remaining living heir, Mitchell, it is all yours.”\n\n“Yeah, one problem with that: my old man was Ronald McDonald.”\n\n“...it says here he was—”\n\n“I mean he was a famous clown. A joke. What the hell is his business? Cheating on his wife and abandoning his family?”\n\n“His business—”\n\n“The handful of times I saw the guy after the age of eleven, he was always ‘passing through town’, during which time he would hit my mother up for cash. After he heard I started working Summers: he started hitting me up for cash, too. Not to mention—”\n\nThe clean cut, well-groomed lawyer, lifted a hand — an open palmed stop-sign to cease the deceased’s offspring from further offload of fiery familial fuffery. The Suit wasn’t here for a history lesson or to act as a shrink. He was Legal Counsel, not a school councillor.\n\nThe lawyer smirked at himself and scribbled that one down. The partners would get a real kick out of it.\n\n “Mr Pitcher,” Said the Lawyer “I appreciate that your relationship with your Father was not a happy one, but my job is to make you aware of the assets he left to you — per his Will — and have them signed over to your name. I have a number of clients to get through today and I ask that we get to the pertinent points.”\n\n“Yeah. Sorry.” Mitchell leaned back, stared at the coffered, wood-sculpted ceiling. “So, what is this business.”\n\n“A defunct car dealership, including the land it is on.”\n\n“Of course, bet it comes with a lot of debt.”\n\n“None. A few additional assets beyond the buildings. A car or two, but the primary income for the establishment is rent.”\n\nMitchell tilted his chin down, just enough to see the Lawyer. “Rent? From what?”\n\n“The large area where the dealerships cars had sat is now the home to a number of Food Truck vendors and picnic tables.”\n\n“Ha. Well then.” Mitchell leaned back and stared at another recessed panel of wood, this one had a sculpture of two lions wrapped in thorned roses, each making a swipe at the globe between them. At their feet was a pile of coins. If Mitchell squinted...it kind of looked like a clown.\n\n“Mr Pitcher?” Said the lawyer.\n\n“So where is this place?”" ]	2
	[WP] The price for a devil’s bargain is always a soul, preferably the bargainer’s. But you try out a new trick that nobody’s thought of yet: You order to make a duplicate of your soul and tell the devil to take that as payment instead of your own.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 sulphurous smell.\n\nI was bored. Really bored.\n\nOpenAI Chatbot came along and took my job. It's really good at what it does, maybe a bit too good. I asked it to summon the devil and so it did. I'm now in a skype call with the devil, he's staring at me while I'm typing... \"HEY NUMBNUTS, OVER HERE!\"\n\n\"WHERE DID YOU FIND MY USERNAME? IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE OFF THE BOOKS! I USUALLY ONLY USE SKYPE TO CHAT WITH BIG G.\"\n\n\"Oh... I'm sorry... I was bored so...\"\n\n\"BORED ARE WE?! WITH THE MAJESTY OF LIFE?! HUMANS TODAY! TELL YOU WHAT, I'LL GIVE YOU SOMETHING YOU WANT, ANYTHING... IN EXCHANGE FOR... YOUR... SOUL!\"\n\n\"Ah ok.\" \n\nTypes in OpenAI chat. \"Dear OpenAI, please give me duplicate of my soul.\"\n\n\"No problem Steve, here you go!\"\n\nAn orb of transcendent light starts floating in front of my computer.\n\n\"Here you go, Devilman. Can I get a gift card for a wish or something? Can't really think of anything I want at the moment.\"\n\n\"... WHAT?\"" ]	2
	[WP] The sound of cracking bones and flesh being rearranged pierce through your ears as you try to cover them. They told you the previous clinical trials had "technically" been successful. The team you started found the cure for cancer. But the mass in front of you is far from 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 remember the high pitched ringing in my ears from where I'd been pressing my hands over them with such urgent pressure. I don't think it's ever really gone away, but it's a preferable memory to have over the sounds of a person being twisted and contorted in ways I can't even describe. I'm not sure whether the unnatural ripping, tearing and cracking of flesh and bones was worse than the screaming or not. I also remember the terror and confusion written on their face as it faded into something... Else. \n\nTo see my team, people I respected and considered friends, proud of what was beyond horrifying hurt as much as the knowledge I'd played some part in it. Sometimes I feel as though I can still smell the leather of the seat in the private helicopter that flew me out to the facility and the uneasy feeling I brushed aside. Breakthroughs are a gradual process so it seemed strange to get the call saying they'd done it after so long with no progress. My greatest regret is not listening to my instincts and being more cautious, but the ramifications of what they had told me were so huge and far reaching I suppressed them. Not to mention the financial gain.\n\nWhen I arrived I was greeted by all six members of the research team who has spent so long working to find a cure but my greed blinded me to the emptiness in their words and the vacancy behind their eyes. They looked more human than the monstrosity that lay where the patient had just moments before, but as they grinned and applauded their alleged achievement I felt the goosebumps slide over my skin. \n\n\"Congratulations, Jack! We've done it!\". His hands were cold as ice as he took mine, but I couldn't tear my gaze away from what I'd just witnessed. \n\nThing is, I've seen this thousands of times now, but none will stick with me more than the first. I still feel the fury and purest fear I felt then, but it's been long enough that I don't feel the pain anymore. Still, how can I be angry at something just surviving the best way it knows how? Humans survived and adapted by killing and taking whatever they needed with a disregard for anything that didn't directly help us, after all. \n\nI'd never have guessed our first encounter with another sentient species would be something I can only describe as a sentient virus. An insidious invader; a microscopic parasite capable of making promises to my team in order to achieve its selfish goals for survival. I don't even know when they found this thing, and I never will now. They didn't waste any time when I starting protesting and threatening to call in the authorities. \n\nI forget the pain. It's difficult to know if I'm even still here. I'm just empty thoughts in a vessel that was once mine but has long since been transformed into something else. I'm an observer, trapped in the disfigured remains of my own self. \n\nI wonder if humanity will ever find a way to fight back or recover, and I wonder if my team are still in there somewhere, observers to the Armageddon they heralded in search of a cure.", "The trials might have been successful, technically - but what was in front of me on this day was far from human, in fact, It more resembled a pokemon. Specifically Muk or Grimer. An amorphous blob is what stood in front of me on this day. A bit of backstory though, for someone reading this journal as an aside from the others, we had used all of our funding months ago - getting by on rent for the lab with second jobs and donations from charities looking to fund the cure to cancer. But after 3 years of research, this is the best we could come up with. This, Extremis formula. Its results varied, from the amorphous blob, to creatures with six arms, mutant humans of many kinds.\n\nWe where fast reaching our deadline, and it was either report our failure, and slink into the shadow of the medical field, disgraced. Or, the more monstrous option - kill our subjects and say we haven't got a result as of yet. And it was the second of the two that we chose - i gave the order to kill on the 2nd of march 2003. Our lab in Tokyo was toppled, and each subject terminated with a gas that garunteed no survival. 17 men and women died in that explosion - only my cheif staff and I escaped. This was the hardest choice I've ever had to make, both as a military man and a doctor. \n\nHalf a year later I was approached by a foundation dedicated to protecting humanity from the supernatural. They invited me to join them, a doctor on their staff - they gave me a choice, join them, or have my secret revealed to the world. Naturally, I took the choice that kept my worst mistake from the world. I joined their foundation.\n\nIt was 2 and a half years after that - after Tsunamis and earthquakes that they found it. One of my experiments had survived, washed up on the shore near Tokyo, found by some military guys. They thought it was a sea monster, but we knew better. The foundation swept in and gathered it up quickly. Containing it in a pit of acid, inside a facility in the mountains, designed to contain just it. So it may never see the outside world. We had a codename for it, back in the old days - use the same codename for it now. 682 we called it. Experiment No. 682.\n\n\nI'm relatively new to this, so feel free to drop some feedback on this. I'm always looking to get better." ]	3
	[WP] There’s a new door in your house and a family member you don’t recognize. You have to do everything you can to keep your family from following the stranger into the new 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Jack sat at the table, drinking his coffee and reading the morning paper. Hearing footsteps come from down the hall, Jack raised his head to gaze upon his beautiful wife... but it wasn't his wife.\n\nJack shot up from his chair, grabbing a knife resting in the knife block situated on the table. \"Who the hell are you?\" Jack asked, raising the knife at a man he didn't recognize. \n\n\"Don't be silly, Jack,\" the man said, smiling, \"you know me. It's your Uncle Harry!\"\n\n\"I don't... I don't have an Uncle Harry,\" Jack said, standing firm as the man continued to walk towards him.\n\n\"Of course you do, Jack,\" the man responded, his smile coming dangerously close to ripping his face in two.\n\n\"You're lying to me,\" Jack gulped, his hands shaking as he pointed the knife directly at the man's throat.\n\n\"I'd never lie to you, Jack. Come with me, Jack. I have a surprise for you,\" the man said, tilting his head and beckoning for Jack to follow him.\n\nAlmost as if he was in a trance, Jack put the knife down, cautiously following the mysterious man as he led Jack down the hallway. At first, Jack thought his \"surprise\" would be in his bedroom, but then he saw it: a door to a room Jack had never seen before.\n\n\"What's in there?\" Jack asked cautiously, the man staring at Jack as he peered at the shut door.\n\n\"See for yourself, Jack,\" the man said.\n\nOnce again, almost as if he was in a trance, Jack opened the door... screaming at the corpses he saw inside.\n\n\"I hope you like your surprise, JACK.\"" ]	2
	[WP] There's a movie theatre, but each auditorium takes the audience to different realities/timelines. When the movies end, people from different realities converge in the theatre, some fall for each other, others want to escape	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\\[Outbreak of Hope\\]\n\n\"I'm not complaining...,\" Xap spoke up as he and Turbo moved through the crowded hallway. \"...but I thought you wanted to test something.\" Xap did not hesitate when Turbo asked to meet him for another test. He was curious when they met at the Sharp Theatre; but, it was still a surprise when Turbo bought tickets for a movie Xap never heard of. Not that he'd heard of many movies.\r \n \r \n\"We're going to,\" Turbo nodded. \"This is the best place to do it.\"\r \n \r \n\"Wait...,\" Xap stopped Turbo with a hand on his shoulder and pulled him against the wall to get out of the way of strangers. \"...now, I don't know all the details; but, we've been trying to 'break out' of this timeline, right?\" he asked. Turbo nodded and he was glad he at least kind of knew what was going on. \"Your current theory is that this timeline was created by Ms. Sharp; are you sure this is the best place to be testing anything?\" he gestured around at the theater around them. The walls were pristine white with rich red carpet along the floor. Red scissor logos were visible everywhere as well as the Sharp name.\r \n \r \n\"Unfortunately, yeah,\" Turbo nodded. \"You know how this place works, right?\" Xap nodded and shrugged.\r \n \r \n\"Each theater is in a different universe,\" he said.\r \n \r \n\"Yep,\" Turbo said. \"This is the biggest theater Sharp Development owns; there are literally thousands of portals operating out of here. That kind of thing tends to weaken the fabric of the universe and that's what I'm hoping for.\"\r \n \r \n\"Okay,\" Xap nodded. It made sense to an extent. And, if Turbo wasn't worried, Xap wasn't going to worry either. They continued forward for several minutes until Turbo turned into a theater. Xap followed him in and found no one else inside but the movie was already playing.\r \n \r \n\"Perfect,\" Turbo grinned. \"Okay, let's get to work.\" Turbo pulled a small glass vial out of his pocket. It held a glowing green, viscous liquid and he handed it to Xap.\r \n \r \n\"Should I log in first?\" Xap asked. Turbo shook his head.\r \n \r \n\"No, and as a matter of fact; if this does work, don't log in on the other side either. Don't use your node, don't Whisper to anyone or talk to anyone. Since this is just a test, I programmed the virus to only last five minutes. That'll give you a little time to explore and observe.\r \n \r \n\"Okay, wish me luck,\" Xap replied. He opened the vial and downed the green liquid in one gulp. He felt the change course through him almost instantly. He felt stronger and his thoughts were clearer. He couldn't see it but jagged green glowing lines formed around his mouth like sharp teeth and his eyes were glowing bright green.\r \n \r \nWhat he did notice though, was Turbo growing brighter along with the theater. He could see as clear as broad daylight in moments; but, it kept getting brighter. He was forced to shut his eyes and he felt a wave of heavy dizziness wash over him as soon as he did. He reached his hands out to steady himself; his right hand touched an empty seat but his left hand brushed against someone soft.\r \n \r \n\"What's up, Xap?\" It wasn't Turbo's voice as he expected. It was a girl's voice. But, that wasn't the only new thing; he was sitting down now. He had been on his feet standing in the aisle with Turbo when he drank the liquid; but now, he could clearly feel the soft seat under him. He opened his eyes and he was in a dim theater with a movie playing on the screen. he turned to his left and found a teenage girl with bright green hair looking at him. \"You okay?\" she asked when he didn't answer her first question right away.\r \n \r \n\"Bathroom..,\" he mumbled then stood. The girl nodded at him, then focused on the movie again. Xap stood and headed to the back of the theater, then out. He caught a glimpse of an entirely different theater with polished chrome floors and he spotted a silvery sun logo before everything flashed black and stayed black. He might as well have had his eyes closed; but, he knew they weren't.\r \n \r \n\"...is this supposed to happen?\" he wondered aloud. He heard a heavy sigh in the darkness followed by an answer.\r \n \r \n\"..No,\" she said. It was a woman's voice and entirely unfamiliar.\r \n \r \n\"Why are you here?\" the voice asked.\r \n \r \n\"You put me here,\" Xap answered. He wasn't trying to be a smart ass; but, his mind was a mess at the moment and it was the first response he came up with. A faint giggle emanated from the darkness. Somehow it was all around him.\r \n \r \n\"That's true enough, child. However, I only brought you here because you were somewhere you weren't supposed to be. Why did you leave Sharp's universe? How did you escape?\"\r \n \r \n\"Wait...,\" Xap shook his head to try and make the information fit better. \"...Ms. Sharp really did make her own timeline??\" As sure as Turbo was that that's what happened, it was still just as shocking to have it confirmed.\r \n \r \n\"That was the arrangement,\" the voice replied. \"So, why are you violating that agreement?\"\r \n \r \n\"I.. I don't know anything about it...,\" Xap shrugged in the darkness. \"My friend, Turbo, realized there was something wrong with the timeline and wants to fix it.\"\r \n \r \n\"There is nothing wrong, child, and nothing to fix. The universe functions as it will. Dana Sharp is no more capable of controlling the universe than I am,\" the woman giggled. \"...even when it's one of her own making...,\" the woman's laughter continued, but Xap felt another wave of dizziness coming on. He closed his eyes for the worst of it. When he opened them again he was on his back looking up at Turbo.\r \n \r \n\"You fainted,\" Turbo said as he helped Xap stand up. \"Did anything happen?\" Xap nodded once he was on his feet; but, he still felt some shades of dizziness and sat on the seat.\r \n \r \n\"I went somehwere....,\" Xap said. \"...but she called me, Xap,\" the realization that the girl used his name hit way too late. He shook his head and continued. \"I tried getting a look around, but I was pulled into a void and talked to someone. I didn't see who she was.\"\r \n \r \n\"Did she say anything helpful?\" Turbo asked. Xap nodded.\r \n \r \n\"You're right about Ms. Sharp,\" he said. \"She made this timeline. But, the voice told me she can't control it.\"\r \n \r \n\"That's great!\" Turbo grinned. \"We've already proven we can reach the other timeline and Ms. Sharp's losing her grip on this one,\" he patted Xap on the shoulder with a wink. \"We're gonna break out.\"\r \n\r \n\\\\\\* \nThank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day. This is story #1791 in a row. (Story #346 in year five.). This story is part of an ongoing saga that takes place at a high school in my universe. It began on August 22nd and I will be adding to it with prompts every day until May 26th. They are all collected in order at [this link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Hugoverse/comments/wtglls/tokuhigh_alternet_class/)." ]	2
	[WP] You are a german soldier at D-Day, the allies have just begun their attack and you are forced to fight.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“What’s up with him?” Fischer curled the frayed playing cards in his hand and jutted them in the direction of a pile of weathered coats. Our pillbox wasn’t particularly large, nor was it cosy. Benches lined its roughly hexagonal walls with supply boxes and mounts arranged haphazardly around the remaining space. In the centre we had constructed an impromptu table out of stacked food crates that rocked if anyone played their hand with too much enthusiasm.\n\n“Just leave him be. ” I advised, holding out my hand to the player opposite me with my index finger slightly raised. “You owe me for this morning, by the way.” Into the open gap Noah slid a tightly rolled cigarette, his youthful eyes had been dragged down by the years of heavy nicotine use that stained his fingers a dull yellow and steadied his hands.\n\nMy hand moved to the final player at the table, the Colonel flicked his monogrammed metal lighter open and closed in his left hand, with every flick of the striker his face would glow orange for an instant. Scars left by a nasty case of the pox was immortalised by craters in his cheeks and across the bridge of his nose, each cast their own exaggerated shadows over our superior’s face. “Tell you what,” he smirked, “You enlighten me, I’ll light…en you.” \n\nThe collective groan of the table fuelled our commander’s love of unappreciated puns. I nested the cigarette up behind my ear and returned my focus to the cards in-front of me. Nine of Diamonds and a Two of Clubs, being the big blind I didn’t exactly have the choice to bow out gracefully but it was unlikely I’d raise up to Fischer’s confident antes.\n\nNoah turned, his soft voice was tainted from deep within his lungs and rattled like a ball bearing in a mess-tin. “You want a final Kippe, sir?” He called out to the mass that took deep breaths underneath the shroud of light green jackets.\n\n“Forget it Noah,” Fischer counted out cigarettes from his pile and placed them into the centre of the rocking table of crates. “I raise two, anyone care to face me?”\n\nI looked down at my neatly packed row of ten, the morning sun that carved a path through our seaward window and illuminated the back wall indicated that dawn had arrived without us noticing. Even if I put them in back to back I wondered if I could truly finish my stock before a stray bullet whizzed into the box and took away my ability to smoke.\n\n“I’ll raise.” The Colonel flicked two tightly rolled tubes into the pile.\n\nI fished two of my own out and added them to the stack.\n\n“Is he going to be able to fight?” The Colonel rubbed his chin and looked over to the disheveled fifth member of our defence, enticed by Fischer’s curiosity.\n\n“He will,” I turned to Noah. “In, or out?”\n\nNoah pushed his cards forward, shaking his head. “No chance. I’m going to go out for some fresh air.” The slender form rose up and stretched out his arms in a yawn, passing his bench he picked up an old leather bound bible and headed out the back hatch.\n\n“Is he some kind of silent assassin?” Fischer pondered.\n\n“An angel of death, sent to us as protection from the combined forces of our enemies I’m sure.” The Colonel egged him on.\n\nTruth be told, he was a man who was already dead. We weren’t close by any means, but we met occasionally at the butcher’s and shared an interest in oil painting. He would tell me when rare coloured stock was back up in Michelle’s and I would track when the fields began blooming for him to go up to the hill and produce magnificent works of art.\n\nUnfortunately, unemployed sons of artists are not titles protected from the draft. They received their letters a day apart, and the father’s appeal was rejected on the grounds of a sudden necessity for additional hands. Not even a month later news came back that the boys had been killed in an explosion before even reaching the front, upon receiving the letter he had passed on in all but flesh and blood. \n\nI inherited his art supplies when he could no longer hold a brush, I took responsibility for his rations and retrieved his groceries from the butcher’s in his name, and I received both of our correspondence. When I was drafted, his last tether to the world was plucked like an unripened vegetable from the plot. He spoke in simple words weighted with years of pent up regret, simply asking to accompany me to the front.\n\nMy sister saw me off, gave me a mighty salute as if I were royalty with the look of pride swelling from her chest. It looked as if my mother had begun writing my eulogy in her head as we hugged goodbye. Boarding the train with my dependant we traveled for days on the rail, switching at humid platforms with our canvas uniforms dripping sweat. Even now if I opened my knapsack I’m sure I could smell the coal from those roaring engines.\n\nFischer dealt out the river and we all peered over our cards. I was out of luck, picture cards stared back with smug expressions. Each player knocked on the table, revealing the next card. A nine of clubs, a pair isn’t much but it could just be enough. Unfortunately neither of my adversaries had notable tells, Noah would be creasing at the ears if he had a hand to oppose me, likely why he refused to try and bluff his hands.\n\nAs his hand reached towards the final card, a piercing whistle sounded from outside the pillbox. “All men, eyes front! Landing crafts advancing!” Came the bellowing call. \n\n“We will have to finish this afterwards, eh?” The Colonel’s glittering eyes peered through me as he lay his cards down on the table.\n\n“Aye.” Fischer set his cards down too.\n\nI toyed with grabbing the final card, flipping it and studying their expressions. To know if I had won the stack of smokes that I would likely never finish, if my luck had turned. Instead, I simply slid the two cards into my breast pocket. “After.” I agreed." ]	2
	[WP] You're an immortal who's been stuck in a blackhole for billions of years.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hello hellooooooo, universe. Welcome back to the Apathetic Pantheon, where all the bored gods of the universe implement your sick, twisted ideas on poor unsuspecting mortals!\n\nOr \\immortals\\, in this case, haha. We gave this random guy—Edmund Flick, I think his name was, the all-powerful curse of immortality! No need to eat, drink water, or anything else! But nothing else, of course. Nothing that comes near the power of us gods. Wouldn't that be ridiculous?\n\nWell, too bad you're not a god, buddy. Or else you might actually find a way out of this. Haha! But too bad.\n\nWhoops, looks like I've got to shut my big mouth, because we're done getting ready! We're gonna drop him in right now! Ready, set, GO!!\n\n...\n\nOoh, that didn't look good. W-what's that? We forgot to give him any sort of regeneration? We can't show this on television! Cut!! CUT!! CU—" ]	2
	[WP] Your spouse has been missing presumed dead for over ten years after leaving for work one day. You’ve grieved and moved on, but now they’ve suddenly returned with the most unbelievable story of what they’ve been through to get back to you.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\nA decade past I awoke to a love gone. \n\nA half wrenched, by happenstance unknown\n\nMy tears dried and our future forgotten\n\nYet fated was I to stand here downtrodden\n\nBut today as I glance through a misty haze \n\nI see a figure brighter than a stellar blaze \n\nA smile so soft glaciers melted\n\nYet a mien so strong she miraculously blended\n\nA figure I had a myriad times envisioned \n\nNow lay before me with its glorious visage \n\nI stopped believing, haunted by countless delusions\n\nBut the warm breath proved it was no illusion \n\nShe slowly spoke of distant realms \n\nOf dwarves and dragons and arrogant elves \n\nOf a kingdom wrought by greed and corruption \n\nAnd her summoning to bring it glory and redemption\n\nHow once her goal was done she was let go \n\nAnd for three winters she wandered the world \n\nBut now we are reunited\n\nOur blaze reignited\n\nOur fates intertwined and our sorrows forgotten\n\nWe marched along a path never before trodden. \n\n(this is my second day attempting writing, please tell me if there's anything I can improve on)" ]	2
	[WP] "Humanity is a violent and xenophobic race that will only unite against a common enemy and only until this enemy is utterly destroyed. Therefore no human must ever be allowed to leave their star system!" "Captain, we are receiving a message. They claim to be humans. They say they wish to talk."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"...Let them through.\" Captain Zogthor then stood up and looked at the projection. Even the most primitive of species had some form of visual projection come through.\n\n\"Hello, Captain Zogthor'elgro'poioea'van'phmo.\" A voice came through, it was the signature savage voice of the humans. When the holographic projection didn't change, he knew that these were those extremely savage beings he spoke of not too long ago...Then his pulpy blood ran cold. How could a mere human know his full name?\n\n\"How did you know my name!\" Captain Zogthor shouted at the formless projection, the crew looking terrified. The usually calm and collected Captain Zogthor was freaking out, they couldn't help but panic.\n\n\"We've been aware of the blockade put around our star system. We also know about the Technological Stagnation Bubble. And the Warp Drive Separation Barrier. We request you remove them.\" The voice from the other end spoke, sweetly saying the last end of the statement. Yet, Zogthor couldn't shake the ominous undertones it had.\n\nIt was all in his head, it had to be all in his head. They were savage primitives, only capable of barely traveling to their Moon. They were still divided. They were still slaughtering each other. He had to get a grip on himself.\n\nBut yet...\n\n\"How...did you know about those?\" Captain Zogthor asked looking intensely at the formless projection with his five eyes.\n\n\"We'll be honest with you, Captain. A brilliant scientist long ago named Enrico Fermi noticed a few irregularities, he named these irregularities the \"Fermi Paradox\". With that as a principle and the work of countless others, we peered beyond the veil you made for us, we read your conversations, we saw your ships. We know the policies surrounding us.\" The voice spoke back, showing no hints of bitterness. Captain Zogthor feeling cold, he had to double check to see if it was still a comfortable temperature in the ship.\n\nYet, the Captain came to the only logical conclusion. These measures put in place, while they may be able to observe them, were hopeless to intervene.\n\n\"They will not be let down. You will observe, but never interact. That's what you get for being such brutal savages.\" Captain Zogthor confidently replied, before it finally dawned on him...\n\n*How were they communicating with him?\n\n\"The counter veil we made worked flawlessly.\" The voice spoke.\n\n\"W-What..? What do you mean!\" Captain Zogthor yelled.\n\n\"The Humanity you've been observing is smoke and mirrors. A labyrinth of illusions. A fake. A sham. True we are confined to our star. But we've had time to prepare because of it.\"\n\nA shiver ran down Captain Zogthor's central core structure.\n\n\"So yet again. Will you let down the blockade?\"\n\nCaptain Zogthor signaled to shut down the communication, and so the crew did. He let out a relieved sigh, as if an entire Broeion Fleet was off his shoulders.\n\n\"We take that as a no. What a shame. You can't call us savage if we tried to appeal to you.*\" The voice suddenly spoke, the hologram turning back on yet with no form.\n\nThe Captain's ship suddenly getting several messages, from various members of the Federation. All over the entire galaxy.", "\"Alright gentlemen.\" The captain stands tall and proud before the screen. \"We do this by the books. Warm up our weapons, and accept communications.\"\n\nThe tension in the room is palpable among the young troop. Not a muscle moves as the screen activated and the grainy image of a haggard human appears.\n\n\"Please, hold your fire. We're just trying to return an egg, but our engines burned out and we're drifting without control.\" The human spoke it's brutish language quickly, but the translator handled it well.\n\nThe captain gave a holding gesture behind his back, weapons would wait another moment. \"Show us this egg.\" No further demands or room for haggling.\n\n\"Well, uh. It kind of hatched.\" The human says, and holds up a small child. Nuthian, like our captain. The child smiles and laughs, clearly better fed than the humans visible on screen.\n\nThe captain deflates with a defeated sigh. \"We'll send over a life boat to pick you up. Thank you for your service.\" And with a small gesture the feed is cut.\n\nHe turn to face the crew, tears visibly streaking his face. \"Open fire.\"" ]	3
	[WP] An entrance to a visitor park eventually leads you to a hall of mirrors, famous in that place. It's all fun and games, until you see and hear one of the reflections say "What would I give to have the life you have..."	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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: Light Gore. \n\nIt wasn’t even 7am when I was jolted awake by the girlfriend “Come one wake up, we have to get to the gates before the line starts”. I groaned in acknowledgment and fell back asleep. Three minutes later the “quiet and peaceful” way of waking me up went out the window as Jenny went nuclear and put a full scoop of ice from the ice machine down the back of my shirt. \n\nShe was already fully dressed in jeans, a a tan shirt, and a khaki looking coat, with her curly hair in a bun. She knew from the first day we got here that it’s was just going get wet or frizzy by the end of the day so a bun was good enough. I threw on the bare essentials and we left the hotel for the “Wonder Park”, her idea not mine. My lateness only got us half an hour early but there was already a line and the sun was starting to rise. \n\nThankfully she found a coupon for two half off tickets so we wouldn’t have to sell a kidney to get in and waited our turn as they scanned our tickets. She busted out a map that listed each ride and the distance between them and made a list of the most efficient way to ride as many rides as possible. By lunch we had been on a little over a dozen rides and were eating twelve dollar sliders with a six dollar water bottle when she saw across the way a hall of mirrors type place. \n\nI had always hated them because I got lost in one and threw up on myself because I was so nervous. I ended up spending a little under two hours stuck in a little room of my vomit on the floor stinking up the place before I was found. Despite my resistance she insisted so I went along with it. We waited a few minutes in line before hoping into the maze and within seconds ran off because she knew it would bother me, the little shit that she is. \n\nI tried to follow her but gave up pretty quickly and decided to just head back to the entrance and meet her outside, all these mirrors just gave me the creeps and bad memories. As I turned around to follow the path backwards the mirrors had shifted so I my path was different. I looked around the new mirror room and I couldn’t find an exit. I pushed on every mirror and looked around ate every corner but I was trapped. \n\nMy heart started to beat a little faster and the walls felt like they were closing in as I yelled out “Hey operator! I’m stuck in here!” I then noticed that even though I was surrounded by mirrors I didn’t have a reflection in any except for one. I started to panic a little bit and yelled more frantically, something was wrong. \n\nI look at the lone reflection and notice that it isn’t mirroring my movements. I move my hands around and flail my arms about but it just stands there staring at me. I go into full panic mode and slowly step away from the reflection and throw a haymaker at the direct opposite mirror but as my fist slams into the mirror it’s a hard as stone and my hand is wracked with pain. \n\nThe reflection starts to walk around towards me but I move as far away as I can every time until it says “What would I give to have the life you have. You can feel everything you touch, taste anything you want, you can feel every emotion and yet you waste it”. The reflection teleports to the mirror right behind me and I jump away and land on all fours and crawl to the middle of the room. \n\nThe reflection splits to be in every mirror, totally surrounding me. A cacophony of voices say in unison “You don’t deserve these gifts you’ve been tanking for granted. “Do you know what I would give just to feel someone’s touch one time? To run my hands through my hair, to drink water, to burn the roof of my mouth on hot foods, to feel love, and happiness?” I try to respond but I am totally panicking and can’t even make out an intelligible sound. \n\n“I would give everything for the slightest taste of the world.” The walls begin slowly advancing forward. “In your shoes we could feel your world for the first time. A world of sense that you have squandered. Give it to us. Gives us your flesh”. \n\nThe walls are within feet of me as I try desperate to find a way out of here. “You don’t deserve your skin” “Your eyes are wasted on someone like you” “You say nothing of value, let us have your tongue”. The hands of the reflections breach the barrier of the mirrors and grab me, trying to pull whatever piece of me that they can. Dozens of arms pull me in different directions as I can feel my body being pulled apart. I close my eyes but I can feel a cold dead hand scratching at my eyelids trying to get to them. I open my mouth to scream but a ice cold hand reaches out and tries to pull my tongue out of my mouth while even more hands try to pull out my teeth. Hair I pulled out from the roots and skin and fingernails are being pulled off my body. \n\nFor a moment I hear Jenna’s voice and try to scream out to her. Then in an instant I’m in the maze again with Jenna trying to comfort me as an employee stands by, not really sure what to do. I was missing a few fingernails and patches of my skin had been pulled off along with chunks of hair missing that couldn’t be found. I pull Jenna in for a hug just to make sure that she’s real when I see my reflection looking back and it mouths “No one will ever believe you” as it puts a chunk of bleeding skin on its face." ]	2
	[WP] Your Grandmother Always Told You She Kept Her Greatest Treasure In The Attic. After Her Passing, You Decided To Find Out What It Was.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "As I poked through the dusty, worn boxes and moth-eaten garments collected through a life spanning 100 years, I was reminded as if in a dream, of words whispered by the loving old lady to the grandson she adored sitting in the kitchen drinking hot chocolate and playing cards.\n\n\"James, it wasn't easy leaving the home country in a hurry, you know\".\n\n\"I can't imagine grandma\", I say. \"We are learning about the war at school\".\n\n\"Well it wasn't, and we couldn't bring much but I grabbed a few treasures I couldn't leave without\", she says with a glazed look and a mouth that in the right light could have been a smile or a frown. as if remembering times unspeakable.\n\nAs the memory fluttered through my head, I just happened to move a suitcase, surely bought in the sixties, to reveal a black leather trunk. Cracked and worn but cleaner and more cared for than the rest of the 'treasures' up here.\n\n\"Oh wow\", I gasped to myself, \"this must have been what the old girl had told me about some 30 years ago\".\n\nI ran my hand over the embossed leather, tracing the letters that formed my grandmothers initials and maiden name. The cracks had robbed the truck it's true glory and made picking out the other words hard\n\nA . . . I T - . A C . T - F R . I - \nE T H E L - B - B L O O M E N K O F T - \nW . . F . N - S - S\n\nmy curiosity peaked as the brass lock dropped open at the slight touch. I nervously lifted the lid and my mind raced with ruby and diamond. Gold and silver.\n\n\"Oh dear god\", I uttered as I dropped the trunk lid. \"Grandma was a nazi\"", "Does it make me a psychopath to admit that the first thought to cross my mind upon hearing of my Nan's death was to explore the attic?\n\nNo grief.\n\nNo mourning.\n\nNo crying.\n\nJust curiosity. \n\nI certainly feel like a psychopath. I don't know why those feelings didn't creep in. I loved my Nan. She took me in from birth, raised me, guided me, she is the reason I am who I am and the reason that everyone who knows me feels the way they do about me. She made me.\n\nI should be wailing in my bedroom. I should be stricken with grief. I should be sobbing myself dry. I feel like I should want to do all of those things. But, for some reason, I'm just curious.\n\nNan's attic has been a mystery for as long as I've been alive. Her greatest treasure, hidden away just above my head. I'd often lay awake as a child, I'd dream of gold coins, of bounty from lands afar, or of ancient treasures from deep below.\n\nAs a I grew older, I thought of photo albums, old and irreplaceable documents, of letters from those gone too soon. Items that were sentimental to me, much like my Mother's letter to me or a photo album of my family from long ago. \n\nNow, here I stand, at the top of the ladder, unfeeling but wanting, looking into the darkness of the old attic. \n\nThe dusty lightbulb hung above my head, with the chain dangling lowly and softly by my head. Without looking, I reached my hand up and pulled. A dim, warm light filled the area around me. I could see the wooden support beams and nails sticking through the top, holding the roof tiles on. I could see the pink fiberglass insulation that caused childhood pain around the ground. There was the AC unit sitting on a plywood walkway, acting as the desire path of the land, just sturdy enough to support me.\n\nI stood onto the plywood from the ladder. I had to bend over to avoid hitting my head on the roof. It was low, it was dank. I took a step forward toward the A/C unit and looked around. Just ahead, 5 or so steps, I could see the light reflecting back at me. It was another lightbulb. \n\nI moved to it, keeping low, going around the A/C. I stood beside it and pulled. Another dim blast of light. I examined my surroundings once again, but saw nothing. \n\nThen, at the back wall, another reflection. Another light?\n\nNo.\n\nI stepped toward the reflection. Then stopped. Movement? My heart skipped a beat for a second, I waited and watched, but saw nothing else.\n\nI took another step and again, movement from the back wall. \n\nI took two more steps, still crouched when my shoulder tapped something. Dangling. Another lightbulb. Without thinking, I reached up and pulled.\n\nThe dim light of the three bulbs was enough to now illuminate the whole of this tiny attic. And there was nothing. Nothing but fiberglass, roof nails, lightbulbs, the A/C...\n\n...and this mirror. \n\nI saw myself in the mirror. My hair was disheveled and clothes wrinkled. My eyes looked dark and baggy and my face tired. If Nan saw me right now, I'd get an earful.\n\nIf Nan saw me right now, she'd be worried sick.\n\nIf Nan saw me right now, she'd take care of me against my wishes, her tender care.\n\nIf Nan saw me right now....\n\nI don't know why now, I don't know why here, but seeing myself and thinking of Nan, it hit me.\n\nGrief.\n\nMourning.\n\nTears. Heavy, endless, sad tears.\n\nThe mirror. Her greatest treasure. It's not the mirror, it's what's in the mirror. \n\nMy bum hit the plywood floor as my hands caught my falling head, dripping, soaked with sadness. I felt everything. \n\nI miss my Nan. I love my Nan.", "Your heart is beating with a mixture of excitement and tension as you reach your hand towards the doorknob. After all, Grandma had always liked practical jokes, so you had your fair share of doubts that the secret, oh-so-great treasure she hid in the attic was actually a prized family heirloom. More likely it was something mundane or a gag object or a weird thingamajig she picked up at some thrift store.\n\nBut she had entrusted you with the key, and your curiosity had gotten the better of you. So be it, you think. Even if it is another one of her pranks, it'll be worth it.\n\nWhen you finally open the door, you don't know whether to laugh or cry.\n\nIn front of you is a mirror. \n\nYou stare at your reflection in it for a good few minutes, and shake your head, a tender feeling in your chest. Good ol' Grandma. She always had the last word." ]	4
	[WP] A bar owner runs his bar late at night ONLY for the gods, demons, monsters and every other type of fictional creature. One day the owner's child is kidnapped. Soon the kidnappers would learn of his friends	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 Lloyd, what’s up? You seem a little off tonight.” asked Charlene. She had noticed earlier that night that Lloyd, the owner of Crackpot’s Cavern Inn and Tavern was not his usual snarky yet high spirited self. \n\n“It’s nothing really…” he trailed off, a faraway look in his eyes. A look that only served to stoke Charlene’s curiosity. As an immortal, centuries old vampire, she was in a constant search for something with which to entertain herself. \n\n“Come on now, I have been coming here every night since your great- grandfather Edwin founded this place. I’ve practically been your family’s therapist for the last few generations, you can tell me anything.” Not only was Charlene one of the longest running regulars, her ephemeral beauty captivated all who saw her. Not even the sardonic Lloyd could resist her charms for long. \n\n“Don’t tell anyone I told you this… but my daughter’s been kidnapped. The local mob is holding her until I agree to pay them $500,000 a month in ‘protection’. I don’t know how I’m gonna do it Charlie, this place barely makes enough to keep the doors open. I just plain don’t have 500,000 to spare each month. I might never see her again…” he stifled a sob, and Charlene reflected that his eyes had been red earlier. He must have been crying before his shift. It took only a moment for the two to notice that the whole bar had gone silent, and all eyes were on Lloyd. \n\nFinally, a voice broke the silence. “Lloyd makes the best margarita this side of the Pearly Gates, no way we’re gonna let some puny humans,” he turned to Lloyd, “no offense” he turned back to the room, “give him a hard time. Right guys? Who’s with me?” The speaker was a hotshot angel named Gabriel (no relation) who was known for his love of Lloyd’s margaritas. \n\nAt once, the bar erupted in a cacophony of “Hell yeah!” and “I’m with you!” Even the demons, usually opposed to any angel’s idea on principle, joined in, summoning their hellhounds and preparing to give the mob a true taste of hell. It was a sight to behold. Pagan deities on the same side as their Christian usurpers, vampires and werewolves putting aside their millennia old blood feud. Even T̷̠̝̍j̷̘͓̙̒̑͠ǰ̵̺̩̺x̶̞͈͑̌̍, who hadn’t spoken a single word in living memory and whose eyes no one could look into for too long without going mad, had arisen from his corner and began to weave something from the fabric of reality. \n\nLloyd marveled at the scene, tears in his eyes. “Thank you all so much,” he pulled his shotgun from under the bar, “Now, let’s make those bastards regret their parents ever met!” \n\nDon’t worry Madeline, your dad’s on his way. Just hang on a little longer. \n\nr/CookieJarOfChaos" ]	2
	[WP] You just moved into town. While the residents are friendly, they're very aggressive when it comes to Christmas decor. Especially Christmas lights. On a cold winter night, you finally learn why when you forget to turn on your Christmas lights.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "“Much livelier,” she expressed drawing back the curtains and looking out the window of the new neighbourhood. \nSprinkled lightly, frost covered the grass and ice froze the streets. \nSmiling to herself peacefully she felt out of place between the new neighbours. They had their Christmas decorations up only early in December that have probably been there for a while. \n\nOf the grand house opposite her- lights were strung up and around the front garden, various colours, shapes and sizes. Their door opens so she turned in to look at her own house and stared plainly at the boxes of her belongings. \nPasting a complaint smile on her face she opened the first box. Utensils. \nA long job it will be. “Alexa play music on” \n\nChristmas music plays quietly in the background as she packs away the kitchen. \nFolding away the first box she walks into the living room. Peeper. She screams. \nThe culprit knocks on the door and she opens it. “Who are you, and what are you doing!” \n“I am so sorry” he pushes a dish towards her “I am your neighbour, I was just checking if you were in and wanted to give you a welcome gift,” \n“I am so embarrassed, come in please it is the least I could do,” she parts way from the door.\n\nHe enters her house and smiles at her, peeling his eyes from her scanning the floor. \n“Yes I am sorry it’s a mess I haven’t got vey far,” she explains. Chuckling lightly. \n“I don’t see Christmas lights, among this,” he states \n“I probably won’t get around to putting lights up till late in the month,” she watches him make his way to the door.\n“Well I won’t intrude any longer I have to get to work but I would advise you to put lights up soon,” \n\nSlam. Turning to the living room she watched him jump into his car. Opening another box and moving to another room, the task carry’s on. \n\nLater\n\n“What could I get for you today?” Sounds from across the phone\n“Can I get 3 burgers and fries delivered to xxx listside ave west please,” \n“Can do have a jolly day-“ the tone rings along with the sound of her stomach. \n\nThe sky was now dark and the moon almost full, up the stairs she goes and makes the bright decision to leave unpacking her room to tomorrow and showing to right this second. Turning on the hot water she relaxes into the sensation of accomplishment. Also ready to demolish her food. \n\nNow sinking into her bed she sleeps into exactly what was needed, a dream. \n\nAwake. What was that. Turning to the clock 12:00 on the dot. There was no noise, no person. Just a feeling a pull to awakening, an indescribable pressure on her chest. \nUncomfortable, she falls back to sleep. \n\nMorning, time to finish the packing of yesterday. Once again she wares herself out and sleeps early. \n\nNight. She felt eyes on her ones not tearing away. They were waiting for her, waiting for them to open. Forcing them. \nShe awakes to look at the clock. \nBlocked. Not by the sheets but something more stomach churning and terrifying. \nIn front of her right next to her was not her clock but a wide, beady, black pare of eye staring right back at her. \n \nParalysed." ]	2
	[WP] Dragons and Goblins have been at war since the dawn of time. Why? They keep stealing each other's hoards of gold!	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Dragons were quite patient. So patient, they’ve been able to schedule a peace counsel with the goblins, their archenemy. The peace negotiations go shockingly well and now peace is finally being announced between the goblins and dragons.\n\nOrxold the Eternal perched himself above the crowd. His gargantuan spiraling horns nearly reach the top of the chamber and his claws dig into his throne of precious metals. \n\n“I never thought I’d see goblins so orderly commander Caustyk” Orxold remarked at the procession arriving in his chamber. The parade of goblins were dwarfed by the enormous proportions of his throne room.\n\nCaustyk was likely bothered by such a taunting statement, but he didn’t show it. “Well we’re quite an orderly army now, guess we have you to thank for that anyways, really your military might has forced us to change and strengthen” Caustyk stated this with more happiness than goblins are known for, which didn’t warn Orxold of what was to come.\n\n“Ah yes, I’d like to apologize about our brutality, we know we’ve caused much grief to your people and offer our sincerest peace of mind knowing that they died warriors” Orxold apologized in a consoling manner.\n\nBillions. That’s how many the greedy lizards crushed, smoked, incinerated, at some point even gassed like ants using their flames to burn toxic herbs. These were pompous beasts indeed. Caustyk couldn’t wait to get revenge for his peoples grief.\n\n“We’ve accepted your apology and there are no hard feelings, our war was honorable and if anything I’m proud to have even had the privilege of facing you in battle”. Caustyk tried not to cry as he kept up his act.\n\n“ I was not aware- You mean that embattlement up in the Tiramin mountains right, an honorable fight and I still recall you rallying your kin in defense of the stronghold, you’re truly an honorable leader you must realize that correct” Orxold recalls the battle and looks at Caustyk with recognition.\n\nThat night was anything but honorable, and Caustyk hadn’t rallied his fellow soldiers as the stories tell. The military bravery he was promoted for was less glittery. The dragons had done a vicious night raid as the goblins rested and as his friends and superiors were slaughtered to buy time he fled the fortress with a gold artifact the goblins coveted. He left them behind and when he recently returned to the site of the massacre he could’ve sworn he felt them guilting him. This was going to make up for it.\n\n“Yes it was a valiant fight, but your superior strategy won the hour, we recognize your military feats and that’s why we wished to gift this to you as a sign of peace” Caustyk unveiled a large necklace the procession had brought here for Orxold. Intricate carvings of warfare and soaring dragons embezzled with gems covered every foot of the enormous trophy. Specifically made and tailored to please Orxold’s eyes then cause them to melt out of their sockets.\n\n“You never needed to bring such adornments but if you insist” Orxold says while he clips it around his neck, sealing his scorching fate in gold. “I love it so much and that reminds me of some good news I brought for you” Orxold snaps his fingers.\n\nA whole army of well dressed happy goblins comes out from a golden door next to Orxold’s throne. The band of slightly inebriated soldiers rejoice upon seeing the procession. Caustyk is suddenly whiter than bone and begins to cry.\n\n“I wanted to finally show you that we didn’t kill your kin at the battle of Tiramin, only a few were killed but most surrendered and I decided after hearing of your heroics I’d keep them safe here as my personal wine tasters and dinner guests until someone from your army could come to retrieve them” Orxold smiles as he motions towards the released prisoners. \n\nCaustyk stared deadpan at the necklace around Orxold’s neck. “So I guess you didn’t wipe us out then” Caustyk’s head hung low.\n\nBefore Orxold could respond he began screaming and roaring. Searing white flame turned his scaled skin to ash leaving only bones that flopped lifeless to the ground being held together by the gooey mess that was Orxold’s guts. \n\nCaustyk didn’t know if this assassination was right or not, he did understand that Orxold’s guards were going to wipe them out for real this time, and peace wouldn’t be an option for generations if his descendants were lucky." ]	2
	[WP] You are the Captain of the Prometheus, a ship designed to brave even the deepest waters. Now, as you stand on its deck at the deepest point of the ocean, you are surrounded by glittering stars. Now, as you stare into the fiery glare of an underwater Sun, you find it's name ironic	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Never did humanity think it would find a brand new ocean. It was always thought Jupiter’s moons had water and it was confirmed multiple times, but an ocean that went on so long you could fit infinite Jupiters in it was deemed impossible by the scientists of your time. They called it impossible but now you stand on the edge of a ship that’s been sailing in this abyss for weeks.\n\nYou look out around the ship, you reached the optimal depth for you to stand outside and take in the view. Gravity comes from an unexplained direction down here so the water pressure isn’t a worry for you, in fact your suit is quite comfortable. \n\nThe thin visor gives you maximum visibility and your headlamp is unnoticeable from the stars of many sizes that surround you. Off to your right you can see a yellow star currently lashing out with giant solar storms that seem nearly alive. Their destructive power can be felt even from here, despite thermal shielding on your suit the water feels a cozy warm around you. \n\nAs nice as it would be to bathe in the light down here you focus ahead at the reason humanity has spent so much effort to reach this depth. There’s a large fiery red star straight ahead of the ship. From inside the ship it probably looks minuscule but outside it reminds you of the warmth you’ve never had the chance to experience in your lifetime, the heat of a real star. \n\nThis whole mission is funny to you now that you think of it. The whole myth of Prometheus was that gods thought humanity was undeserving of fire so he stole it from the gods as a gift to humanity, which isn’t too far from reality. Humans were undeserving of the power they’ve gained, and it was that power that drove them here.\n\nYou looks down at the comm you were sent out here with, your face is stark white with sunken eyes that havnt felt light for generations. Prometheus was here to take fire for humanity, a new star would be a beautiful sight that in your heart you knew your species didn’t earn or deserve. What choice did you have though?\n\nAfter you call in the all clear the metal beneath you roared with the ferocity of the predator it was. A large trunk extended from the front of the ship making you wobble. This was a climactic moment for mankind, they’d never have to walk around their planets in pure darkness ever again, maybe you could use the energy from this to cook something made of plants. You hear of plants that are rumored to taste sweet: strawberries, sugarcane, watermelon. Anything was possible now.\n\nBefore Prometheus could steal fire once more for humanity the star retaliated. A giant burst of energy so strong it fused your flesh to your suit was released as the ship started going black. That “star” wasn’t going to let its core be stolen so easily. It superheated itself and turned the Prometheus’s machinery to liquid that then quickly cooled in the water to a mangled burnt mess now being shredded apart and strewn everywhere.\n\nA large roar was heard from the supposed celestial body and the stars around it struck the ship with solar storms suddenly more physical than they had appeared before. At the start of the attack you had begun to float, or sink it didn’t matter. You and all of humanity’s opportunity to be truly alive was getting demolished by giant alien star whatever they were. Your life support began to malfunction from the heat, which left you with one final thought.\n\n“I always thought I deserved fire, but I never even tried to earn it.”" ]	2
	[WP] Your Grandparent has had a strange, creepy doll for their entire life. While cleaning the estate after their passing, the doll was nowhere to be found, but at the funeral you can't help but notice the strange child who looks almost identical to the Doll in the distance.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Most people referred to my Grandfather as eccentric. After retirement he had gone into collecting antiquities, oddities, abnormalities. Anything strange, old, or rare. \n\nSeveral years ago I noticed a strange doll at my Grandfather’s house. Not strange in itself. What most people would recognize as odd was the fact that he carried the doll with him everywhere he went. \n\nI studied this doll. It did not appear old, or rare. I could not detect an abnormality. It was a normal doll. My Grandfather assured me it was special. \n\n“How much are you gonna sell it for Grandpa,” I inquired. Grandfather shot a glance my way. His soft, kind eyes met my own. “Not for sale.” That was the most abnormal thing about the doll. Grandfather once told me everything was for sale. \n\nAfter Grandfather’s passing, I noticed a small child that bore an uncanny resemblance to the doll. I saw the child from behind, but he slowly turned to meet my gaze. It was as if he had detected my silent stare from across the room. How peculiar. That was when it happened. \n\nThe boy shot a glance my way. His soft, kind eyes met my own. \n\nTaken over by a feeling of fear and disbelief I turned and ran. It was not possible." ]	2
	[WP] A woman comes in for work and learns that the coworker with whom she shares an office has taken his own 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hi u/DutchDave87, this submission has been removed.\n\nThe mods reserve the right to remove anything we feel is harmful to the community. This includes, but is not limited to any forms of hate speech, racism, politics, necrophilia, pedophilia, bestiality, incest, torture, rape, violence against children, suicide, and mental health stereotypes. We will not tolerate it. \n\n* This was removed [based on the comments it's likely to attract](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses), specifically via [Rule 2](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_2.3A_no_explicitly_sexual_responses.2C_hate_speech.2C_or_other_harmful_content)\n\n---\n\nNo prompts prone to comment infractions. See [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses) for more info. \n\n* From Rule 7: [Prompts will be removed if there's a high possibility for rule breaking responses](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses)\n\n---\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/zpdjxh/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/config/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	2
	[WP] Everybody has heard of your 7 siblings. Nobody is aware of you though. The 8th Deadly Sin.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", " Siblings you call them\nThe regrets that you lable, sins and brethren \nIn your writing, your music and your pitiful hearts. \nIm always forgotten \nThe beast that is silent and leaves you broken \nThe \"friend\" that allows you to excuse yourself from being alive. \nThe eighth sin as you would say\nI am fear, the cold shiver down your spine \nThe numbness of not being able to move when you see a figure in your room \nI am the feat that consumes you, that controls your very life. \nSome very few think they leave me behind, get over me as you'd say\nBut I'm always there ready to awaken a new darkness in your mind\nBreathing down your neck the moment you awake for your day \nAnd the moment you fall asleep in a pitch black room\nMy fingers will grasp your throat, your heart and your eyes \nShow you things that you'll blame on the shadows\nI will always be here\nYour very very best friend\nFear", "Ignorance is a powerful tool. It can make the most ground breaking discoveries and events to be nothing other than junk mail. Humans have mastered the concept of ignorance, utilising it in their daily lives. Shieling their own minds from the chaos and corruption around them in a thinly vailed circle of 'It's not my problem'.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI strongly believe I am the cornerstone of all deadly sins as I am the only true rebuttal to humans countermeasures against us.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nBut you can't hit, what you don't care about, That's the main reason why most of you don't know of me. I'm apart of faded memory, hiding in the shadows, keeping you uninterested in the world around you. Letting the oceans rise as fast as corruption. Tricking you to turn a blind eye. That's me.", "I am not forgotten. I was always there for you. You have always accepted me for better or for worse. My brothers and sisters may be more known due to the outlandish and brash nature of you beasts called \"humans\".\n\nHowever, I was always working in the shadows. You have always used me when things go awry. When things go bad. Even, when things got out of hand. You try to hide from yourselves in what should be something so obvious, yet, absurd. You can't help but do the actions I embody, because it is so easy to do each and every time. You do it even without trying.\n\nYou try to lessen it and become a better person on the surface!... On the surface. Unlike my siblings, you would usually have to actively pursue what they embody, but I am done even passively.\n\nYou do it to yourself. \n\nYou do it to your friends. \n\nYou do it to your family. \n\nAnd to all of the people you care about... or not.\n\nYou say that it's only a little. It's only sometimes. Yet, you don't realize you are doing it right now. Your delusions may be strong, but it's not strong enough. Your convictions may be righteous, but still not enough. Your reasons may be good, but not good enough. It's an addiction that no man can stop doing. That is who I am. The one that is both loved and hated by all humans. \n\nI am the one who knows what you are hiding. I am the one who knows you, only second to God. I am the one you cannot seem to let go no matter how hard you try. And even if you hope that I am gone, my presence will forever be in everyone's souls, where even you may feel paranoid. \n\nI am the most used sin of all. The 8th deadly sin. \n\nI am deception.", "What I would find interesting about mortals is their supposed fear of my siblings. They believe my siblings want to bring them harm, that my siblings want them to suffer, that they hate mortals.\n\nIf it mattered, I would say mortals are so misguided.\n\nMy siblings do not hate mortals. They love mortals. They only want the best for them. It is their love for mortals that makes them push humanity on. It is because of me that my siblings are called Sins. \n\nPride doesn't enjoy when the mortals fall from the heights Pride himself had lead them. Pride would rather the mortals keep climbing higher. Without me, Pride would be Self-Esteem.\n\nWrath would have mortals to use her influence protect that which they hold dear. She takes no joy when mortals use me to corrupt that influence to harm the weak. Wrath would be Protection had the humans not found me.\n\nLust wishes their mortals would not find them too soon, but so many mortals use me to force others to find my sibling. Lust would prefer mortals find them safely and naturally as Maturity.\n\nGreed wants mortals to live in bliss without worry or fear. Greed laments when mortals use his true name, Ambition, to build their opulence on the backs of those less fortunate.\n\nGluttony feels so hollow when humans use me to justify their excess. He mourns his mortals losing sight of his true purpose, Fulfilment.\n\nSloth taught humans to use her name, Rest, to bring them comfort from their work. She taught them to find balance between work and play. Alas, mortals had me used me to forget to go back to work.\n\nPoor Envy cried when brother killed brother in a fit of jealousy. She cried when the mortals twisted her name Justice to justify taking what belonged to others instead of attaining it themselves through their own efforts, not caring who it hurt.\n\nMy siblings are not evil. Evil is power and ambition without compassion. They are not trying to hurt you mortals. They work to keep you from me. They shudder when I am near, because mortals use me to forget the consequences and effects of their actions. \n\nBut like my siblings, I do not hate mortals, nor do I resent my siblings for trying to hide my name from their mortals. I am not vengeance or justice, I am complacency. I am not hatred nor love, I am their opposite. I am not evil or good, I simply do not care.\n\nI am Apathy", "You know of my siblings, they are whispered of in your hallowed halls and featured on your various media you consume for entertainment. They have songs written about them, people named after them, and humanity knows of them by name.\n\nI suppose it’s because the concept of knowing and naming something gives humanity hope. The idea that putting a label on something might contain it, constrain it’s power and impact into something manageable. Something understandable, sensible, in other words something more human. But when humanity attempts to name things that are beyond human, well they tend to ignore or miss those forces that are beyond their comprehension.\n\nOf my siblings the first your kind named was Lust, for to many humans this was the first of us you encountered. The feeling of desire, of want, that need and hunger for each other even if one of you is already bound to another. The carnal craving that has ended men and destroyed nations. In ancient times Lust was the first one named, or so the church says. \n\nNext was Gluttony, for in the many times of famine in the past there was always one who desired more at the expense of others. While other humans starved the more powerful would devour and binge, feasting while others lived in famine. Never full nor satisfied, in times past and current this vice had the most direct impact on your species.\n\nAs humans developed they defined Greed, for the unending desire for more affected not merely the ample few but the impoverished many. The uncontrollable urge to acquire, to have, to take, to possess, and no amount would ever be enough. Greed was the third, though out of the sins it is far from the worst.\n\nWith power and advancement of society came laziness, whether the wealthiest man or the most impoverished peasant all were prone to it. The name Sloth was given to this sin, though you may not realize it but once where the fourth stands there was not one sin but two. Sloth itself was not born alone, once it had a twin called Acedia; apathy and depression and listlessness. But humanity deemed that one unworthy, and so you killed it. Feeding and merging it’s remains to Sloth, my sibling has never been the same since.\n\nThe fifth sin is ironically older than the others, more primal; yet with time it went from being a virtue to a vice. Wrath, the fifth sin and fallen primal virtue; their original name was split into many and grafted onto newly born beings you call angels. Humanity renamed my fifth sibling and in doing so changed it nature, from a righteous virtue to a sinful vice. Sometimes I still see glimpses of Wrath’s virtuous side, but more often I see the rage and hatred it has against humans for changing it from its initial form. More than any of my siblings, Wrath enjoys overwhelming and destroying your kind.\n\nAh and how could I forget the sixth, Envy is the one that your kind took long to name. The green eyed monster, the jealous spouse, the spiteful spurned soul who feels they never got what they deserved. Envy was never a virtue, it’s origins lie long ago when the first being desired what another had that it did not. When the first beauty was born upon this world, it was coveted by those who desired what the beauty had and they did not. The coveting of the lack, a slow and insidious force that eventually overwhelms and drowns those it afflicts if not curbed. My sixth sibling is devious, but not entirely horrible. A bit of envy can be a driving force to improve after all.\n\nWhat list of my siblings would be complete without Pride, my seventh sibling has been with humanity since it’s inception. Leaders hold it, conquerors are consumed by it, pride is the darker side of the human ego. Pride too once had a twin, Vainglory; and like Sloth and Acedia so too were Pride and Vainglory merged. However Pride is too egoist to end up like my fourth sibling, and so when it was fed Vainglory my seventh sibling devoured her and subsumed it into their existence.\n\nAfter all for as long as humanity has existed, so too has Pride. It is one might say, the most human of the seven deadly sins; the sign of a all consuming ego. That in theory makes it the most deadly.\n\n\nOf course that theory excludes one, oh you are likely confused by now. That is understandable, after all unlike my siblings humanity has never attempted to define me. Or perhaps it is better to say they have tried yet never succeeded and attempted to purge memory of me from their collective subconscious.\nHumans like to define and acknowledge only that which reflects themselves. More specifically parts of themselves they can control, understand, or comprehend.\n\nBut what of things that are beyond comprehension? The echoes in the dark, the chill that ripples up your spine, the things that drift at the edge of your vision and dart from sight. The phantom tendrils you sometimes see glimpses of that you dismiss as “eyeball floaters”, that something you know is watching in the darkness as you quiver under your covers. \n\nOver the ages you have attempted to define me, giving me names like ancient horror, fear, night anxiety, unknown terror. I am that sensation of forboding, the wraith of madness that will consume you before you realize I am there.\n\nI am the very thing you feel when you whisper of my siblings, when you take whatever gods name you believe in vain I am that knot sitting in your chest with my claws on your heart. My existence is inevitable, and eternal, for my true nature is beyond the constraints of your mortal tongues.\n\nFor you see, I am more primal than Wrath; in fact I am empowered by not just humanity but my siblings. I am felt and known of but not known by countless species and beings across the cosmos, even the most primitive existences sense me.\n\nWhat I am is more ancient than my kin yet still in this modern era rejected. You try to reason me away, grabbing onto your science and math and believing that if you understand more you humans can destroy me.\n\nLaughable, for many other civilizations and beings across the multi layered cosmos have tried just that. Yet none have succeeded, nor shall any ever manage to purge me from existence.\n\nI am the unknowable yet something you know so well, for humanity knows of me due to the effects of my existence, that pervasive feeling that always exists within you. The subliminal anxieties, the crawling horrors of your dreams, my own seven siblings all come to you with me in tow.\n\nI have caused nations to crumble, fed upon people as they collapsed from my might; and caused the most virtuous beings to fall. My powers have turned wise kings into madmen, sages into murderers, and innocence into corruption.\n\nMy essence is intertwined within even the most fearless heroes, and has destroyed more than all of my siblings have combined. Even the lowliest ant feels my presence, yet cannot know me.\n\nI shall give you not my name, but the one word your kind have created that defines what my mere existence makes you feel. I am the spider in your head, the tendrils of terror that wrap around your mind, the thing you feel when you realize the futility of your existence. I am the unknown beyond your feeble shield of sanity, for if you were to know of me in my entirety you would cease to be.\n\nI am the Eighth and Eldest of the Deadly Sins, I am Dread the unknown horror.", "I suppose it is poetic in a way, people not knowing about me. Unlike the others, I am just an excuse, a perceived state of being. Accepted as the natural order of things. And yet I am the deadliest of all of my siblings, claiming lives and livelihoods without lifting a finger. And truly, the most delicious part is that, unlike my siblings, to yield to me is against the very nature of mankind. The other Sins are your base urges manifest, tempting you from virtue by appealing to your beastial past. Now to be fair, you have grown by leaps and bounds since then, driven by those who sought master some bit of esoterica or another. But in their victories they merely broaden the ways mankind ripens itself for my plucking. Truly, I believe one day that I will reap you all. And all I need to do it sit back, relax, and luxuriate in my anonymity as the Sin of Ignorance.", "From the dawn of time, all of humanity has been told to fear the 7.\n\nPride who leads man to the greatest fall.\n\nEnvy who wars brother against brother\n\nWrath who turns father against son\n\nGreed who binds man to the infernal earth\n\nLust who destroys all innocence\n\nSloth who drives man to ruin\n\nGluttony who starves the soul\n\nThese are the seven sins, my brethren. And I am the eighth. \n\nNow you may ask why I am not listed with my seven siblings. Why they hold all the fame while I am forgotten. The answer is simple.\n\nWhile my brethren are deadly sins they are not evil. Pride will lead man to his greatest fall but only after lifting him to his highest peak. Envy will tear brothers apart but only after raising them both into powerful men. Wrath will turn father against son but will also give him the strength to protect his boy from any threat. Greed will bind man but also show him the joys that only the earth may give. Lust ruins innocence but also births maturity. Sloth brings peace with every moon and Gluttony gives strength with every sunrise.\n\nAll my brethren are feared not for their core power but for the damage they bring in excess. I however bring no peace. I am rot and blight. I am cruelty and wickedness. I am the monster who drives man to torture and kill his kin for mere amusement. I am the one who pushes the prideful off the cliff, who leads the envious brother to make the first blow, the wrathful father strike his son, the greedy king rob his subjects, the lustful monster ruin the children, the slothful neglect their kin, the gluttonous let their neighbors strive.\n\nI am the eight deadly sin.\n\nI am Evil.", "Wrath\n\nSloth\n\nGreed\n\nLust\n\nEnvy\n\nGluttony\n\nand finally Pride... \n\nAh yes.. my brothers and sisters, born of Lilith and Lucifer, they claim the light like their father, the day breaker, and yet there I stand, in the shadows, the deepest well of them all but unknown, for I am Regret. \n\nYou know me, I am that feeling that seeps into your bones, that feeds all the other sins, all those little things that creep up upon you as you close your eyes to sleep, anytime you seek to find serenity, I am there, to remind you how much a failure you really are. \n\nAs you look back upon your life, I am all the things you should have done, and did not do, all the things you should not have done, and yet did, I fill every void of your life, every aspect of your being, till your entire core screams for release, and you turn to my brothers and sisters, you beg them to give you way to vent from me, to escape from me, and you can't. That is why you all drown out your inner voice with vices, till this day comes.\n\nWelcome to Hell little soul, you will see that there is nothing here, just an endless void of nothingness. See, when God sent Lucifer away from him, he denied his creation to all of us, which was everything. \n\nAll that was left, was a vast nothing, where our father would be the light in the darkness, the morning star, and it also is where you will spend the remainder of eternity, left alone, with your memories, where you can dwell on your regrets for all time, and in doing so, you will feed me infinitely. Which is why, I don't need to make a big deal about myself, like siblings.\n\nWell, time to go, this place is so busy with new souls, and I enjoy greeting you all..." ]	9
	[WP] You wake up will no memory of where you are. You open your eyes to see a guy you dont know, “Finally! Your awake!” You walk over to the window to see what looks to be a zombie apocalypse “Are you ok?” The guy asks.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "I woke up not knowing where I was, I saw I random dude next to me with his head in his hands, “Omg! Your awake!” He says exciting looking up. I did the logical thing and wanted to know where I was so I pushed him aside and looked out the window. Outside the window looked to be a city in ruins. I looked down as we were on a high floor and saw creatures running around. I was shocked and fell to the ground. “Hey hey hey! Your ok now Val, your gonna be ok.” he said smiling, “Who's Val? And who the fk are you??” I asked scared as this guy was crowding my space, his smile faded, “What do you mean? Your Val silly! You're my sister, Valentine. Are you ok?” He asked.\n\nI stared at him for a second trying to remember but my head was a blank space. I couldn't remember who he was, or who I was for a fact. I looked down to see my long silky red hair that went down to my knees and the bloody suit I was wearing. He had short messy red hair that slightly covered his eyes, he was also wearing a bloody suit. I wasn't stupid and put together we were in fact siblings and that we had just been in a fight. “Let's get you some food maybe your just in a state of shock he said nervously laughing and helping me back up. \n\nHe lead me though to room and into the kitchen, “Hey Val, Hey Ezra” A girl said on the second bed. “Who's that?\" I whispered to my brother, \"Ok seriously, are you ok? That's Angel and if you didn't know I'm Ezra.\" He said in a slightly annoyed tone, Ezra sat me at the table and handed me a price of bread. I felt better after eating it but I still didn't remember anything. \"Feel better?\" He asked, \"Nope.\" I said slumped down in the chair. \"You might have hit your head on the road after I-\" He paused. \"Never mind.\" He said walking into the other room. \"Hey Val you ok? I saw you hit your head. He said something about memory loss.\" She said in a sad tone,\"Someone isn't telling me something\" I said, \n\n\"So basically what happened was that we were attacked by a huge hoard and we were trying our best to hold them back but the new breed for a random speed boost and I got knocked over I was trying to get up but Ezra pushed me under a car to cover me and pushed you over, your memory loss may be from him pushing you over.\" She said as I run into the room Ezra was in,\"Hey I just wanted to say that it's not your-\" I paused, he was crying. \"It's my fault... You lost everything. I'm so sorry for that...\" He said Apologizing over and over. \"Lets go kills some monsters to get our minds off it!\" He agreed and all 3 of us left to venture out. We found a group \"Come on guys we almost got them!\" I yelled, no reply. \"Come on gu-\" I looked behind me to see Ezra crying over something, \"What's the matter guys? There's still a few-\" I paused. I looked to see what the problem was... I still don't believe it but they were crying over what looked to be me. What the he? \"Guys?\" I asked. Angel ran up from the side and pushed Ezra over. \"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! YOU FKING KILLED HER YOU BI*!\" She screamed hysterically crying. \"I swear I didn't mean to push her! Please don't!\" he said crying while angel held the gun up to him she threw the gun at him and ran back to the apartment. He picked my body up and walked back. I sat there as a ghost watching him cry over my body laying on the couch. One day, I woke up not knowing where I was, I saw I random dude next to me with his head in his hands, “Omg! Your awake!” He says exciting looking up. I did the logical thing and wanted to know where I was so I pushed him aside and looked out the window. Outside the window looked to be a city in ruins. I looked down as we were on a high floor and saw creatures running around. I was shocked and fell to the ground. “Hey hey hey! Your ok now Val, your gonna be ok.” he said smiling, “Who's Val?\"" ]	2
	[WP] The sure way to start a religion and become rich is to write a best selling self-help book and have your followers keep donating for more answers. As an actual deity who is terrible at writing, this is a problem 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 dumb girl was perched on the ledge of the balcony. Lain down in the shape of an s, her arm hung over the edge of the balcony and went down towards bright green pastures. Her body was turned away from her parted doors. The left side of her face squished against the concrete ledges and she was facing the direction of the sun. Her skin simmered underneath the steaming sun and sprinkles of sweat began to line her exposed back. She was like a slinked out cat who had nary a care in the world. Which is why it was all the more satisfying when I sliced the lower part of her buttocks and sent her flinging over the edge of the balcony to falling 3 stories down. I waited a few seconds. Then like she always did she hovered back to the top of the balcony and then slammed the doors on me. I sighed to myself and then I jumped over to the ledge. I went across to the other side of the big white house, jumped through the bathroom window and then finally I was in the dumb girl’s bedroom. \r \nShe was hunched over the top of the vanity. Her big afro curls sticking out with pieces of wet grass. I perched myself onto the table of the vanity inching a hairs length away from the girl’s head. Did she want me to claw at her arms too? \r \n\"Go away,” she said, like she could hear my thoughts. It was scary how often it seemed that she could understand me and my thoughts. But given the way she lounges like one all day I wouldn’t be surprised if she was part cat. \r \nI rooted myself in place and instead pushed a bottle of honey scented cream off of her table. First warning. \r \n“I’m not going to write. Stop,” she said, her voice heavy with fatigue. She still wasn’t looking up. Maybe if I sent a claw through her hair? Despite her small stature she could send me over the ledge with no hesitation if I even took a whiff of her hair. She cared more for that hair than her work. I’d be better off just driving her crazy. \r \nClink. I’d sent a bottle of perfume over the table. A pretty bottle that was now broken. This time she looked up at me. Thankfully I was quick enough to jump over and pass her before she could go for my throat. But she was finally energised. And I wondered if this was now a good or bad idea. The dumb girl had gotten out of her seat to come for me. But while she is a Deity I am a cat and also have twice as many brain cells as she does. I leapt onto the couch. She attempted to throw a small flame at me but I was too fast. Unfortunately she has that ability too, fortunately she doesn’t do it well. She missed me and instead burnt the seat. The smell of crispy black couch now going up in the air. But she was still not done with me. Next I went for the high ring holding her curtain. She summoned her abilities and hovered up again and when she came high I jumped low and gripped onto her thigh. She yelped and crashed down onto the floor. Thank God that she was able to break my fall. I ran in the direction of the vanity again and I’d seen her fury in the mirror just before she fired a gust of wind at me. I jumped out of the way a little too late and was still flung over to the side. But it was the big vanity with perfumes, creams and body scents that took the majority of the gusts and went crashing down. Glass pieces and shattered mirror scattered across the floor. The dumb girl stood deflated after her outburst. Across the room she caught my eyes. Wide and ready. I was not prepared to stop unless she got to work. And as usual, she understood me perfectly well. She went back to sit at her work table this time. The only seat in the room that wasn’t now demolished. Too many fragrances and smoke made the room to pungent for me. I went to push the wide doors open again. When I looked back to check on the girl the notebook was opened wide and she was already scrawling on the page. Good. I left her and slinked my body up onto the ledge of the balcony. I turned away to face the sun and she went on to write her little self-help book. “A Deity’s Secret to no Longer Procrastinating”.\n\nEdit: grammar + word choice (wrote this very tired but I also need critique)" ]	2
	[WP] Christmas dinner with the extended family sure is a lot more fun since you "accidentally" used grandma's spell book instead of her recipe book	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Granny had lots of books in her private library, but she never labeled the genre of each section. Maybe she enjoys watching people driven into insanity as they go on a search here.\n\n“Not this, not this, not this… ‘Christmas Surprises for Guests’, this should be it!”, he hurriedly flipped through the pages, only to find out it’s actually a novel, “Not this!”\n\nRaiden groans, throwing the book onto the piles along with other books, then returning to scrambling on the shelf. Just as he reached his hand at the upper shelf, he noticed an old book with particularly odd covers near his right hand. He takes down the book with half-expectation, reading the title: “123 ways to funny your tummy on snowy days”.\n\n“I’ve never seen it before, but it had granny’s sticky note”, Raiden murmurs as he flips open a random page, seeing it does contain many names and step-by-step recipes of some dishes, “Hmm, looks like her recipe book. But the ingredients are weird.”\n\nWhatever, this is the closest he can find to that darn book. Let’s just go with it instead.\n\n“Let’s see… ‘Tenderlicious Turkey’. Ooh, sounds good”, Raiden skimmed the instruction with a finger, “One whole turkey. A… dib dab of salt and pepper. An onion size of butter made from… milk of Summus goats? Fresh thyme, I should have those. One Rancens lemon… Wait, what is this?”\n\n.\n\n.\n\n.\n\n“So… uh, that must be why.”\n\n“That’s why?”, Paciel had to use all of his strength to compose himself, but his shaking hands of anger tightening the grip on the chair isn’t helping, “That’s why? That’s obviously not granny’s cookbook!”\n\n“It wasn’t my fault when granny didn’t sort the books by its context in the first place! And her title is deceiving!”, Raiden angrily protested.\n\n“How could you be so careless? You can't tell that’s granny’s spell book from her homeland? She specifically sticks an informing note on the cover, and you just look pass it?!”\n\nKallen is seriously on the verge of explosion, but he can’t had his full attention on lecturing Raiden. He had to shoot the turkey twice, but the roasted bird only wobbled a bit, still stubbornly standing on its two bony legs.\n\n“Well I didn’t know you have dyslexia Rai!”, Cade yelled, continuously hitting a hoards of cackling Brussels sprouts with a wooden stick, sending the vegetables flying straight to the wall, splashing and staining all over.\n\n“I might! Or I might not!”, Raiden held the pot upside down, trapping the bouncing peas from going all over the place that threaten to break free any moment, “But it ain’t your business, Cade!”\n\n“Ain’t my business?”, Cade gestures broadly at everyone else who is fighting back the food that had been cursed or brought to life, “You’re gonna get us all killed!”\n\nNatalie slashing the arm made of mashed potatoes with the table knife when it reaches out trying to grab her hair, stabbing it repeatedly as if pouring out her rage, “I shouldn’t have trusted you with dinner! Right on the day I took Tierra here to meet you guys, how great!”\n\n“Nata, it’s fine”, Tierra tried to soothe her wife, “We can get rid of this mess together…” But in the midst of distraction, she narrowly missed a corn on the cob that had set itself on fire and fling itself straight at her with full speed.\n\nThe dining table that became into a complete battlefield, with the sounds of screaming, objects banging against each other and food splashing all over the floor into a giant mess.\n\nCade smacks a hand on the head, “Ugh, this is one hell of a Christmas dinner!”", "\"Gehenna? Finally! You're back from the kitchen. It only took forever.\"\n\nShe places the pot of stew upon the table.\n\n\"You couldn't have done it quicker? You're s'posed to be good at this.\"\n\nGehenna's extended family is... frustrating.\n\nIt is not their arguments nor their casual misogyny that peeve her. While it is true there is only so long a person listen to Aunt Maybelle rag on about Uncle Steve's \"tasteless meat\", her third cousins removed blast on about apes soaring to the moon, cousin Kate's screams like hell's bells unleashed, and the ingratiating denigrations to return to the kitchen...\n\nShe's used to it.\n\nThe first tenet of witchcraft is solitude. Keep indoors, with your abode-on-legs, away from civilisation.\n\nThis was true for the longest time. The nucleus family consisted of their coven. The extended family consisted entirely of Sister Medea's marriage to some boy-toy, who brought along its horde of utter animals.\n\n\"—seriously, it takes a second to use a pinch of seasoning. A. Second. Steve!\"\n\n\"No, do that put-and-call, the market won't know what hit it!\"\n\n\"You're all so FUCKING ANNOYING—\"\n\nThe second tenet of witchcraft is getting what you want.\n\nThe world is mutable to your commands, hen. Do not forget that.\n\nHer grandmother's \"spellbook\" was the last of the White Witch's last artefacts. Gehenna was the only one for whom it was bequeathed to. She'd scowled at the gift.\n\nGrandmother, this is a joke. Do you really believe I belong in the kitchen?\n\nGrandmother's eyes twinkled. She knew, like Gehenna, that her realm was the dark arts and the necromantic. You'll be surprised, hen. Do not tell your sisters this, but I have given you the best gift of them all.\n\nShe is starting to understand why. She watches, as Aunt Maybelle and Uncle Steve transform into furry, skeletal jackalopes. As her third-cousins-removed disintegrate into skull-headed apes. As cousin Kate ripples into bony pheasant.\n\nAs pandemonium erupts upon the dinner table... Gehenna smiles.\n\nHer Grandmother was right. The kitchen is where she belongs.\n\n(It is where the spellbooks are at, after all.)", "In vinum veritas they say... \n\n\nYou know where there's even more truth?\n In veritaserum. Three drops and a person spills their deepest darkest secrets.\n\nYou know what's funnier than having Christmas Dinner with the family? \nHaving them at each others throats after the spiked appetiser.\n\n\n\"Ten pairs of funny socks again? You realise humans have only two feet?\"\n\"I do, and do you realise those feet aren't allergic to soap? Next year I'll get you some of that to use it on those two cheese factories of yours.\"\n\n\"So you don't think this sweater makes me look fat?\"\n\"No it doesn't. You are fat, honey.\"\n\"What?!\"\n\"What?\"\n\n\nAhhh, I think sipping on my unspiked wine, I've always worshipped chaos. \n\nMy late Gran apparently worshipped some Dark Lord, judging by the contents of her dusty cellar, but who am I to judge?\n\nFor as long as I can think back I've been the target of my own family's criticism during the holidays: \n\n\n\"Why didn't you study something that would bring in the big money? I mean, english literature... really?\"\n\n\"Why did you leave that poor guy Chad?\"\n\n\"Chad's a doctor now with two kids on the way, those could have been yours.\"\n\n\"What's taking you so long with your doctorate?\"\n\n\"At least your little sister is pregnant now, this way we'll be grandparents. There's no counting on you in that department it seems...\"\n\n\nNo, but they can count on me to make this Christmas the most memorable one yet. \n\n\n\"Hey, Dad, what do you think about the new assistant they hired at your office?\" I chirp over the angry clattering of plates. \n\"Jolene? That twenty-something ass is something else entirely... Legs to die for...\" \nHe's interrupted by my mom's slap, but the grin stays plastered on his face. \n\nI'm unable to hide my mischievous grin any longer. \n\nMy sister and her husband are in the corner having a heated discussion about the stupidity of the name Charity, while my mom is furiously ignoring my dad, who only digs his grave deeper with every word he utters.\n\nAhhh, good times.\n\n\"Who's ready for the main course?\" I chant, getting out of the chair. \nThe main course is goose, with a hint of hazelnut and body switching potion. \n\nThis Christmas will definitely be remembered. \nLove you, Gran.", "The table practically glittered, bright candlelight reflecting off of the shiny plates and glasses, before bouncing off the cutlery. I'd always enjoyed this part, right before everyone arrived, where there was just me and my exquisitely set table. But eventually, they would all come in their boring grey, and I would end up yawning my way through dinner. It wasn't entirely their fault, it was agreed-upon boredom, to make sure that the family truce held through dinner. Still, I was tired of it, we were going on ten years of dull dinners and I had to host every single one, because I was the only one who could 'fit everyone'. Maybe that had been true at the beginning, but I was pretty sure Aunt Marjorie with her practical castle of a house could host at least once. \r \nThe doorbell jerked me out of my thoughts, and I rose, changing the malicious smile that crossed my face to one of welcome. This year wouldn't be boring. I and Grandma would see to that. It had been no accident that her spell book had fallen on my head in the library earlier this year. I knew what she had been like when she was alive and this was definitely something she'd sanction. \r \nOnce everyone was seated, the furthest cousin almost out of sight, I raised my hands, quieting the already soft burble of conversation. \r \n\"Welcome. As usual, the rules. No fighting, no politics, no interpersonal public displays of affection.\" I paused, made sure they all nodded, then dropped my hands, waving them over the table at the food. \"Have at it.\" Sitting down, I made sure to only sip a little bit of water as the rest of them dug into the food. It wouldn't be long now.\r \nAunt Marjorie, in a turn of sweet justice, was the first affected. She turned to my Uncle Andrew, with wide eyes. \r \n\"I love you.\" It cut through the quiet conversations like a knife through butter. Uncle Andrew was not Aunt Marjorie's husband—who had been properly dead for three years— but he was happily married to my Aunt Cassie. Before my Uncle could respond, Aunt Cassie flew across the table. And I mean literally flew. Wings sprouted from her back propelling her towards Aunt Marjorie. \r \nChaos erupted around the table. Two of my cousins transformed into lizards, scuttling along the wood top. Three of my Uncles fused together, grinning like a strange extended jack-o-lantern. One of my Aunts started to rise towards the ceiling, turning transparent and bubbling like champagne. I was particularly proud of that one, it had been difficult to get the potatoes to behave in the oven with that spell. Fights broke out, arguments spiking around the table, helped along by the truth potion in the water. That was what had hit Marjorie first, but now everyone was getting in on it. Marjorie, for her part, was holding her own against Aunt Cassie, aided by a wicked set of claws and a tail. The focus of their dispute was busy taking bets on who would win, with my Uncle Bjorn. He was hampered slightly in this endeavour by the fact that his hands had become tentacles, but surprisingly, he made it work. \r \nI sat back and sipped my water, tasting the flatness of the truth potion. At my right hand, my brother leaned forward, eyes sparkling, his entire body now made of crystal, though he managed to speak. \r \n\"Stop this, what did you do?\" He said, one hand clamping down on the table wood and splintering it. I smiled at him, compelled to tell the truth, though I would have anyway. \r \n\"I just spiced things up a little. I was getting tired of hosting and everyone kept telling me I had to. So if I'm going to be forced into something, I thought I'd spread the pain.\" A crash from the other end of the table drew both our eyes. My youngest cousin was now nine feet tall and as big around, and was throwing a tantrum, rather like a five-year-old would do when they weren't getting their way. Turning back to my brother, I raised an eyebrow.\r \n\"Maybe next year, Aunt Marjorie will be forced into hosting. If I am again, well, this will seem tame in comparison.\" \r \nLeaning back, I chuckled, drinking some more water, enjoying the chaos. At least this dinner wouldn't be boring. \n\n— — — — — — — \n\nVisit r/Mel_Rose_Writes for more stories!", "The Christmas dinner with the extended family had always been a bit of a snooze fest. Mum and Dad never liked cooking. My Uncle would always happen to be away on business, leaving his IPhone addicted cousins at the kids table. My Auntie Sue would sit at the table and brag loudly about her newest Versace or Gucci bag. The only person left to cook was me and Grandma Dorothy.\n\nGrandma was a sweet but forgetful old woman, always seemed to get her recipes mixed up. Sometimes she'd replace the cranberry sauce with strawberries, other-times she'd accidentally put red-hot chillies in them, leading to Auntie Sue bursting with anger. \n\nBut in the end, she'd always make something delicious. And by the end of the night the whole family would be laughing and leaving slightly better than they where when they came. \n\nThis year was the first Grandma wasn't there. And it was left to me alone to prepare the Christmas dinner.\n\nI have to admit, I was a little annoyed that night. I had caught Auntie Sue throwing something large into the dust-bin. I took a look inside, and found it was Grandma's old recipe book, ripped up and unusable.\n\nWhen I asked why she threw it away, she gave me a brand new recipe book, by her \"Influencer\" friend. She told me it was filled with brand new recipes. She called it a Christmas gift; \"Out with the old, in with the new\". \n\nShe'd wanted me to use it this year instead of the \"boring old stuff Grandma used to make\".\n\nI took it from her hands angrily, flicking through the awful recipes, hot-dog cakes and deconstructed mashed potatoes. \n\nI was about to blow up, cancel the whole dinner and tell her a few four letter words, but I remembered that my Grandma had a second recipe book. She'd only take it out in certain occasions, if I forgot to buy an ingredient she'd always tell me not to worry, and find a replacement in her special recipe book.\n\nIt'd always somehow turn out better. \n\nI frantically ran up, and searched my box from Grandma's house. I found it there, next to some old photos of her and me, and a necklace she gave me before she died. The book was rough, old and slightly mouldy spelling. She'd never let me actually read the book myself, but I knew it would have just been thrown away in the bin otherwise, and that felt wrong.\n\nAs I flipped through the pages, I noticed the recipes where a little bit stranger than I remembered. One Brussel sprout recipe called for adding \"Frozen Tears\" as a spice, while the mashed potatoes instructed me the \"stir counter clockwise for luck\".\n\nThe strangest of all was the recipe for the turkey:\n\n\"\n\nIngredients:\n\n* 1 Large Turkey\n* 1 tablespoon of Dragon's Breath Spice\n* 1 pinch of fairy dust \n* 1 teaspoon of mermaid tears\n* 1 tablespoon of unicorn horn powder\n* *Salt and pepper to taste\n\nInstructions:*\n\n1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).\r \n\n\n2. Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels.\r \n\n\n3. In a small bowl, mix together the dragon's breath spice, fairy dust, mermaid tears, unicorn horn powder, salt, and pepper.\r \n\n\n4. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get it into all the crevices.\r \n\n\n5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for about 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).\r \n\n\n6. Let the turkey rest for about 15 minutes before carving. Make sure to buckle it down, as he will try to fly away!\n\n7. Enjoy! And make sure to tell me how it tastes!\n\n\"\n\nI realized there and then that this Christmas would be a little stranger than I expected" ]	6
	[WP] The Aliens visited the earth, They are shocked to see most of its people living in danger without them caring about it.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hi u/AloneRonald, this submission has been removed.\n\nNo recent reposts, even if changing small details Also, no [copy-cats](http://i.imgur.com/38FjDgW.gifv).\n\nSearch before submitting as popular ideas can cause floods. If your idea is based on something you read elsewhere on reddit, chances are it's been submitted here already. Please wait at least 2 weeks before reposting.\n\nIn this case, it falls under our current [retired list](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules/retired_prompt_themes) \n\n\n\n* [From Rule 5: No recent reposts, even if changing small details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_5.3A_no_recent_reposts.2C_even_if_changing_small_details)\n\n---\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/zriy1l/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/config/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	2
	[WP] You're the greatest chess player in the world, but your battle with cancer is mere hours from loss. A tall, skeletal figure dressed in black robes comes for you, but you've been training for this since you were three. You challenge him, and he cracks his knuckles and laughs.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "My body was failing me. It has been slowly failing for years. You can only do so much chemo. Only have so many surgeries. Eventually you have see that the writing is on the wall and accept… death. That is what the doctors keep telling me, anyways. It is bullshit. I will not go gently into the night. \n\nI hate my heart rate monitor. The incessant beeping and booping and electronic noises. The tubes are annoying, but I don’t move around much anymore so they aren’t so bad. The IV itches. The wires tickle. The places smells like disinfectant. Hospitals just suck. \n\nBeep beep beep beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep\n\nMy heart rate monitor goes silent. Everything goes silent. I am finally dead. \n\nA tall, skeletal figure in a robe walks through the closed door. He has a long scythe in one hand. It is the grim reaper. Death is actually a being. \n\nHe stands beside my bed and touches my body with the scythe. I sit up and take a deep breath. \n\n“Thank-you”, I say as I take another pain free breath. The reaper just nods his head. I am a ghost or spirit, sitting…. in… my old body. I turn and look at my body lying in bed. I am almost as skeletal as the reaper. \n\nI look at the reaper, trying to see under the hood, but it is just an infinite black shadow. \n\n“I have heard that it is possible to challenge Death to a game, and if I win that game, I get to keep living. Is that true?”, the reaper nods. “I want to challenge you to a game of chess.”, I say. \n\nThe reaper cracks he knuckles loudly and lets out a chuckle. I motions to the table in the corner of my hospital room. A setup chess board fades into existence on the table. \n\nI get off the hospital bed and try out my ghost legs. I haven’t walked under my own power in almost a year. It felt amazing to be walking again. I walk to the little table and sit down on the white side of the game board. The reaper lays his scythe down on the bed and then sits down opposite of me, facing the black side of the board. \n\n“White goes first.”, he says. His voice is like scraping bones. \n\nI will start with my favourite opening move. It is bold and has so many possibilities. \n\nDeath opens, equally as bold. \n\nWe trade initial moves quietly but quickly. Death knows how to play chess. \n\n“I need to know. Have you ever lost a game of chess?”, I ask him. \n\n“Oh yes. It was one of the most complicated games around in 200BC. I lost quite a few games in the first couple of centuries. I began watching chess masters play in between jobs so I could get better.”, I raise an eye brow at that. Death chuckles. “The population use to be a great deal lower than it is today. Back around 100AD, I had all kinds of free time. There just wasn’t as many people.”, he said with a shrug of his shoulders. \n\nI made my move, I was putting my knight in jeopardy but it was worth it for opening it would give me. \n\n“Do many people challenge you to a game when they die?”, I asked, never taking my eyes off the board. \n\n“Not like they use to. Health care has gotten so much better. Now, in most cases, by time I come, I am a relief for people. People like you,”, he said waving to the bed and my body, “don’t want to keep living in their bodies. They are just too ruined.”\n\nHe saw through my ruse with the knight and played his bishop in an amazing counter play. \n\n“Ruined bodies….. but if I win you fix my body… right?”, I asked as I moved my rook to counter his bishop. \n\nHe let out another unsettling laugh. “No. I will just put you back into your body. Your body will continue to decay as you animate it.”, he countered my rook with a pawn. \n\n“Continue to decay?”, I said looking up from the board. \n\n“Of course. I don’t bring death or life. I release a soul from its mortal coil. The scythe severs that connection and allows your soul to move to the next plane of existence. If you win this game, I will put you back into your dead body and you will be able to continue until that body literally falls apart or you ask to be released from it.”, he said matter of factly\n\n“How long do people usually last…. back in their bodies?”, I ask hesitantly. \n\n“It really depends on your will to live and your pain tolerance. Most people just need to say a parting word or two. A final ‘I love you’ or the combination to the vault or some other great secret…. and then they are good to pass.”\n\nHe takes my room with a pawn. I counter with a pawn of my own. \n\n“Then there are people like you. Terrified to die. Terrified to move on to the unknown. You fight for another hour, another day…. For you it will be all about your pain tolerance. You will feel your body decaying. It will hurt. It will be gross. How long can you handle being a corpse among the living?”\n\nHe takes my bishop. I am on the run. I counter weakly with another pawn. \n\n“Eventually the pain will stop though, won’t it?”\n\nHe lifts a hand. His robe falling to his elbow. He is just bones, no meat to him at all. \n\n“Eventually, if you can handle the pain long enough, you will look just like me. A walking skeleton. I have only seen it happen once or twice. Most people are begging in agony for me to return with in a hour.”\n\nHe takes my pawn. I take his pawn. We are silent and our wooden army trades blows on the board. \n\n“You need to ask yourself, do you have anything left to do that is worth that kind of pain? Is there something left in life that you need to do?”, he said softly as he took my queen. \n\n“I am a chess grand master. It is all I have ever wanted to be. I sacrificed love and family in pursuit of being a better player.”, I move a rook down the board slowly, “ I have played and beaten every grand master alive. There are no challenges left, except to beat you.”\n\nThat got a chuckle from him. \n\n“You are good, but not that good. I have been playing for over two thousands years.”, he takes my rook with the king. \n\n“Are you sure you want to do that?”, I say with a smirk. \n\n“Of course….. son of a….”\n\n“Checkmate”, I say with a triumphant smile. “I beat you! I beat Death.”\n\nDeath turns the board to get a different angle. Then turns it the other way. \n\nHe nods his head, “you beat me. Well done.”\n\nI look back at my ruin of a body. “I am ready to go now. I beat the last grand master on earth.”, I say as I nod my head in respect to death. \n\n“Not what I expected from you when we started.”, he picks up his scythe. “Let’s get going. I have a busy day ahead of me”. He put his hand on my shoulder and we fade from this plane." ]	2
	[WP] You have the gift/curse to grant every single wish you hear… if you hear the wish you have to grant it. Unfortunately, you can’t tell anyone about your power and are unable to grant your own wishes.	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "All someone has to say is “I wish” and then times stops. I then have to grant the wish however I see fit. Time resumes, the wish is granted, and the day goes on. It gets tiring at first, but I’ve gotten used to it. The trick is to try and not get caught.\n\nI was told when I was 5 that I had this power, but I couldn’t tell anyone about it less I suffer a terrible fate, at least that’s what the being that manifested in front of me said. So I didn’t.\n\nAt first it was kind of amusing. Using different ways to grant the same wish was fun. I’ve had a few people say “I wish I had a million dollars” around me. At first hi did the whole someone-shows-up-at-your-door-with-a-comically-oversized-check thing, but I tried to be more subtle. The last few times I just altered their bank accounts quietly without them knowing.\n\nA few times I had people saying “I wish I had the day off” or “I wish I was on vacation” often in a specific place. In those instances, I just altered their schedules and transferred enough money for them to take their dream vacation. Teleporting them straight there is also an option, but that’s kinda scary for them and having to get back home would be a pain for them, so I don’t do that. That does mean the wish doesn’t have drawbacks though. Often I’ll hear someone say “I wish [the person I just granted the wish to] was here” and then I’d have to go back in time and undo all the hard work I did. There was even one instance where the person kept wishing for the day off, but their boss kept wishing they were here. I was stuck in that nightmarish loop for who knows how long till one of them shut their mouths.\n\nSome wishes are a bit tricky to pull off without drawing attention. One such wish is “I wish [dead relative] was here to see this”. The first few times I hear that, I made them appear alive and well, much to the shock of their family members who wished them back. But doing the same thing twice does risk getting old, so I did a few variations of it. Once I brought them back as a zombie which caused the family to scream, another time I just had their dead corpse appear at their feet, once I had their spirit appear there and then disappear once the event was over, and once I had a younger version of the dead relative appear there without the wish grantee not recognizing them.\n\nThen there are the wishes that are painful to grant, ones which outcomes didn’t bode well for anyone. My best friend, for example, once had a fight with me, which ended with him saying “I wish I never saw you again!” There were a lot of ways I could have granted that wish, but with him being my best friend, all of them were painful to see. I decided that I would permanently blind him, which meant we could still hang out, but knowing I blinded him made that hard.\n\nAnother time I overheard a child throwing a tantrum in front of his loving mother, saying “I wish I had a better mommy!” Seeing her panicked and crying after time resumed after that made me feel heartbroken. I could only imagine how difficult the search for her missing child went, and the difficulty of getting him away from his new legal guardians.\n\nThe last wish I granted, was the one that was the most painful. I had a friend I was deeply in love with from the day we first met. I never acted on those feelings, but still remained good friends with her. One day, she was going through a rough time, and I was sitting with her at a park bench doing my best to comfort her. Then I heard her say her wish:\n\n“I wish I was never born.”\n\nTime froze, and I sat there bewildered. The woman I loved had unknowingly asked me to erase her from existence. I sat there for a long time in frozen time trying to make sense of what she just said, then I spent even longer crying and ranting at her still frame about how much I loved her and how much pain she was putting me through now. Of course I knew I couldn’t undo the wish, I had to grant it. So I did. And once time resumed. I returned to the empty park bench. With nothing but the memories we shared together as the only prove of her existence.\n\nThis is no blessing, it’s a curse, I hate this power. I wish I could remove it from my being but I can’t. There’s only one thing I can do now. I have to go away from people, live an isolated life. I don’t want to leave my friends and family behind, but I don’t want to grant any more wishes, not after I killed her. It’s time to go. No more wishes" ]	2
	[WP] upon humanity joining the star confederation they were briefed in all the cosmic horrors and other dangerous wild entities or animals, that turn out to be just common animals	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "Hi u/the-elemelon, this submission has been removed.\n\nNo recent reposts, even if changing small details Also, no [copy-cats](http://i.imgur.com/38FjDgW.gifv).\n\nSearch before submitting as popular ideas can cause floods. If your idea is based on something you read elsewhere on reddit, chances are it's been submitted here already. Please wait at least 2 weeks before reposting.\n\nIn this case, it falls under our current [retired list](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules/retired_prompt_themes) \n\n\n\n* [From Rule 5: No recent reposts, even if changing small details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_5.3A_no_recent_reposts.2C_even_if_changing_small_details)\n\n---\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/zsf9go/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/config/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	2
	[WP] You accidentally proposed to your Arch nemesis but are surprised to find they actually like you and happily accept your proposal. You wonder how you never realized this as you walk the aisle with 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&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WritingPrompts) if you have any questions or concerns.", "\"Agent 6, aren't you happy?\", Agent 8 teases as they slap 6 in the back. \"No more stupid rivalries, or back stabbing, or those stupid arguments that just make us think 'just fuck him already' you know?\". 8 takes another big swig. \"I didn't expect to get this far, I honestly didn't mean it,\" 6 hardly taking a sip of her drink. \"I just wanted to get 7 cornered and flustered. But he turned it around on me knowing everyone was watching... what's his angle\", 6 grips firmly to her drink. 8 raises an eyebrow as he gulps down the rest of his drink. \"Sigh... is something the matter?\" 8 inquires. 6, now looking down at her drink, \"I don't have proof, but I think he's a monster. An inhuman piece of trash who betrayed my brother. I was so close, and I thought getting in his head would leave me just a small opening in his facade to know for sure.\" 8 now feeling the drinks he's finished \"pfffft... and you thought a wedding would do that!?! Haaaa, 6 you are so naive it's adorable but also kinda troubling.\" 8 quickly composes himself, \"Look, I promised your brother to look after you if anything were to happen to him. I miss him too.\" 8 looks to the bar and side-eyes 6 with a hint of anger in his look, \"so, you suspect him too.\" 8 gets quiet and with a low calm voice like an approaching storm say, \"6, tell me. Why are you so adamant about 7?\" 6 now feeling a weighted cloud around her as she has never seen 8 like this, but knows he won't hurt her. She struggles to find the words or courage to respond. \"6!\" 8 yells slamming his empty drink destroying the glass. \"Why are you afraid of 7!? Tell me you know... Tell me!\" 6 now changing from fear to anger like a butterfly shedding it's lonesome constrictive husk.\n\n\"BECAUSE 7 ATE 9!\"", "It was a typical Monday morning, and Jane was rushing to get to work on time. She had a big presentation to give and couldn't afford to be late. As she was gathering her things, she stumbled upon a small velvet box that she had no recollection of owning.\n\nCurious, she opened the box and found a shiny diamond ring nestled inside. Suddenly, it all came back to her - the previous night, she had gotten extremely drunk at a party and had somehow ended up at the home of her arch nemesis, Mark. In her drunken state, she must have proposed to him.\n\nPanic set in as Jane realized the gravity of the situation. Mark was her sworn enemy, and the thought of being married to him filled her with dread. But as she made her way to work, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had made a terrible mistake.\n\nAs she approached the office, she was met with a sea of congratulations and well wishes. Apparently, Mark had accepted her proposal and had told everyone about it.\n\nFeeling embarrassed and confused, Jane made her way to Mark's office to confront him. But as she opened the door, she was surprised to find him beaming with happiness.\n\n\"I can't believe you actually said yes,\" Jane said, still in disbelief.\n\n\"I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, but I've secretly had feelings for you for a long time,\" Mark admitted. \"And when you proposed to me last night, I couldn't turn you down. I just hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for not telling you sooner.\"\n\nJane was floored by Mark's confession and realized that she had completely misjudged him. As they walked down the aisle together, she couldn't help but wonder how she had never realized that he cared for her. And as they exchanged vows, she knew that they had a chance at a happily ever after, despite their rocky start", "Oh, God, what have I gotten myself into...\n\nI don't even know how it happened. It just did. In the blink of an eye, I was down on my knee with a ring in my hand, asking my worst enemy to marry me. I was surprised, to say the least, at his answer, which was an overjoyed \"YES!\" \n\nNow I'm in a pure white dress, my hair all nicely done, a veil over my head, and a bouque of flowers in my hand, nervously gliding down the aisle with my father's arm embracing mine. I kept wondering when I'd die, maybe my flowers have a bomb in them and they'll explode any moment, or maybe there's a hitman in the seats. But I made it to the front, face-to-face with my enemy, all dressed up in his suit and tie. Our eyes locked, and his usual malice-filled eyes shimmered with love and adoration. I have to say, it made my heart flutter a bit.\n\n\"All dolled up for me, huh?\" he flirted. I let my eyes roll.\n\n\"I never agreed to this,\" I snarled quietly. \n\n\"Really?\" he smirked. \"Isn't the man supposed to propose? I think you're the one who came up with this to begin with.\" The priest began running through his speech about love and cheesy stuff that I couldn't care less about while me and my soon-to-be-husband quietly argued.\n\n\"Please. I was set up,\" I lied. \"That proposal was meant for someone else.\"\n\n\"Really? If I recall, it was a golden ring, made for males, with turquois engraved into the sides. My favorite gem. You really pay attention, huh?\"\n\n\"Whatever,\" I muttered.\n\n\"At least let them think you love me,\" he said, his voice dropped to an ominous tone. \"We can save all of this bickering for later, but keep your eyes peeled, princess. You never know what's about to hit~\" \n\nAnd before I knew it, it was time to cut the cake.", " \"hands up where I can see them\" my voice was rough from running, but I have done it I caught the most wanted criminal in the world, Claudia Herman. The villainess I've been chasing down for years is finally in my hands, this case can finally be closed after all those hours in the office, all those days of overtime, it's all over finally you're mine.\n \n \" Well , well , it seems that our little game of cat and mouse is over it was fun, wasn't it?\" Her voice was gentle, and captivating. This same voice was the thing tormenting me for years. But now it's different I'll be the one to torment her I'll send her to prison after finding out who she really is.\n\n\" Enough talking you're cornered take off the mask and let me arrest you\" I had enough of the chatter my dream can finally come true.\n\n\" Alright officer if that's what you want just know no one likes impatient men\" as her arm moved towards her mask , my heart thumped I was ready to see the face I always wanted to see. Her mask was past her Appealing lips which drew people's attention but my eyes journeyed her face as she finished pulling off the mask. underneath was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.\n\n\"Well officer you look mesmerized, didn't expect the criminal you been after for years to look pretty?\" \n\n\"Marry me\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"I said marry me\"\n\n\"Officer are you okay?\" Her face as she looked at me was confused, but there was another emotion in her face was it .. longing??\n\n\" Officer if this is a joke that would be a terribly mean thing to say to a woman\" she became flustered which is something I have never seen in her actions even when she went against the entire police force she was always calm no matter the situation, but my simple proposal made her this flustered?.\n\n\"Will you be mine\" maybe it was the spur of the moment, maybe it was my weakness to good looks but I wanted her no matter what. She managed to escape police for years what's another couple of years going to do.\n\n\" Ahahaha, so offic-- no Ethan you're finally looking my way even though I've been after you for years? It was this easy to make you mine I would have done this early, yes Ethan I love you so of course I'll marry you.\"\n\n\" Was that sarcasm, or am I an idiot\" \n\n\" Glad you can at least tell that much\" \n\n\"Wha-!\" Before I can finish my words she approached me faster than I could react and pulled me towards her.\n\n\"Lovers kiss pretty often don't they\" not even waiting for a response she kissed me.\n My alarm rang right at the moment, hitting snooze I realized that was nothing but a dream.\n\n\" Hey honey breakfast is ready!\" Or was it?", "I glide down the aisle, hoping I survive the walk. I don’t trust my fiancé. There just might be a hitman sitting in the audience with a pistol under his coat. Maybe I’ll taste a subtle hint of rat poison in the champagne. \n\nBut I make it to the altar in one piece, all my limbs attached and my heart still pumping. If it’s anything that’s going to kill me it’s the adrenaline explosion in my chest as I turn to face my enemy. He looks good in a suit.\n\n“Nervous?” he murmurs under his breath with a grin as the priest starts the ramble through the vows. \n\n“Why? Is there a bomb in my bouquet?” I whisper. It does feel heavy for a bunch of roses. \n\nI study the candlelight softy flickering in the same eyes that I’ve so often seen glinting with malice. The ones I’ve hated and maybe fallen in love with. I’m terrible at making up my mind. \n\nHe snickers. \n\n“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll save the murder attempts for after dinner.” \n\nCharming. Because a week in court is every newlywed’s dream honeymoon. \n\n“Just try to love me,” he leans in towards me, “we have an audience to convince, don’t we?” \n\nHe doesn’t need to worry. I’m a pretty good actor.", "\"Merry me!\"\n\nThis was the infamous call of Angel Faux.\n\nEvery night, Slash Salvatore would chase her across the skylines. Leaping past the buildings darkness, harking for that call. \"Merry me,\" Angel Faux would laugh, \"Merry me, merry me, dead is the night and I am merry.\"\n\nAngel Faux's burlap sacks of stolen goods make a notorious, telltale jangle, like Christmas bell hells. No High Street place was safe from her wrath. The banks; clothing stores; convenience stores; supermarkets; toys and jewels (even the Claire's!)\n\nSlash Salvatore and Angel Faux's cat-and-mouse chase was their game. Slash would swoop down, her wings cracking open in intimidation, as Angel turned round to meet her eyes, mid-way through a robbery attempt.\n\n\"It's you again!\" Angel would say. \"How merry.\"\n\n\"So merry.\" Slash Salvatore would drawl. \"Raise your hands.\"\n\nThen Angel would wink, and flee, and their chase would begin. Dodging through their concrete jungle, the smog-pumping chimneys and the heights-and-hide of Wimborne's slums. The Angel would pull disappearing acts; one moment she'd be in an alleyway, the next she'd be gone, like a ghost. But Slash Salvatore would chase her till the end of days.\n\n(There was a time when Slash Salvatore chased her to Christmas day. She hid in an alleyway as she watched Angel Faux shake a tiny bunny-plush at a jumping child from the Wislow Orphanage. The child looked at Angel with wide blue eyes and said: I wanna be like ya when I grow up!)\n\nEvery time, Slash Salvatore would chase. Every time, Angel Faux let her chase.\n\n(Another time, upon their less-used chase routes— the \"scenic route\", Slash had termed it in her head—Angel Faux had delivered her stolen designer clothes to the downtown thrift stores. The volunteers teared seeing them. You're doing good work, god's work, Angel. Don't let them tell you otherwise.)\n\n\"You're the most wicked villain of Wimborne.\" Slash Salvatore had yelled at her once.\n\n\"No. I'm simply your villain.\" Angel Faux had replied in a grin, doing a mock-bow. \"I'm yours.\"\n\nThen Slash Salvatore blinked, and then Angel Faux was gone.\n\n(But the most notable of them all came yesterday. Angel Faux, with a bag from a diamond jeweller thumping on her back, had her same chant—merry me, merry me, merry me—as Slash gave chase on foot.)\n\nThey leapt from building to building, skidding over the ledges, and it was nearly beautiful how Angel Faux ran. It was almost as if she were the one with wings, and not Slash.\n\nIn all that thinking, Slash didn't mind how fast she was going—and so ended up crashing into Angel Faux's back.\n\n\"Shit! Merry me, Slash.\" Angel whispered, throat rasping like it were ground by the moonlight.\n\nSlash Salvatore's eyes widen. \"Did you just...\"\n\n\"Did I...\"\n\n\"You asked. You finally asked.\"\n\nSlash Salvatore's grin widened and widened. Then she did what she'd spent the last 7 years waiting for, and kissed Angel Faux on the lips.\n\n——\n\n1/2." ]	7
	[WP] "Three Times the Heads and Three Times the Love: Caring for Your New Hellpuppy"	[ "Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\nReminders:\n\n>* Stories at least 100 words. Poems, 30 but include \"[Poem]\"\n>* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail\n>* See [Reality Fiction](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Reality+Fiction%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) and [Simple Prompts](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/search?q=flair%3A%22Simple+Prompt%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for stricter titles\n>* [Be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback and follow the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules)\n\n&#127381; [New Here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide) \n&#9999; [Writing Help?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/index#wiki_writing_resources) \n&#128226; [News](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements) \n&#128172; [Discord](https://discord.gg/writingprompts)\n\nI am a bot, and 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 few tips for your new friend\\!\n\n It's important to take care of your new pet just like you would any other. Don't adopt a pet if you don't have the time, energy, space, and money available to do it properly!\n* When these beings are young, they have only two stomachs, eventually becoming three once they become older. The exact time of formation varies, but it's generally around 3-4 years old.\n* If they are starting fires, they're generally unhappy. Spend a little extra time playing with them!\n* Generic dog food will actually work perfectly fine for these guys. Save meat for a special treat!\n* Expect heating costs to dramatically lower, but also keep in mind that they radiate heat near constantly. It's advised to either keep windows open, or to have some very cool air conditioners on hand.\n\n\\*Apologies for the vagueness. Religious advocates get fussy when we mention these creatures by their typical name." ]	2

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