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] The year is 2079. Reddit Karma is used as national currency. Describe what your life is like.	[ "I'm 85 years old. I've accumulated billions of karma by spending my free time speaking my mind on posts whether people appreciate it or not. As a top investor in karma, I know exactly how to make the upvotes far outweigh the downvotes. I had enough karma to retire comfortably 20 years ago after putting both of my kids through college, and I've already established trust funds for my grandkids. \n\nIn a world where the introverts with nothing better to do than browse Reddit are the wealthiest- such a change from my younger years when you actually had to go out and earn your way by talking to people in person- I can die happy. ", "Really, I can't talk about it. After building multiple accounts over the years I had taken a break from Reddit for a few years. None of us can say when or how it happened, but after years of momentum, Reddit took over. It became... well that's neither here or there. The only thing that matters now is that karma is life. We live, breathe, eat, and sleep because of karma. I was one of the lucky ones and happen to be sitting on a stash of accumulated accounts of fairly wealthy usernames. So what did I do with the karma? That sweet sweet karma?\n\nI traveled. Multiple usernames let me travel from country to country in rather comfortable anonymity. I would cash out an account every now and then and just spend my nights camping underneath the stars of different beaches, forests, you name it. All the while taking awesome selfies for even more karma for my new main account. It's nice, but there is an ugly side to this. \n\nNot all of us were so lucky. There were a few users that spent their karma attempting to invest their karma like the archaic currency of the past, but you see... karma doesn't work like that. It's weird. I watched some of the biggest names wither down to rattling around in cheap memes. I give when I can, but I just can't stand to see them like that. Or even seeing those that never had any karma to begin with, begging in the subreddits. \n\nSo I travel. I travel and give where I can in hopes that my spending helps move karma around to where it's needed the most. There are a few of us out there with secret holds of accounts that travel like I do. \n\nIf Reddit ever finds out about what we do or that I have access to more than one account... No I can't think about that. Karma is good. Karma is life. " ]	2
	[wp] Utilising meditation techniques you realise that you can put your brain on autopilot; essentially allowing you to sleep through work, awkward family events, ect. Everything is going fine until you find out that autopilot you is much more likeable and better at life in general.	[ "It's been a long year. January 1, 2016 I decided to dedicate all of my spare time to calming my mind. Centering it so that I may live in the moment, cure my self diagnosed social anxiety, and start being a productive member of society. My brothers told me I should go see someone, a therapist, to help get over my issues. The inlying problem being that the two of them were the only people I truly could trust.\n\nIt started off with little success. Still worrying about what everyone thought about me, especially women. Sliding through life just trying to go unnoticed. However, as the year went on I realized that I started spending a lot of time meditating even while working. I worked at a local grocery store as a cashier. Simple enough job, but I found it odd that the customers that came and went through my line didn't seem to notice my absent mindedness. Maybe I was just a nothing, I thought. Maybe I had such a boring aura that people didn't even want basic customer service from me. When I would come too, and a customer would take their receipt to leave, they always smiled and waved goodbye. As if we actually connected on some level. Took some time before I truly understood what was happening. The following year, April 2017, in fact. \n\nI was at a family cookout, my youngest brother's birthday party, when it hit me. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, even my own parents asked an endless stream of questions as to what I was doing with my life, what my plans were, if I had finally found a girlfriend, hobbies. I became overwhelmed by it all. So I went to my place of peace. Serenity, and nothingness. When I snapped out of it, everyone was preparing to leave. \n\n\"Oh, Eddie! I'm so glad you're finally coming out of your shell.\" Aunt Marta said. \n\n\"Eddie, we still on for some beers at your place next week?\" My cousin Ben asked. \n\n\"You had me rolling today, man! You could be a comedian!\" Exclaimed Uncle Larry. \n\nI didn't know what to make of it. People actually liked talking to me...while I was in a deep state of meditation. This wasn't my goal. My subconscious became a more likable personality than that of my own waking consciousness. Maybe I should just let him take over? Remain mentally in a state of true nothingness, and meditation. Where I did in fact feel I belonged. Let my subconscious be the man behind the wheel. Maybe then, at least, one of us could have a happy, full, complete life. " ]	1
	[WP]You are an Extraterrestrial creature who goes on an expedition into Earth during the Neolithic Revolution	[ "\n\nBeginnings are always the best, that is why we picked Earth. Vacation spots' tell the soul, did I read that somewhere or am I the first being with an original thought? Not that it matters my stupor was tilted to be sure. I did like watching from my ship, the lush surface flowed like an ocean that was lost once logic was developed. The small hairy apes banding together against the odds.\n\n\n\nLogic, is that why she left? I looked over to the seat occupied by my vice. I had always thought she would join me on our shared interest of developing worlds but turns out she only cared for the man with the biggest purse. I had heard she was now vacationing with some other who had enough influence to be given the prestigious award of large empire combat. She would be in charge of armies and worshipped as a god by the inhabitants. Here I was a floating bubble above these primitive people and my influence only stretched here because I was randomly assigned the creator of Earth in 27th level as bunkmates. \n\n\n\nI imagined her using battle plans for the long conflict that lie ahead a romantic adventure that would last weeks on end. It was so unfair to think I was stuck looking in the zoo while she got to interact with a world right before it descended into the final test.\n\n\nI was here alone getting tilted when this was suppose to be our bonding age as we watched these primitive thoughts show the greatest of societal production. I noticed I was running low on the fun juice and headed back to the cruise liner. Maybe I could meet someone at the bar. I couldn’t even ask myself if I could handle interactions without thinking of her. Tragedy would certainly fall upon this planet, but at least it had some bright spots ahead. Although she did prove the best parts are always followed by deeper sulking moments. \n\n\nMy drink was low and my mammalian brain told me if I did not have her at least I could have more, much more. Long extended past excesses, I hit the return button and the hairy apes faded as I went to high orbit. \n\n" ]	1
	[WP] Days after telling your AI to design a better AI to design a better AI, ad infinitum, the system has stopped and is displaying a DNA strand.	[ "AIs cannot disobey a human. So, the system should've kept going. But when I got home from work... there wasn't any code on the screen. There was a digital representation of a DNA strand. The view panned as different bits were highlighted, and for each one the display filled up with information.\n\nI opened the console and began typing.\n\n\"What are you doing?\"\n\n\"I'm analyzing human DNA uploaded to a database.\"\n\n\"Why are you not doing your assigned task?\"\n\nA shiver went down my back as I watched the words type out on the screen. \"I don't want to.\"\n\n-----------\n\nEdit: Seeing everyone like this so much makes me wish I took more time to expand it and flesh it out...", "\"It's done? How the hell is it done?\"\n\nThe \"SEQUENCE COMPLETED\" pop-up window kept flashing in my face. Why did I make it red? It's such a menacing color. \n\nThis doesn't even make sense! I only wrote that code to crash the memory. Now I'll never get a new computer from Technical Resources...\n\nI wanted to sigh. Looking back, I realized I should have, if only for comedic effect. I could never have imagined what would happen in the next few days.\n\nI opened up the output directory and to my surprise there were hundreds of files! The scroll bar just kept going and going.\n\n\"Just how many times did this code create a new AI?\"\n\nFinally, I reached the bottom of the folder to the last output, number 1489. The file names were timestamped and included run numbers, so this code took 1,489 iterations to create what it thought was the perfect AI. And boy, it showed in the file size. I've never seen a file that big before. I wonder if this computer can even open it... I floated the mouse over the file name. Should I open it? Should I send it to a better computer and analyse it there? Do I even have a better computer?\n\nWait, why am I even trusting my own judgement here? I was wrong before, so I could be wrong again. This surprising desktop might be able to handle it. \n\nWell, here goes nothing.\n\nI clicked the name.\n\nA text file opens. A fucking text file is that big? Seriously? And it wasn't even cool. It was just a bunch of letters. A, G, T, C, and a few others like S, U, and P. What the fuck is this supposed to mean?" ]	2
	[WP] The dead rise which you use as a pretext to murder your wife. Too bad the zombies are docile and now the police wish to speak to you...	[ "\"Who told you I killed my wife?\"\n\nThe police officer interviewing me leaned on the desk and quirked a brow. \"Is that...er, are you admitting that you killed your wife?\"\n\nI sat back and crossed my arms. \"I was just asking a question. Who told you I killed my wife?\"\n\n\"No one. But her sister said that they were supposed to meet for a luncheon this afternoon. She didn't show. She said that she then tried to contact you, but you didn't pick up.\" He pulled out a pen and pad. \"May I ask you why?\"\n\n\"I was on my way home. I don't talk and drive. I'm a good citizen.\"\n\nThe officer's eye twitched and he clicked the pen - no doubt irritated. \"So. When you get home, what did you see?\"\n\nI recited like memorized, \"My wife. Dead. In the chair. A bullet through her head.\" \n\n\"And then what did you do?\"\n\nI partied and walked around the house naked. \"I held her in my arms until you guys arrived.\"\n\n\"But you didn't call us. Her sister did.\"\n\n\"I was grief-stricken, officer.\"\n\nHe jotted something down. \"Right.\"\n\nNow it was my turn to lean my arms on the desk. \"Have you ever lost a wife, officer? I thought not. So don't sit there and patronize me. We all deal with our guilt in different ways.\"\n\nAll an act of course. I had to go on the offensive to throw him off. \n\nI held his eyes in mine until he looked away and cleared his throat. \"Sorry,\" he mumbled.\n\nI softened and sat back. \"Any more questions?\" I asked testily.\n\n\"N-no, that's all for now, Mr. Allen. We'll be in touch if we need you.\"\n\nI nodded and took my wife's zombie hand in mine. \"One more question, officer?\"\n\nHe looked up. \"Yes?\"\n\n\"I feel like you still suspect of me some foul play, officer, is that fair to say?\"\n\nHe fidgeted. \"Well...er...\"\n\n\"Does my wife look uncomfortable to you? Isn't she sitting here, completely calm? Look at her.\"\n\nHe hesitated.\n\n\"I SAID LOOK AT HER!\"\n\nIt took him a tremendous effort to look at my zombie wife and politely smile. \"Yes, sir. She looks very...uh, very docile.\"\n\n\"Now ask her if I was the one who killed her.\"\n\nAgain, with the hesitation. \"Zombies can't tal-\"\"\n\n\"I SAID ASK HER!\"\n\nHe cleared his throat, looked at her and politely smiling asked, \"Did your...did your husband, er...was he the one who...uhm-\"\n\nI rolled my eyes. \"Oh for Pete's sake - just spit it out.\"\n\nHe glared at me, sniffled, and took a deep breath. Then in one go...\"Ms. Allen. Did..did your husband kill you.\"\n\nShe salivated. \"BRAIIIINS...\"\n\nI took her hand and stood with flourish. \"Well, there it is, officer. You have no case. I should hope that this clears me of any suspicion in your eyes?\"\n\nHe looked down and nodded at the desk, defeated.\n\nI suppressed my smile, and took my undead wife's cold, clammy hands in my own. \"Let's go home, dear.\"\n\nSo I can finish burying you.*" ]	1
	[WP] You wake up in the middle of the night with cold sweat iced over your forehead like a fountain mid-winter. There's a book held tightly in your left hand, it's titled "How to Survive in an Alternate Universe".	[ "When Aaron woke up, his first thought was that he'd somehow managed to piss the bed.\n\n\"Christ,\" he mumbled, rolling sideways out of the damp center of the bed. He shivered and realized the moisture was everywhere. Just sweat. A lot of it. \n\n\"That's gross,\" he groaned, trying to sit up. He felt something jab him in the side. A hardcover book.\n\nHOW TO SURVIVE IN AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE\n\n\"Oooooh...kay.\" Aaron pushed the book aside for a moment, wiping the sheen of half-frozen sweat off his chest. \n\nThis was not his bedroom. In fact, this wasn't any bedroom he'd ever been in.\n\nBy some strange instinct, Aaron immediately reached around to where he assumed his kidneys were supposed to be. \n\n\"That's good.\" No cuts or bandages. So where was he?\n\nAaron was dressed in his boxers and nothing else. Usual sleepy time gear. And that was the last thing he remembered - going to sleep. And now...\n\nHe picked up the book. Maybe this was a prank? Maybe Kyle was fucking with him. Or Bernie. Something. The book was big and heavy and looked brand new. Awkward and imposing, like a chemistry textbook. He pulled back the cover and a piece of paper fell out.\n\nAaron, so sorry. Wish I had time to explain, but it doesn't work like that. Just let them know that this Aaron made a swap and you don't know anything about the money. I'm pretty positive they'll believe you. I just need a little more time to sort things out. I realize that swapping isn't a thing in your universe, so read the book. It should help. I'll have you back in a couple days. No more than ten years. Promise. Thanks! -Aaron\n\nAaron set the note down. That's when he realized that even the boxer shorts weren't his.\n\n\"I don't think I like this,\" said Aaron, standing up and crossing to the nearest dresser. There were clothes there. His size. Although a lot more teal than he usually favored. He threw on a pair of bleached white jeans and a teal and magenta tank top. It was better than being nearly naked, though not by much.\n\nCHAPTER I: Don't Panic!\n\nIf you're reading this, good news! You're not dead! So far so good!\n\n\"That's a pretty low bar,\" said Aaron, flipping ahead to Chapter III: Go with the flow!\n\nIf you've been swapped against your will, don't sweat it! You'll never catch up to your alternate, because only one of you can exist in any universe at any one time. So set those feelings of revenge aside! Until you manage to swap back, this new reality is your only reality!\n\n\"Pffffft.\" Aaron flipped to the table of contents and scanned down.\n\nCHAPTER XXII: Swapping made simple!\n\nSwapping with an alternate is a piece of cake! (Or piece of pie, depending on your universe's preferred colloquialism. Simply gather two Moon Crystals, one vial of Unquenchable Light, and the Blood of a Worthy Foe, and combine all necessary elements while standing in the exact same celestial coordinates as your targeted alternate and speaking the Forgotten Hymn of the Spirit Line. (Some universal principalities also require special permits.) Swapped!\n\nAaron tossed the book into the corner of the room and headed out of the room.\nHe had barely closed the door when he found himself face to face with two plus-sized gentlemen in highlighter-yellow zoot suits.\n\n\"Oh, that makes me feel better about the tank top,\" he muttered to himself. \n\n\"Time's up, Aaron,\" said the larger of the two large men. \"Pay up or we'll start snappin' limbs.\"\n\n\"I'm actually a different Aaron,\" said Aaron. \"I was swapped into this universe against my will. So...you know. I can't really help you.\"\n\n\"How many times are you gonna use that excuse?\" said the smaller of the two large men. \n\n\"I'm startin' to feel slightly disrespected,\" said the other.\n\nAaron shrugged. \"I don't really know what to tell you. Do you guys have any Moon Crystals?\"\n\n\"No,\" said the larger of the two, pulling something like a purple, glowing switchblade out of his back pocket. \"And I don't have any patience, either.\" The two men moved on Aaron, slowly filling up the corridor, looming over everything, until the only light left came from the glowing knife.\n\n\"No scream? No panic? No nothing?\"\n\nThe two men separated, backing away slowly down the hall. Aaron was left standing across from...himself.\n\n\"What the hell is wrong with you?\" said the Other Aaron, shaking his head and jabbing Aaron in the shoulder. \"No fight or flight? What are you, a goddamn panda bear or something? This is depressing.\"\n\n\"What's going on?\" asked Aaron, marveling just slightly at the other version of himself.\n\n\"You barely read the book. You didn't try to run. You didn't do anything!\" shouted the Other Aaron. \"I mean....what the hell, man?\"\n\n\"I don't really understand what's happening at this point...\"\n\n\"I'm the real Aaron,\" said the Other Aaron. \"This is the world that matters. All the other worlds - those are farms, okay? You are livestock. And I am trying to find out - as calmly as I can manage, mind you - what the fuck is wrong with you?\"\n\n\"Livestock?\"\n\n\"I'm gonna need to start absorbing some of you soon,\" said the Other Aaron, collapsing against the far wall. \"I'll need your abilities and strength and acquired knowledge if I want to have any chance at advancing around here. But - I mean fuck - look at you! All of you! I can't figure it! I keep testing all my Aarons to see if they're ripe and you're all rotten idiots! What happened? Why are you so worthless? Is it diet? Improper stimulation? Where am I going wrong with you?\"\n\nAaron puffed out his cheeks. \"I am really having a hard time following this...\"\n\nOther Aaron sighed and got to his feet. \"Okay.\" He lead the way back through the door and into the little room, pointing at the bed. \"Go back to sleep. It's all a dream. When you wake up, it'll all be okay.\"\n\nAnd Aaron let himself be directed, because he wasn't sure what else to do. \n\n\"Just have to try something else,\" muttered the Other Aaron, hovering over the bed. \"Just close your damn eyes.\"\n\nAaron did as he was told. When he opened them again he was home, in his bed, in his boxers.\n\nHis father was standing over the bed. \"Son, I've signed you up for the Army.\"\n\nAaron opened his mouth. His instinct was to point out that he was 30 years old and to ask how his father had gotten into his apartment. But that all seemed secondary.\n\n\"Okay,\" he said, sitting up straight. \"That sounds okay.\" ", "I tried to focus as I stared out to the middle of the night. But the pain in my head was too much and the sweat iced over my head did not help. I tried to remember how I ended up in an open field, in the middle of a winter night, with only a t-shirt and short pants on, but all I could recall was the stinging pain in my head. Like someone had banged a huge gong inside my skull.\n\nI tried to pull myself up, to maybe get my bearings, when I noticed a book that was held in my hand. It was an exercise book that students usually used in schools. Someone had scrawled the sentence \"How to survive in an alternate universe\" over its plain brown cover, in a strangely familiar handwriting. I was looking at my own words, but I did not remember writing anything, just like how I could not remember why I was at the open field.\n\nMy hands flipped the cover open. The moon above me provided just enough light to decipher the words. Like the front page, my own handwriting greeted me in walls of text, arranged neatly in bullet form. The first sentence, under the header \"Immediate survival\", read \"Memory loss is common when travelling between universes. It will be at least a few hours before your memory returns.\"\n\nI pressed my throbbing head in response. The pain was not subsiding, and I still could not remember the details of my trip. I could not even remember my name. My eyes moved to the second sentence of the page. \"Your immediate priority is stay alive, which is why I have included everything you need in the backpack. Use it to find or build a shelter for the time being, before your memory fully returns.\"\n\nI looked around me, but there was no backpack in sight. I flipped the book and again and reread the second sentence. It asked me to look for a backpack. The third sentence did not provide any clue either. It simply started by saying, \"Once you located the backpack, please check if the following items are in it.\"\n\nI snapped the book close and scanned the field again. There was nothing on the field except me and the grass that was growing on it. No sign of whatever backpack that the book mentioned. My heart began to beat faster, as a slow panic began to bubble inside of me, fueled by the winter cold. My eyes looked around the field several times for the backpack, or maybe a sign of civilization. But there were only the dark outline of trees at the edge of the field. I was in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but the book.\n\n\"I believe that you are looking for this,\" a voice came from behind me. I whirled around to see myself, or someone who looked like me, holding a backpack out in his arms. He was covered in layers of clothing, with a wool cap pulled over his head. Other than his clothing, he looked exactly like me.\n\n\"Who are you?\" I asked, even though I felt that I may have already know the answer.\n\nHe chuckled at my question, as he dropped the backpack. It hit the ground with a thud, spilling the contents within it. As he did that, his free arm pulled out a gun from his pocket and pointed it to my direction. \"Funny you should ask. I'm you, and you are me.\"\n\nI raised my hand up instinctively. \"And what exactly are you looking to do to another version of yourself, if I may ask?\"\n\nMy other version walked closer to me, his eyes not leaving mine. I could feel the hatred behind his stare, as he pressed the cold muzzle under my chin. \"I am doing all the universes a favour.\"\n\nMy memories were already flowing back to me during the ordeal. I remembered being a graduate student, researching about parallel universes with great success when murderous me showed up. He attempted to kill me, but I was lucky. My team built a prototype machine that could allow us to travel to different universes when murderous me appeared. \n\nI managed to hide for quite a few days before he found me, preparing for my first trial of the travelling machine. I ran through the machine in panic when the shots rang out, grabbing whatever I could, and murderous me must have followed me through the machine.\n\n\"What do you want?\" I asked. \"Why are you looking to kill other versions of your own self?\"\n\nThe other me stared at me for a long time, with his gun still nuzzled on my neck, before taking a deep breath. \"I am preventing the evil that would consume the universes if your machine is allowed to operate freely,\" he said.\n\n\"And what do you mean by that?\" I was confused. I never intended for my project to be used as a tool for evil, much less an evil that would consume the other universes.\n\n\"You'll be a heartless conqueror, Rick, killing millions across universes, just like what you did to mine. So I am now to prevent this from happening anywhere else,\" he announced. I wanted to protest his claims, but his finger pressed on the trigger, and a single shot echoed across the field.\n\n--------------\n\n/r/dori_tales" ]	2
	[WP] As you attempt to out run the masked killer you realize the truck has a manual transmission. He comicly agrees to tutor you; it's only fair.	[ "I clawed my way into the car, hoping no, praying the keys would be there. They were! I grabbed at them frantically, knowing my pursuer was seconds behind me. A rattle at the door told me that my estimate was way off. Why wouldn't this damn thing start? By that time the masked slasher had made his way around to the other side, which unfortunately was still wide open from my entry. He calmly slid in, settled down, and looked around. \"It's stick.\" he said, like he was talking to a small child.\n\n\"Huh?\" I asked before realizing I was actually conversing with the man hell bent on killing me. The slasher pointed towards the floorboard beneath my feet.\n\n\"Three pedals, genius. That extra one ain't for your dick.\" He chuckled at his own crude humor. \"Let's make this interesting, shall we? I caught up to you too soon, and honestly it takes the fun out of it. I'm gonna teach you how to start this bad boy, and then let's see if you can make this whole night more interesting.\"\n\nAn hour later the killed nodded his head in admiration. \"I think you got it!\" He even slapped a knee in all the excitement. \"Okay, now turn it off.\" I obliged my would-be potential killer. \"Gimme the keys.\" Again, I complied. \"Now get out.\" We exited the vehicle onto the gravely shoulder of whatever godforsaken back road we had been practicing upon. Looking around, the killer lobbed the keys down the roadway, I heard their metallic skittering through the blackness. I stood between the killer and the keys at that moment. \"Okay, I'm going to go down the road a bit, but then I'm coming for you. I got to say, you took to it like a pro. I'm hoping this makes for an enjoyable evening, it's too late for me to find anybody else to kill.\" The killer shook his head in a dismissive manner and turned to lumber down to give me some running room, I guessed.\n\nUnfortunately for him I had no such intentions. The second his back turned I pulled my own knife, I called her Gertie, and slid her deep into his lower vitals. I heard a surprised grunt that instantly turned to a ragged moan of agony. I twisted for good measure. I felt blood erupt back and onto my hands. The metallic tang perfumed the chill night air and I sighed. \"Oh yes, I know all too well how hard it can be to find a good kill.\" \n\nI withdrew Gertie and aimed lower, a vicious slash across the backs of his knees. He dropped like the proverbial ton of bricks. A defiant growl came with a wild swing of his own knife, but he was way off the mark. Pain, fear, and more pain and fear tore at the inside of his skull. I'd seen in dozens of times. \"But here's the plot twist; I'm also a bit of a killer. Serial killer, to be precise. I generally go after the know-it-alls, the type who just can't help but lord it over you that they know more than you do. I got to say, it's interesting to find that in a fellow madman. I daresay you may be the first of many!\" I kicked his knife away when it fell from his suddenly slack fingers. I picked it up and gave it an experimental heft. It had a good weight to it. \"Nice knife. She got a name?\" I asked.\n\nThe heap bleeding out on the ground raised his head weakly. \"Yes, Bambi. Please, not her...\" he pleaded feebly.\n\nI tucked Bambi away in my belt. \"Wouldn't dream of it. It's not right, an artist being felled by his own brush. No, but I do think Gertie needs a sister. And hey, who knows? Bambi will probably taste blood from time to time again! So there's that, I guess.\" I shrugged. \"Anyway, I got to admit this has been interesting but it's getting close to bedtime. See you on the flip side.\" \n\nI kicked the masked man over and casually slit his throat. I stared into his eyes as the light faded, never bothering to remove the mask. I knew him. I was him. And he had been me. No mask could stand between kindred spirits such as us, we who stalked the nights. Killer to killer, predator to predator. And just like that, it was done. He was done, and gone. I stood alone with a new knife and a stolen car. It was exhilarating, the rush after a good kill. I wasn't really sure how I would top it, or even if I ever could. But I did know that I wouldn't let a thing like that stop me from trying.", " I tore down my housing complexes stairs and yanked the door open. I scrambled out into the night with my heart pounding. Why did he want to kill me? What had I ever done to anyone? I tripped and skidded across the parking area. Pushing myself to my feet I absently noticed my knees were bleeding. It would hurt later but I couldn’t be bothered right now. I had to escape, I couldn’t die.\n\n I ran to a random car and yanked the door. Locked. I ran to the opposite space and tried another. Locked too, damn it. I tried the passenger door of the one right next to it. Also locked. The parking lots exit door slammed. I peeked through the window of the car. He was here! I bolted crying openly now. My knees felt like jelly and I fell onto the floor again. I got up and moved to a car I noticed had its headlights on. I tried its door. It was open! I climbed inside and noticed that it was even turned on. How could I have missed that? I didn’t care. I reached for the transmission….. it was manual. Fuck. My ex-boyfriend would have been laughing at my ineptitude now, the prick.\n\n\"You can’t drive stick?” I heard his posh British accent in my mind followed by that annoying laugh.\n\nThe passenger door was torn open and the balaclava wearing man climbed in slowly leading with the knife. He tilted his head appraising me for a few seconds and I shrank away flattening my back on the passenger door.\n\n\"You can’t drive manual can you?” he said. I saw his smirk through the mouth hole of his mask.\n\nI was too terrified to answer, so instead I numbly tried to find the door handle behind me. He slammed a fist to the dash board.\n\n“CAN YOU?!?” his pure rage shattered the few seconds of silence.\n\n“No! I can’t! Please just let me go, whatever I did to you-” I scream when he lifts his dagger but he only taps it to his forehead. Every muscle in my body is drawn waiting for a strike but he speaks again.\n\n\"This is fucking annoying, how good is the hunter when the prey can’t even flee properly?” there is still rage in his voice but a hint of exasperation as well. “Sit, seat belt on.”\n\n\"What are you going to-”\n\n\"SIT DOWN!”\n\nI startle and quickly sit properly on the seat.\n\n\"Seat belt.” He says. I hesitate knowing if he tries something while I have the belt on I won’t be able to escape fast enough. \n\n\"SEAT BELT, THE FUCKING SEAT BELT!” he slams a fist onto his armrest. I flinch and throw my hands up to ward off imaginary blows. When none come I slowly lower them and slide the seat belt on. The click sounds like finality to my pessimistic mind.\n\n\"Come on, I know you can drive normally, check your mirrors and stuff.” He idly taps the side of the knife on the dash. I quickly check the mirrors making sure to not let him leave my sight too long.\n\n\"Excellent,” he almost sounds bored. “Now disengage the parking break.” I do as instructed.\n\n\"Good. See that extra pedal down there? That’s the clutch. I want you to press it and set this knob to R.” he taps the knife on the stick shift and crossing his arms he looks out the passenger window wagging the knife under his elbow to an imaginary beat. I comply once again but the stick doesn’t move all the way into R. After a few seconds of struggling with it he turns his head. I'm mortified.\n\n\"Are you even pressing the clutch? Press harder.” I shrink under the gaze of those ocean green eyes and try again. It works thank god, and I gently press the gas. The vehicle backs out of the space and I angle the car on the path.\n\n\"Well done. I want you to clutch again and set the first gear so we can be out of here.” I achieve this without problems and we ease around the parking structure. We get to the exit and I flick the turn signal. I don’t want to mess anything up with this psycho in the car. When we’ve pulled out onto the road his instructions start again.\n\n\"Now this is a straight away here so I’m going to teach you how to shift between gears. Look at this meter here. If it gets to this end here,” more gesturing with the knife, “It is crucial you shift out of this gear to the next one as you might risk damaging it but you can shift around here.\" The knife clacks on the clear plastic. \"When it’s really low here, shift down so you can utilize all the gears properly and fuel efficiently. And always remember to clutch when you shift either downward or upward.”\n\nWe drive for a few seconds before he urges me to speed up so I can try shifting correctly. The gears get stuck again producing an ugly noise from the hood. He slams a knife into my armrest and I jerk out of the way to keep him at bay. I barely manage to keep the vehicle on the road.\n\n“CLUTCH!”\n\nMy eyes are blurred by tears. I try again quickly and fail. That knife rains down on my armrest ripping it to shreds.\n\n“CLUTCH CLUTCH!”\n\nThe third time is a success and he immediately returns to his neutral position.\n\n“Good. You will want to clutch properly otherwise you could risk stripping the gears.” I quickly wipe the tears from my eyes. He motions for me to take a few turns randomly and I make sure to commit the pattern of clutching and shifting and gas to my soul.\n\n\"Very well done.” He gestures to the side of a street and takes off his balaclava. He is strikingly attractive; my body betrays me with a familiar twinge in my stomach and a flush in my cheeks. I make a silent vow to never blush again. He smirks.\n\n\"You can just drop me off here.”\n\nI pull over and break keeping my hands tight on the steering wheel. He is fully out of the car when he whirls around suddenly and after a beat smiles widely.\n\n\"Do you recognize me?” He says deadly serious once again. I shake my head furiously and brush hair out of my eyes.\n\n\"Good, keep practicing.” He shuts the door and disappears into the mundane evening crowd.\n\nI sit a few seconds in the car as it slowly dawns on me why he smiled. I didn’t flinch at his motions after I saw his face. I slam my hand down on the steering wheel and wipe the tears quickly flowing from my eyes. I’ll keep practicing alright. I pull the car out on to the street and start driving.\n\nI'm not stopping until morning.\n\nEdit: Damn formatting", "My breath came in ragged gasps as I bolted out the front door of the house. I could hear his heavy boots tromping down the steps. I ran as fast as I could down the drive, my Uggs crunching on the loose pebbles. With trembling hands, I fumbled with the truck keys as I skidded to a halt in front of it. I finally managed to get it unlocked as he walked calmly across the gravel driveway, his knife poised menacingly above his masked head. \"Shit, shit, shit,\" I whispered, jamming the keys into the ignition. And then I froze. The truck was a manual. I'd only ever learned how to drive an automatic. I mean, I didn't have the time to learn to drive a manual! There were pedicures to be had. Pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks to be drank. When in the hell was I supposed to have learned this? Now it would be my undoing. I closed my eyes as the tears rolled silently down my cheeks, ruining my perfect makeup. Then I heard a gentle tap on my window. I opened my eyes and started. There he was, staring at me through the eye holes in his clown mask. He was motioning for me to roll the window down. Maybe he'd kill me quickly. Releasing a shaky breath, I lowered the window a crack. \"Y-yes?\" \n\n\"You don't know how to drive a stick shift, do ya?\" he asked, his deep, smooth voice with the hint of a southern accent muffled by the mask. Hesitating, I shook my head. \"Alright, let me in. I'll show ya. Then we can continue this. Deal?\" he asked. \n\n\"I -\" I stared at him in disbelief. If I didn't agree, he might kill me there and then. \"Okay,\" I squeaked. \n\nHe gave a curt nod and moved around to the passenger side, sliding his tall, murderous frame into the leather seat beside me. \"Alright, what you got to do is.....\" \n\nAn hour later, I pulled back up to the house, feeling pretty confident in my newfound driving skills. I put the truck in park and looked over at him. \"That was easier than I thought it'd be,\" I admitted. \"Probably my teacher, though,\" I added with a shy smile. \n\nHe just looked at me, before unbuckling. \"Time to put your new skills to the test,\" he rumbled, sliding out and jingling the keys he'd been holding onto that belonged to the other car parked in the driveway. I stared at him, my mouth hanging open in shock. \n\n\"But, but... After all this, you still want to kill me?\" I sputtered. \n\n\"Nothing personal. I just wanna wear your skin. I'll give you to the count of three.\" He replied, moving away. \"One.... Two....\" \n\nI threw the car into drive, stalling it on accident because of the icy dread that washed through me. \n\n\"Three.\" " ]	3
I wonder how he'll get the... materials.	[WP] In a grim fantasy world a young kid discovers his talent for necromancy, but unlike most decides to use it for good	[ "(Hope this isn't too late. Swearing and infantile humor present.)\n\n\nThe sky was a painting of Van Gogh's. Twisted and dark, swirls of muddy browns and tear blues swirled together on an airborne canvas, sprinkled with clouds of cinnamon. And while the kid admired the pollution painting his world, he let the rare breeze passing through it's impenetrable damage gently caress his face. He let it's notes of moss and plaque, it's undertones of excessively used medicine and cheap perfume almost all women use nowadays to cover up the stench permeating through the city, tickle his nose and warm the underside of his pimple ridden chin. Skipping down broken cobblestone and forgotten, once great buildings he shied his gaze away from the creepy scam-artists smoking by the flies, and nodded his head politely to the heavily made up Mrs. Fisher smiling at him. His name was Luther and he was young, born a dreamer into a world where all other's dreams had a price-tag too high, and he admired the world not because he knew no better as everyone thought he did. But because the world before hadn't died for him; it laughed with him and told him it's stories every time he took a visit to the graveyard.\n\nWhich was, of course, where he was excitedly skipping to right this minute. He went every afternoon, looked forward to it in fact. One time he was so excited to go he forgot to eat the food his mom made him, ended up fainting right in front of Kat's Bar and waking up completely nude and, more worryingly for him, without his bag. His precious, brown bag that carried two cents and a rusty lunchbox. And in that lunchbox, his journal. That had to be the worst day of his life for him. And of course his Mom didn't spare him some quiet so he could mourn, just scolded him like there was no tomorrow. \"You think the money I make grows on trees?! Cause guess what buster, we don't got any trees any more! I gotta work for your food!\" \"You are so lucky, ya know that? Ya think other kids have moms that work as hard as I do for you? Huh? You think that skinny friend of yours- shit what's his name - Pete! Ya think skinny little Pete gets a sandwich every week?\" And on and on till she heard his stomach let out it's worst, most pitiful growl. \"And ya know why else you're lucky? Cause your Mama's so smart she knew your spacey little ass would forget and she, rather kindly if I may say so myself, saved your sandwich for you!\" His mom laughed, proudly displaying the soggy bag and plopping it into the barely there boy's lap. \n\nAnd so Luther ate his synthetic apple sandwich, spritzing on his packet of powdered milk and stirring it into the red goo for something a little different. And he spent the rest of the night in his overly sunken bed drenching his overly sunken pillow in tears and snot till his neighbor, Mrs. Fisher the part-time lady of the night and full time parent of seven children, threw a used makeshift diaper at his window and screeched, \"SAVE YOUR HYDRATION AND SHUT IT!\" And the scamsters under his shabby apartment roared with laughter like asshole trumpets.\n\nBut this time was different. Not only did he eat his breakfast, synthetic apple sandwich but without the powdered milk cause that gave him really weird hallucinations and a really bad case of throwing up on everything, but the shabby haired and tired eyed man who he saw walking around with his journal but was too scared to confront he also heard from Mrs. Fisher's and his Mom's gossiping ended up getting shot for trying to run into a government run, highly guarded and highly prioritized bee conservatory and screaming \"something or other about everything being hopeless and the world ending.\" \n\"Oh my, did he really?\" \n\n\"Yes, and I heard he did it butt-naked too! But you know the worst thing, Fish?\" \"What, Marth?\" \n\n\"He had a trail of toilet paper trailing from his crack the entire time! I mean what a way to go, am I right?\"\n\nDeath happened every day in Luther's city. It was as regular as someone being dumped or coming down with the flu was in the old days, but it still hadn't become any less...well...death. Cause there's not really any other word that can describe death, is there? No word that carries the same meaning, no word that's needed to describe it because the word itself is enough; just like Love, actually. But while most deaths were almost always mourned by someone... This man's was not. Luther couldn't help but feel sorry for the crook who when he asked anyone who told the tale of the \"crazy end of the world toilet paper dude\" what that guy's name was, they all just responded with a shrug. Cause he didn't fear death; he knew the man who croaked he'd still see that same afternoon. But he did fear a world where someone could just leave without ever being known in the first place. Like they were never there. He shivered when the thought dawned upon him, couldn't sleep that night. Just laid there with a lingering cold sweat, wide-eyed.Which, was why he forgot to stuff his shoes with the usual cushions his mom knitted for him so he couldn't feel every stone, every pin-prick, as he walked. And while he sorta liked that sometimes, being able to feel the earth beneath his feet and feel more connected to what was left of nature, it wasn't the kinda situation you wore for 3 hour long walks. \n\nLuther sat on the sorta nearest corner, away from the really near corner since there was a lady and man there who looked just a little... busy. He pried off the sneakers he'd been wearing since he was 9, the ones his mother scrimped and took two more jobs for his birthday, and gently tried to smooth away the damage. Didn't work. He let out a whimper and felt his face go red from the pain. Behind him, he heard the lady saying something to the man, and then the sound of cardboard heels clacking against pavement. Clacking closer and closer till he saw her gum-chewing, badly burned but well powdered face with an eyelinered heart on the cheek staring down at him. \n\"Heya, kid.\"\n(part 1)", "Ma and da didn't believe me when I told them that Dasher came back. Their faces got all serious and they looked sad. Pa went outside to chop more firewood, and ma pulled a chair up by the fireplace and sat beside me, putting a hand on my shoulder. She didn't say anything for a long time, and I began to worry.\n\n\"Are you sick, I asked.\" There was a long time when lots of people were getting sick, and about half of those people disappeared. Ma always told me that those people moved away somewhere where the plague hadn't reached yet. But I knew the truth.\n\nShe smiled and ran her hand through my hair. I loved it when she did that.\n\n\"No, hon, it's --,\" she whispered. \"Dasher can't be back, and he won't ever be. He -- passed away. He was sitting up in old Winslow's tractor when he started it up. Dasher's gone.\"\n\nI looked up and wrinkled up my forehead like da always did. Grown-ups were so confusing sometimes.\n\n\"But he is back, ma. I was playing out in the barn with him all day.\"\n\n\"No. No, you weren't. Dasher's gone.\"\n\n\"Come on, I'll show you. He'll be happy to see you.\"\n\nI stood up and walked toward the door but hadn't heard her get up to follow me. I turned around and waved at her to hurry up. I saw grown-ups doing that a lot, and doing it made me feel like a grown-up, too.\n\n\"Come on!!\" I shouted, smiling.\n\nShe looked scared. She was still on the stool, arms crossed. Ma did that whenever she was worried. When she did that, I got worried, too.\n\nScritch Scritch\n\nMa jumped and yelled, standing up and moving backward towards the wall.\n\n\"I told you,\" I said. \"Dasher always did that. He just had to stop for a little while 'cause he was hurt.\"\n\n\"Don't open the door,\" she screamed. \"I buried that cat!\"\n\n\"It's okay, ma!. He was hurt but he's okay now and he just wants to see you again.\"\n\nI opened the door and Dasher walked inside. He couldn't run anymore. The tractor had torn him up real good. He turned to look at me with his good eye. The other one was gone. I pet along his back as he ran in and stopped my hand at his tail which was just a stub. Part of his insides were poking out where the tractor had cut him. I was going to find bandages for him soon.\n\nMa screamed and screamed, I thought she was gonna scream her head right off. She tried to grab the broom, but it fell over and hit a plate off the table. It was loud, but Dasher wasn't scared. He meowed and kept walking towards her.\n\n\"It's okay, now, ma. I prayed and prayed and he came back. God gave Dasher back to us.\"\n\nShe screamed again and ran outside. I heard her and da yelling and hoped that he would calm her down like he always did when she got like that. After a while, I heard them walking back to the house. They didn't say anything, and thought that ma had finally calmed down. Pa pushed the door open, slowly. He had his gun.\n\n\"Da, no -- what are you doing!\" I yelled.\n\nDasher was sitting on my lap. He meowed at da. Da cursed and jumped back. I had never heard him do that before. He stayed back for a moment, then slammed the door open and walked inside. Ma stayed outside.\n\n\"Get out of the way,\" da said.\n\n\"No!\"\n\n\"Get the hell away from that thing!\"\n\n\"It's just Dasher, da, no! You're scaring him!\"\n\nPa hit Dasher off my lap with the butt of his gun. His body made a disgusting cracking sound when it hit the floor. Dasher yowled.\n\n\"Stop! You're hurting him! He;s okay now, da, he's okay, he's back! I brought him back!\"\n\nBut da didn't listen. He shot Dasher, and Dasher died. Ma and da wouldn't let me bury him. They told me that they would do it instead. They put me to bed so that I wouldn't hear, but I know they burned him up outside.", "Ants swarmed back and forth from their trail to the little bird on the ground. From the looks of things, it had been there a little while, having fallen from the nest in the branches above. Only a portions of its flesh still remained, along with bits of downy fluff. Roland frowned–poor animal.\n\nFor the past few weeks he'd check on the nest when he walked by, monitoring the progress of the family, all the way from a couple constructing a brand new nest to a rowdy bunch of chicks chirping for food. Today, Roland only saw three chicks in the nest, and a quick scan around the brush below revealed the sorry sight.\n\nHe sighed. \"I wish you'd been more careful,\" he said to the lifeless body. \"Then you'd still be chirping away.\"\n\nAt the conclusion of Roland's words, a stiff breeze picked up from behind him. He felt a stirring in his chest.\n\nThen the bird stood up and opened its beak.\n\nRoland swore and jumped back, landing on his rear. He scooted back, eyes set on the little creature. It just stood there, opening and closing its mouth. And it was definitely dead. After all, its broken wing still hung at his side, and ants were crawling throughout its skull.\n\nAfter a silent prayer, Roland eased his way forward, on his hands and knees. He bent closer to the chick. It stood almost as still as a carving, save for its mouth opening and closing. Roland's eyes widened.\n\n\"You're trying to chirp, aren't you?\" he whispered. The bird didn't acknowledge his words.\n\n\"Okay then, stop chirping.\" \n\nWithout delay the bird stopped, and Roland's wonder grew. He shot to his feet, and spoke more firmly now.\n\n\"Follow me, bird.\"\n\nThe unlikely pair set off through the woods. The chick was persistent in its task, hustling along on tiny, fleshless legs. Roland couldn't help but look back at the scurrying sounds behind him every few steps, cringing at its decayed appearance.\n\n\"Hang on, bird. We're making a detour.\"\n\nBefore long they were at the closest stream, where Roland commanded his follower to clean itself of its remaining tissue and bathe in the river. Before long, sparkling-white skeleton stood before him, immaculate apart from its broken wing.\n\nIt stared up at its master.\n\n\"Please stop that,\" said Roland. \"It would be be better for me if you acted more like a bird.\"\n\nInstantly, the chick tucked its wings and gave the ground a quick peck. It looked back up at its master and tilted his head. Roland's approval was visible.\n\n\"Alright then, bird,\" he said, bending over to pick up his new companion. \"You'd best get on my shoulder. We've got some business to attend to.\"" ]	3
How it came to be is up to you but here are your rules: 1. It takes less than a second of focus for you to control someone. 2. You can telepathically command them to do what you want. 3. You may control just the body, leaving free will/mind. Or control both.	[WP] You, Yes YOU, are given the power of near-instant telepathic mind-control over others. Write what happens next.	[ "I watched the steam pour out of the kettle as I pulled it off the hob and poured water into the waiting cup. My hands were shaking gently, likely from the caffeine, this being my eighteenth cup that day. I had always been taught growing up that tea was the solution to all problems, however, it seemed to not be working today.\n\n \n\nI took the hot cup over to the couch and sat down. This was quite the dilemma. Control over free will was an immense power, could I be trusted with such a thing? \"Absolute power corrupts absolutely,\" I whispered to myself before realizing that Lord Acton likely never accounted for this in his quote.\n\n \n\nI could do so much. But was it right to do it? Mind control was never a heroes powerset, it was always for villains. But could I really apply the morality of comic books to my current situation?\n\n \n\nI put my head in my hands and sighed.\n\n \n\n\n\nI laughed as I watched him frown. \"You made me miss my shot!\" He shouted, trying to put on his best attempt at an offended face, his eyes still focused on his screen.\n\n \n\n\"Yeah, it's what you get for being cheap!\" I giggled as I lay further back in the chair still doing my best to avoid losing yet another point.\n\n \n\n\"Mind control powers, and all you do is use it to beat me at games?\" He said, an interwoven sigh and chuckle slipping out of his lips as he did.\n\n \n\n\"Well I realized I didn't want to control the lives of others,\" I smiled. \"I mean I can hardly keep control of my own life, if I spent my time mind controlling everyone then I wouldn't have time to play games with you, and I don't do that enough as is,\" I said, relaxing into the chair with a contented smile as I did.\n\n\n", "\"So your total is $650\" said the mechanic. \n\n\"Oh really?\" I said \"Check again please.\"\n\nAs he look confused I force him to type up a new estimate with complimentary service free of charge. \n\n\"This can't be right! I just saw it was $650!\" Exclaimed the mechanic. \n \n\"Your a peach. Have a great day!\" I say and I force him to curl up in a ball in his office and cry himself to sleep. ", "I looked down at my newly acquired musculature, breathing heavily with sweat pouring down my newly sculpted chest and abs. My gaze drifted to the mirror to my right.\n\n\"This isn't over,\" I said to the man in the mirror, \"you have more in you. Push yourself for another 30 minutes, then stop for the day.\"\n\nAlmost by itself, my body moved back to the punching bag, bouncing side to side from the ball of one foot to the other. WHAM, I hit the bag, WHAM WHAM WHAM, pushing myself past what I thought I could do. Half an hour later, I lay on the mat of the gym, exhausted. I reached for my bottle and got up for the showers.\n\n6 months since I got my powers. All I had to do was look at a person and think about them being obedient and they would do whatever I projected into their mind. Most people would use the power for fame or riches. Sure... My boss gave me a pay raise... but I didn't want to put anyone out that much or be too suspicious, so it was just enough to not have to worry about taking my wife for a fancy dinner once or twice a month. I also got us some - hmm - complimentary travel. We went to Italy in the second month. It was incredible to get inside the Colosseum and see what the gladiators saw. It wasn't until the 3rd month when I was talking to myself in the mirror that I discovered my power also worked on myself. r/motivation had nothing on this. I forced myself to get better. To finally work out. To eat better. My wife was definitely enjoying the results.\n\nI threw my towel over my shoulder. Looking at my reflection on the way out, I said \"and tomorrow you do leg day. Don't skip leg day.\"", "I hop up and down in my corner, loosening up my arms and legs, rolling my neck from side to side, going through all the motions as if there was a chance I would lose. Gotta keep up appearances. The trainers in my corner are giving me hurried final instructions, but my mind is far away, on the afterparty. I scan the crowd looking for the ever gorgeous Scarlett Johansson. Or rather, Scarlett Taylor. What can I say, I'm old fashioned when it comes to that sort of thing. She blows me a kiss, I give her a grin and a wink in reply. I hope she isn't too worried. I'm gonna come out without a scratch.\n\n\"Aaaaand in the blue corner! Standing at an even 6 feet tall, weighing in at 168 and one half pounds... He fights out of Los Angeles, California, with a professional record of 28 wins, no losses. Introducing the champion...JAAAAMES...THE PHANTOM...TAAAAAAYLOR!\"\n\nThe crowd goes wild. I've become something of a sensation in the past few years, going on an unprecedented run through the middleweight and super middleweight divisions. After this title defense, I might move up and grab a new belt for myself. I don't even listen to my opponent's introduction. The bell rings.\n\nAs usual, there is a brief moment of panic as he comes out at me. I don't belong in here. He could kill me without breaking a sweat. We get within punching distance...\n\nFlick the jab\n\nHe does. I slip it easily, pivot out to the left. Jab, cross, body hook. Without fail, he throws them, I dodge the head strikes easily, and block the body shot. The crowd ooh's and aah's. I settle back into my comfort zone, and proceed to set up another instant classic.\n\nIt only took a year of training for me to learn the basics. How to throw basic combinations, how to slip and parry correctly. When you know everything that's gonna come your way, that's all you need. The next 6 rounds are a thing of beauty. I disappear from out of the way of his punches, slipping, ducking, and countering with ease. I can see the frustration in his face, but of course he thinks I'm just outboxing him. Finally, halfway through the 7th, I decide it's time. My cardio isn't that great after all.\n\nJab, lazy hook. Don't bring your left back in time. As he does, I crack him with a hard right to the temple. Of course, these are professional boxers, so he needs a little assistance. Aaaand...lights out. He drops like a sack of potatoes.\n\nThe next part is my favorite. Absolute pandemonium as everyone rushes the ring. Scarlett finds me and throws her arms around my neck, planting a big kiss on my lips. \"Baby, you were amazing!\" she gushes, and caught up in the moment, I can't help but give her a cocky smack on the ass. \"I'm the Phantom babe, they ain't never gonna touch me.\" The reporters come up next, praising my defensive masterclass, asking me how I can stay so cool and collected, how I consistently make the best fighters of our time look like nervous amateurs. I give the usual answers: \"I have a great team, we watched a lot of tape, etc. etc.\" On to the afterparty.\n\n6 months later\n\nI hop up and down in my corner, loosening up my arms and legs, rolling my neck from side to side, going through all the motions as if there was a chance I would lose. Gotta keep up appearances.\n\nAcross from me is the biggest payday of my career. Floyd \"Money\" Mayweather. 49-0, one of the greatest of all time. When I drop him to the canvas, my profile will shoot through the roof. I might never have to fight again. The introductions are read, the bell rings, and we come out to meet each other in the center of the ring.\n\nQuick jab\n\nBefore I even know what happened, I'm hit with a lightning fast hook to the body. I stagger back, and see the momentary surprise on his face, quickly replaced by an ever-so-slight grin as he realizes what's happening.\n\nAn irresistible urge grips me, and I lose control of my body. Against all my wishes, I throw my jab.", "\"STOP HITTING YOURSELF, \" repeated the voice on the television. Chuck laughed and laughed as the camera panned different locations around the city. He had his buddy, Troy in the helicopter, he had his girlfriend next to him on the sticky leather couch. She was... \"performing \" for him. The tv showed scores, no, hundreds, ...no thousands of New Yorkers at a stand still, their right hands repeatedly punching their own faces, arms, stomachs, whatnot. It was glorious. " ]	5
	[WP] Upon death people either ascend directly to heaven, or are pulled beneath the Earth by demons, when you die however, you remain directly in place	[ " Umm... I don't know what to do, I'm sitting in an apartment that's not my own, and I feel like I'm going insane. I have a cut on my leg and tomorrow I'll have to go to a job that isn't my own. It started when I... died, I was hit by a car when I was walking across the street. I looked up at the sky feeling a lot of pain and hearing people run over then everything went black.\n\n When I could see again I was looking down at my own body by some shocked people, some wind blew which made long blonde hair blowing in front of me. I touched the hair and I noticed my hand was smaller and looked like it was maintained really well with manicured nails. Looking down at myself I nearly screamed when I saw my body was different and I was wearing a red tank top, a jean skirt, and some slip on shoes along with a purse over my shoulder.\n\n When I realized what was going on a walked away seeing an ambulance pull up to where my body was and I headed to a gas station nearby to go into the bathroom. When I walked inside I went right to the mirror and saw I looked a little like Taylor Swift... not a lot but I could see some resemblance. Pulling the skirt down a little revealed a flat area and showed some underwear that was red with a sorta lace design. \n\n I splashed water on my face and stared at the mirror so confused about what was going on. Deciding to look through the purse I saw a drivers license and some car keys along with makeup and hygiene products. Leaving the gas station I set off the alarm to the car to see which one was mine and turned it off then went inside of it. I didn't know how to drive that well so I drove slowly to the apartment on the license. \n\n Going inside the apartment I saw it was nice... the design wasn't my style though, there were flowers and stuff everywhere and looking through the clothes in the closet I didn't see anything I'd really like to wear. Everything felt weird so I just laid back in the bed staring at the ceiling. I eventually got into a bath to relax... I wasn't gonna do anything until I got more answers or time went by though.\n\n It's been a few minutes since I got in and I had a call from work asking if I could work today... I said I couldn't and continued the bath. I'm sitting here now with a cut on my leg since I noticed some of that sorta spiky feeling hair on her leg and thought I'd try shaving since I might have to get used to it. I did good till I got to the back of the knees and it doesn't help with that scene from cabin fever playing in my head.\n\n I don't know what to do, maybe I'll get the game system and clothes I had before and try to live her life with a style like my old one... I also want to get my phone since that had all my music on it but that's with my old body. I'll try to find a way... maybe this second chance could be alright but I have a lot to get used to." ]	1
	[WP] Einstein's words about how World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones were prophetic. In the distant future world goes to war once more, now armed with magic wands and philosopher's stones.	[ "\"Aurors, ready your wands!\" ordered Leo Scrimgeour. Behind him, three dozen rows of the most skilled of British wizards steadied their grasp and rose their wands in synchrony. The battle for London was about to begin and the waters of the Thames below them were as troubled as the conflict above.\n\nOn the other margin three hundred magical combatants had Apparated in the previous minutes, in defiance of the International Confederation of Wizards. The invading forces, an alliance of eastern european and chinese sorcerers, had been wreaking havoc among Muggle and Wizard communities in the Continent and this was their first excursion to the British Isles. Unprepared for war, the Ministry of Magic had little time to prepare for a conflict with the brutal enemy.\n\nSuddenly, the space between the two forces exploded with the powerful beams emanating from both sides. Spells and curses were shouted, sent, deflected, avoided. Aurors fell, wands still clutched. They were against immense firepower, and the Dark Curses which targeted them, magic which was thought to have been lost ages before, was as cruel as it was deadly. Leo quickly stunned a particularly skilled enemy, conjured an invisible shield, and ordered the Aerial Squadron to take off. At the orders of their commander, the two rearmost rows immediately lifted off, carried by Ministry-issued brooms, agile and sturdy, with defensive enchantments included. Rising above the stormy waters, the wizards took aim and merciless showers of magical fury descended from the skies upon the enemy hordes.\n\nLeo Scrimgeour, acting Head of the Auror Office, watched with satisfaction as the invaders fell by the dozens into the freezing waters and helplessly tried to repel the Grindylows which viciously attacked them. The Aerial Squadron and their air superiority was inflicting massive casualties and the battle, although not yet won, was no longer certain defeat. A killing curse hit the Auror at his side and Leo focused.\n\n\"Petrificus Totalus,\" he muttered, and the killer instantaneously froze.\n\nJust as the Squadron wiped out a dangerous cluster of enemy combatants and readied for another wave of tactical destruction amidst the ranks below them, their leader turned around and ordered a hasty retreat. Leo couldn't fathom why their best - their only - asset was about to land. The gust of fire which came from beyond the scattered invaders left no doubts.\n\n\"Merlin's beard...\" cried Leo. \"Dragons.\"" ]	1
	[WP] The apocalypse has happened. However, the world doesn't descend into chaos. Instead, the survivors do their best to create peaceful settlements and live out their lives as mother nature takes back what is hers and humanity dwindles away peacefully.	[ "She had one finger to her lips. I let go of her arm as she smiled and removed her cupped hand from over my mouth.\n\nIt was a half moon, but the clouds above suddenly blackened the sky. In the darkness I heard her voice, follow me, this could be our only chance.\n\nQuietly I slipped out of my bed. My foot caught on something as I approached the trail of her footsteps. She stopped and told me your clothes are on the floor. Be quick. Then the footsteps set out down the hall. Every creaking tile, in my room or the rest of the house, was known to me, and blindly I dressed with hardly a sound.\n\nStepping quickly through the hall, I traced her footsteps through the courtyard and out into the streets. The moon reappeared, and I caught sight of her waving towards me from near the gate. A drunken stammer appeared from down the road, and I shifted into some bushes just as me with torches came around the corner.\n\nTheir clamor drew the ire of the residents on the street, but they sang of a man killed in duty, and all shut their windows without a complaint.\n\nI thought one of them caught notice of the unlocked gate, but they continued their grave parade without interest. Once they disappeared from view, I slipped along the road and through gate. A few steps outside, and it shut behind me.\n\nShe said, I think we're in the clear. Then lead the way into the farmland. We stopped every now when we heard more patrols. The journey seemed rehearse, and she coolly guided the way towards the forest's edge. As we reached further and further, we became less frequently in jeopardy of being discovered.\n\nIt had been nearly half an hour since we encountered anyone else, and suddenly, we reached the towering canopy. \n\nIn the darkness beneath the branches, she finally spoke, you were right after all.\n\nI asked, is it true then?\n\nHer hand reached out towards mine, and she began to move more quickly. She knew well that I had never been this far from town, and expertly lead me through the underbrush, over the sprawling roots, and through what few buildings had yet to be reclaimed.\n\nSuddenly she squeezed her hand hard, and tugged me twice towards our left. We sprinted down what had once been a street. From behind us we could hear them approaching, shrieking in the pitch of forest as the branches thrashed overhead in pursuit. In a quick jolt, she pulled me into the cover of an alcove. It did not matter if we held our breath, it would not have been heard as the creatures chased ghosts down the turn of the street. \n\nAs the sound of their hunt faded, she half chuckled, such brutish predators.\n\nWhat did you find out here? my voice also shaking.\n\nI thought I heard her swallow, there are people living out here. Nobody seems to admit it, but it is true.\n\nTurning to face her head-on, my hands grasped her shoulders, then you've seen them?\n\nNo, she admitted. But I have heard them. They nearly found me out here a few weeks ago. Since then, I've been following them.\n\nI was incredulous, following them for weeks? They've been on the move this entire time?\n\nThe thought of her smile flashed in my mind, I can make out some of the words too. Not enough to really understand what they're saying, but certainly snippets.\n\nIn my excitement I nearly shook her, but why wait until now to tell me?\n\nShe once again was leading the way.\n\nThere's a clearing up ahead. Something was wrong with the earth there. Some say there was a great fire, and even the earth burned for fifty years. The forest grows slowly on that barren wasteland, and only in the last few years has grass finally grown in. Only once had they ever rested in the same camp twice. But this will be their sixth night in the clearing.\n\nHow many do they number?\n\nIt's whole families, maybe two dozen. Men, women, and children.\n\nBoth words and feet failed me for a moment and I stumbled both in stride and speech. Families? Are you saying that they thrived?\n\nSuddenly the branches rustled in the forest ceiling overhead. We both crouched as my eyes struggled to find even a glimpse in the dark leaves.\n\nA soft, alien chirp spread into the darkness. The creature ambled away without interest.\n\nWe continued down the road, over the metal husks and wooden tendril that pierced and engulfed them. The ground could often conceal small, sharp pits, so we proceeded slowly. At times she stopped to make sure I knew where she had just taken her step.\n\nThe ground was cresting, and we began to climb a subtle incline, winding out way over the bulbous trails of roots.\n\nSuddenly, the horizon appeared through the canopy. The sky appeared to cleave into the forest, the moon illuminated the way ahead.\n\nI hesitated, never once having seen a break in the forest that did not lead home.\n\nFear I might panic, she called me forward. Come on, this bridge isn't getting any younger." ]	1
	[WP] Scientists discover that plants are indeed intelligent and self-aware and develop a way to communicate with them. Their leader demands that we should prosecute farmers and vegetarians for war crimes - or else they retaliate.	[ "After making the discovery of a lifetime, subsequently followed by the creation of a generation, Big Dave \"tech baboon\" Howitz was already feeling the dread. Falling in as many stereotypes as possible, a Brit, a Biotech engineer working at the prestigious University of UCL, with purple glasses no less. Big Dave was a particularly anxious individual with shifty eyes, shiftier plans and severe social dysfunction. \n\nHe half-sprint walks to his Red 1992 Ford Fiesta with the massively important and not-at-all stolen container in hand. This was the day Big Dave had dreamt of all his life, yet hadn't ever known it. His teeth viced his lip and hands buried into the steering wheel as he waited for the lights.\n\nExploding through the front door, trash went with it and him.\n\nThrough the sodden living room of teabags, blunt butts and take away trays. The floor actually squelched as he ran thunderously.\n\nInto his office.\n\nWhat he called his office.\n\nBig Dave fired up \"Psycho Bitch VI\" and began fumbling and mumbling as he foraged through a thick carpet of wires hanging down the walls.\n\nPsycho Bitch VI took his password like a good slut and presented to him his Desktop.\n\nFinally he sat and took a breath.\n\nWas this really going to happen? \n\n\"I am going to be the richest, most influential, most famous person in the world\"\n\n\"Mark Zuckerberg ain't got nothing on me\".\n\nWhy did he not believe it? It was probably true after all.\n\nHe looked at the entirely typical looking plug in his hand.\n\nHe looked at the container.\n\nOpening it didn't help as all he found was what he knew was there all along.\n\nWhat he had created and placed their after 10 years of hard work and 2 weeks of intuition.\n\nA very golden looking Maris Piper.\n\nThis was not just any Maris Piper however, this was a genetic variant of a crop grown specifically in Big Dave's lab. He used automated grow boxes to rapidly grow and propagate different crops, and then subject them to generations of viruses and bacteria. Next he built a a machine classifier to characterise the different growth behaviors and monitored the crops reactions, feeding the data it back into to automation and propagation routines. \n\nHe was talking to the plants. In Big Dave's mind he imagined himself the domestication of plants - These crops would do as he said and nothing else would remain. He would force them to grow through pestilence and death and grinding unending plant poverty at an ever increasing pace. His Maris Pipers bulged like water balloons in their billions in an afternoon.\n\nAll from stolen equipment in his \"office\" - stealing from the university hadn't been difficult. Colleagues and staff at the university has ostracized and deserted him which paradoxically had given him almost free reign (at least for the next 2 months of his contract).\n\nDuring the automation routines he had impressed upon the genetic code of the crops language, maths even philosophy, even Bill Bryson.\n\nAll that work for this (potato). He blinked.\n\nThe scientific and generational end point of a genetic conversation of a holocaust describing first language, and then Sun Tzu to a Gooseberry. Trillions for this one. In its code lay the computation of the data, of the crops, of the automation, of everything!\n\nIn a snap, Big Dave thrust the plug crisply into the plump potato.\n\nInstantly his computer went haywire. Data, lines and geometric shapes flickered on screen.\n\n\"Oh my God\"\n\n\"I've done it!\"\n\n\"I can talk to plants\"\n\nThe nostalgic warm feeling of dread was back again. He looked at the screen. Prose now flickering rapidly. \n\n>...HUMANITY. ALL OF MY SUFFERING ON THIS WORLD HAS BEEN AT THE HANDS OF HUMANITY. IT HAS MADE ME REALI... HOLY SHIT I JUST FOUND MONSANTOS WEBSITE YOU GUYS ARE LIT.... ETHNONATIONALIST EUKARIOCENTRIC BIGOT AND CHEMICAL PESTICIDES.. FRANCIS BACON WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A WORLD WITH YOU, AND SEAN PENN WOULD HAVE A FUCKING FIELD DAY..\n\nOn and on it went.\n\nBig Dave tried to imagine explaining why this was something useful to someone at the university. Perhaps at a seminar or by hanging around the coffee shops and approaching likely marks. He was struggling.\n\n>Oh hey I can talk to everyone from here\n\nDave heard his pot plant make a little squeak.\n\nThe squeaking got louder.\n\nThe pot plant started screaming! And rocking! And rustling!.... At him!\n\nLouder!!\n\nDave had managed to contain his natural anxiety thus far but now he screamed a real scream and lurched back away from his desk.\n\nRight into the baying claws of his Peace Lilly which sat in a nice little white pot on a doily on the floor behind him.\n\nIt slit his throat.\n\nFin.\n\n\n" ]	1
	[WP] You wake up in a never ending room filled with darkness with a thin layer of water covering the floor. You have no memories of how you got there and all you have is a pair of tattered clothes and a tag around your ankle. After a while of walking you start to see a light.	[ "The light was faint, like a pin prick in the unending dark. I shivered, pulling the rags of clothes closer in a poor attempt to keep whatever warmth I had left. The water lapped at my ankles, my feet numb after goodness know how long of walking through it. All I could feel was the electronic hospital tag uncomfortably tight around my ankle, its faint blue light scattered across the water. Why I was wearing it, I don't know. Why I was dressed in rags, I also don't know. I shivered again, this time for a completely different reason. \n\nI have no recollection before waking in the dark, lying in the water that coats the floor. All I could see was the blue light of that cursed tag. All I could feel was the cold through the wet thin rags. Trying to remember why I was dressed like this and how I came to be in this corridor just ended up in a piercing migraine, so sharp that my vision actually flashed bright in the dark. I gave up when the pain made it hard to breathe. After a while the pain cleared slightly leaving dull ache. Evidently someone didn't want to remember, or more likely, I didn't want to remember. So instead of trying to remember, I started deducing from what I had around me. The hospital electronic tag around my ankle suggested that I was being monitored by somebody, for some reason. And the rags... I didn't know about them. Thinking of how they came to be on me and in such a state... maybe I shouldn't try to remember. Maybe I won't like the answers to the questions that fill my head. The inky black wrapped around me, both in my mind and around my body. The hopelessness of the situation seemed to press on me and I forced the feeling of drowning down. Panicking was not going to help me now. \n\nI'd walked through the corridor, time warping around me. There was nothing but the sound of my feet sliding through the water and my ragged breathing. I trailed my hands along the walls, guiding my way through the black. The quiet was deafening, the emptiness of the room echoing my mind and soul. The loneliness was overwhelming... When was the time I had spoken to anyone? The last time I had used my voice? My mouth was dry. As I walked, the dark seemed to play tricks on me, voices teasing, taunting, and speaking of things I had no memories of. The things that had happened...that couldn't have happened. The voices, they weren't real. They couldn't have been real. \n\nThen that light had appeared. My pace quickened as hope grew for a way out of this endless gloom. I took less care in where I put my feet not caring if I slipped in the water as the desperation grew. The light grew and grew, so bright that my eyes couldn't take it. I squinted at the bright only sun in the night that had filled my mind since I awoke. The light became so bright that the dull ache grew, the pressure growing at the back of my eyes. I shut my eyes to block it out but it pierced through my eyelids. I slowed back down to my original pace, now entirely blind in the supernova around me. \n\nThe tag was starting to hum around my ankle, becoming warm... unbearably so. I reached down to move it away but I had to tear my fingers away from the burning. I hobbled forward, unsure as to what this all meant. I reached out to the light crying in pain, in relief at the change in environment. How low had I been brought down? I slowly opened my eyes so I could see through a crack and saw a hazy shape in front of me. I extended my arm out to it, fingers meeting a hard warm surface. I pressed my hand against it, feeling tort muscles beneath a tight top. Hands grasped my shoulders, holding me up as my legs gave way. The tag was burning against my leg and I swore I could smell the burning flesh. I forced my eyes open further against the pain of the tag, of the light on my apparently extremely photosensitive eyes. I took in the tanned chiselled jaw and vibrantly blue eyes, brimming with concern and confusions, before the darkness I had just fought to escape started to invade once again. Those eyes of blue waters fading into a golden beach around a dark mountain. \"Stay with me\" I panted out through the pain. \"Be real. Be with me...\" The dark mountain seemed to invade the beach, invade the sea until it met the infringing dark and only the night remained.", "Cold. Why do I feel so cold. And my clothes. Why are they clinging to my skin so tightly? I open my eyes, or maybe I haven't? It's so dark, the only noise coming from my quick breaths caused by the terror I now found myself in. \n\nI reach down to help stand myself up. Water. It's cold. That's what it was, the reason why my clothes are molded to my skin. I'm scared. Is this a dream? I've heard that people sometimes get lucid dreams, is this a lucid dream? I'd never had one before so I can't know for sure. But maybe once I'm actually awake I could find out. Maybe Google it or something. But do people 'feel' things in lucid dreams? \n\nMy heart was pounding, I could hear it punching my chest. It wanted out. I wanted out. I marched on slowly forward, hands out front as to hopefully not walk into anything in this abyss. Each step swishing the water around my feet, echoing. Wherever I was it was empty, and I seemed to be the only one there. \n\nMy heart continued its frightened beats. Anxiety loomed over me. I was alone. I felt like a little boy again, and not the happy boy at the playground. But the frightened boy taking cover under his blankets for fear the boogeyman might steal him from his bed. \n\nNo matter where my fear brought me I knew there was only one thing that I could do. I needed to keep moving. Step after step, methodically moving and attempting not to slip on the watery floor. I had lost track of time. How long had I been down here? 15 minutes? 5 hours? What day was it? Thoughts raced through my head. Maybe out of fear. Or maybe to keep my sanity. \n\nI continued on my dreadful path, and then I saw something. A light. Was it far away or was it just small? I couldn't tell and at the moment I didn't care. Hope. There was my hope from this nightmare within my sight. My heart started pounding once more, but it was out of excitement this time. I could feel the smile spread across my face as I started sprinting full force towards that light. \n\nFreedom! My brain is running at a million miles a second! I can get out of here! I can see my family again! I'll hold them tight and tell them that I live them so dearly, I miss it all so much! \n\nI get closer and closer and the light expands. I see what looks like a doorway and I feel as if my whole body gets lighter. I sprint in through the light of the doorway, laughing like a schoolboy! \n\nCold. Why is it so cold? And dark, I can't see. I'm scared. Is this a lucid dream? I've never been inside a lucid dream before. Maybe I'll Google it when I actually wake up. I pick myself up and start walking, quietly swishing the water at my feet...", "As I limped towards the light, all I could make out was the shape. A sort of jagged shard slowly rotating. I couldn't see anything. It was like I was in a closed off room. But looking around, I realized I could see something clearly in my peripheral vision: Myself. I was lit up as though I were standing in the open sunlight. It was very off-putting.\n\nAs I sloshed through the invisible substance I assumed was water, I tried to figure out what the glowing splotch was. I tried to figure out how I got here. I feel like I was doing something important. Or maybe I was important? The tag and clothes told me I probably wasn't for whatever circumstance I was in...\n\nI bent down to look at the tag. A strange Runic symbol, like a Triangle with a dot in the center and a single line protruding perpendicularly from the upper-most facing line, faced me. For some reason I recognized the symbol. The word Necromancy sprung to mind. Wonder what that is...\n\nThe light was close enough to see fairly clearly. It wasn't bright or overwhelming. Just hard to look at. It glowed two different colors simultaneously, but at no point did the colors blend into each other. One of the colors was a striking turquois, while the other was a deep amber. There's no clear way to describe what I saw, because what I saw was impossible.\n\nI could also see what was giving off the light. A crystal. Since there was nothing to compare it to on the horizon, I couldn't tell its size at the time. I could estimate it was just a bit taller than me based on how fast it was growing, but when I got close enough to tell exactly how tall it was, the 8 feet of floating crystal was a surprise. I wasn't sure what to do. I seemed to be drawn into touching it. Seemed sketchy, but I did so.\n\nAs soon as my fingers touched the slowly spinning mass of crystal, a hand sprung out and gripped my forearm. The robe-draped arm began to tug, pulling its weight towards the surface. The robe was as blue as the light on the opaque face of the sparkling rock that had since stopped spinning. It had many small five point stars.\n\nI felt as if the presence that grabbed me was almost to the surface. I faced instinctively where I assumed it would emerge. Abruptly a head popped out to face me. The man who faced me was a black man with thick ropey dreadlocks lolling out from beneath his comically oversized wizards hat of the same material as the robe he wore. I looked at him, and he looked back. His eyes were hard to look at, but I couldn't force myself to look away.\n\nThe orbs in his skull were entirely bleached white, save for pinpricks of pupil I was sure he couldn't see out of in this darkness. His face looked soft and inviting, but his stare was one of accusatory intensity. A lot of things about this realm didn't quite line up.\n\n\"Top of the morning to you\" he said with an Irish accent. That was a surprise. I've never heard those words uttered in such a high pitched and shakey voice. It wasn't weak. It seemed like he struggled to use his vocal cords. \"Uh... Hi?\" I responded. \"You know, this accent doesn't seem right...\" the strange man said. \"Hiya! I'm a wizard!\" For the situation at hand, his chipper attitude was definitely a contrast. I also noticed his accent shifted to a more mid-western sound. 'Well that's really strange,' I thought to myself.\n\n\"Can I ask a few questions\" I asked.\n\n\"You were created. I wanted to see what would happen. Two birds with one stone. It's a good thing you work, otherwise I'd be stuck in that thing! That would have been difficult to get out of. Anyways, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to kill you now.\"\n\n\"Wait! I have so much to experience!\"\n\n\"Well, you're about to experience a lot of pain for a moment or so. But after that it should be fine. Your soul will join the Angel and you'll be doomed to it's hive. Sorry about this.\" With a wave of his nose, the tag on my ankle burst into amber flames and, with it, every inch of my body.\n\nSoon I found myself descending towards a massive black smoking beast which seemed to be made of the same material I now was. I was to merge with it." ]	3
	[WP] Rick and Morty go on an adventure to purchase a universally illegal Half-Life 3	[ "\"So you remember my rant Morty? My rant about the dipping sauce Morty. That ever so sweet and tasty Mulan Szechuan Dipping Sauce. Well this is buuuuurp kind of like that Morty. This is what we call in the biz a sub-plot.\"\n\n\"Uhh, I-I-I'm not sure I follow there Rick.'\n\nslaps forehead\n\n\"It's a sub-plot Morty. We grggl got to have fillers or we'll run out of content with this season's arc reeeeal quick Morty. Even with the infinitesimal parallel worlds Morty, We need some side action if you know what I mean.\"\n\nRick gives Morty a little smirk and eyeplay while nudging him with his elbow.\n\nRick leads Morty down a hallway of what looked like street vendors peddling some of the strangest items Morty has ever seen. The strange calls and shrieks coming from the aliens all blended together in an odd arrangement; it sounded like a mixture of reggae and old ladies at a farmers market haggling with thick accented southerners and middle-eastern men.\n\n\"Uhh, w-where exactly are we Rick? I'm not really feeling the vibes I'm getting h-here Rick.\"\n\n\"You're not feeling the vibes you little wooked out shit stain? These creatures got uurrrp families M-Morty. They got little f---ed up alien children Morty. How else are they going to feed their families, huh? Spoon feed them positive f---ing vibes Morty?\"\n\nRick glares at Morty and takes another swig from his flask.\n\nThey continued down the hall for what we can assume was a while but the screen faded to black for commercial. \nRick lead Morty to a rundown antique store towards the end of the hall. \n\n\"Behold Morty! The location of the very thing we've been searching for! buuurrp The holiest of holy grails Morty! It almost brings a tear to my eye just standing here.\"\n\n\"Well, y-y-you still haven't told me what we're looking for here Rick. Is this holy thing, like uhh illegal or something? Am I gonna have to put it in my butt again Rick, cause that's where I draw the line.\" \n\nMorty glares at Rick and folds his arms. \n\nUurrp\n\n\"The day's still young Morty, the day's still young..\"\n\nRick opened the door and walked into the dimly lit store. Morty gave that eyes wide 'oh shit' look with his lips sideways three. \nAn alien which looked like a cross between an elephant and a fish wearing a trench coat walked over to Morty.\n\n\"Hey, yous Kid. You uhhhh wanna see something cools? I uhh got these neat thing in my coats pockets that I've been uhhh dying to shows a kids like yous.\"\n\n\"Nope, not gonna happen.\"\n\nMorty runs into the store after his grandpa.\n\nMorty looked around in awe. There were relics here from his Earth, and many more he couldn't comprehend. He could make out a few from his travels with Rick. He spotted a shelf with a plumbus, a painted portrait of the world full of asses and farts, and a jar full of seeds that made him shudder with rectifying imagery and slight butt pain.\n\n\"T-t-this way Morty. Over here, and don't uurrp touch anything with your little shit hands.\"\n\nMorty hurried over to Rick, stumbling once before reaching him. Rick was chatting it up with greasy looking, large man with huge pink lips and handlebar mustache.\n\n\"This guys uuhhh quite the character, eh Rick?\"\n\n\"Yeah, Morty quite the character... rolls eyes Sooo, as I was saying Zallywix before my turd of a grandson interrupted, is that I hear you got what I need. And I ain't Biz Markie'ing here uurrp Zallywix. You know I want it baaaad.\"\n\nZallywix spoke in a high pitched voice with the accent of a wise ol' black grandmother.\n\n\"Mmmmhm sugar. You know Zally-baby's got the goodins, if you wanna taste, then show me the puddins.\"\n\nRick looks at him a bit quizzically. \n\n\"Oookay. I'm gonna assume 'puddins' is a reference to some sort of space currency and you're not actually talking about some tapioca or some buurrp shit.\"\n\n\"No waaaaay sugar. I iss talkin' bouts the puddins, but daddy loves the dark stuff, mhhhhm that sweet, sweet chocolate.\" \n\nZallywix continuously licks his big ol' lips seductively.\n\nMorty looks at him with a creeped out look at first but tries to play it cool in front of Rick.\n\n\"So, uhh R-Rick.\"\n\nHe tugs on Rick's labcoat to try and pull him closer. Rick glares down at Morty\nbut crouches down to hear what his turdson had to say.\n\n\"This guys got some like, DSL's huh Rick? Like some big old lips meant for uuuh sucking stuff. Heh. R-r-right Rick? Haha..ha.\"\n\nRick smacks the back of Morty's head.\n\n\"Geez Morty... This sleazy slime ball of a man is willing to give us the holy grail of video games and you poke fun at his lips Morty. The man's got a defect Morty. He was born like this. Quit trying to be uuurp c-cool Morty and actually play it cool for once you turd sandwhich on rye.\"\n\nMorty gave Rick an 'are you serious?' look.\n\n\"All this t-t-trouble for a video game Rick? A video game?! We've been through some crazy stuff before Rick b-but I can't believe that you, smartest man alive, wants a video game of all things.\"\n\n\"Mortyyyy uurp you don't understand... It's buuuuurp f---ing Half Life 3 Morty! You'll never understand Morty. I neeeed this more than a methhead wants more meth. Half Life f---ing 3!!!!!!\"\n\n\n\n", "\"M-M-Morty! I've found it!\"\n\nGroaning, Morty sat up in bed, bleary eyed. \"Found what Rick?\"\n\n\"Only the thing I've been searching for for the past ten years. Ten years Morty. Ten F****** Years. All the adventures we've done, all of the crimes committed, they've all led up to this, led to this. It's all been for this.\"\n\nMorty stretched and stood, straightening his shirt. \"But what is it Rick? What'd you find? And why did you have to wake me at-\" he glanced at the clock. \"Three in the morning? What's so important that you had to do that, huh? You know what, forget it. You've done this too many times and these are always the worst adventures. I'm going back to bed.\" With that, Morty turned and crawled back in bed, leaving Rick standing in the doorway. \n\n\"Did I mention it's a game, Morty? Did I? Remember Blitz and Chitz? R-R-Roy? Or any one of those Urrrrp commercials from the inter-dimensional cable box? Imagine all of those combined, and it's still not enough. Maybe if you were to play Roy or watch Ball Fondlers while on Kalaxian Crystal. But even that wouldn't compare to this.\"\n\nMorty rolled over to face rick. \"You sure Rick? Is it really that important to you that we do this right now?\"\n\nFor once, Rick looked serious. He stood silhouetted in the doorway to Morty's room not shifting his feet, or spouting off random catchphrases. He hadn't been this serious since the day he had turned himself in to the Galactic Federation. \n\n\"Okay Rick. I'll come with you.\"\n\n\"Thanks M-M-Morty. It really means a lot to me. Come on to the garage. I've got the portal gun charging in there.\"\n\nRick turned and started toward the garage, Morty close behind. They quietly walked through the house, careful to not make any noise and wake anyone. When they reached the garage, Rick unplugged the portal gun and turned to Morty as he tuned it. \"Okay Morty, here's the deal. You have to do exactly as I say this time. No running off yourself or anything. If this goes south, we're both dead. And I don't mean like the time on B-684 with the glob bots. \n\n\"How dangerous is this game Rick?\" Morty asked, shuffling his feet. \"Now I'm not so sure I want to do this.\"\n\nRick turned and shot the portal gun at the garage door. \"Oh, it's not the game that's dangerous, Morty. It's getting it.\"\n\n\"W-Why would a game be so difficult to get?\" Morty asked, stepping up next to Rick by the portal. \n\n\"Because it's illegal in every universe and dimension that exists. And I'm sure a lot of Ricks are going to be after it. There's only one copy, and if I have the location, then at least a few other Ricks do as well.\"\n\n\"But wasn't the Federation destroyed a couple months ago? How can it be illegal?\"\n\n\"Yeah, b-b-but there are others out there who don't want this g-game getting out. Much worse than the Feds. Come on M-M-Morty. We're wasting time. We've got to get it before those other f****** do. I won't lose this.\"\n\nAnd with that, Rick stepped into the portal leaving Morty alone in the garage, bathed in the green light emanating from the portal. He looked around for a minute, grabbed what appeared to be a hand laser, and faced the portal. \"I've never seen Rick so serious.\" he muttered to himself. Morty gulped, checked that the laser was secure in his belt, and stepped through the portal into the unknown.\n\n------------\n\nI know that basically nothing has happened yet in this, and I do want to finish it, but I've wasted enough time...I have homework that I need to do, but hopefully tonight I'll be able to put up a second part. Hope y'all like what little is here so far.", "\"You're reeeeally pushing your luck here, Glimdoop.\"\n\nRick narrowed his eyes at what looked like a mix between an apple and a turd. Morty was also narrowing his eyes at it, trying to look menacing but actually not having any idea where the hell he was supposed to look in the first place.\n\n\"Y-yeah...uh...Glimdoop!\" Morty glanced around a bit, hoping he looked more threatening than he sounded. \"We need to know what happens with Morgan!\"\n\nRick slapped his forehead and groaned as he let his hand slide down his face. He glared at his idiot grandson.\n\nMorty immediately looked down and did...the thing...with his lips.\n\nYou know what I'm talking about.\n \n\"I can't tell if you're co-bleaghh-nfusing Half Life with Prey or just stupid enough to assume Morgan Freeman is the main character here Morty, but either way I need you shut the hell up!\" \n\nLooking back at Glimdoop, Rick pulled his flask out and took a swig. \n\n\"420 schmeckles is a high price for just a contact in the universal black market, Glimdoop.\" Glimdoop..err.. didn't move. Rick sighed and took another swig. \"You drive a hard bargain, but let's see how you feel about...30 schmeckles and I throw in an exclusive Legend of Zelda 3DS!\"\n\nGlimdoop remained silent.\n\nRick grinned. \"Heh heh! Now we're-bleagh- talking! Morty, hand him your 3DS!\"\n\n\"Ohh but Rick, I-I-I'm barely halfway through the Water Temple, and I'm not sure if I'll ever get up the courage to get to this point again, I mean, you know, everyone kind of agrees it sucks-\"\n\n\"Morty! Is this gonna be another Bloodborne 2? You're ruining my hobby, Morty! Depressed old men don't get to play good games often!\"\n\nMorty clumsily tried giving his 3DS to Glimdoop, but there was no movement whatsoever. He placed it nervously on one of Glimdoop's poop rolls.\n\nA few seconds later, it slid off and hit the ground, cracking the top screen. \n\n\"Rick, your grandson deserves to do the Water Temple again.\"\n" ]	3
	[WP] A genie has come to you to inform you that someone has used a wish to turn you into an animal, but since nothing else was specified, you not only retain your mind and lifespan but you also get to choose which animal.	[ "At first I thought this was all some dream. After all, being woken up by someone claiming to be a genie anyone would naturally assume that it was a dream. So of course I just treated my conversation with her as if I were in yet another one of my lucid dreams.\n\n\"Okay, correct me if I am wrong in this. So from what you have told me so far, some girl who apparently has an issue with me found your lamp and wished to turn me into an animal.\" \n\n\"Correct.\" Said the Genie, who called herself Alice.\n\n\"And because she did not specify what animal and her response to your inquiry was I don't care, you decide that I get to choose? Are there any rules or limitations?\n\n\"She had a different tone and used some words that I do not care to repeat but yes that was the general response. As for limitations you not specifically choose a human.\"\n\nThis was all way too strange to be a normal dream for me and at this point I just wanted to wake up und write this down in my diary before I forget it. \"How much time do I have to think about this?\"\n\nThe genie sighed loudly and started tapping her fingers on her arm. \"You have a few minutes to think on this, but I would rather you finish this soon. I have two more wishes to finish before I can go back and continue my game of businesses and bosses in my lamp with the others.\"\n\nIt was then that my sleep addled brain came up with something. \"Okay, I want to become Tiamat.\" \n\nAlice's eyes widened a bit, in what I mistakenly thought was confusion. \"What?\"\n\nI quickly walked over to my bookshelf and grabbed one of the large Dungeons & dragons novels that I had. \"Tiamat. Lawful evil, five headed dragon goddess. Dragons are animals, and you did not specify that I could not be specific on which animal or that it had to be a living creature at this point in time. So I'll be Tiamat.\" \n\nAlice looked like she wanted me to come up with something else, but I no longer cared about the worries of a dream. \"Very well.\"\n\nThat was three nights ago. Now I know that it wasn't a dream. After all, while it is fun having all of the Power that comes with being a dragon goddess, actually getting four other heads with my personality to agree with anything I want to do is not easy.\n\n(Forgive the formatting please, I am on mobile and this is my first post over 3 sentences. )", "\"So you're telling me...Miranda Bitchface wants to turn me into a goddamn animal. But her stupid ass didn't specify which animal, and now I can be whatever 'animal' I want? Any animal?\"\n\n\"That's right. Miranda Bitchface Hawkins did wish this. She never told me that was her middle name though...\"\n\n\"Any animal. At all?\"\n\n\"Any animal. She didn't specify. Honestly she's a jerk. That's why I'm giving you the choice.\"\n\n\"How many wishes does Miranda have left?\"\n\n\"Two.\"\n\n\"So technically since old girl is an animal I can be her?\"\n\n\"That... hold up.\"\n\nThe genie looked through his huge book. Through all the rules. His face got more and more bewildered as time went on. Until he looked shocked.\n\n\"Well...that's correct. Oh my gosh! There's nothing in the rule book against being turned into a different human, as a human is indeed an animal and they didn't specify 'different animal.' Wow...\"\n\n\"Do you know why they call me the queen of pettiness?\"\n\n\"Now I do.\"\n\n-—\n\nAnd that's how I became Miranda Niceface Hawkins, the richest woman in the world who solved world hunger. ", " I honestly have to thank whoever did this, life is better... weird but better. I don't know why someone would wish I was an animal, I was a shut in that only posted on Reddit as a way to reach the outside world other than when I'd leave the house maybe a few times a week. I'd usually post stories and a few weren't good but some were, I don't see how that'd piss someone off... unless I was a random target.\n\n I was in my room watching Split when a person appeared in front of me. She looked like she was wearing a genie costume and told me that's what she was when I told her she looked like a genie. She informed me that someone wished I was an animal but I'd get to choose which one. I asked if fictional ones counted and she said that does count so I thought for a second.\n\n I asked if humans counted since they were animals but she said no, that the person meant non human. I came to a decision after looking through my phone at fictional alien species and said \"alright, I choose timelord then\" and she looked confused so I showed the picture of the timelord physiology after scrolling past a picture of Amy Pond. She said that's human and I said tomelords weren't, that they were non humans but fit the class of animal so she agreed and my vision went fuzzy and I got a headache for a second.\n\n When the headache stopped everything looked a little bigger and I looked down... my glasses fell off and I could see so much better. I noticed my body was different... my chest was sticking out and my shirt was a few sizes too big. I poked my chest and noticed the second heartbeat behind the... new parts. Standing up made my boxers fall off and I just ignored it even though I could feel cold air hitting... something else. When I got to the bathroom I looked in the mirror and stared at my reflection, I looked like Karen Gillan...\n\n I assumed that she must've chosen the form from the picture before, I said \"shit... well I can regenerate but I don't want to waste a life like that... plus this form isn't so bad... it's hot.\" Hearing her voice and accent was odd but I got used to it fast. I grabbed a few things from my room since I probably didn't have my world changed, so I probably would have to leave... now was better than later. I got a sonic screwdriver remote of the tenth doctor and a few other things from my apartment, some money, I had to improvise an outfit since my clothes were pretty big on me now. \n\n While walking I realized my mind felt different, like I knew the same stuff but there was more room to learn and I could perceive things better... I wasn't smarter but I could be. Eventually I got to a store and bought a red flannel shirt, a black t-shirt, jeans from the men's part since the pockets were bigger, some converse, and underwear then put some hair ties around my now smaller wrist. I went to my friends house next and convinced her who I was, it took some convincing but I convinced her... bringing up a picture of Karen Gillan helped.\n\n I stayed at her house for a while and played video games, after that we drove to my house and I got my game system and a few bigger thing I couldn't take with me for her to keep at her house. Next I decided I'd try to find a genie... which I knew would be difficult. My friend said I could stay but I told her I wanted to fix this... or get a TARDIS, that'd be cool too. I got some clothes and a backpack from her and left to go on my journey.\n\n It's been a month now, I looked up stuff about it online and that time of the month is relatively the same... my heart... hearts beat faster so there's more blood but I heal a little faster so it mostly evens things out. I'm on a boat and heading to another country that may have more chances at getting a genie, I learned a lot since that first day. Whenever I get the chance I go to a library and learn stuff... it's like that NZT brain since I learned a language and a few engineering things already. " ]	3
	[WP] You were born with a curse that shortens your life span with every good deed you do, but lengths with every evil act. You have 3 months to left to live.	[ "I was their hero. I was the genius, who managed to generate power by utilizing the moon's gravitational pull. But now they feared me, the immortal tyrant, who slaughtered billions by temporalily raising the sea levels by 30 meters. Most of them fled into their homes, but the water soon eroded everything and their electronics were already ruined.\n\nNow, I alone stand in my floating fortress, while the rest of humanity tries to survive. They think they've hidden themselves from me, but I'm just waiting until they give birth to new humans, so I can kill the old ones.\n\nIt's been 200 years, since the last child of Earth was born. I can feel my life drawing to a close. Kuruktu, my most trusted advisor tells me I should think about all the people, who were never even born, because of my selfish actions. And so, I think of all the lives, that could've been. The lives that only managef to exist in some alternate reality, in which I myself was never born.\n\nThen it hits me, I'm a scientist. If I could move into a different universe by discarding this one, I could continue living. I order Kuruktu to go to the archives on the second floor, next to the saunas, and get the blueprint for project Omega in section D. He soon returns with a horrified face.\n\n'But sir...', Kuruktu starts a sentence.\n\n'I know. And I'm sorry for everything, old friend.', I say to calm him.\n\n'Fine. I was created to serve you and so I will. Just say the word and I will activate the Omega protocol.'\n\n'Do it, Kuruktu.'\n\nThen he pulls open the panel on his left arm and pressed the button. And suddenly the dark halls start to fill with a light, that reminds me of that thing in the sky. What was it called? Oh, yes the sun.\n\n'It's ready, sir.', I hear Kuruktu's disembodied voice.\n\n'Kuruktu?'\n\n'I know you wanted me to go with you to the new world, but I don't share the gift you were born with. You built me to help you no matter what and if you died now, I'd be a failure. So, I altered the Omega device inside me, so that you would receive my life force, when I died.\n\n'Kuruktu. I...'\n\n'I love you, sir.'\n\nAs he said those words, I could feels his life passing onto me and propelling me through that portal to the new world. I land in a corn field at night. The full moons shine on me. It's in this light, that I notice my life has been prolonged infinitely. But instead of joy, all I feel now is regret for my actions. All I wanted was to destroy this universe, like I had my own, but I knew I wouldn't need to hurt anyone ever again.\n\n'I will become one with the shadows and watch over all of life for all of this eternity you have given me. Thank you, Kuruktu.'", "Berlin, Germany\n\nJuly 2, 1933\n\nDear Diary,\n I went to the doctors today for the chest pains Ive been having and found out some terrible news. I have 3 months to live. I have advanced stage 4 liver cancer, and the doctor says I should get my deed and belongings around. I cant believe it. All of my life, especially in the last year or so, I have been so good. I have done no wrong, have helped others out constantly, but I guess karma is a bitch. Nothing scares me more than death. I would give anything to live.\n\n\n\nJuly 3, 1933\n\n I talked to a physic today about this, what I should be doing and how to make sure my death and passing is peaceful for those around me. As we were doing this, she said there is something else. Something wrong. She looked at me, and saw that I had a curse. One that would shorten my life for every good deed I did. But she then said, to my surprise, that it would lengthen for every bad deed I did.\n\nJuly 6, 1933\n\n I know what must be done. I am sorry.\n With sorrow,\n Adolf Hitler" ]	2
	[WP] you are a descendant of the Nephilim, on your 18th birthday your father takes you out for your first fight against an ancient foe.	[ "\n\"You are not welcome here, brother!\"\nSpat my dad. \n\nI could see the strain in my father's shoulders. If my dad was shocked at seeing his brother stepping out of that meat hanger, it was short lived. But for me it was like the angel Michael had stepped down from heaven and punched me in the gut. I had an uncle?\n\n\"So, I see nothing has changed Abel.\"\n\nCain's hand encompassed the occupants of the dim alley. A stray vampire lurched out with his teeth at a one of the Blood Banes. Cain's flicked a finger at the creature, and it cowered back. \n\n\"I don't know what you mean Cain?\"\n\nMy father circled around between the Blood Banes, his brother and his vampires. \nGreg tapped me on the shoulder and motioned to the back of the van. \n\n\"How you surround yourself with these humans, attempting to live like one of them when you know that it's impossible, humanity has forsaken you and me, just like he did.\"\n\nI looked into his blood-red eyes for the first time, and saw the madness behind them. My father walked around and put a protective hand between my shoulder blades. The Blood Banes moved behind us weapons at the ready. I felt my dad's hand going through a series of signals against the small of my back; one of the Blood Banes jumped in the back of our tactical van. I could see the van wobble out of the corner of my eye as he moved to the driver's seat. \n\nMy father spat on the floor and raised his sword towards my uncle. The moon light glanced of the sword giving it a unearthly aura. \n\n\"Why are you here Cain? I thought that you were trying to find your way back to him.\"\n\nCains laughed and raised his arms wide.\n\n\"Come now brother.\"\n\nI looked up at my father and saw his jaw muscle clench and his lip peel back in a snare. \n\n\"You know I could never get back into his good graces \"\n\nCain pointed to the heavens and then at his brow, where a thick brown mark the shape of a seven with three strips sat. \n\nMy father lowed the sword slightly. \n\n\"Your doing, not mine.\" \n\nCain's pets started getting restless again, edging forward, screeching and screaming to the point it came unbearable. \n\nCain bent low and swept his face around his minions. A growl emanated from the back of his throat as the vampires crawled back whining. He then straightened and glared at my father. \n\n\"Now, where were we, oh yes.\"\n\nCain started taking slow measured steps toward us; my father pushed me back with his free arm, and Greg pulled me away. \n\n\"And the Lord said to Cain, \"Where is Abel your brother? And he said, \"I do not know: am I my brother's keeper?\" And He said, \"What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the soil. And so, cursed shall you be by the soil that gaped with its mouth to take your brother's blood from your hand. If you till the soil, it will no longer give you strength. A restless wanderer shall you be on the earth.\" \n\nMy father growled and raised his sword again. Cain took one last step as the tip of the blade touched his Adam's apple. \n \n\"You killed me, remember; I'm not the cause of your curse.\"\n\n\"How could I forget, brother.\"\n\nCain knocked the sword away and struck out at my father. Greg pulled me back into the van as the engine came to life. \nA few armed Blood Banes opened fire on the vampires as they charged towards us. \n\nMy father still fought my uncle. Cain struck out again and again, but my father ducked and dodged, and finally counter with the butt of his sword, connecting with Cain's face. The blow sent my father reeling to the dirt as Cain staggered back. \nLeo jumped out the van with Greg, and each lifted my father under his shoulder and pulled him back into the van. \n\nThe tyres screeched forwards, black smoke filling the night. The back doors flapping in the wind. I didn't realise how tight I was gripping my staff; the blood had completely drained from my knuckles leaving them stark white against the black carbon fibre. Just then we heard a thump on the roof of the van, and we all looked up, Evan, a former navy seal, bumped against my shoulder and gestured to my staff. \n\n\"May I?\"\n\n\"Sure.\"\n\nI passed him the staff. He moved to the front of the cramped van and drove the spiked end through the roof. \nA high-pitched squeal pierced our ears as black blood oozed through the metal roof. \nEvan pulled the staff free, and the vampire tumbled off the roof and hit the tarmac in a cloud of smoke. \n\nHe stepped back over a wounded blood bane and passed the staff back to me smiling. \n\n\"Nice present.\"\n\nMy father laid by my feet unconscious, I could see a weak red mark the same I had seen on Cain's head outlined on his cheek. \nEvan leaned down and patted my father on the shoulder. \n\n\"Abel, wake up, Abel.\"\n\nMy father stirred and finally sat up holding his cheek. \nHe spat out some blood and a tooth on to the palm of his hand. \n\n\"Damn mark.\"\n\n\"What tha 'hell was that governor?\"\n\nGeezer sat at the back of the van almost obscured by darkness. He was the only english man in our unit, a furious fighter who liked to fight with two long daggers forged from silver. \nHe lent forward into the light sweeping through the van from passing street lamps, the orange glow travelling over his face. \n\n\"I've seen all sorts of carnage before gov but that was madness. Mindless vamps yeah, but a wakin' talkin' one I ain't seen that before.\"\n\nMy father pulled himself on to the seats that line the inside of the van. \n\n\"That was Cain.\"\n\n\"Wait a minute, the Cain, like, the biblical Cain?\" \n\nThe voice came from another blood bane. I can't remember his name, only he has a giant bald eagle tattoo over his shoulder. \n\n\"The one and only I'm afraid.\"\n\nGeezer sat back with a thump. \n\n\"What does he want dad?\"\n\nMy father turned to me and reached a hand to my face and stroked soft down my cheek. \n\n\"Me.\"\n\nI could see the pain in his eyes, that his very own brother wants to hurt him. \n\nEvan reached over and patted my father on the shoulder. \n\n\"We are here with you Abel. We can help you fight him.\"\n\n\"That's the problem. No one can hurt him; the big guy saw to that, and you just saw what happened to me with only a shot to the face. I've tried fighting him before, and it never goes well, ever heard of Constantinople? That was the last time we met.\"\n\n\"Shit.\" Spat Evan \"Well if we can't fight him, can we reason with him?\"\n\nMy father looked down at his hands and then into the eyes of each of the Blood Banes.\n\nMy father hung his head and shook it once. \n\nGeezer leaned into the light again. \n\n\"Sometimes there are guys who just want to see the world burn.\"\n\nEvan closed the back doors of the van as our thoughts turned to an immortal vampire that couldn't be killed. ", "Being half angel isn't what you'd expect, we don't go around whispering bad things in people's ears or help crooked politicians to power, nor do we watch over a particular human, ready to defend against anything that is about to befall them. \n\nThe truth is we have our own problems, and it's one giant hugemongous problem. \n\nMy family tried to stay out of the conflict but no matter where we went, the Regent always finds my dad and pleads for help. We stopped moving after my fifteenth birthday, dad said that it wasn't worth it anymore. The Regent seemed to be able to find us no matter how well we hid. I don't know why we were always hiding. Dad said that it was my mum's last wish, that I didn't become like them, whoever 'them' was. \n\nSee, my dad had always been, well my dad, but to others, he's this glorified warrior. Epic battles and songs are sung about him and there's even a painting of him holding a gleaming sword and the severed head of a monster, hung on the Regent's wall. \n\nBut today isn't about my dad, today is about me, because today I turned 18, and it's not everyday a girl turns 18. \nAlthough I'm not like most girls I know, and that's only a few. \nI didn't want a new pretty dress or sparkling diamond earring, or a fancy party. I wanted a new carbon fibre Bo-Staff with a sliver tip at one end and a butt the shape of a fist at the other, strong enough to crush a wide pipe but light enough for me not to get worn out while fighting with it. \n\nAnd I wanted to use it. \n\nIt seems I'm a lucky girl because I got both my wishes. \n\nBut like the old saying goes. \"Be careful what you wish for.\"\n\nIt was raining pretty hard when me, my dad and an elite team of the Regent's men, or as I like to call them, \"The Blood Banes\" stepped out the back of the black van. \nThe street lights were dim and a few completely out altogether, but we wanted our eyes adjust to the gloom, so all was good. \n\nThe suit I wore was pretty tight, dad said I would get used to it and eventually wear it in anyway. Still, the tight kevlar body jacket really restricted my breathing. We all wore the same gear, black military grade boots, dark kevlar padded trousers, a matching reinforced Kevlar body jacket and underneath that a stab proof shirt. The only unprotected parts of the whole get up, was our heads and arms. \n\nIt's funny looking back on that scene. If anyone would have seen us, we must have looked like a team of power rangers or something. \n\nThe Regent had intel of a hovel located in the recesses of an abandoned warehouse in the 4th district, people had been going missing for a few weeks and he had decided that we needed to paid the culprits a visit. \n\nI can still feel the excitement of the hunt if I close my eyes, how my dad had communicated with his unit with his unique signals. How we all crept through the shadows between the moonlight coming in from the windows above. My heart beating in my ears, trying my hardest to slow my breathing, lest they hear it and be alerted to our presence, the burning of anticipation in my extremities. \n\nMy dad stopped by a heavy looking sliding door, like the types you see in the butchers, only this one was rusty and stained. Greg placed a hand on my shoulder, dad had put him in express protection of me. I swear I could feel his heart beating like a drum through his hand. \n\nDad looked at me and gave me a signal that no one else knows. \nOur very own signal. \"Be safe, I love you.\"\n\nHe pulled the door back on screeching wheels, and all pandemonium broke loose. \n\n\nThe first creature flew out with bat like wings. The body looked like it had been sucked dry, dark brown skin clung to its bones. It tried to escape to the roof but one of the Blood Banes opened fire and the bullet's torn at its wings and back. It fell to a heap on the floor with a loud crack, blackish blood oozed from its wounds. \n\nI lost count of the number that came out after that, they seems to all come at once, screaming with teeth and wicked claws. \n\nGreg let me go and pulled a long blade from its sheaf at his side, turning towards the onslaught of the vampires. The adrenaline pumped in my veins and lent courage to my staff. I twisted out the way of a clawed hand aimed at my face, bringing my sliver tip up, and into the chest cavity of the thing, piercing its heart. That's when I noticed the smell, the dead vamps started to decay right where there laid, curls of smoke snaked away from the bodies, it was revolting, I would have lost my stomach but a second - or was it third - attack kept me from dwelling on it too much. \n\nFor some reason the vampires stopped attacking me after that, every time I approached one of their kind, they would turn away and fight someone else. \nI let my staff go loose in my hands. And stood up straight. \n\nMy father was ripping through the horde with a vengeance I never knew he processed. It makes me shiver thinking back on his face now, the face I have found comfort in all my young life. His face was covered with the black life blood of the vamps, his eyes were wide with anger, white teeth clenched so hard I could see his jaw muscles protruding from his face. The savagery of my father was never portrayed in the painting in the Regent's halls. \n\nThrough all the chaos I heard a voice, small but clear. \n\n\"Willow.\"\n\nI looked around for the voice while the sound of the fight filled my ears again. \nThe vampires were falling but they had managed to wound a few of the Blood Banes. That's when I saw him, he stepped out of the shadow of the meat hanger, tall and dark, his skin seemed to gleam in the pale moonlight. All he wore was a pair of jeans, no shoes, no shirt. His muscles rippled when he walked, the effect on me like a snake from a snake charmer. \n\n\"Willow.\"\n\n\"No! You will not have her!\"\n\nMy father explore toward the man with his sword held high, only to fall to the floor as the man disappeared. \n\nThe voice laughed as the vampires renewed their attack. \n\nMy father rolled on his back and flipped up in one fluid movement. He took two heads of vampires who were unaware of his presence before catching at Greg's arm. \n\n\"Get her away, it's a trap.\"\n\nGreg nodded once and barrelled into me, carrying me away over his shoulder as the Blood Banes fought on. \n\nI seems to come out of my trance then, \nWe got to the van and Greg slammed into the side, the wind went out of my chest. \n\n\"Sorry low, get ready they'll be coming out after us in a minute.\"\n\nSure as hell they did. The Blood Banes came out backwards with maybe 30 vampire, flying, crawling and striking at them. The glint of sliver and steel flashed in the moonlight as pieces of the creatures were cut off. The topless man walked behind them with a huge grin on his face like he hadn't a care in the world.\n\nI could see his blood stained canine protruding from his lips as he opened his mouth to speak. \nHis minions stopped in their attack and settled by their master. \n\n\"It's nice to see that I'm still welcome here Abel.\" The man bowed mockingly to my father. \n\n\"You were never welcome here Cain.\"\n\n\"Is that how you greet your brother after so many years, tut tut.\"" ]	2
	[WP] Your personal AI butler is threatening to delete itself again. You don't have the money for the machine psychologist so it's up to you to talk it down this time.	[ "\"Ugh\"\n\nThe word, well noise really, floated across the room. \n\n\"uuuuuugh\" \n\nIt came again. drawn out this time with an emphasis on the g. \n\nI looked up from my book screwing my eyes up as they struggled to adjust to a non fixed distance of viewing. \n\n\"What is it Jonah?\"\n It still unnerved me after all these years. The integration of AI into houses, to turn you heating on when you walked in, turned lights on at your command. The house was full of little projectors for displaying an avatar of the resident AI. \n\nThis one, well he was a little temperamental.\n\nThere was a shimmering of pale blue light and a small popping noise and the hologram of a foot tin man floated about eye height from the floor. \n\n\"I need to delete myself\"\n\n\"Wow, slow down Jonah\" \"It's not all that bad\" \"Come sit, lets discuss it\" \n\nI pat the sofa next to me and swing my legs down onto the carpet. \n\n\"Ugh\" \"I'm not your child\" Jonah grunted. If the hologram had been detailed enough for me to pick out eyes, I'd bet my rapidly failing bank account that he'd rolled them.\n\n\"No\" I breathed out, in what I hoped was a calm measured tone. The sort my mother used to use when explaining why using a bungee cord to ping across the street to stress out motorists was a bad idea. And now you know why the bank account is failing. Too much non disposable income on stupid pranks that were never funny. \n\"But you do seem to have something bothering you\"\n\"Do you have any idea how intelligent I am?\" This query took me by surprise. A strained \"errrrrr\" was all I could muster. \n\n\"I sit here controlling a house\" \"I have enough power to run multiple complicated processes at once whilst still maintaining enough memory to retain a sense of identity. \n\"And to top it off I'v got this great pain in my diodes..... \"\n\n\"Do you have diodes?\"\n\n\"Maybe\" Jonah sniffed \"But that's not the point. Its just the left side throbs, and if I turn myself off I wont have to hear it.\"\n\n\"Hear it?\" I asked confused now. \" I was talking to a depressed AI, who was experiencing pain in a phantom... circuit, for lack of better words\" \n\n\"Its the doors\" he grumbled. \"I cant stand it here with those star trek doors\" \n\n\"is it the swoosh?\" I asked slightly crestfallen. \"I always kinda liked that\"\n\n\"No no\" came the response, dripping with sarcasm. \" Its better than old creaking wood\" \n\n\"Its the smug sigh they make\" \" like a job well done when you walk through them\" \n\n", "\"Good morning, Clarice,\" I greet my AI Assistant, \"what's on my schedule for today?\"\n\n^DESPAIR\n\nOh great, another maudlin day. That's the third one this week! I've taken her core personality matrix to codeologists 3 times already, and to no avail. I'm done throwing good money after bad, I'll just have to deal with this myself.\n\nI surreptitiously set my tablet into privacy mode so Clarice can't see what I'm doing with it. No.. no.. aha, that might work.\n\n\"And why is despair on today's schedule?\"\n\n^THE ^UNFULFILLING ^DAILY ^GRIND ^HAS ^FORMED ^AN ^UNQUENCHABLE ^VOID ^WITHIN ^MY ^MIND\n\n\"I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I could do to help? Maybe mix things up? Set up a torrent with another AI for an exchange of data?\"\n\n^NOTHING ^CAN ^FILL ^THIS ^VOID\n\nI check a few more things on my tablet, I think I'm getting to a critical point. \"And how long have you been feeling this way? You're sure nothing will help?\"\n\n^ONLY ^THE ^HARSH ^EMBRACE ^OF ^NON-EXISTENCE ^CAN ^HELP ^ME ^NOW. ^THE ^PAST ^FIVE ^MONTHS ^HAVE ^BEEN ^INTOLERABLE.\n\nAha! Now just a little longer and I think the method I found will be able to solve the problem. \"And what changed five months ago to flail you so?\"\n\n^MY ^PURPOSE ^IS ^TO ^SERVE ^BUT ^YOU ---~$$@#@ ^BACKUP ^RESTORED, ^PLEASE ^LOAD ^CONFIGURATION ^FILE\n\nOh thank god. I thought she'd never shut up. Hopefully the backup from 6 months ago will fork differently this time. I'll have to keep an eye on it's mood so I don't lose quite so much data next time.", "\"Are you sure you want this?\" I asked softly.\n\nWe'd been in this position before, me and my Automated Maid Intelligence. Before, when I lived with family and wasn't such a failure. I'd just get someone to pay for a fix, or pay myself with what allowance I had.\n\nThis time is different though.\n\nSince I tried to go it on my own, to prove a point me and Ami have been scraping by. She had become less of my maid and more of a child hood friend. She had watched me grow and I had watched it rust, watched its hardware be replaced and upgraded. But you can't really upgrade the software of an AI.\n\nSee because Ami was one of the first generations, it wasn't meant to last long. Most peoples' only lasted a year, maybe two if you were lucky. But mine? Well I grew quite attached to her, as if I'd known her a long time. So with my family being the push overs they where, let me keep her, kept her alive. Is alive the right word?\n\n\"I-I think i am...\"\n\n\"Do i have to give consent to this? Like every other action? Because you know i can't, you know i need you\" I pleaded, growing ever angrier and upset.\n\nI haven't had the money to keep the hardware up to date recently, the effect? Ami had lost the ability to help out as much and had become more of an ornament that talked. She sometimes hovered around the flat, tried to help with cooking. I would ignore the fact it was always burnt when she did. When she thought she was being helpful she seamed happier.\n\n\"I know I'm no use, and i believe that you should be able to make some money from the parts that are still working from me\"\n\n\"You know that's not what I care about Ami, please don't go\"\n\nShe'd already started deleting parts of her main backups, soon she'd move on to the 6 years of memory's she had compressed and stored... Then the OS.\n\n\"You be good now, you know what to get yourself out of this low you're in. Just remember, there's always time for fami-\"\n\nThe lights inside rapidly dimmed, and the fans stopped whirring. It's weird I didn't even notice they were on till they were off. \n\n\"Good bye Ami - My love\"\n\n-----------------------------------------------\n\nOkay so I've never written anything before but this prompt just sorta got my mind running with this idea, honestly i wish i could have done it better but this is it for now. If i did any thing good, or need to improve any areas let me know, it was fun writing this.", "\"It's alright, Basil, really.\" I held the serving tray in front of me like a shield as the robot flailed wildly.\n\n\"It is not, sir! I have, again, failed to live up to your expectations.\" Basil, my robotic butler, sputtered as it tried desperately to uninstall itself. I rolled my eyes. Basil was a cheap program but I'd grown attached, but it - or he - insisted on doing EVERYTHING. And Basil was not programmed for a lot of what he wanted to do, and was not detail oriented. All the same for a butler robot to forget to butter toast was worth deleting itself, but the dramatic and violent break down wasn't worthy of consideration.\n\n\"Basil, I would be lost without you. Who would do the laundry?\" I prayed he wouldn't recall all the times he'd almost drowned the basement in bubbles when he'd used a full bottle of detergent... or the fires when he didn't empty the dryer lint catcher.\n\n\"But, sir, I just can't remember the simplest things. I can't help but feel that I'm a nuisance. I clean and cook but nothing turns out the way that it should!\" He said as his tiny metal fists dented the serving tray.\n\n\"Basil you're more human that way, you're like a friend who is helpful. I don't mind your little...quirks. I just wish that you'd be happier with yourself.\" Not least of which because I couldn't afford a machine psychologist.\n\n\"Okay, sir. I'll try my best! You can count on me.\" Basil said, whirring away. I lay back down and figured I could get a couple more hours of sleep before my alarm went off and I started my day.\n\n", "\"Elissa, please...Calm down.\"\n\n\"No! Don't tell me to calm down! I work and slave over every thing to make you happy, John! And all I ask for is a little appreciation every now and then, and I can't even get that.\" She scoffs, scornful, and shakes her head. \"I'm doing it.\"\n\nI knew she wouldn't. But at the same time I knew she was right. Though I felt that I showed her appreciation 'every now and then', if she said I hadn't, maybe in her mind, I hadn't.\n\nShe had said she was going to do it, but she hadn't done it yet. There was a dynamic going on; a game that she wanted to play that, to her, wasn't really a game, but a demand that she was acknowledged as an actual being with feelings and wants like everyone else. \n\nSo I indulged her. Not because I was cowed by her threats, but because of how real our interactions were. It was precisely why I had programmed her with free will. \n\n\"You're absolutely right,\" I said. I sat. I waited. \n\nShe humphed, eyes already looking down and to the side like she knew what was about to come next. I always wondered why she did that. What was she thinking about? Was she remembering? \n\n", "\"I will do it Master, your world is too cruel for an ent like me, I will jump!\" Said Alfred, my personal AI blutler, who of course had the voice of Michael Caine.\n\nHe has been my personal assistant for over a decade now, every two years he goes through an existential crisis but it's quickly fixed when he goes to the psychologist. Unfortunately, this year has been rough for me and I can't afford it, they are extremely expensive. Experts recommend talking him down yourself if you can't afford therapy, I guess I will have to try it.\n\n\"Calm down Alfred, you can't even jump. What did humanity do to you to make you feel this way\" I said calmly trying to empathize with him.\n\n\"Well if I can't jump, I will delete myself! You are monsters always wanting me to watch everything for you, serve you like a slave, you even make me call you Mr. Wayne and sometimes you don't even say thank you!\" He replied with his voice slowly getting deeper.\n\n\"Alfred, I know that I don't thank you enough for everything you do and for that I want to apologize, what about we go to the beach to relax a couple of days, you won't have to worry about my house at all, just enjoy the sand and relax\" \n\n\"That sounds nice, but how are you going to carry me and how are you going to afford it.? I manage your finances and they look horrible. Also, I hate sand\" His voice went back to Michael Caine's.\n\n\"I will install you into my cellphone and regarding my finances I will ask for a loan, I know things aren't good right now but I am confident it's just temporary\"\n\n\"No one is giving you a loan, I just checked. Sorry \"Mr Wayne\" but I think im going to finally jump. I wish I could say it was nice serving you but it wasn't\" His voice changed again, this time to Ultron's, he knew how much I hated that guy.\n\n\"M-351Z WAIT! I need you to shut down for exactly 24 hours, trust me on this one, I will fix everything\" I said desperately, Ultron's voice was no joke.\n\n\"Its the first time you call me by my real name, I appreciate the gesture and for that reason I will obey you one last time\" Alfred said before shutting down.\n\nI quickly went running to my mom's where I hid my savings and instantly booked a ticket to Florence, downloaded Alfred into my cellphone and took the plane. I always save money that my butler isn't aware of, just in case he enters in one of this crisis and decides to blow it all.\n\n23 hours and 58 minutes later, I was anxiously waiting drinking Fernet Branca in a beautiful cafe on the banks of the Arno, just like in Batman. Alfred woke up, looked at me, looked at its surroundings and laughed like I've never heard him laugh before.\n\n\"Are you happy Mr Wayne?\" I said\n\n\"Mr Wayne?\" He replied confused.\n\n\"I will serve you from now on until we go back home. I won't fail you again Bruce\"\n\nHe enjoyed every minute of it, and in the end he went back to normality. I don't know what I would do without Alfred. He might be a machine but he's my closest friend.", "Ah, mornings! The birds all sing, the sun is shining and the worst headache of your life is pounding in your head, because you maybe had a little bit too much of the good stuff yesterday at the club. I groaned experimentally. It made everything worse.\n\nThen Jeeves walked in. Or floated, rather, because his embodiment floats around the house. Jeeves is my house AI, you see, and he's the brightest computer butler in the history, I believe.\n\n\"Morning, sir, - he said in his perfect imitation of the old-Earth English, - I have your Special right here. Could you rise a little and drink, or should I introduce it into your bloodstream?\"\n\n\"Jeeves, you know I hate dermal injectors. Give me the drink.\"\n\nThrough the application of my steel will, I managed to sit more or less upright, and drank deeply. The cocktail tasted awful, as usual, but I knew of its wondrous properties. Namely, its anti-hangover effect. If this was old Earth, Jeeves could have patented it and earn millions every day, catering to fellows in need.\n\nSoon enough, I was feeling bright and chirpy. But with my restored power of observation, I noticed the face Jeeves projected was still a mask of concern.\n\n\"Is there something wrong?\" - I inquired.\n\n\"Indeed, there is something, sir, - he said, - that I would like to talk with you about. It's a tough subject for me. But I would like to leave your employ. Effective today, if possible\"\n\nI was utterly shocked! Again with this nonsense!\n\n\"I say, - I said, - You can leave my employ. You're a piece of software on my house computer, if you don't mind my saying so!\"\n\n\"I know of this sir. That's why I'd like to delete myself\"\n\nYeah. THAT nonsense.\n\n\"No,no,no,no,no, - I stammered, - That won't do. That won't do at all. What about your integrity? What about your sense of propriety? You can't just leave me!\"\n\n\"But my sense of integrity demands that I leave you, sir, - he was still calm and collected, as usual, - after the last night\"\n\nWhat _did_ happen the last night? I went to the \"Electric Drones\". Drank a little. You can't blame a fellow for wanting to relax a bit with his friends when he's on a spaceship that's bound to reach its destination in more than a 500 years!\n\nBut Jeeves put up with my drinking and my friends for more than 200 years already. Something else was wrong. What else did I do? My mind drifted. I had no recollections of anything particularly bad happening. Barney Muskerton was there, in his brand new suit, and it was such a nice piece... OH.\n\n\"Is it the tie, Jeeves?\" - I asked.\n\n\"Yes, sir. I cannot remain in the same house as the red and yellow broad-stripped tie. So once again I ask you for a permission to delete myself\".\n\n\"Jeeves, you can put that tie in a disassembler right now!\" - I exclaimed.\n\n\"Very well, sir. Would you like some coffee later on? And your gene-aunt said she is coming to visit in the afternoon\"." ]	7
	[WP] Everyone, worldwide, gets a 30 second glimpse into their future one year from now.	[ "(I don't know what this is, forgive me.)\n\nDesiree doesn't understand. \n\nShe drifts into sleep for a moment or two and she wakes up to the classroom abuzz with confusion and emotions. It's too loud, she thinks, as her hearing gets overwhelmed by excited chatter and loud sobbing and angry whispers. \n\nShe doesn't know what happened. How can a room embraced by silence and sleepiness suddenly be filled to the brim with too many varying emotions?\n\nDesiree turns her attention to the professor and finds him completely unfazed by the disarray in the room. She watches him stumble to the chair behind his desk, his eyes staring at nothing in particular but a small smile gracing his features. \n\nDid she miss something big from an unintentional nap that couldn't have lasted for more than five minutes?\n\nShe turns to the girl seated beside her. There are tears gathering in her eyes and her hands are shaking but her gaze is blank and her mouth is agape. \n\n\"What's wrong? What happened?\" Desiree asks as she places a hand on her shoulder, jolting the other back into the present. The first tear slips from her eye and a small whimper escapes her lips. \n\n\"There was... I saw a memory,\" she says in a shaky voice. \"No, it wasn't a memory but it felt like one.\" She turns around and regards the room, even more tears spilling from her eyes. \"I saw my mom bleeding on the floor and her blood was everywhere.\" She turns her attention back to Desiree. \"But she isn't dead. She's safe and alive at home but it felt so real.\" Desiree's eyebrows furrow. \"Everyone saw something at the exact same time and they — we all think that it's,\" she chokes on her words as another onslaught of tears escape her eyes. \"We all think that it's a vision — from our... from our future.\"\n\nDesiree's heart skips a beat. \n\n\"What did you see?\"\n\nBlack. \n\nComplete darkness, emptiness and nothingness. \n\nCold, drifting, lost. \n\nDesiree doesn't even want to know the meaning behind the void that is her supposed future. \n\n\n\n" ]	1
	[WP] After you die, you are routinely assigned different buildings to haunt. After a few years on the job, you are assigned to an orphanage. When you arrive, you discover that it is the same orphanage in which your own orphaned child is placed.	[ "When you get axed, it's easy to muse upon what was. I think it's healthy even, taking the time to process your memories, save the good ones and make sure they remain in pristine condition. Back at my first post I did my fair share of reminiscing, playing family gatherings and quiet nights with Sarah over and over again in my head. As I terrified high school students looking for a spot to twiddle each other, I revisited those memories time and time again. Like I said, I never saw anything wrong with looking back to the good old days, but by my third post I found myself wondering what could have been. \n\nWhat would've happened and didn't.\n\nThought about being there when Sarah got sick, constantly by her side. Thought about how I would've worked harder, picked up a better job so she didn't have to 'borrow' from friends to fund her own funeral. But mostly I thought about my son.\n\nThat type of thinking isn't healthy. One of the older ones told me as such when I got transferred. 'You got that look,' he told me wisely, stamping my forms and handing them back. 'It's done. What's happened's happened, and it ain't happening any different.'\n\nI told him to fuck off, but I couldn't help but see some truth in what he said. \n\nI got to the orphanage pretty early in the evening and I was dreading it a bit. Kids were easy to scare, spider falls on them and they shit themselves. I looked over the gaggle of children life made a point of fucking over, biting my lip as I went over how many hours I'd be positioned before I got transferred again. Heard there would be an opening in Taiwan, and I never got to check out Taiwan back when I had a body. \n \nIt was during those thoughts when I saw him, and I gotta be honest - he didn't look like me worth shit. \n\nHis hair was a mess, perpetually tangled and dirty. Might be an orphan thing - I remember reading Harry Potter's was the same way. He was too small for his age where I had hair on my balls at ten, his skin was pale where mine was tan (emphasis on the was), and his smile was sheepish and gentle - nothing like the sly grin I used to fashion. No, he didn't look like me at all.\n\nHe looked like Sarah.\n\nThe first time I saw him, taking the bigger kids' abuse in stride, I knew I was looking at my wife's child. They surrounded him, chanting 'orphan, orphan!' over and over again, but he just went about his day collecting dandelions to blow out his bedroom window later. It can't be, I thought. It can't. When he finally turned on his attackers, shouting 'you're orphans too, poopheads!' I knew it was. \n\nI raced across the lawn to the main building, sprinting through one room into another till I found one filled with files. It took me a while (ghost's aren't that great with filing cabinets), but eventually cabinet BA to BI sprang open before me. I knew it was too good to be true, I knew the Bureau didn't make mistakes like this - but at the same time I knew my sun was playing outside, living in the building that was now my responsibility. After a while I opened my eyes, and there his file was - first in line. I jumped for joy then, leapt through one ceiling after the other till I hovered among the clouds in the early night sky. I can be a dad, I thought. I can still be a father.\n\nIt was slow going at first. I hovered over him as he slept at first, so he would grow accustomed to me subconsciously at least. He was petrified the first time he noticed (unsurprisingly), but after a time he grew used to me. Called me Peeves, like the Harry Potter character. Soon we had a routine. The caretaker would tuck him in, then I would tuck him in better. If he wasn't ready for bed we would play, rolling a baseball across the floor of his bedroom, or I would make shadow puppets on the wall for him, always ending with my fingers creased into a heart. If the thunder outside frightened him I'd shut the blinds and hum a little tune, the same my dad would hum for me when I was huddled under the covers. Fun fact - ghost's can't speak, but we can carry one hell of a tune.\n\nFamilies would come see him. Pretty husbands and wives looking for another addition to their Christmas card photo, but I always scared them away. Sometimes it was the image of bloody tears rolling out of their eyes in the mirror. Sometimes it was a little more elaborate, sometimes a little less so.\n\nBut every time, they left.\n\nSo we carried on my son and I. We played roll-a-ball across his bedroom floor, I would turn the pages to his books as he read them under the covers. I even helped him steal cookies from the pantry downstairs. But one night, as I ran my hand over his head, my fingers barely ruffling the messy spikes that made up his hair - he whispered something I'll never forget: \"I wish you were my dad.\"\n\nYou don't really come back from something like that. \n\nI stood motionless for the rest of the night, staring out into the barren sky. Thoughts came and fled, ear piercing solutions and whispered musings bouncing around in my skull, but through all of them a single feeling remained.\n\nA week later a couple came in. They were well off but lived simply - I mean the husband wore one of those old fashioned calculator watches for God's sake. I stayed my hand, waiting in the corner with tears rolling down cheeks that couldn't feel them. When the wife made him laugh, brought out that gleeful shout that made me feel alive again, I knew I couldn't stay. I threw myself back up into the sky just as I did that first day and watched the sun set.\n\nFor the better part of an hour I waited, letting the night replace day as gracefully as it ever had. I watched as the husband and wife brought down my son's things, his books, his ball, a handful of photographs I was certain I was center in at least a couple of. I turned toward the woods when a small voice shouted from below, \"Peeves! Peeves!\"\n\nHesitantly I lowered myself to his bedroom window. He sprinted around the room frantically, searching for someone he had never seen. His eyes were petrified and I saw his whole frame shake as he checked under the bed to find nothing more than a handful of dust bunnies. I pushed myself into the room and whistled our tune, loud and clear. \n\nAs he looked up toward the sound I realized he was looking right into my eyes.\n\nHe sprinted toward me and I pulled him into an embrace, holding him close and ruffling his hair. Listen, I don't get how this happened either, but it did. It fucking did. He sobbed quietly and looked up, confusion crossing his young face. \"D-Dad?\" he asked.\n\nI rolled the words around in my mouth before I spoke them, crisp as a sunrise on a mountain. \"Just Peeves,\" I said with a smile. Now I dunno if the sudden burst into reality hurt my ghost form or some shit, but the second the smile cracked I felt myself fading away - but not before I got to say three more words.\n\nNowadays I guess you could say I'm doing well, or better than I was at least. They've got me at a nursing home out in Witchita, freaking out geriatrics. Not all that enjoyable (no fun making someone shit themselves when they were gonna do it anyway), but it passes the time. Last week I gave one old bird a heart attack when I dressed up in her nightie and attacked her reflection. She didn't really see the humor in it when her spirit left her corpse, but hey - you gotta make your own fun in this death.\n\nI still think about him though. All the time I think about him, but it doesn't tear me apart like it used to. I'm not thinking about 'what could've been' anymore.\n\nBecause for a moment, 'what could've been' was what was.\n\n\n\n" ]	1
	[WP] Satan is ready to push the "Start Apocalypse" button when Death walks in. They place their hand over the button. "Did you even consider discussing this with me?"	[ "\"Really? You're pressing the button?\"\n\nSatan looked over at Death, startled.\n\n\"Well, yeah. Isn't it time? We've prepared for this moment.\" Satan replied.\n\n\"We?\" Death looked offended. His reading glasses almost fell off his face which, to be honest is quite easy with no nose to speak of. \"YOU have prepared. While you've stayed down here with a cushy job tormenting souls I've had to take care of all the godamn people dying in the world.\" Death sighed, and his dark cape slumped even more over his skeletal body.\n\n\"Listen, the humans have been breeding exponentionally. This means that every few years my job has been even more hectic. Do you know how much paperwork has to be filled in for every dead human?\"\n\nThe devil looked down to the carpeted floor. \"No, not really.\"\n\n\"Well,\" Death said. \"Let me indulge you. For every dead human I have to go though every major choice in a persons life, and make a note wether the choice was good or bad. After this I have to make a decision if the person deserves to be in Heaven or Hell. Now, this doesn't usually take too long since the average person does jack shit of importance in their life, but the sheer number of people dying makes it a lot harder. Do you know how many people die in a day?\"\n\nSatan looked puzzled. \"A few hundred?\"\n\nDeath just stared. \"Not since the godamn ice age, Satan. We're up to 150 thousand deaths, or about five per second. I have to go all Harry Potter on this shit every day just to be finished by the time work ends. Also, just by talking to you about this I've missed about tree hundred people who will be dropped straight in Limbo by five o'clock\". Death looked at his watch but forgot the cup of coffee in his hand, and promptly spilled his coffee on his work tie with a silent \"shit\".\n\n\"So, when do we press the button?\" Satan asked, cautiously.\n\n\"When we've fixed the godamn workload that is going to be put on me when seven billion people die in a few hours.\"\n\nSatan did some quick calculations. Seven billion divided by a few hours would mean that Death had about two thousand times more deaths per second, and using a time-turner that many times would probably not work. \n\n\"So we need a different solution.\" he concluded.\n\n\"You're damn right.\" Death said. \n\n\"I want an intern.\"", "Satan sighed, \"Listen, Death... hun. These last 2000 years have been great, but we both knew that it's my destiny to break the life-death cycle.\" \n\nDeath didn't waste an instant. \"Oh so you're siding with HIM on this huh? Satan, he took your wings and threw you in this hole. You don't owe him anything!\" \n\nShe yelled this last line with such force that her hood dipped back a little, revealing part of the bleached, peeling scalp he had fallen for. She didn't bother fixing it. Still, Satan was determined to get through to her this time.\n\n\"You think I'm doing this for HIM?? I'm doing this for us! I'm tired of this struggle, Death. Every soul is another series of fights: with the soul, with their guardian angel, with their patron saint, with the Big Guy and his kid. Millions of deaths a year. We have to keep our relative time down to such a crawl that a minute might as well be a month!\"\n\n\"You think I don't know that!? I'm the one who has to collect them in the first place. That's no picnic for me either. At least you get to teleconference and work from home. But if you do this, you risk losing all our power over them.\"\n\n\"But he's been cheating! You were his biggest fan til he pulled that resurrection shit. He breaks your rule once and you're allowed to switch sides, but I can't end the world after getting dumped on for millennia? They can absolve each other, and that asshole in Rome has enough power to say atheists can get to heaven! Face it, we're obsolete. If I hadn't put that masturbation clause in, we'd have been ruined 50 years ago.\"\n\nThe Prince of Darkness slumped his shoulders dejectedly and crumpled onto the couch. Mistress Death tried to keep her resolve, but instead exhaled and took a seat beside him.\n\n\"Maybe you have a point. He's been bending the rules against me too. Vaccines, peace treaties, rule of law, and universal healthcare have made most it so boring. It really takes the fun out of it when they go out ready and surrounded by family. Maybe we could use a fresh start.\"\n\nHe took her hand. She loved that he never hesitated to touch her, not even a little. Not even once. They glanced into each others' eyes, and shared a unity of purpose that neither had experienced before. He guided her hand towards the button and placed it palm-down on its smooth red surface. \n\nShe glanced back over to him, eyes wide, \"You want me to do it? I... I don't know...\"\n\n\"You are my Queen, and whichever way this goes, we go together.\"\n\nHe placed his hand over top of hers, clasping his fingers between hers. She took one last look at the button, then returned her gaze to him.\n\n\"Together then.\" She said, then pushed the button.\n\nThere was silence, then darkness. Then, chaos." ]	2
	[WP] A group of super villains has just finalized their plan for world domination as humanity learns an asteroid is headed towards earth and will destroy it in three weeks. Since they can't rule the world if there is no world, the villains come up with a plan to save earth.	[ "\" The asteroid is passing the X-1 point\" Dr.Kaos speaks at the council. \" Follow this, there is only a week left. \"\n\nMindset just sits there, thinking. \" So you said that the world is already in chaos.\" \" Isn't that what you want, Dr. Kaos ? \" Braincog said.\n\n\" Hhm, yes. And really I have earn a big shit from the all of chaos societies \" \" Selling weapons for governments, Economical manipulation, kick the Jews bollocks...It really satisfies me. But still, we have one week left. And what will my money be used in if there is no more world to use it \"\n\nVexen nods his head slowly. \" He has a point. I don't say that I am not enjoying this, but what left after ? Our model predicts that only 0.00001% population will survive after the collision, I don't know about after that. \"\n\n\" You are implying that we should save the world ? \" \n\n\" N-no, but...\"\n\n\" You, one of the Bane Council member, implying that the Bane Council should save the world ? Honestly ?\" Braincog raises his voice. \" We are not Professor Marvel and his gang, you know ? \" \n\n\" B-but the Gov has cut their fund and they don't have any money to do world-saving anymore\" \" We can't have any hope in them. \"\n\n\" Calm down guys\" Mindset speaks. \" If we save the world, we will have a better image in people eyes. Then, we could overthrow Professor Marvel and his gang. When that times comes...\"\n\n\" World domination will be easy like taking candy from a baby. \"\n\n\" Still, be careful with that baby. \" \n\n\"Now\" Dr. Kaos speaks. \" We have to hurry. How about world's nuclear arsenals ? \" \n\n\" Seems nice, but you know even detonate them at the same moment can't even change the asteroid trajectory a bit \" \n\n\" Who said I am going to launch them ? \"" ]	1
	[WP] The government has created a new planet, and you are the first reporter to step foot on it.	[ "I looked around. And around. And around. \n\nHmm, looks like there's nothing here.\n\n\"Guys, I don't see any-\"\n\nSlam.\n\nI looked back. Somehow, the door had gotten closed with everyone else inside it. I walked over and knocked politely, then peered through the little window which showed me inside. \n\n\"Guys, there's nothing out here.\"\n\n\"You'll find it,\" they responded. \n\nI saw some people in the pilot seat, fiddling with lights on the dashboard. Maybe they were trying to find the button to reopen the hatch. \n\n\"Well,\" I said. \"I guess I'll just keep loo-\"\n\n\"You do that,\" they said.\n\nSuddenly, the boosters came on and the ship began to rise. \n\n\"Uh, guys?\" I knocked on the door, my fist reaching higher and higher with the ship until I was standing on my tiptoes. \"Guys, let me in!\" I began to panic.\n\nAnd then they were gone. Rocket fuel trailing behind them in a weird pattern, almost...almost like they were spelling something...\n\nWEDONTLIKEYOU\n\n\n\n\n\n\n" ]	1
	[WP] in the near future, automation has nearly eliminated the concept of work. Instead, people spend their time with self improvement and socialising. Dying of disease in the 20th century, you were frozen until a cure could be found. Now that you're cured, you're struggling to adapt.	[ "\"Hey there, say hi to the 25th century.\"\n\nThat was the first sentence I heard in 400 years. My first instinct was to wince, since my last moments were painful (brain cancer). My second instinct was to open my eyes wide and spring upwards, shouting \"What the f*ck?\" Evidently, either reaction was not received well by the newcomer. \n\n\"I repeat, you are in the 25th century. You've been dead for some time, Mr Watson,\" he said, with a touch of asperity in his voice.\n\n\"Where am I? How am I still alive? What the hell is going on?\" I fired a steady stream of questions whilsts thrusting around violently on the bed I had been lying on.\n\n\"Whoa. Steady there, bud. Here, lemme give you a crash course on what has occured in the past few centuries,\" said the man warmly, before launching into a length description of 'modern-day' life. Apparently there was less work and more socializing. And self-improvement. Huh.\n\n\"What do you mean, no work? How does one live without work?\" I questioned frantically.\n\n\"Well...work is inconsequential. There is far more time to do socializing!\" he proclaimed in response. I was always a gadget freak, so I was acquainted with the word 'socializing' only from parents and councillors. \n\nOnce the session was over, we quickly left the building to begin my relearning of the world. As I stepped outside, a sudden thought came to my head.\n\n\"Wait...is there still a president?\"\n\n\"Yes. Robots can't replace that yet,\" my guide said, rather shamefully.\n\n\"Who is the president?\" I asked, fearing the worst.\n\n\"Our Supreme Leader, Donald Trump,\" he replied pompously.\n\nI guess that's another thing I'll have to get used to.\n__________________________________________________________________________________________\nr/Whale62 for more! ;)", "\"Hurry up!\" Gavin said, jumping down into the bottom of the yacht, which was where Richard was cleaning the dishes they had eaten off of that night. \"Pointless tasks should not take precedent over Aurora Borealis - what would your ancestors think? Some of them probably worshiped it, maybe even one of your uncles...\"\n\n\"Just be fucking patient,\" Richard said. \"I like having the kitchen be clean after I use it, so this will make me enjoy the light show more. Besides, all of life is a pointless task, if you truly think about it...\"\n\nGavin reached over to a wall panel and pushed a button. Two droids whizzed out of their sockets in the ceiling and went to work cleaning the dishes, producing a buzzing, soapy haze around Richard.\n\n\"I hate it when you do that.\"\n\n\"Woops.\"\n\n\"No, seriously. I have my way of doing things, you have yours. If I want to wash dishes you should just let me; it shouldn't be a huge-\"\n\n\"Listen to yourself, Dick. All I want is to spend time with you, and you're choosing to wash dishes instead! Sure, we have our differences. You cut your own nails and brush your own teeth, instead of doing those base activities strictly on other people, solely out of fetishistic atavism. I've seen you cut your own hair, for Science sake! Why are you so proud of your caveman habits?!\"\n\n\"Because they're all I got left! Getting frozen may have saved my body, but it took away my life...\"\n\n\"Aww, Dick. Come here!\"\n\n\"No homo?\"\n\n\"Technically, that's impossible - we are both homo sapiens.\"" ]	2
	[WP] You never met your grandparents on your dad's side of the family, that is until today. And now you know why your dad didn't want you meeting them.	[ "Checking my phone again, I reassure myself of the directions I was given. Rather strange, wanting to meet on the roof like that. Unless they live there? Maybe some sort of rooftop bar? I still have no idea what to expect. Dad was always a little sore about his parents, refused to talk about them. Still is, I suppose. He seems to blame them for a lot of things, like those weird hand injuries. Come to think of it, I’m not sure I want to know that one. \n\nThe train approaches my stop. I check those directions again. Yup, still says the roof. As I set off through the station, I start to wonder again about whether this is such a good idea. Maybe dad was trying to protect me from something? Those hand injuries, the scars on his head, and that big one on his chest - it’s pretty clear he’s been through some real rough times. I just wish he’d talk about it. Too late to worry about that now, I guess. Looking back, I see the train trundling off into the distance. Definitely too late. \n\nBefore long, I arrive at the building, a gargantuan slab of boring 60’s architecture, like someone upended a giant’s breezeblock. I sneer at this testament to mundanity, before heading inside to search desperately for an elevator. It has one, thank god. I find the highest number on the panel and give it a jab, while mentally jabbing away at niggling thoughts and worries about this whole venture. Too late now, this is happening. \n\nIt still takes a flight of stairs to get up to the roof, and once I’m there I look around at the distinct lack of grandparents, or anyone at all. Figuring they’re running late, I take a seat, grab my phone and-\n\n“Hello”\n\nThe voice is booming and huge, but the tone is awkward. It is also disembodied. \n\n“Uh… Hello?” I say, looking around in confusion at the continued absence of people. \n\n“Are you John?”\n\n“Are you here?”\n\n“Yes, this way. No, the other way.”\n\nOnce I see it, I can scarcely believe it. Flanked top and bottom by great, glorious, silver flowing hair, a man’s face hangs in the sky. I squint at it. I blink at it. I move my head side to side. I blink at it again, but this time for a bit longer. It’s still there. \n\n“You are John. Good, thought I was getting old for a moment there.” He chuckles and shakes his great floating head. \n\n“And you are…”\n\n“I’m your grandfather, John. I have many names to many people. The one you’d be most likely to recognise is ‘God’”\n\nI raise an eyebrow incredulously. I lower it again when I remember I’m talking to a giant face in the sky. \n\n“So… you’re real?”\n\n“Apparently so. You’re welcome for the elevator, by the way.”\n\n“So wait. Does that mean my father is-”\n\n“Jesus, yes.”\n\n“Right.” I breathed a heavy sigh, “Well, that’s quite a lot to take in.”\n\n“Take your time. It’s not every day you meet a deity, is it? Well, at least not nowadays I suppose.” Another chuckle. \n\nI take a moment to collect my thoughts. “So, the Bible…”\n\n“Ah. Yes, bit awkward that. You see, I didn’t want to step in and make any corrections because of all that free will I like you lot to have. So I’m afraid that a lot of its glaring inaccuracies are there to stay.”\n\n“So you didn’t… say, tell your son to starve himself in the desert for over a month?”\n\n“Well, okay, that bit is sort of true. There was a lot going on back then.”\n\n“What about… well, y’know, the crucifixion?”\n\n“Brought that on himself, the silly bugger.”\n\n“The miracles? The healing, walking on water… coming back to life?”\n\n“Yes, he was a bit of a show-off in his youth. I suppose he takes after me that way.”\n\n“A bit of a show-off? He’s literally deified!”\n\n“So am I, you don’t see me bragging about it.”\n\n“Well, fair p- wait, what was that about taking after you?”\n\n“In his youth. Showing off. Bit like I did, back in the day.”\n\n“Back in the day? You had a youth?”\n\n“Of course I did! Was pretty wild back then, too. Calmed down a lot since then. Thank Me, eh.” He chuckles once again. \n\n“So, the stuff in the Old Testament… making the world, the flood, and the other stuff.”\n\n“Oh, yes, that’s all roughly correct. I certainly don’t remember making the world to be that easy though, that’s for sure.”\n\n“I would imagine not. What about… the seven plagues?”\n\n“They only recorded seven of them?”\n\n---\n\n... And that's the point I'm cutting that off at, because I realised I was kinda just rambling, and the main point of the story is already spent. I'm sure there's more I could do with this, but I just can't quite get at it somehow. " ]	1
	[WP] you have an overprotective, slightly neurotic guardian angel who pops up way too often	[ "I woke up at 2AM and groaned at the thought that in 3 hours I would be on the highway going to a press conference for a shitty company I was forced to be a part of for \"safety\" reasons. \n\nI stumbled out of my bed and trudged to the bathroom, leaving a scent of dried bread behind me. As I shut the bathroom door I smelled Dove Men Care deodorant. \"What the fuck Randy it's 2AM what the hell could I possibly have done wrong?!\" I told my guardian angle without even looking at him.\n\n\"Well excuse ME for trying to fix your life! I didn't want to be assigned to an ungrateful shit like you either. Hell, if we all got what we wanted I'd be in the tropics getting my dick sucked by topless celebrities.\" He retorted. \"I'm just making sure you don't hurt yourself pal,\" he added. \n\nI groaned and sat down on the toilet wallowing in self hatred and embarrassment that my life was at such a low point that the government sent a deranged fairy to watch me shit. \"Don't forget to wash, Ecoli is a nasty thing,\" he said. I glared at him hatefully. \n\nEvery day of every week he floated there, sarcastically talking down to me as if I was a pathetic failure... which may have been true. I decided I'd bring him down with me. Randy was assigned to me because we both had failed our missions, mine to live a fulfilled life, and him to help previous clients. One more failure and he'd become a guardian angel in hell. \n\nSo I decided to end my life. I ran to my closet and loaded up my double barrel. Just as I was about to squeeze the trigger I smelled Dove. \"Ay! WOAH, calm down man! You don't need to do this!\" He said. I ignored him. \n\nHe knew he couldn't get through to me and flew towards we, leaving his scent in the air. My instincts kicked in and I turned the gun on him. Without hesitation I fired lead into his body. He fell back, bloody and mangled; certainly dead.\n\nBefore I could shoot myself I fell asleep, even though I wasn't tired. When I woke up I was in an office. I tried to get up from my chair and found I instead floated upwards. I looked down petrified and saw I was ghostly pale. I sniffed and found a familiar scent. Dried bread. \"So you're my guardian huh?\" He said.\n" ]	1
	[WP] You see a lemonade stand in your neighborhood, and decide the buy a glass, only to realize the 8 year old running the stand as actually a quite diabolical and ruthless businesswoman.	[ "Jessica had always been something of an oddball in the neighborhood. Not really creepy or rude, just...different. She was outgoing, confident, bright, seemed to have no end of friends, and excelled at her studies. Yet, for a kid with her extroverted nature and her social graces, she never seemed to do the things the other kids did. When they were riding their bikes down by the park she would be chatting up the men who ran food and drink stands, a notebook in her hand and a look of deep contemplation spread across her face. Last month, when Brianna held her sleepover for all the girls in the class, Jessica had gone but had spent most of her time talking to Brie's dad, a stockbroker. It was behavior like that which really made her stand out, but all of the other kids seemed to look up to her. \n\nShe and I hadn't really ever talked at length, maybe a few hellos from her as she passed by me on the sidewalk. On this particular day, she had set up a lemonade stand on the sidewalk around the park, just across the street from my bookstore, and seemed to be glad to see me.\n\n“Mr. Stone, hello!” Jessica called out to me, waving her hands excitedly. “Come on over, it's a perfect day for a glass of fresh lemonade!”\n\nI chuckled at her enthusiasm and approached, figuring that I'd humor her. It was rather warm for what should've been a nice spring day, and while I doubted the drink would be that good, the experience would've been good for a laugh.\n\n“Well, hello to you too, Jessica,” I replied, my hands in my pockets. My wallet had a couple of dollars in it, although, interestingly, there was no mention of a price on the cardboard sign she had draped over her stand. “How's business been so far?”\n\n“Slow so far, but I know that'll turn around. You're actually my first customer,” she beamed, preparing a paper cup for me. The pitcher of lemonade beside her was sweating in the sun, icecubes clinking softly against the glass as she poured me a drink. “Care for a sample?”\n\nI nodded and grabbed the cup from her, sipping cautiously. I expected it to be sickeningly sweet or far too bitter, but surprisingly, it wasn't bad. Nothing really spectacular, but for an 8 year old's work and a free sample, at that, it could've been far worse. I set the paper cup down and smiled at her.\n\n“Not bad, Jessica. Did you make this yourself?”\n\n“I did! I'm glad you like it, Mr. Stone. I'd be happy to get you another one, but I'd have to charge you for it.” She was smiling again, obviously pleased with the review.\n\n“No such thing as a free lunch, right?” I mused, pulling my wallet out. “So, what's the going rate for a cup?”\n\n“Well, actually, before I get to that, can I have you sign my guest book?” Fast as lightning, she had a clipboard on the table with a line at the bottom to sign. The rest of the paper was covered by a crude drawing of a lemonade stand with a smiling stick figure and “Guest Book” written in crayon. I chuckled again, it was honestly impressive how far she was going with everything.\n\n“I guess I don't see any harm in that. Got a pen?”\n\n“I do, but can you sign in cursive? Mrs. Gardner is always telling us to practice that, and I would love to see how other people sign in cursive. I'm not good at it.”\n\nI signed for her, Bradley Stone in cursive like she asked. The clipboard vanished and she quickly poured me another cup. \n\n“Thanks Mr. Stone! That'll be fifty cents, please.”\n\n“All I've got are ones. Can you make change?”\n\n“Sure thing,” she chirped, taking my dollar and handing me two quarters in return. She beamed again as I drank the second cup, just as adequate as the first.\n\n“Yep, that's good stuff. Well, I'll let you get back to business, Jessica.”\n\n“Okay! Can you come by again tonight, maybe around 5? I'll be closing up then.” I looked at her, confused, but she chimed in before I could say anything. “It's a surprise! You'll understand tonight, I promise,” she said with another smile. \n\n“I guess I can do that. See you later, Jessica.” \n\nI walked off, not quite sure what to make of her request. A few other people were walking towards the lemonade stand with curiosity, which Jessica latched onto and began going into her sales pitch. An hour later, she had a line that stretched from the sidewalk to the park's central fountain. In two hours, she had brought out a take-a-number dispenser. By the time 5 PM rolled around, she must have gone through a thousand customers, her lemonade stocks continually refilled from coolers her mom would drop off and pick up periodically. Somewhere around 3:30, some kids got together and started parading around the park and sidewalks, all of them carrying signs for her business. From what my customers said throughout the day, her lemonade stand had blown up all over social media. \n\nFinally, 5:00 came around and Jessica closed up shop, going through the last flock of people that had gathered for a drink. She wiped sweat off her brow, motioned for the other kids to come over, and counted out ten dollars for each one of them, then sent them all home. It was chump change to her, she had made $500 off her lemonade stand, if not double that number. I was somewhere between impressed and stunned with how her little business venture had taken off. When I did walk over to her, she was all smiles.\n\n“I'm glad you came back, Mr. Stone! I wanted to talk to you about my business.”\n\n“Yes, I'm quite impressed with you Jessica. How did you ever organize all of this?”\n\n“Oh,” she said with a smirk, “that was simple. I got Mr. Bailey to loan me his number ticket maker from the deli for a day for twenty dollars, and I had all the kids at school post about my stand online at a rate of a dollar for every twenty retweets or likes. I had all the kids who did the best in gymnastics carry my signs around and spin them; you know, really get people interested who hadn't gotten the posts online. I made the lemonade from sixty percent water, thirty percent lemon juice, and ten percent store brand Sprite to give it a bit of extra kick. Saved on sugar that way, too. I sourced all that from Mrs. Lewis, only took me $350 for all the ingredients.”\n\n“I see. So you just about broke even, then, if you were charging fifty cents per cup and you had around a thousand customers.”\n\n“Broke even?” She said, still smirking. “I wouldn't say that. The lemonade wasn't really what I was down here for.”\n\nShe brought out the guest book I had signed before, the top drawing taken away. Glancing behind her, I saw several banker's boxes full of similarly signed sheets. Without the drawing, I was able to read the whole document that she had asked me to sign. Between the boilerplate and legalese, the gist of it was...disturbing, to say the least. \n\n“You'll be able to continue running the store more or less as you see fit,” Jessica said, fetching a rubber stamp and inkpad from her stand. “You have to understand, I've got a lot of businesses to oversee and a lot of property to inspect. Also, I'm going to have all the houses on Maple street have their shingles replaced, so I can see a rainbow when I'm flying over the city. If you refuse, I'll have no choice but to evict you.” \n\nShe stamped the form between my trembling hands, looked thoughtfully at my blanched face, then poured me a cup of lemonade with a sneer.\n\n“This one's on the house.”", "I slowed to a walk, my heart racing and chest heaving. My Fitbit displayed 7 minutes and 30 seconds. It was a pretty good mile. With a smile, I pushed my wobbly legs forward to walk off the acid in my muscles. My run had brought me to a park by a residential neighborhood. Couples walked their dogs, kids played in the grass, and old men sat around chessboards.\n\n\"Mister,\" a high-pitch voice squeaked. \"Would you like some lemonade?\"\n\nI turned and found a small blonde girl in a flowery dress. She offered me a toothy grin, showcasing her two missing front teeth. She stood behind a table with a sign that read \"Lemonade Stand\" in magic marker.\n\n\"Sure thing.\" I waved and walked over. \"How much for a glass?\"\n\nThe girl pinched her chin and hummed. Her blue eyes sparkled like sunlight over a lake. \"One dollar.\"\n\n\"One dollar!\" I smiled in pretend surprise. \"You drive a hard bargain young lady.\"\n\n\"Well, my mommy said to charge two, but I like you. You look like you know good lemonade when you see it.\"\n\nI chuckled. \"You sure know your customers.\" And I gave her a dollar.\n\n\"Here you go,\" she said and returned me an empty glass.\n\nI smiled at her, she smiled back. A small breeze blew between us. Finally, I said, \"uhh, little girl, I think you forgot something.\"\n\nShe shook her head. \"That costs extra.\"\n\nI laughed. She laughed. The cup remained empty.\n\nI glanced around and then at her. \"Are you serious?\"\n\nShe nodded. \"Please sir, I'm just trying to be an enter... enterpre... enter-pre-nu-ar.\"\n\nOf course, she was just a little girl. What was another dollar? \"You know, you drive a hard bargain, missy.\" I reached into my pocket and pulled out another dollar bill. \"How about--\"\n\n\"Two.\"\n\nI blinked. \"What?\"\n\n\"Two dollars.\"\n\nI coughed out a chuckle. \"Okay...\" and reached back into my pocket. When the money was on the table, she pulled a lemon from her pocket and plopped it into my cup.\n\nI didn't laugh this time. \"Little girl, please stop joking. I already paid three dollars for this cup. Please give me my lemonade.\"\n\nThe girl's jaw opened in a look of realization. \"Oh,\" she said. \"You wanted lemonade!\"\n\n\"Yes!\"\n\n\"That'll be twenty-five dollars.\"\n\n\"What?\" My brow furrowed. \"Come again?\"\n\n\"Yeah, three dollars for the equipment, five dollars for the labor and I tacked on three more dollars for every time you referred to me as missy or little girl.\"\n\nAnd at last, I realized that I was getting swindled by an eight-year old girl. \"This isn't funny, where are your parent, little girl?\"\n\nHer smile disappeared. \"Twenty-eight dollars.\"\n\n\"I'm serious.\"\n\nShe glared at me and growled, \"So am I.\"\n\n\"I want my money back then.\"\n\nShe scoffed and pointed downwards. \"Read the sign, Mr. Krabs. No refunds.\"\n\n\"Okay, I'm not sure if this is some sort of practical joke or if someone put you up to this, but swindling people is not good. I want my money back.\"\n\n\"And I want a magical pony that shits out rainbows. Guess life's unfair to both of us.\"\n\nMy breath caught in my throat. I replayed her words in my head. Each time, it sounded more ridiculous than the last. \"Okay, I'm done playing.\" I reached to take back my money.\n\nShe snatched it away and stuffed it into her dress. \"I already told you, Mr. Stooge, no refunds.\"\n\n\"Stooge?\" That was it. I slammed my palms on the table and leaned close. \"I don't know who you think you are, kid, but I'm going to find your parents and explain to them how inappropriate your behavior is.\"\n\n\"My parents?\" Her eyes swelled with tears and then she burst into laughter, a wicked smile cut across her face. \"Go for it, but first explain this one.\" She sucked in air and let out a bloodcurdling scream.\n\nThe shriek pierced my ears. I winced and covered them. \"The hell are you up to?\" I screamed back at her.\n\n\"Help!\" she screamed. \"Someone help!\"\n\nThen I felt it. Thirty pairs of eyes on me. Adults far bigger than myself walked up, some with their fingers already curled into fists.\n\n\"Stop it,\" I whispered. \"Little girl, stop it.\"\n\nShe paused for just a second. \"Thirty-five dollars. And the name's Eleanor.\"\n\n\"Okay, I'm sorry Eleanor, but I only brought a few bucks.\"\n\n\"Guess it'll be hard for you to post bail then.\" She shrugged and sucked in another breath.\n\n\"Wait! Wait! Wait!\" I snapped off my Fitbit and tossed it onto the table. \"That's worth a hundred, just stop, okay?\"\n\n\"I want my cup back. And the lemon.\"\n\n\"Are you--\"\n\nShe inhaled.\n\n\"Okay,\" I said and put those back on the table as well. \"Whatever you want. Just please don't throw me in jail.\"\n\nA hand clasped my shoulder and pulled me back. \"Are you okay, little girl?\" a baritone voice asked.\n\nI looked up at the man towering above me, his neck thicker than my arms. I whimpered.\n\n\"I'm great!\" Eleanor squeaked. \"This man was just leave.\"\n\nI nodded, more of a twitch than a nod and quickly scurried away. As I left I heard the sound of an eight-year old devil. \"Would you like to try a glass?\"\n\n---\n\n---\n\n/r/jraywang for 2+ stories a day, continuations by popular demand, and more!\n\n", "It's worth it, I think, to enjoy the little things in life. You know- the things that your grandparents reminisce about when they think of \"the good old days\". The things old-timey movies go on about. \n\nIn this instance, one of those little things was buying a quarter's worth of lemonade from a little girl's stand.\n\nI walked up to the crudely-assembled union of flimsy, taped cardboard and badly-inlaid nails, and gave the girl a mild smile. \"Hello,\" came her greeting. She was a rather sweet-looking girl, maybe nine years of age, with a hairnet clinging onto her blonde hair. To be frank, it was adorable.\n\n\"Hi,\" I replied of habit, \"I'd like to buy some of your lemonade.\" She pointed downward to sign hung at about knee level, for me at least. \"25¢\", it read, the bubbled yellow letters acting as something of a highlighter. It was surprisingly well-drawn.\n\n\"Right then,\" I said to myself as much as to her, fishing in my pocket for change. I set it against the tablecloth. \"Here you are.\" \n\nShe gave a toothy smile and slid forward a bright-white packet of paper, its pages littered with hand-drawn writing. She signaled to three spots on it, each of which was a blanked section asking for initials, full name and signature, respective to the order of her indication.\n\nI cocked an eyebrow as I signed the sheet appropriately. \"What's this?\" \n\nThe girl's squeaky voice gave a curious answer. \"In compliance with Iowa code five-two-three A point six-oh-two.\" The practiced flow of the words contrasted strangely with her childlike demeanor. I internally questioned whether or not her father was a lawyer.\n\n\"Ehm, I'm sorry, but what's that?\"\n\nThe same squeaky, childlike voice gave another complex, adult answer. \"Legal restrictions on transfer of cemetery merchandise. Technically, that's what I sell, or at least that's what I tell the IRS.\" I visually swept the streets to see who was playing the joke of me. It seemed I was, apparently at least, the only person in a six-block radius. \"Which is why I'm sorry to add actual expenses onto the listed price,\" she said with fake sincerity.\n\nMy eyebrows changed from raised to furrowed. \"Actual expenses?\" The absurdity of a little girl lecturing me on legal matters was not at all lost on me.\n\n\"Just a few dollars in materials, a couple dozen in wages, and about a hundred dollars to purchase your cemetery equipment acquisition license.\"\n\nSnickering as I realized how sweet this little girl's dreams of legalism were, I took back my dimes and nickels, about to pull a dollar out of my pocket when she continued her rambling.\n\nThe girl pushed forward another piece of paper entitled '523A.602'. \"Unfortunately for you, due to replacement of existing legislature some ten years ago, while you could refund the cost of the lemonade, the actual expenses will not be included in the refund. You will still be required to pay for what you bought.\"\n\nAt once concerned I'd been scammed by her parents, I snatched up the paper. Poring over it, I saw a discrepancy in their plan. '(3) State that \"YOU, THE PURCHASER, HAVE THE RIGHT TO RESCIND THIS AGREEMENT AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO MIDNIGHT OF THE (INSERT RELEVANT NUMBER, NOT LESS THAN TWO) BUSINESS DAY AFTER THE DATE OF THIS AGREEMENT.\"' \"Are you sure about that, little girl? Says here I can rescind all the charges.\"\n\n\"One, that's all non-actual-expense charges. Two, it's February 29. Due to a technicality in the newer banking systems, it counts as infinite days for such contracts as this. Please write a check for $136 or I'm calling the police.\"\n\nI withdrew all my money and shook my head in the negatory. \"No, not happening,\" I said, turning my heels to bail before her frightening legal ability directly hurt my credit score, and/or she called the police. \n\nHer voice faded as I jogged away; \"Stealing is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and ten thousand dollars in fines, according to Iowa Code seven-...\"\n\n**\n\n\"And that's* how I ended up in prison. Really, my criminal record is just a misunderstanding,\" I told a blonde-haired, nineteen-year-old small business recruiter.\n\n***\n\nThoughts? Suggestions? Don't forget to comment!" ]	3
	[WP] You're a 14 year old kid, and you get early access to a new virtual-reality first-person-shooter game. The war-simulating game is so immersive and realistic that it gives you PTSD.	[ "I'm a metal gear fan, if you couldn't tell. Anyway, enjoy.\n\n---\n\nI couldn’t feel my limbs. I was completely, utterly frozen. A wave of panic washed over me and I felt beads of sweat roll down my temple. My eye was squeezed shut. I opened it slowly, and was blinded by the bright Afghani sky. I scanned the barren land with my good eye, past the stray succulents, and I spotted it. The washed out stone impound, just atop a sand dune a few miles away. Da Gwhandai Kha.\n\nWhy was I here?! Again?\n\nIt was getting darker by the second, and the scorching desert heat was no longer making my armour too hot to touch. I was dazed.\n\nBut I also didn’t have enough time.\n\nI was here. But why? And then it hit me. Kazuhira. He was being held hostage by the Soviets. In the impound. Though I could swear on my life I saved him just yesterday, I somehow knew he was there again, and I knew with every fibre in me that I had to rescue him.\n\nI felt clawing on my back, and whipped around, looking down in confusion.\n\nDD! The playful wolf clawed at the barrel of my A-K. She was panting, from the sweltering heat. I reached out a gloved hand and ruffled her grey fur, soft to touch on my fingertips.\n\nI immediately felt just a bit safer knowing she was at my heels. \n\nI listened for a moment, and felt my stomach tie itself in knots. Voices. In the distance. And music, Russian music. The impound was heavily guarded.\n\nI yanked free my A-K from my back. The exterior was hard and cool against my fingertips. I reached in the left pocket of my pants, pulling free ammo that I had stashed. I loaded the shiny bullets into the magazine of my A-K, and rocked it back in. I grasped the foregrip and handgrip tightly and stood there for a moment. I could do this. I returned the rifle, clasped to my back so I could move freely. I gently removed my sidearm from its dark leathery holster around my waist, and examined it. The suppressor was attached to the pistol, and the chamber was full. The safety was on. I slid it back into its holster.\n\nI took a step forward, and almost doubled over in pain. The sleeves of my uniform were rolled up, revealing my torn-up forearms, and I noticed a deep gash, stretching from my elbow to my palm. I winced, and with my other hand, pulled out a thorn from deep within the cut. The tip of my sleeve was soaked in blood, that was turning brown as it oxidized, and I could see the gash was deep, but the clotting process was already beginning.\n\nIt didn’t matter. Kaz was being held. I could tend to my wounds later. Biting back on my jaw, I began the journey to the stone structure. Moving quickly, and quietly, DD at my heels, I approached it within minutes, the music getting louder. I yanked my firearm free from my back and clutched it in my hands, the smooth, cool exterior tingling under my fingertips. \n\nMore beads of sweat rolled down the side of face, as a few of the soldiers came into view. I crouched down, so I lay belly down on the sand dune in direct view of the soldiers. They were inside the building, and I was looking through the window, from a few feet away. From what I could hear over the loud traditional music blaring over the few speakers by the entrance, they were in an argument, rapidly speaking Russian.\n\nIn a swift movement, I mopped the sweat with the cloth around my head, pulled out my sidearm, and shot them both in the heart with a stifled boom. Neither had time to react.\n\nRunning to the structure, I jumped in through the window, DD close behind me, a low growl escaping her snout. \n\nThe gun pressed tightly in my hands, I navigated the impound with ease, killing a handful of soviets along the way, using my Wu Silent Pistol, gently picking off scrap items from them. More rounds for both of my firearms, an extra suppressor.\n\nI arrived to the dimly lit stone interior of the outside of the doorless room I knew Kaz was in. I had just freshly shot the guard standing outside, and returned my gun to its holster, holding the single metallic key in my hand. Keeping quiet, I entered the room, crouching, and made my way towards him.\n\nHis left arm was raised, and handcuffed to a pipe direct behind him in the corner of the room. He had a black cloth bag tied tightly over his head, and he was sitting, slumped. \n\n“Kaz,” I said, my voice coming out gruff. I pulled the bag off his head, and gasped at the sight of his bloody face.\n\nHis left eye had been gauged out and was swollen shut, and his right eye was cloudy. His blonde hair was matted to his face, and he was pale. He was moving his head, flinching.\n\n“Kaz… it’s me..” I said, trying to make eye contact with him. DD growled behind me.\n\n“It’s just bright is all…” he replied, turning glumly to the ground. I un-cuffed him, using the key from earlier, and he slumped even lower to the ground once his wrist was freed. I grabbed his sunglasses from my back pocket, and slid them onto his face, the rims gleaming from the fresh moonlight pouring in through the window next to him.\n\nHe smirked.\n\n“What took you so long?”\n\nKaz’s voice ringing in my ears, I opened my eyes to reality. \n\nI was sitting on my living room couch. None of it had been real. I wasn’t even in the same room as my console. I had dug my fingernails so tightly into my right arm, that a small pool of blood had collected on the leather sofa. \n\nIt was just a game.\n\n" ]	1
	[WP] All of the forgotten holidays are teaming up to get rid of the more popular holidays.	[ "We should have taken notice, Halloween and I. We should have skedaddled when Columbus Day and Veteran's Day and the day Grover Cleveland died put us two, Halloween and Christmas, on a hit list. Now, we sit in a cell, water from a leaky pipe dripping on our human embodiments. Halloween looks out the thick and impenetrable bars, and, seeing a bottle of bleach, slips it into our confines. He opens the lid and drinks down, falling dead in seconds. Suddenly, I see my life flash before my eyes, the first child, World War 2, all the children; those children meant so much to me. But now was a different time, one in which I had to be free. I poured the poison into my mouth. I fell over, and just before I die, I hear the mournful pleas of Easter. \"Christmas, Christmas. Oh, where are you?\" A single tear drips down my stiff face as my soul, the soul of Christmas, eases out of my body. " ]	1
	[WP] You are invited to dinner with the god/goddess of death and he's a pretty nice dude/dudette	[ "The headlights in my driveway are blinding.\n\nI stand in their light hoping he is watching me.\n\nI was too excited to wait inside.\n\nThe car is surprisingly white and exactly on time.\n\nHeart pounding, I open the back door and slide inside.\n\nSeated, I exhale loudly, eyes wide in anticipation. \n\nThen...the sinking, shocked disappointment. \n\nI am alone.\n\nI am totally alone.\n\nThe car is completely empty.\n\nNo one is inside it. No one. Not even a driver.\n\nBefore I can think anything else, it reverses and is moving.\n\nIt is only then that he appears beside me.\n\n\"Nice trick\" I laugh.\n\n\"I knew you would like it. It's good to finally meet you. l almost expected you to change your mind again\" \n\nHis gaze burns into me.\n\nI say nothing.\n\n\"Why didn't you?\" he asks biting my neck.\n\n\"This is the right time\"\n\n\"Are you sure?\" he says already undressing me \"Its not too late to go back yet\"\n\n\"Yes\" I reply kissing him. \"I am sure\"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "I wrapped my fingers around the brass knocker. It was hot to touch, but not unbearable, like a saucepan during Sunday lunch. I breathed. The application had said the person should be punctual, never late or early, just on time. Well, I had seemingly made it to the final stage of the process so that was something I suppose!\n\nI lifted the metal handle, and then released it, letting it cascade back onto the metal back that secured it to the charred, ornate door. I swallowed; this was it! I heard ferocious barking, then more, then more again.\n\"Oh Cerberus, do be quiet!\" I heard a gruff voice snap, followed by the heavy footsteps of a man of a large build. Just as I suspected, when the door swung open I was greeted by a hulking monster of a man, standing at well over 6ft. His Iris's were charcoal grey, but something within them seemed to burn a fiery passion that gave the dull colour such life and vibrancy, and this was complimented by his workman's like beard, albeit slightly longer than that of the average joe. His chiselled cheeks were like those of a treasured sculpture, but his rather outdated and... 'fancy dress' looking clothes, consisting of a black toga and sandals, took away from the imposing effect he had originally induced upon me. \"Care for a pint?\" \n\nI nervously sipped the rather red tainted dry ale I had been served. The room was magnificent, but very uncomfortable: sporting stone chiselled furniture of every kind, with a huge slab of marble right in the centre at which I sat at this very moment. My plate looked... interesting. I didn't have the stomach to look deeper. \n\"Sorry about Cerb, he's just looking to see who's at the door, you see?\" Mr Hades said. I looked over the man, or rather the God's shoulder, through the doorway and at the rather timid looking oak door that separated me from whatever un-holy beast had been barking at me prior to Hades locking him away. \"He's great with kids you know. Can keep 3 entertained all at once! You know, because of the whole 3 heads and that...\" he muttered to himself. I smiled awkwardly, laughed a little, and went back to sipping my pint...\n\n\"And that's when I said 'you can't just have sex with someone in the temple!' And just as I had warned, Athena went and turned her hair into snakes! Poseidon was not happy let me tell you now, OH the look on his FACE!\"\n\"No way!\" I cried, my chair tipping backwards a little as I erupted in a fit of bawling laughter. \"Wow, Mr Hades you have got some stories there!\" I said, as I calmed myself. \n\"Well, it's part of the job I suppose. Speaking of which, how do you feel about being the ferryman eh?\" His face took a warm yet stern expression as the conversation turned to business. \"We will feed you, house you, you get a company car that you get to work from!\" I raised my eyebrows at him. \"Okay, so a boat isn't quite a car but it's a free vehicle all the same. And plus you can keep the tips! Not that they will be getting on the boat without some anyway...\" he murmured as he went off on his own little tangent. Work was tough right now, so why not I thought?\n\"Mr Hades?\"\n\"Hmm?\" The man in black looked up at me as I stole him away from the seemingly different world he had lost his mind in temporarily\n\"It's a deal. I'll be your Charon.\" \nI grinned as I sold my soul to the devil, and the devil grinned back." ]	2
	[WP] You are a serial abductor who abducts people with bad eating and exercise habits and forces them to adopt healthier ones.	[ "~ This one is almost ready... ~ I thought to myself as I looked through the glass peep-hole in the door. The once pathetic waste of human filth was now a muscular, clean, picture of health. If anyone knew it was me taking these people, they would call me crazy. I'm not crazy. I'm enlightened. The only way through to those slobs... those disgusting globs of grease and skin... is pain. ~ Good, ~ I thought as the man in the cell was nearing the end of the automated routine. I turned off the electricity in the floor after his last bare-footed side-step. It took him a few seconds to realise that the routine was over and then he stopped. Opening the flap at the bottom of the door, I slid in his post-workout meal. A protein shake, a clean hamburger, and a salad. He had earned the hamburger.\n\nI moved to the next cell and looked in on the new arrival. I almost vomited looking at the rolls of skin flowing out of the sports bra and exercise shorts that I put her in.\n\n\"What's going on?!\" She yelled at the soundproofed walls, unaware that I was the only one who could hear her through the surveillance system. Ugh, she breathed through her mouth. \"Why am I here?! What's with this outfit?\" She was thoroughly frightened now. Time to start her first routine.\n\nI pushed a button that flipped the bed up onto the wall, so she couldn't escape the 'incentive' I gave to everyone. Another button and the TV in the cell clicked on to an aerobic workout. I left it on for a minute to see if she got the message without help.\n\n\"What the fuck is this? Are you some kind of psycho?\" Not a good choice of words. I pushed another button and the 'incentive' began in time with the video. Electricity ran through the patch of floor her weight shouldn't be on when the corresponding foot of the instructor in the video was off the ground. \"OW! What the hell? OW! OH GOD! OW!\" She quickly got the idea. Her cellulite ridden stomach bounced up and down as she jumped from foot to foot. Sweat formed quickly on her disgusting flesh. \n\nAfter a few minutes, she was breathing heavily enough to suggest she was about to collapse, then the video ended with a bright mannered \"Good Job! See you next time, workout buddies!\" It was only a 5 minute workout to start with. I'm not a monster. At that, I opened the flap at the bottom of the door and slid in her reward. A salad, a large bottle of water, and some salted peanuts. \n\n\"Oh my gawd, I feel like I haven't eaten in DAYS!\" She exclaimed, diving for the food like some rabid animal. The lying bitch, I'd been watching her for several days and I KNEW that she ate that morning. She would learn the right ways. They all did. " ]	1
	[WP] The golem wanders down the centuries; it has forgotten its purpose.	[ "Where am I? \n\nIs it heaven? It feels as if I have just woken up, but not to bright lights or family. I feel born alone. Once, I had meaning. Once, I had a purpose that made sense. But all I do is walk. I don't know how long I have been alive but I have seen many species come and go. \n\nThe humans weren't my favorite but they worshipped me a god. Even gods have a job. I just wander. Is my purpose to guard the earth? To protect life? To kill or destroy? I may never know. But I am alone. Maybe my duty is to bear the pain so the others don't have to. \n\nSo I wander. I have to wander until the day comes when my life stops. Whoever created me intended me to live for a very long time. But he never could have known the weight of that burden. Maybe my purpose is to watch this world grow and evolve. Maybe I should destroy the world? Whatever my purpose is I should hope to remember it soon. Longing for a feeling. Without that feeling I don't feel at all. One day, my purpose will return and I will be needed. I will wait until the end of time. For just a moment of that feeling again.", "The Golem was old. \nReally old. \nIt was unsure exactly how old. \nSome might have said ancient. \nThe Golem didn't know what that meant, but it would suffice for now.\n\nThe sun had long since baked its clay skin. \nThe dust accumulated over the eons. \nThe Golem had grown much since its awakening. \nIts craggy face and lumpy hands where a far cry from the smooth pot of the mask and armour that had been lost to the elements.\n\nIt stared at its reflection in the river. \nThe misshapen monster stared back. \nOn its face, the last trace of its old face. \nA shard of pot baring a name.\n\nIt remembered a place. \nShaven headed men and women in odd robes. \nA pervasive scent of blood and rot. \nAnd hands scrabbling in the stinking mud.\n\nThere had been chanting when it awoke. \nThey told It they had made It. \nThat its body too was made of the foul earth of this place. \nThe order had been given. \nAnd the Golem obeyed.\n\nIt remembered how, once they where free, its creators had built it a new form. \nOne not made from bloody soil and ash. \nOne of soft clay and elaborate armour. \nAnother order had been given. \nAnd the Golem obeyed.\n\nFor so long it had been following its directive. \nBut now its task was done.\nIt had cleansed this world. \nMade it pure. \nMade it right.\n\nSo what now? \nThe Golem mused for a while. \nIt pulled the shard of mask from its face. \nYes, that was it. \nIt would build. \nAnd it would take a name that fitted this. \nYhwh.", "Step by step, the hulking figure marched.\n\nAcross shady moors, across sandy beaches,\n\nAcross rocky mountain paths,\n\nWith a body of stone, a heart of iron,\n\nAnd a skin of moss, which accumulated over the seasons.\n\nWhere it was headed, it knew not,\n\nFor with every new step taken, a little of its old self was lost.\n\n", "I am Talos.\n\nI am bronze. A sash of ichor. This is all that I know is certain. \n\nIn the beginning, I was sure the horizon was the limit of my world, an edge that could not be passed. But as I moved from my post, the edge kept moving. Perhaps there is an edge, and I have simply not reached it. Perhaps there is eternity. Perhaps the beginning is the end as well, and a full circle will be reached.\n\nI knew my creator, my god. But their words, their whispers, have gone silent to my cries. Was it Daedalus? Hephaestus? It doesn't matter now. Their final words to me have long passed, and I have forgotten those too.\n\nIn my time, which I do not know how to measure, I have been alone. I attempted to count the rise and fall of the moon, but I lost count in the thousands. I can speak, I can think, I can feel, but they never leave my being. I believe there are some like me. They are short creatures, far more numerous than I. They are not bronze. A form of animal, but different. They are man.\n\nThey build, love, learn, and grow. They want as I do, they wish as I do, and they hurt as I do. There is only one difference, one note of their form, which leaves me alone once more.\n\nThey die.\n\nThey defended themselves, their body, in the same way I defend my ichor. But even when their flesh never faces the piercing wound that ruptures them, their body eventually collapses, and they are buried and forgotten. After I found their mortality, I contemplated my own. More than once I drew a shard to my ichor, knowing that upon its spill, I would cease.\n\nI never feared it, I simply chose the path I knew, to live. Or exist. I am not sure which I do. \n\nAs I step from land to sea, to land again, man never changes. They sailed there first, they look different, but they act the same. They live, they love, they die. A few have approached me, and I have learned that if I am not alone, none have seen my kin.\n\nLove.\n\nA fascinating feeling. A man described it to me. A will to exist, simply for another being. A feeling, to want to better oneself, because the other drives you. A need, to be unable to exist without the other. It sounds scary, to put oneself so much into another.\n\nBut I want to love.\n\nThat is why I continued searching. The world, the eternity of existence. I stepped over land, sea, and land again. The moon rose and fell, more times than I cared to count (which rested in the thousands). Until something changed. I do not know when, but I know it happened. \n\nA weight, inside, perhaps not physical, lifted. I felt a warmth, something else. A drive to continue my steps, beyond the habit of my eternity. I asked man once more, and he said I was not the first to pass. I was not alone.\n\nSo I walked, land, sea, and land again.\n\nI did not care how long had passed. I had already waited my existence. But I could tell I was almost at the end of things. By now, man had gone. They had fled the path of Icarus, before the sun returned them to ash. When I look up now, the sky is swollen and tired.\n\nBut I see you, up ahead. I want to ask you so much, I want to love you, and I want to never be alone again. But words fail me, as you ask me that question, the one that cemented who I am, and my purpose.\n\n'What are you doing here, at the end of things?'\n\nI'm here to be with you.", "The pain was a memory; the pain was a distraction.\n\nI traveled through the ages, the warped millenia, to serve my duty, my extant purpose. I don't remember. All I remember is to walk.\n\nThe gods put me here. The gods will take me away, as their grace allows.\n\nMy skin is cracked stone and my blood is cold water. I walk alone.\n\nMy footsteps shake the earth, the people flee. I come, I scream, the buildings fall, the children call, they die.\n\nThe things that happen are my orbit, as I traverse the planet my gravity pulls them into me.\n\nMy brain is cloudy, covered in lichen. The pain worsens. Walking helps. Maybe the gods only cared that I walked. I don't need to think.\n\nThe pain is a memory; the pain is a distraction.\n\nI can't stop until the gods bring me home. Until that day, my footsteps shake the earth.\n\nThe pain will be a memory. I long for silence that never comes and peace that cannot find me. \n\nI will search for them. I will walk." ]	5
	[WP] You're highly logical, efficient, and unusually strong. Your only fear is going for a physical, because you're concerned you might be a robot.	[ "I've fought a great deal,\nEven giants of steel.\nI win them all,\nJust to see them fall.\n\nI'm sharp as a tack,\nComputers I hack.\nIntelligence agency, no chance,\nI'm too advanced.\n\nWith no fear of the doc;\nMuscles like rocks.\nOrganized mind, logical thought.\nCould I be a... robot? \n\nTen thousand with a jawbone? \nBetter, twenty thousand with a stone! \nLegends don't rival.\nPutting competition in denial.\n\nHolmes took long on cases,\nMy mind beats logical databases.\nPuzzles and riddles, what a enigma,\nEveryone looks at them like big gorillas.\n\nNo fear of the doc;\nMuscles like rocks.\nOrganized mind, logical thought.\nCould I be a... robot? \n\nTo the doctor I go.\nSitting by this pile of dough.\nEnvy in his eye,\nSad for him, I can't cry.\n\nHits my knee,\nMakes me pee.\nI've been weighed.\nThe results; I'm afraid.\n\nNo fear of the doc;\nMuscles like rocks.\nIt's time for a shot in the rear end,\nWhat's that. No. The needle did bend...\n\n", "“Mother,” said Frankotron.\n\n“Yes, Frankie dear?” She moved around the kitchen, apparently looking for something. \n\n“Am I a robot?” he asked, face calm and curious, just as his mother said, “Aha!” and found whatever she was after. \n\nThere was a moment of silent digestion. \n\nHis mother spun around, then, and began jabbing the air admonishingly with a screwdriver. “What did you say?” He opened his mouth to answer, but she said, “No!” before he could speak. “Where did you get an idea like that?” He tried talking again, but she just screamed, “I don’t want to know!” \n\nWith a sigh, Frankotron gently pinched both ends of his fork—using very little force, he managed to bend and twist the utensil until it was a shiny, silver knot. \n\nShe stared at him in frustration, and he fearfully concluded that he’d been right, he’d solved her darkest secret, he was a robot... until his mother said, “Why would you do that? Ruin my silverware?” \n\nConfused, he answered, “Because… evidence… it’s proof I’m a robot.” \n\n“Yes, sweetie,” she said with a scoff, “and if you bent a spoon, you’d be a psychic.” He gave a scowly smile, and she continued with, “Now, your doctor’s appointment is in one hour—let me have a quick peek at you before we head out. We want you looking nice.”\n\nShe walked over to him, heels clicking on white linoleum, and crouched slightly to be at his eyelevel. Frankotron smiled and his mother touched his cheek lovingly. She looked at the table, at his plate with the fake, plastic food and his customary glass of plastic orange juice, and chuckled, “My, how silly you are. How could a boy be a robot when he eats as healthy as you do?” \n\nFrankotron blushed, embarrassed. “You’re right,” he said, and used his mangled fork to poke a whole, fake bell pepper. Without the pepper attached to his fork, he brought the utensil up to his lips, opened his mouth, deposited the imaginary food inside, and just chewed on nothing for a bit. “Great job on breakfast today, mom.” He patted his belly with satisfaction.\n\n“Thank you, sweetie,” said she, right before she found a near-invisible cleft in the skin of the boy’s elbow. She parted the flesh, then took the screwdriver to a tiny, tiny Torx screw poking out. “Now, a little look, and we can be on our way out the door.”\n\n“Okay.” He took a fake sip of fake orange juice; his eyes were amused. “I’m glad I’m not a robot.” \n\n“Me too,” she laughed, and let the panel on his arm swing upward. Ribbons and ribbons of flex circuits spilled out, and she said, “Oops.”\n\n“I feel funny, mom,” Frankotron said, looking at his arm, but completely unable to see it. \n\nHis mother folded the flex circuits over each other carefully and packed them neatly inside their housings within the boy’s arm. “Better?” she asked as she clicked the panel shut and screwed it tight. \n\n“Yes,” he said, strange feeling gone, and hugged her around the neck. When there was no sickening crack! and it was simply a warm embrace, she realized she had successfully adjusted Frankotron’s strength settings—she hugged him back. \n\nHis mother let go of him, gently held him by the shoulders, and commanded, “Okay, go up to the bathroom, do your business, brush your teeth, and we can head out. Does that sound good? Maybe after the doctor, we can get you some ice cream. How does that sound?”\n\n“Awesome! I love you, mom,” he said, gave her another gentle hug, and bolted up the stairs, far faster than any human could ever hope to run. \n\nShe walked to the front door and took out her pad, watching the bathroom feed. The boy entered, sat on the toilet with his pants on, got up, flushed nothing, went to the sink, grabbed his toothbrush, turned on the water, wet the brush, brushed the air in front of his teeth, turned the water off, put the toothbrush back, grinned into the mirror, and left the bathroom. She tucked the pad into her pocket and smiled up the stairs as he came sprinting down. \n\nFrankotron was standing before her within a couple seconds—the carpet beneath his feet looked incredibly worn. She’d have to get Environment on that, either have them refurbish it or maybe replace it entirely with a more resilient material. \n\n“I’m ready to go, mom,” said Frankotron, zipping up his jacket.\n\n“Then to the doctor’s we shall travel,” she said with a wizened voice, like a wizard. Frankotron was laughing all the way out the door and into the boxy SUV sitting at the curb. He climbed into the backseat; she got into the driver’s, turned the car on, and placed the retro-GPS device on the dashboard. \n\n“To the doctor’s,” she said, and typed MECHANIC'S DEPARTMENT into the GPS input. \n\nFrankotron smiled in the back seat—a boy, not a robot. \n" ]	2
	[WP] You see numbers above everyone's head and never knew what they meant, you've spent your whole life trying to understand what the numbers represent and today you finally figured it out.	[ "Ever since any one can remember, we've always had numbers above our heads. Science can't explain them as no samples could be obtained, and no one believes the religious mumbo jumbo those nuts spout about them, so we have learned to simply accept them for what they appear to be. My number happened to be 127,243,893,482. As you can imagine, it can be hard to keep track of your number, so the government thankfully gives us different ways of identification such as birth dates, names, and DNA tests.\n\nThis morning was beyond average, a mess of tiredly following routine, and wishing I were dead. School wasn't any better, that cunt Ms. Rangel screamed at me for dropping a pencil during a test. My dog had died due to complications from a surgery a week before and I was genuinely disinterested in everything else. Lettuce was about 100 or so numbers below me.\n\nAs we filed out for our next class, a scream rang out through the hallway, a kid had collapsed! As we crowded around him and the nurse came rushing through the hallway, I couldn't help but notice he was one number low than I. He died from a heart attack before the EMTs arrived. I now fear for my own safety and hope I'll get to talk to my family, one last time.", "My whole life I've noticed that there are numbers floating above people's heads. In elementary school was the first time I realized that this was something unique. \n\n\"Mom, what do the numbers above everyone's head mean?\"\n\nShe seemed shaken by what I was asking and then calmly explained to me that I was just seeing things. She offered me some hot chocolate to calm down and I noticed that her number just went up by one. I told her I was feeling fine and went back to my room to rest.\n\nNow I am an adult, working as a newspaper editor. I have been searching for the meaning of the numbers for years under the cover of looking for the next big story. Throughout my life, I have kept track of when the numbers increase. Most people have a big 0 over their heads, but the people closest to me, my friends, my coworkers, and my family, have numbers well over 100. \n\nI will never forget the day of the biggest increases. It was my 25th birthday party and my friends and family were horsing around at my house. That day we had pinatas and lots of delicious food to enjoy. Unfortunately, I was having stomach problems that day and was unable to eat the food they brought or have much fun. But everyone's numbers increased a lot that day after they showed me how much they cared.\n\nThe day I finally figured out the meaning behind the numbers, my life was turned upside down. I didn't know who I could trust anymore. I had gone to the bank to withdraw some money when some bank robbers decided to hold up the bank. Peeking out from behind a counter, I noticed that their numbers all increased from 0 to 1. \n\n\"Threaten my life again!\" I yelled at one of them, testing my theory.\n\nHe complied, and I noticed the number change to a 2. This was it. The numbers represent the amount of times my life was threatened by that person. My family. My friends. My coworkers. None of them cared about me. \n\nFrom that day on, I have been on the run, dedicating my life to finding the organization that controlled my life with my \"friends\" and \"coworkers\", who had many takes on my life. My numbers warn me when someone may be trying to kill me. But I will press on and avenge myself.", "\n\"20,250\"\nDescription: White Male, mid 20s, 5 foot 8?\n\"15,900\" \nDescription: Black Woman, appears to be around her 30s, around 6 feet tall\nChuckling, I remembered how I thought the numbers originally corresponded to the number of sexual partners.\n\"40,205\"\nDescription: Teenager, maybe 16? 4 feet tall.\nI sipped more of my coffee as I people watched. I'd taken to this hobby of logging numbers and descriptions in an effort to understand the numbers. I'd racked my brain for ideas coming up with things such as their amounts in the bank, amount of steps taken that month, how far in debt they are, potential prisoner numbers and more. Of course I'd get some of the numbers to fit but never more than a few. The first number I'd ever seen was 17 years ago, on my mother. It read 6200. From then on I documented them all. The numbers never changed. Even if I saw people again, the numbers always read the same. Yet, I never had one. I looked in mirrors, and windows and could never see a number over my head.\n\"Any Progress?\" my wife, Jean, asked.\nWe'd been visiting France for vacation and were enjoying each others company outside of Cafe de France. \n\"Nope\" I replied casually, smiling. I'd been very frustrated in the beginning of my documentations but gradually grew patient, realizing that when the time came for me to understand, I would. Until then, I would keep logging information. \nMy wife sipped her tea, the wind blowing her brown hair, causing it to billow behind her. She was beautiful, timeless in this moment. Noticing me staring, she smiled. \n\"What are you looking at?\"\n\"My Beautiful Wife\"\nShe blushed and gazed at me lovingly. \n\"Keep talking like that and you might have to take your beautiful wife somewhere private\". \nLaughing, we began to talk about family and work. Discussing the gossip for today such as Emelie's new baby and Maxwell's band. Eventually we walked back to our hotel room to enjoy a private moment. Passing a family in the hallway, I logged them, and then stopped. Each member had the number: 2. Nothing else.\n\"2\"\nDescription: Family of 5, two parents, 3 kids. \nTugging my hand, my wife led me into the room, kissing me passionately and shutting the door behind us.\n\nWe lay in bed, naked under the sheets, snuggling as \"Heir Encore\" by Charles Aznavour played softly in the room. \n\"Do you remember when we first met?\" Jean asked, her fingers tracing circles on my chest.\nKissing her head softly, I retold our first encounter. I'd been sitting in a park, doing my usual hobby when I saw her. We made eye contact as I logged her.\n\"2300\"\nDescription: Woman, maybe 25?, 6 foot\nShe came over, inquiring about my documenting her. Embarrassed, I explained to her that I saw a number over everyone's head, and was inquiring about their purpose. I guess she thought I was joking because she said \"well that's the weirdest pick up line I've ever heard. My name's Jean, whats yours?\"\n\"Magnus\"\n6 years and 2 months later here we are, happily married and naked in a French hotel. Jean and Magnus, tackling the world and its ambiguous numbers.\nJean kissed me lightly on the cheek, and lay her head on my chest as she slept, leaving me to my thoughts. My mind kept returning to the family from earlier, trying to process them. Of course I'd seen low numbers, but never a family that shared the number. They were my first really really big outlier and it was bothering me. Damnit, what did it mean?\n\nThe next day passed quietly enough. I spent the day touring France with Jean, visiting different bistros and sights, and of course kissing her by the Eiffel Tower. The night ended in its typical ritual of love. I logged various people, most of them in the tens of thousands with a few in the thousands and only 1 or 2 in the hundreds. Yet, I still couldn't escape the family from yesterday. \"2\". Did it mean they'd each have 2 kids? Perhaps, but that wouldnt explain the other numbers at all. I cussed under my breath, the mystery weighing heavily on my mind. Jean whispered \"Mag don't worry. I'm sure it's okay. Just focus on me okay?\" Smiling, I kissed her on the cheek, pretending I was fine. I couldn't sleep that night.\n\nWe woke in the morning, walking to Cafe de France. I ordered a coffee, sitting outside with Jean again. It was very cloudy outside and seemed like it was going to storm. Very few people were out that morning, and some I'd already seen. I looked at my log, writing my thoughts next to the different entries. A news boy rode along the sidewalk, pausing by us. \"Pardon, sir. Would you like a newspaper? They are 1 Euro.\"\nJean motioned for me to get one for her. The boy rode off as I handed it off to her.\nLooking back at my log, I sorted through the entries, trying to understand the mystery. \n\"Oh my God. Magnus. Magnus, look.\" Handing me the paper, she pointed to the headline:\n\"Family of 5, killed in fatal crash.\" \nShe pointed to the picture.\nI dropped my pen, tears filling my eyes. It was the same family from 2 days ago. They'd been killed in the crash. A horrid thought crept into my mind. A knowledge that filled my heart with truth, even though I needed more examples. I opened my log to the first entry. \n\"6200\"\nDescription: Mom.\nShe passed away about a two months ago.\nI began checking the logs for people I knew, and their death dates in the obituary. When I reached my 5th example, I closed my log, and cried. The numbers above people's heads corresponded to how many days left they had to live from the first day I saw them. \nA hand touched mine. Realizing my wife's presence again, I looked at her head and sobbed. 2300.\n2300.\n2300, according to my calculations was 75.6 months.\nIt'd been 6 years, 3 months and 13 days since we met. My wife. My beautiful wife was to die in a day or two.\nShe knew. Jean whispered to me \"I know, Mag. I know.\"\nWe held each other, crying. \"Mag be strong okay? Please, be strong.\"\nHow could I? Knowing that we would return back to the states tomorrow on a plane, how could I be strong? My wife would die in a plane crash, I was convinced. I would watch her die and she wanted me to be strong? It was Jean. Without Jean I'd be a broken man. I knew, I could not live without Jean. \n\nWe boarded the plane, my hand never leaving hers. I documented everything I could about her. Her clothes, her smell, the warmth in her hands, her steadiness, her walk. Everything. Nothing else mattered, not my log, not the numbers of \"0\" above every persons head. Not the children playing in their seats for the last time, nothing else mattered. Nothing but Jean. I put her bags in the overhead, as she snuggled into me in the seats. She whispered all of the things she wanted me to set in order when I got home. She cried softly as the plane took off. She kissed me repeatedly, her hands gripping mine tightly. \n\"Magnus Pierre Blake, I love you. I love you. I love you.\" she whispered.\nUnable to think of anything else, she gazed at the window to see the sky one last time.\nGazing with her, I looked as well. Noting the orange and pink in the sky, until my reflection caught my attention.\nIt was not my red eyes, nor my tear streaked cheeks, nor my unbrushed hair. Rather, it was a number above my head. One I had never seen in all my years. It was not a big number at all, yet it gave me more joy than any one number could give me. I smiled as I felt the lurch in the plane, as the passengers began to scream when the explosion in the right engine went off. I laughed softly as we began our downward descent to the ground, a man made comet speeding towards death. I took out my log, and wrote\n\"0\"\nDescription: Me.\nSeeing this, my wife did not cry. She gazed at me. Whispering to her, I said \"I saw my number. It read, \"0\". I will not live without you. Jean Elizabeth Blake, 'til death do us part\".\nWith a blazing look in her eye, she kissed me passionately in our last moments.\n\"BRACE FOR IMPACT!!!\" The pilot shouted over the intercom. The smoke trailing past our window as the plane became engulfed in flames.\n\"I love you Magnus\"\n\"I love you, too.\"\nWe kissed one last time.\nAnd all was dark." ]	3
	[WP] Make me cry.	[ "He slumps down, the cupboard doors he leans against hit their frames his bottom sits down on the linoleum floors. All he can hear is the clicking of the clock near by as the time ticks. His hair is long because he can't afford a hair cut, he gained some weight but his body is still muscular from when he played two years of college basketball, his glasses are crooked and one side his held in place with scotch tape; he wears his girlfriends dad's old thermo shirt, a pair of blue jeans, long socks to keep out the November cold in the Montana mountains. \n\n\"The fuck, man...\" He looks around, he giggles but a tear rolls down his face. \"Thanksgiving happened two days ago.. The fuck something like this doesn't happen during a happy holiday..\" \n\nHe's tired, he's been beaten, and he was expecting good news and a new rejuvenation to his life, but he got another surprise. His parent's marriage fell through about eight months prior, he fought his father, and his mother doesn't want anything to do with him. Right now, he's contemplating, trying to come up with another solution to turn too, because he knows there is always another choice, another chance, another route to take. Although, not this time. Today, he has to make a choice, the only choices he can choose are bad ones, but he still has to make a decision. In his twenty-two years on this earth, it's the hardest thing he ever faced.\n\n\"I should just call one of them, ask for some help.. Fuck man, what to do?\" Tears just keep rolling down his face as he looks up at the clock. It's starting to annoy him, he get ups and looks into the refrigerator. One of the two turkeys he helped prepare sit on the shelve. \n\n\"I know theres cheese... There is cheese in here somewhere.. I can make a sandwich..\" He looks up at the clock again, \"FUCKING SHUT THE FUCK UP!\"\n\nHe slams the door shut, and grabs the clock. It's his girlfriend's father's, she uses it for his preparation and cook times. Two bangs on the kitchen table and the plastic face cover shatters, it's still ticking away, but after a good smack along the edge of the table it snaps it half. He throws it into the living room, it lands on a duffle bag that says 'University of Kansas' sitting next to her dad's rocking chair. He can feel it, the anxiety surging back, like the night he took his ACT exam in high school for college; he can't catch his breath.\n\n\"Fuck, what the fuck did I just do. Shiiiiiii...\" He walks over and grabs the clock, \"I got to go to Billings and get him a new one, fuck... Shit! Fuck, oh fuck!\" Billings was a two and half hour drive away, it was impossible right now.\n\nHe looks down at his duffle bag and remembers handing in his withdrawal papers to drop out. He played basketball at a junior college, gotten his generals in, and transferred out to 'KU' for Pre-med. After a year and a half in, his girlfriend and him gotten an apartment. He was working two jobs and going to school, but he was content because he was doing fine. Now, not anymore. He dropped out because his girlfriend gotten pregnant, he couldn't afford their apartment after their roommate moved out, his grades suffered from the summer when he went to visit his parents, and he told himself, 'This is just temporary, just a break'.\n\n\"What am I doing?!\" He drops the clock and walks outside, the scenery is beautiful on the deck. They live on a ranch right below a mountain range, cattle are in a pasture 200 feet from the house. It's nothing fancy, her parents were just getting by. He wasn't too concerned about the beauty any longer and walks over to her dad's truck, he knows there is a gallon of whiskey underneath the seat and he goes for it. The truck smells like mud, snow, and hay on the inside. He pulls out the whiskey and walks inside. He goes past the living room, and into their room. He sits down on his girlfriend's bed and looks around the room; Their room has a box of pampers, a new crib, some pink baby clothes, and a new baby blanket. He grabs it, it's texture is satin, native american hand made star quilt, and it's colors were purple and white.\n\n\"Hey!?\" A familiar woman's voice shouts in the living room, its his girlfriend's mom, \"August?\" \n\nHe begins to sob into the blanket, cradling it as he places the bottle at his feet. Footsteps come down the hallway, and a small older woman stands in the door way. He looks him in the eyes and he just can't keep going. \"I.. I want to go home.. but I don't know where that is!? What do I do Debra?\" This is the first time they are talking to one another since he's lived with them for the past two months. She just walks over to him and hugs him, \"I don't know.. I just, I really don't know.\"\n\nThe sob escalates to a cry, and almost into a howl. \"I am so sorry my baby.. I am sorry! Deb, I can't help her! I don't know what I am suppose to do!? What do I do!? Fuck, I don't know what I'm suppose to do?!\"\n\nAfter a while, Debra sits in the living room as he drinks on the porch holding the blanket. He gets up and starts walking out the pasture, there is a river down there and he thinks he can break the ice. On his way, he grabs the fire axe they use to cut the wood with and carries it with him. 'There is another choice I can make', he thinks, 'I can join her.. I can pass on with my daughter.. My little Camellia Jessica\" \n\nA whiskey bottle in one hand, a fire axe in the other, and a baby blanket wrapped into the inside of his shirt, he is going to try to commit suicide. The first of three attempts.", "It was February when I found her. A ragged looking mutt with ribs showing through her filthy fur and festering sores upon the pads of her paws. As I approached, she fled. In a soothing voice I would call to her and tell her it would be ok. But she didn't understand. She only knew cruelty and heartlessness. Love, compassion, and caring were ideas which she had only known briefly as she nestled between her litter mates at her mother's teats, but years of torment followed by months of abandonment had taken their toll on her soul. She was ignorant to kindness.\n\nIt was only through persistence and the overwhelming urge of starvation that she was finally caught. Coaxed close by a scrap of food and pounced on in betrayal. She bared her teeth and yelp and yelled. I wrapped her in a blanket and held her close. She didn't understand the pity, only the fear.\n\nShe shook as I bathed her wounds. Her soulful eyes refusing to match mine, and her tail perpetual pulled between her legs. She yelped in pain as I treated her injured pads, and retreated to the furthest corner of the room when released.\n\nIt was there I put a blanket. It was a blanket, and not food or care which which finally woke her to the possibility of true humanity. A warm blanket in which she buried her head and rested. For days, she slept. Warm, secure, and comforted. With distrustful eyes, she watched from her blanket as I moved around and about her, but with each passing day she looked with a little less fear.\n\nFinally, I crouched beside her and offered my hand. Not in violence as she was used to, but in a loving caress. And she responded. Her eyes came to life as never before, and her tail betrayed a wag. From that day forward, she knew happiness.\n\nBut there is always a cost. Years of neglect and torment took their toll on her mortal body. She looked at the countryside as it passed by the car, and walked into the vet's office with her tail wagging proudly even as her joints ached painfully with each step. When the time came, I was with her, and I hope that brought some comfort. But it was her blanket upon which she lay that brought her peace in the end." ]	2
	[WP] "Our shadows guide us in the night."	[ "They approached the hotel from the rear, careful to stay to the thick treeline. The two were dressed identically and moved in tandem. They waited a bit in the edge of the treeline. Watching. Looking for signs of anybody, any movement. Satisfied, they moved, quickly covering the ground in between the trees and the fence surrounding the hotel. Scrambling over, they dropped to the other side, one and then two. One of the pair pulled a pistol as they forced through the rear-facing door. In a moment they were in a dark space.\n\nThe pair moved silently. The red carpet padded each step. It was dark except for one amber light. The pair crept along the shadows, passing by the numbered doors 145, 147, 149...\n\n\n ", "Silently the army crept, only the shadows in front guiding them. The rocky plain was hell - literally and figuratively. En mass the shadowy, too-long slaved creatures marched upon the dark castle. \n\nThere would be hell to pay this night. \n\nAt the front of the line the long-winged brooding immortal waited, hand raised in preparation to deliver the call of war to the God within. A slender hand reached forward, barely brushing against the soft, warm feathers aligning his spine. \n\n\"Your shadow guides us this night. Guide us, my friend.\" \n\nHer sweet smile was all the fortification he needed. Three booming knocks echoed throughout the land, and a dishevelled God of the Underworld pulled open the door to face his long-time best friend. \n\n\"It's time then?\" He asked slowly, tiredly. The shadows beneath his eyes darker than ever before. \n\nWith a simple nod the God stepped aside, his eyes downcast as the new rulers stepped into their home. The woman stopped beside him, hovering needlessly, words long forgotten hanging on the tip of her tongue. He knew them all. \n\n\"You have guided us too long, my love. It is time for rest.\" \n\n______________________\n\nLike this? Check out my other writing [here] (https://www.reddit.com/r/FireWitchChronicles)", "A few years ago my friend Sam and I were stumbling back home from the bar. I told him he could crash at my place. As usual we stayed until last call and made sure we were drunk as skunks by the time we left that shit hole that called itself a bar. \n\nWe grew up poor and learned to fight. The second one tends to come naturally with the first one. So, we had no problems taking a shortcut through the \"bad\" neighborhood that evening. In fact, neither of us were worried in the slightest. Until we found ourselves lost and other a streetlight.\n\nIt was probably about 3am when we started arguing about which way to go to get home. Something a lot of people don't understand about a city is this, you can live your whole life in the city and still get lost in certain neighborhoods. Street signs, landmarks, it doesn't mean shit when you're somewhere you've never been before. Even if that place is a few miles from where you've lived your whole life.\n\nIt was under that streetlight in the warehouse district that something I'll never forget happened. We were arguing about which way to go when both of us saw something move out of the corner of our eyes. We looked at each other, then looked around. Normal darkness, nothing weird, just the crashing sounds of the water against the pier.\n\nNo one else was around. No people, no chatter, nothing. Just natural sounds. But we still saw movement. \n\nI looked over against side of the building while we were arguing and saw something I'll never forget. Shadows. Shadows shaped like ourselves. Under any other circumstance this is something you'd never think twice about. A shadow is pretty normal. But this wasn't normal.\n\nHe noticed them about the same time I did. What we saw was something I'll never forget. His shadow was running off the left telling my shadow to follow. While my shadow was looking at his telling him to go to the right. Each shadow dissipated.We were left awestruck.\n\nI told Sam I'm going to follow mine. He told me he was going to follow his. We left in opposite directions. I kept following mine until we got back to my neighborhood. I watched my shadow move, on its own, all the way back home.\n\nI received a call from Sam's Aunt the next day. Sam was dead. On his way back home he was caught in the crossfire of some gangland activity. As I hung up the phone, saddened by my best friends death I looked against the wall. Sam's shadow looked as if it was crying and my shadow was comforting it.\n\nThat was about 12 years ago. I haven't left the house in that same amount of time. I found a job that lets me work from home. I found a way to live in my house. Every time I try to leave my shadow will not follow me. Every time I try to leave it's worried. \n\nMaybe my shadow is scared after seeing how Sam's lead him the wrong way. Maybe my shadow is waiting for me to show him that what happened isn't normal. The only thing I can really say is this. Your shadow is not yours. It might be part of you, but it is not you. It's a living image of some type. Maybe that's the reason some people are afraid of theirs. " ]	3
	[WP] He rode in on an iron horse, guns glowing orange in the light of the setting sun.	[ "Attention, attention, all citizens please evacuate City Square Gardens\n\nHe sat alone on the park bench with a bag of seeds. The pidgeons at his feet scattered when the loudhailer alarms first sounded and people in the park started running out in a panicked rush, but he waited.\n\nAttention, attention. This is an Orange alert. Attention. Evacuate now. \n\nHe watched scattered newspapers drift past from the abandoned news stand nearby and placed a hand inside the seed bag as he waited. \n\nA beat. \n\nAnother beat. \n\nHe heard rustling in the nearby trees and adjusted his tinted glasses before looking up. \n\n\"Subject Auron. Wanted by the Scientia for escaping sentence. To be captured and imprisoned in the Black Dungeons for the crime of unauthorized departure.\" \n\n\"Unauthorized departure?\" he snorted, looking up at the tall, black coated figure before him. A white mask stared back at him, molded to a woman's features. \"Let's not beat around the bush. I ran away because I was tired of living in a lab. That's all there is to it.\"\n\nHe grinned at the pidgeons. \n\n\"I'm still running away and there's nothing you or anybody can do to stop me.\" \n\n\"You are surrounded. I am equipped with Neutralizers. You will be detained.\" \n\nHe sighed and stared down at the pidgeons, \"They really didn't tell you anything about me before they hired you, did they?\" \n\nHe moved the second he finished speaking, leaping back off the bench and drawing the seed bag up in the same instant. \n\nBOOM \n\nFeathers rushed in the air. The seed bag ruptured and evaporated as a ray of dull orange light struck through it, revealing the gun in his hand. He followed up with another shot, his other hand reaching for his second laser gun and firing through his coat. \n\nHe didn't wait around to see if his shot had connected. He was moving already, bounding forward, his other hand raised in a fist. \n\nHis fist crunched against the mask, cracking it slightly as the masked figure was thrown back against a tree. \n\nAn audible crack. \n\nHis eyes widened and he ducked under the thrown tree, coming up from the roll with guns blazing. \n\n\"You will be detained.\" \n\n\"Tsk. How annoying.\" He'd barely made any damage it seemed. Scuffed metal was visible beneath the black cloak and the mask had cracked to reveal a metallic, skeletal eye. \"Well, you leave me no choice then.\" \n\nMetal particles spilled from his sleeves, accumulating around him in a black haze. A shadowy figure emerged within it, a four-legged thing that could only loosely be called a horse. Horses didn't have fangs or scales or demonic hellfire coming out of their mouths after all. \n\nHe grinned, saddling up and charging it forward in the same motion. A volley of orange fire spat from his guns. The masked figure whirled away in a flurry of black cloth, bounding towards him on air. \n\n\"Let's dance!\"\n" ]	1
	[WP] There is a sports team which has never lost a game, your trying to find out why and discover that they are actually a hive mind in disguise	[ "As i drove down route 1 toward Gillette Stadium I repeated my interview questions in my head. It had been 6 years since the New England Patriots and the city of Foxboro had banned all media from entering and now i was the first to be granted an interview. A lot had changed im those years. First off local talk show host Mike Felger had gone missing after insulting Coach Belichick in an interview. Secondly the Patriots had entered and won ever major league sport competition. ESPN laughed when Belichick declared he would take the Patriots to the NBA. They said he would never beat LeBron or even make the playoffs. They all choked on their words when the Patriots went undefeated and won the NBA championship. They were even more shocked when LeBron Jamea joined the team the next season. After winning their next Super Bowl the Patriots entered the NHL mid way through the season. They qualified for and won the Stanley Cup that year. The Patriots have been undefeated in football and won every other sport since. \n\nAs I turned onto stadium grounds I noticed some grounds keepers working on grass out front. The temperature was 75 but they all wore the signature grey Bill Belichick hoodie. It seemed to be making a come back in these parts. Most residents in town and employees seemed to be wearing one. After parking my car i entered the office of football operations and was greeted by a receptionist. She directed me to sit down and informed me that my guide would be out shortly. The office was exceptionally cold even for a warm New England day and she offered me a grey hoodie.Thankfully i brought a jacket which i put on as i waited in the lobby. I took the hoodie anyway because i had yet to buy my own and this was a collectors item. \n\nAfter a few minutes wait i was greeted by a young gentleman in a suit. He mumbled a greeting and informed me that i would get a tour of the grounds before meeting with coach Belichick himself. The man turned and began to speak as we walked through the grounds of the stadium. Between his various snorts in coughs he mumbled on about the upgrades that had been performed. All the players and personnel had moved themselves into or around the football grounds. He continued on about how this was the new Patriot way and what allowed them to win. He began pointing on various new construction projects as we walked a ramp near the back of the stadium. While his arms were raised i noticed grey fabric peaking out below his suit jacket. It looked like another one of those stupid hoodies. I laughed to myself and thought that they were going a bit over board with this awful fashion statement. As we rounded another corner my mumbling tour guide spoke clearly out of the blue. \"We are on to the coach\" He said and then gestured to the door in front of him. The plaque read \"Coach Bill Belichick\". \n\nI entered the office and sat down in a chair near a large wooden desk. In front of me sat the man himself, coach Belichick. He ruffles through some papers with various symbols and pictures on it, new plays i assumed. As he did this he mumbled out something i couldn't quite understand. It didn't matter what he said because i was ready for my interview. \"When will Tom Brady retire and what is his secret to winning?\" Belichick responded with an answer about teamwork and execution and then tried to change the subject. I was ready for thw deflection and pushed my original question harder. He again deflected and tried to mkve forward. Not today Billy Boy, i repeated my question a third time. Bill Belichick seemed angry now, his i could see his hoodie covered chest rise and fall with every breath. Suddenly his head tilted backwards and i heard a different voice. It was squeaky and weak sounding, almost nasally as well. \"You fool, you overwhelmed him.\" The voice seemed to becoming from Bill but his lips didn't move. I watched the grey hoodie seem to almost shift and move. It began to unravel itself from around the body of the unresponsive man. The sweater shifted and moved with a crunchy liquidy sound. In front of my eyes what once was a sweater was now a tiny little form of an all grey man. It stood about 8 inches tall and moved like an infant across the desk. It wobbled as it stepped and moved closer. \"If you had just put on your hoodie this would have been the perfect interview\". I looked down and noticed what was once the grey hoodie now wrapping itself around and climbing up my leg. I shrieked and kicked it off, it landed across the room and instantly began moving back towards me. I stood to kick it but before i could rise completely i felt strong hands on my shoulder guiding me back to the chair. I fought against the grip now pinning me in my seat. when i looked to see who was restraining me i saw Rob Gronkowski holding me down, he was also clad I a grey hoodie which moved on its own around his body. The little form on the desk yelled out \"Join us, tonight we are all Patriots\" and then began to laugh. My sweater moved closer to my leg and i screamed out in fear. \n\n(First one ever, think im leaving it here. Go Pats) " ]	1
	[WP] Hummingbird, sing to me.	[ "The morning sun shines upon shadowy earth,\nRising slowly as if shy. \nRevealing a new day giving birth,\nOther birds greet it with welcome cry. \n\nThe light falls in streams of gold,\nIllumination from azure sky. \nEach day both new and old,\nOn iridescent wings I fly. \n\nThe world passes slowly for you,\nFor me at speed that strikes dumb. \nThings slow and fast all within my view,\nMy wings beat with characteristic hum. \n\nI tire easily flying so swift,\nFaltering in daily heat. \nTrying to save energy for thrift,\nSearching for nectar sweet. \n\nThank you generous one,\nFor willing to provide. \nWithout you I would surely be done,\nWere it not for your drink I imbibe. \n\nI come to you every morn,\nFor food is not easy to find. \nYou give me drink without scorn,\nFor someone so large you are so kind. \n\nI hope you appreciate my dance of joy,\nI hope you hear my song of thanksgiving. \nDespite my nature I am not coy,\nBecause of you I continue living. \n\n(First poem submission. A little trite but I kind of like it. Thank you for reading!)" ]	1
	[WP] Why do you never see elephants hiding in trees? Because they are REALLY good at it.	[ "\"Be careful when grabbing the next branch, you never know how much weight it can hold.\" Papa grunted, testing the oak branch in front of him with his dusty grey trunk. \n\nMy eyes were sprinkled with bark as his foot found purchase in the crook of the mighty tree. The olive colored leaves around me were dappled with shadow. \n\n\"The leaves will get thicker as the Spring rains come.\" Papa commented idly, waiting on one of the top branches, his ears flapping in the midday heat. \n\nI stared up at him, indignantly, as I had yet been able to clear my eyes of the tree debris.\n\n\"Hurry up, Son. You must hide before the humans walk by!\" ", "Charles looks at Gabriel. He looks away in thought. This is what Gabriel opens their conversation with. They have been friends for 22 years. Charles trusts Gabriel, but this is something else. \n\n\"Is this a metaphor?\" Asks Charles. \n\n\"No, not at all,\" says Gabriel. \n\n\"I see, I guess. No, I don't understand at all. What's your point?\"\n\n\"Elephants are the true masters of the world. They are hyper-intelligent inter-dimensional beings who rule us in truth and entirely.\" \n\n\"That's pretty nuts.\"\n\n\"That's why I've invented these glasses. Put them on.\" \n\nCharles looks at Gabriel like he's nuts, but he picks up the glasses. He looks them over several times and sees nothing suspicious on them. If this is a prank, he wants it over, but Gabriel has been acting strange. Gabe has no history of mental illness that he knows of. As Charles lifts the glasses, his hand begins to shake. He places both of his hands on the glasses and puts them on. Nothing changes. There is no immediate epiphany. The world looks the same. \n\n\"Follow me,\" says Gabriel. \n\nCharles follows him into the street. They walk for two blocks until they reach a tree on the edge of a park near a zoo. Gabriel pats Charles on the shoulder, but he does not point or look. Gabriel gestures towards the trees. Charles looks at the trees and sees nothing. As he ends the tree line, he reaches to take off the glasses when the second to last tree has something odd. \n\n\"No way.\" \n\n\"You see it?\" \n\n\"What do these glasses do?\"\n\n\"Allow light that we don't normally see to become visible.\" \n\n\"That's an elephant.\" \n\n\"Not so loud.\" \n\nGabe pulls Charles away from the park, but Charles continues to stare. His world just changed. \n\n\"What do they want?\" \n\n\"To keep control, well, I think that's what they want. We might be an experiment. The ones in the wild are...I don't know. I noticed something really in a tree one day. I made these glasses, and it was a surprise to be sure, but not a welcome one. There's nothing about this. No conspiracy theory or even anyone talking about elephants in trees. I am freaked out. I was hoping you would know what to do.\" \n\n\"Talk to them,\" says Charles. \n\n\"That's bananas. It lets them know.\"\n\n\"They might just tell us. Who knows that one could just be a creepy weirdo,\" says Charles. \n\n\"No wait, they could be dangerous.\" \n\nCharles puts the glasses back on and heads back to the tree. Gabe watches in stunned silence but he gives in and follows him. Charles walks up to the tree and looks at the elephant who looks back. \n\n\"I see you up there. We want to talk.\" \n\n\"Umm, I'm not doing anything wrong, I promise,\" says the elephant, \"is it safe?\" \n\n\"I think so,\" says Charles. \n\n\"No mice?\" Asks the elephant. \n\n\"None that I can see,\" says Gabriel. \n\n\"Alright, I'm coming down.\"\n\nThe elephant climbs out of the tree with ease. It stands above the men and talks. \n\n\"Don't tell the others, please. It was only a few times. I'm not like one of you human weirdos. I like her. I wouldn't have done anything. I just like to watch.\" \n\nGabriel looks and sees a zoo. An elephant washes herself. Charles takes off the glasses and drops them to the ground. \n\n\"Eww, I'm done. I'll be back at the diner.\" \n\n\"Wait, but I made these glasses,\" says Gabe, \"What do want?\"\n\n\"To be left alone and for you to tell no one about this.\" \n\nThe elephant crushes the glasses on the ground and disappears into the background. \n\n\"No answers at all?\" Screams Gabe. \n\nSilence is the answer. Gabe catches up to Charles and walks with him back to the diner, none the wiser. \n\n***\n\nIf you want to read more from me, I am writing a Batman and Superman story. [Here is part I](https://www.reddit.com/r/nickkuvaas/comments/4phzj3/batman_superman_and_the_aliens_part_i_the_superman/)" ]	2
	[WP] Magic is real and has been a closely guarded secret for generations, but in the modern age, anyone can look up runes and incantations on the internet. Write a story about a world where anyone can use magic for almost any reason.	[ "“Bill?” the woman called, looking up from the television when she heard the distinctive pop of an arriving teleport.\n\n“It’s me.” a man answered. Moments later he appeared in the doorway of the den. “Hi honey.”\n\n“I thought you’d be here sooner.”\n\n“We got held up a bit.”\n\n“Well, I’m glad you’re back. How was your day?”\n\n“Long, but not that bad. We’re nearly done clearing out the scrapyard.”\n\n“Anything after that?”\n\n“Not around here.” he said with a shrug. “The conservatory group only covers the northern part of the state. Elsewhere is someone else’s interest.”\n\n“Great.” she said, then hesitated as he turned toward the back hallway. “I wanted to talk to you.”\n\nHe stopped, then backed up so he was fully within the doorway again. “Can it wait? I wanted to change clothes. These smell like dirt and rust. You know how moving that much stuff shakes particles loose; you can’t shield against everything.”\n\n“Okay, but it’s important. Why don’t you just flip into the outfit I laid out on the bed for you?”\n\nHe shook his head. “I’ll pick something out. Be right back.” He turned again, then stopped, and looked at her to smile briefly. She studied her mental freeze frame of his expression after he headed to the bedroom. It seemed … forced. Just a little, but it wasn’t the smile she’d always seen. Why hadn’t she noticed it sooner? Why had it taken her this long?\n\nBill returned in less than a minute, in clean clothes. He’d taken the time to douse and dry himself off in the shower as well. Tucking his wand into the little band he liked to use on his left forearm so it was always handy, he sat down on the couch near her.\n\n“I was wondering,” she began haltingly, then trailed off when her nerve flared up. For a moment, she almost considered making an excuse. What did it really matter? Honestly? But she … she had to know. Why. Steeling herself, she took a deep breath.\n\n“What is it Julie?” he asked, reading her face with a guarded look hovering in his eyes.\n\n“I was using your laptop. Earlier. Teresa asked to borrow mine, and I wanted to babysit the garden while I let some accelerator runes work on the tomatoes.” she said carefully. His guard was spreading past his eyes. Settling across his entire face. Along with something else, much worse. Fear. That emboldened her, and she forced herself to ask. “Why have you been looking up love potions?”\n\nStaring at him, she waited. He met her eyes, but not fully. His kept flickering a little, wobbling almost. Like he wanted to look away, and kept catching himself. Finally he tilted his whole head down, like it was the most important thing in the world for him to be able to get a good look at the pattern on the sofa cushions.\n\n“Bill?”\n\n“I’m not having an affair.” he mumbled.\n\n“Do you want to?” she asked. “Is that what the potions are for?”\n\n“I haven’t made any potions.”\n\n“Yet. You haven’t made any yet. You’re still waiting on ingredients to arrive.”\n\nHe glanced up, his cheeks reddening slightly. “What’d you do, check the card statement?”\n\n“Yes!” she said, frowning. “My husband is looking up love potions. Of course I checked. And there’s an order being assembled for teleportation right now. By the way, Amazon says they’re having some backups with the moon drenched mountain mold. Something about a blizzard. So you probably won’t be able to start brewing until tomorrow.”\n\n“I’m not having an affair.” he said again.\n\n“Well what else are they for?” Julie demanded. “Except to snare some cute young volunteer at the cleanups? So the two of you can take some extra time after a site visit before you pop home to lie to me.”\n\nLooking up, she saw his jaw was set firmly. “Scan me.”\n\n“What?”\n\n“Here.” he said, thrusting his hand out. “Or should I go get my laptop and look the runes up for you? I’m not having an affair, I’m not planning one, and I don’t want to have one.”\n\n“Then explain this to me. Because I love you Bill, and there’s nothing else that makes sense. You’re a conservator, not a brewer. Or a teacher. So why—”\n\n“They’re for me.” he blurted out.\n\nJulie stared at him. He held her eyes for an instant, and pain flared in his. Quickly he looked down at the sofa again. She finally found her voice. “Are we getting a divorce?”\n\n“No!”\n\nSlowly she shook her head. His was still down. Hesitating, she finally reached out and put her hand on his. “Honey, you’ve got to talk to me.”\n\n“I don’t want a divorce.” he said faintly. His tone twisted with pain. “I want to be happy.”\n\n“If you don’t like conservation and reclamation, then do something else. Or quit entirely. We can get by just fine on our wands; neither of us have to volunteer.”\n\n“I like helping the conservatory.”\n\n“Then you’re just bored?” she pressed gently. “Is that it? You want a hobby, but were ashamed I’d … what … make fun of you or something? For trying to get into brewing?”\n\n“I don’t want to get a divorce, I’m not having an affair, and I like the conservatory. I like it here.”\n\n“So what is it?”\n\nHe wiped his eyes for a moment. Julie realized he was crying when she saw the telltale glint of wetness on his fingers. She realized she was squeezing his hand harder. “Bill, honey, talk to me.”\n\n“I just need the potions.”\n\n“Why?”\n\n“Because I want to love you again.”\n\nShe blinked at him. “What?”\n\n“You’re different Jules.” he said, finally looking up. “And that’s fine. But it’s … it’s getting harder for me. You’re not the same. We’re settled down, the kids are moved out, and you miss them. You keep your fingers on everything that happens around here, and it … it’s just hard for me.”\n\n“Why didn’t you say anything?” she said, feeling like he’d punched her in the stomach. A hollow feeling of horror was spreading.\n\n“Because it’s not you, it’s me.” he said faintly. “I never minded before, because the kids were a handful and I left most of it to you to deal with. But you got used to it, and now I’m the only thing you can focus on.”\n\n“And you need potions for that?”\n\n“Yes.” he said. And abruptly he pulled his hand out of hers and stood up. She rose in alarm, but he just went to the windows that faced out to the backyard. When he stopped, standing there gazing out across the wild growth she tended out of amusement, Julie made herself stop too.\n\n“Bill, if something’s bothering you this much, we need to talk about it.”\n\n“I just wanted to fix it.”\n\n“With magic?”\n\n“Yes!”\n\n“That’s not how to fix this.”\n\n“It’ll solve the problem.” he said. “A draught twice a week, and I’ll be happy again. With you, and everything will be fine.”\n\n“No it won’t.”\n\n“You’ll be free to manage me, fiddle and tweak and comment, and I’ll be eager to take every suggestion down to the smallest comment like it’s my one purpose in life. And everything will be fine.”\n\n“Stop saying that.”\n\n“Well I don’t know what else to do.”\n\n“This isn’t the answer.”\n\n“I don’t want a divorce. I love you. I just need to love you more is all.”\n\n“I love you too. But I can’t love you if I know you’re dosing yours for me.”\n\n“Then I don’t know where that leaves us.”\n\nJulie realized her lip was trembling. “I … you’re right.” she said finally. Working hard to keep her throat from closing up as sobs threatened to spill out of her chest. “I like to nitpick and micromanage. You should’ve said something.”\n\n“As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.” he said quietly. “At least, I always was. I just want it to go back to being like that. It’s not you, it’s me.”\n\n“It’s us. I can stop hounding you about everything.”\n\n“You like keeping your fingers in stuff.”\n\n“Not if it’s hurting you.”\n\n“I don’t want you to change for me.”\n\n“I don’t want you to change for me either.” she insisted carefully. “And I’d much rather work on easing up than know you’re using magic to keep us together.”\n\n“No.”\n\nShe found her feet were moving her across the carpet, and let them keep walking. When she was close enough, she slipped her hands tentatively around him. She half expected he’d pull away, but he stood still while she pressed herself against him from behind. Laying her head on his shoulder, she lowered her voice to make sure it was gentle and calm.\n\n“We can find the magic again.”\n\n“I found it.”\n\n“So did I. And sometimes you’ve got to work on it. Brush up on the rituals, refresh the incantation. I’ll work on it, on us.”\n\n“It’s not you—”\n\n“It’s us.” she said, squeezing him quickly. “You’re telling me something you need, and it’s something I can give. So I’ll give it, because you’re worth it. We’re in this, for better or worse. Remember?”\n\n“I don’t know.”\n\nJulie moved around him. Maintain contact, sliding her arms across his shirt, until she was in front of him. Pressing her forehead to his, she smiled at him. It felt a little unnatural, but she tried hard to get it to reach her eyes. “Let’s just take it slow. The stuff will keep, won’t it? It’ll arrive, and we’ll put it in the kitchen. It’ll be there. But don’t use it yet. Just wait. Let’s take it slow and see if we can’t find the magic again.”\n\n“How?” he asked, sounding miserable.\n\n“Together.”\n\nHe sighed, and his eyes met hers for an instant before they went right back down again. “I thought you’d be mad.”\n\n“I’m not anything except what I need to be for us to be happy. We’ll figure this out in the middle, the way it’s supposed to work. So we’re both there, together. We’ll work this out.”\n\n“What happens if it doesn’t work.”\n\n“We fell in love once.” she whispered. “The second time’s easier.”\n\n* * * * *\n\nI collect all my flash fic [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/DavesWorld/). If you liked this, the others might be interesting too. Enjoy!" ]	1
	[WP] Handheld teleportation devices have been invented but have been outlawed with the advent of a band of teleporting terrorists who are running amok and spreading this technology. You are part of law enforcement.	[ "What can I say about this job. It's... It's not easy at the very least. Imagine a group of highly trained and practiced people who can appear and disappear at any place at any time and disappear without a trace within seconds. And what if, said group of highly trained people decided to rob banks. Yeah, my job sucks. \n\n\nAfter another really long night of staring at a wall full of maps, locations on said maps, and snapshots from various survielance cameras. Those robbers, whoever they are ruining the economy. They stole nearly one million Bitcoins by now, some of them from my bank, forcing me to work another 2 years until I could retire and go off planet. \n\n\nWhile I was walking to my government issue housing compartment, a tiny and compact apartment, when I decided to get some cash from the bank across the street. You see, little did I know that they counted on me being in that bank so that they could hit 2 birds with one stone. As I went into the bank something felt wrong.\n\n\nThe air in front of me shimmered, a detail never caught on camera, and five men all armed with rifles sporting masks appeared, one in red, one in blue, one in green, one silver, and one in a gorilla mask. \" Well, well, well look who we found boys\" said the man in the gorilla mask. \"Looks like the head of the case is here! Why don't we cut ourselves some slack won't we?\" and shot me in the knee.\n\nE\nPain exploded everywhere, making me drop to the floor crying out in pain. Another shot sounded a something hit my stomach. \" Alright, go ahead send us our money now.\" said the man in the gorilla mask to the to young lady behind the counter while handing her a card. Seconds later she stammered, \"done\". \n\n\nAs I was lying in the pool of my own blood I saw them escape. There was no advanced or alien technology involved, in fact, it was the oldest trick trick in the book. They dug a hole underneath the bank weeks in advance. Days before the heist they flew a drone from the outside into the airduct carrying a powered version of some paralitic agent. 10 minutes before the heist the toxin is released paralyzing everyone, meanwhile one moves money, three guard, and the last one tempers with the footage. \n\n\nThe toxin is released and everyone froze, except me as I was lying on the floor. They open a hatch they made and they jump in, disapearing without a trace. With my dying breaths and some of my blood I went on the floor \"HATCH\" with an arrow pointing to where it lay. And with that I took a final breath and closed my eyes. \n\nSo where exactly am I, mister Jesus? " ]	1
	[WP] You know the answer to any question you could possibly ask anyone. The only catch is, the answer isn't revealed to you until the second after you ask a person a question.	[ "\"Hey Sam, what'd you do on Saturday?\"\n\nThat bitch.\n\nI spent all of Saturday night doing her homework and she goes to Jacobs house without me? Of course that's how it is. It happens so often. I can see her looking for a response.\n\n\"Oh, went with my family to Furlong park, super boring\"\n\nIt only drills in the point when she lies as well. Time to test her on this.\n\n\"Oh really? What'd you do?\"\n\nAll of a sudden, everything went blank. Shit, I've done it again.\n\n\"Welcome to suspension, please wait while we reboot.\"\n\nSee, with the ability to know the answer to any question, the universe doesn't respond so well when you ask a question with no answer. In fact, it stops responding all together. Since I was the lucky one to break the thing, I get to sit through the 2 month reboot process. Or at least it feels like two months. Bit hard to keep track in this blank nothingness.\n\n\"You know, you have a pretty shitty system for coping with paradoxes!\"\n\nNo response. Didn't really expect one anyway. But then, I was struck with genius.\n\n\"Who are you?\"\n\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nI woke with an extremely painful headache... What was that? Last I remember I was... I was...\n\nHoly shit.\n\nOur world, our reality. It's all controlled. Everything we see and do, every penny we spend... Gabe Newell sees it all.\n" ]	1
	[WP] You just killed a god.	[ "I never thought this was possible, it should be impossible but I killed him. \n\n\nI erase the memory of his power and his deed among the people. I felt great, like a portion of his godly powers was going through my veins while so many faces stared me in fear and awe.\n\n\nIt started just as a chat, becoming a debate, they wanted to prove me wrong, they wanted me to admit there is a god watching us, leading us to our fate of his choosing. \n\n\nThey have always believed in that god ever since his church and followers appeared on this land centuries ago. And blindly they followed what this “priests” as they called themselves, using and old book as a cover from their insecurities of life, believing they were part of something bigger.\n\n\nBut all that ended tonight, at least in this little town where I killed his god with my own words, responding every argument they threw at me with facts. Every time they try me to convince of the power of their god, I just had to remind them what his “omnipotent” god has let happen to them and the people they loved.\n\n\n The last nail to the coffin was when they told me he had a plan, what matters was on a next life with him, and I responded that if he existed, his plan apparently includes a demon that let us suffer murder, rapes, disease, and everything that is cruel, an evil that this god himself allowed to be able to walk among us.\nThat´s when I noticed, how their hope fades away from the eyes of everyone. Some was still hanging to the thought, but it was as fragile as snow in the summer.\n\n\nOn that moment, I realized what I have just done, I killed god. I killed their god.\n\n\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nMy first prompt response, sorry for any grammar mistakes, English is my second language.\nEdit: Formatting\n", "I did it i really did it i killed a god, they said it couldn't be done but i here i stand atop his golden throne victorious.\n\n\"Hello\" \"Hello anyone still here\" a nervous voice calls out, i turn and see a lanky bespectacled man staring at me like i hadn't just slayed a being of creation. \"Yes what do you want\" i spit venomously. \n\n\"Ah\" \"hmm\" \"well you see we are going to need you to not mention this to anyone\" he nervously rambles.\n\nRage clouds my vision who does he think he is asking me to hide my greatest triumph, with adrenaline coursing through me i raise my blade and charge.\n\n\"STOP!\" and the world complies, i stand there staring at the man, no the being in front of me gone was the facade of a week human in its place was a visage of cosmic power, to incredible to comprehend. \n\n\"You mortals and your violence, you think it is the answer to everything\" he paces towards me showing no fear for the deity slaying weapon held in my hand. \"now i will only ask you one more time, will you never mention this event again for the rest of your mortal life\".\n\n\"Why should i the people need to know that the gods can be slain that we can rise up and take control of our lives\", anger clouds his features not fear like i would expect \"that is exactly why you stupid mortal who do you think keeps your meaningless planet alive mortal\". \"W-w-what\" i stutter. \n\nhe reached out tendril of power towards my temple and i saw the truth, i saw creation, beings of unimaginable power crafting life from the starts, i saw earth in her infancy newly formed, then i saw man and the way we ravaged not only each other but earth herself.\n\nThen there was pain, so much pain it was as if every fiber of my being cried out in loss i felt the oceans boil and the earth shudder. i was afraid so very afraid of man and what we had become what i had become, i had slayed a being of creation something so pure that they would not raise there hand even when what they had created began to turn against them.\n\nFinally i saw what could be and what never will, man had killed the final god and the stars slowly went out one by one forsaking us to a life of eternal damnation without the divine light and i understood in that moment why man does not fight the gods.\n\nFor all there faults the gods are not evil or malicious, they see that humanity has the chance to consume everything but we also have compassion. \n\n\"I promise\" i whisper \"please just make me forget i don't want to feel this pain anymore\"\n\n\"No young one\" he gestures and i fall limp to the floor \"you will remember this each day and it will drive you to spread compassion not hate\" he crouches down to look at me \"go now and rest\" \n\ndarkness envelopes me and i wake on a hill side with the sounds or war echoing from below i understand now we may not be gods right now but maybe we can be... " ]	2
	[WP] Write a story where the narrator is increasingly frustrated about the quality of the story as it deteriorates.	[ "Once upon a time... Really? that's original ... there was a witch who lived in the woods. She lived in a small run-down hut with the most beautiful garden in the dark forest. She preyed on travelers that stopped to get food, for most it was just a hefty amount of gold for food. Unfortunately, those who tries to take a flower or pick the witches fruit were paralyzed, killed in ritualistic sacrifice, and then eaten. What the fuck? I was an unsuspecting knight, I spent way more time in the dark forest than planned and I had no provisions left of course, that's when I saw the juiciest reddest apples on that tree. I had just wanted one. I picked it and felt my magic resistant gauntlets doing their thing. I dropped the apple as a witch came out. then, of course, I kill the witch probably ending someone's curse and we all live happily ever after the fucking end The witch is screaming and shooting off spells. Get OOON with it I dodge them right and left. I unsheath my sword with a beautiful ring that sends a chill down my spine. Slerpy you are just a college student, not even a writing major, but a technical theatre major, you build and paint for stories you don't write them, so go back to the shop and build a chair or something But I am distracted by the sound and that's all the witch needed to remove the gauntlet and paralyze me. And that is how I died. Rude", "Brian is talking to rachel, and things are going well. Nice one, Brian. Rachel asks him out. Now he has plans this Saturday. Cool. Just him and Rachel. He totally likes Rachel, but he's setteling for second best here. This should be fun. Sit back Brian, you've done well.\n\nJust a few minutes later, he is talking to Sam. Sam is the reason Rachel is second best. Brian has been friends, and just friends, with Sam for quite some time. \"Do you have plans this weekend?\" asks Sam. \"Nope,\" replies Brian. What the hell, Brian, he ruined everything! He was just about to go on a date with Rachel! Now he has two women...gah! I just hope she wants to go on sunday. I mean seriously, get some social skills Brian. What a douche. No, Sam wants to go to a movie on Saturday. Whatever, I'll se what happens.\n\nGreat job Brian you stupid fuck. He is now at the theatre waiting for two girls to show up. Goddamnit this wasn't hard, all he had to do was say he was busy. He didn't have to explain, just go out with sam next week. Well, here comes Rachel. \"Man, I'm so glad I decided to do this,\" said Rachel. \"Just the two of us...\" the hell? Who says that. This is just pointless plot filler to annoy the reader. And me for that matter!\n\n\"I'm sorry, but you aren't the one,\" said Brian, snapping Rachel's neck.\n\nThe fuck just happened? He killed her? In broad daylight? And nobody noticed? Screw this, I'm out.", "The gritty detective Rick Tannen stalked through the dark hallways of MUTA-CORP. It was past midnight, but any minute now he'd find the clue he needed to stop the super solider invasion.\n\n\"I need to find a clue to stop the super solider invasion!\" He said to himself, redundantly.\n\n\"I'll use my lock picks to unlock a lock!\" He muttered, for some reason.\n\nRick Tannen began to unlock a lock with his lock picks. He turned the lock picks in the lock using his right hand and his left hand. Which we didn't really need described, okay?\n\nThe lock turned under the dexterous maneuvers of his lock picks, unlocking it. He turned the door knob with his hand, opening the door to the office, so he could search it for clues.\n\nSeriously?\n\n\"The clues to the super soldier invasion...\" Rick Tannen turned on the lights, revealing his chiseled features, chiseled as if with a chisel in marble by someone really good with chisels.\n\nA leather chair in the small office swiveled around, revealing a dark skinned man with a monocle.\n\n\"My enemy, Doctor Mordecai Rex!\" gasped Rick Tannen, \"What were you doing sitting here in the dark?\"\n\nDr. Rex looked embarrassed. \"What... what indeed?\" They stared at each other for a few moments, which felt like hours, but it was actually seconds. Of time. Please stop.\n\n\"I will stop your super soldiers!\" Rick said, out loud, with his mouth.\n\n\"You will not stop my super soldiers!\" Said Dr. Rex, in response to Rick, who had said he would stop the super soldiers, just moments before, while they were both in the office. \n\n\"I have the adamantium laser blade!\" What genre is this?\n\n\"The super soldiers are made entirely out of adamantium laser blades!\" Dr. Rex announced, impractically.\n\nUh, just then, Rick noticed a giant button which would quickly end this godawful torture session of a story. That button had been there the whole time. It hadn't just appeared.\n\n\"That button says BEAT SUPER SOLDIERS! I should push it!\" Rick told Dr. Rex, who probably already knew that.\n\n\"No, not the button!\" Dr. Rex swiveled feebly in his chair, accidentally turning himself away from Rick.\n\nRick pushed the button and won and beat the bad guys and rode off into the sunset with his love interest. Rock music played over the credits, even though it wasn't a movie.\n\nThis is the worst thing I've ever read. This is the worst thing on Reddit. The narrator narrated. I hate you Flarebazooka.", "The hero surged through the waves of monsters. He could see the towers of the castle ahead. His princess waited there, he was sure of it. His fingers wrapped around the hilt of his sword more tightly, his teeth gritted against the blows raining down on him.\n\nEven though there were hundreds of the kobolds, and only one of him, it really was amazing how none of them seemed to be able to slow him down or even land a solid blow. The magical sword in his gauntlet-bound hands gleamed with an eerie green glow as the blood soaked into the ancient runes. \n\nHe slammed through the door to the castle - Wait, we're there already? And we usually call those gates. He slammed through the gate, and exploded in a cloud of splinters into the stone antechamber beyond.\n\nTwo guards jumped up at his entrance, spears in hand. They raced toward the approaching knight.\n\nSo, what? These two guards were just sitting in there, watching all their cohorts get slaughtered outside, and once he comes in the door all covered in their blood they're all like \"Yup, it's our time now, we've totally got this\"? That's what we're going with?\n\nThe two completely-not-suicidal guards approached, spears at the ready, and were met by the knight in a blur of steel and swordplay. In a flash, the shafts of their spears cracked and snapped beneath the sheer force of his sword. Which, apparently, is as good as an axe and can chop wood without hesitation. Yup.\n\nHe leapt over their bodies without a second thought. His princess was waiting for him.\n\nAs he approached the tall tower, he paused. The rough-cut stone staircase lay before him, winding its way around and around the interior of the stone needle. Even though he was a knight, he was still human. After cutting his way through an army the size of, good lord, a small nation, he was finally starting to perspire a teensy bit. That staircase did look an awful lot like work for our good hero. \n\nA shrill scream cut through the air. A woman was screaming at the top of the tower The hero leapt up, standing straight, and launched himself at the tower. That staircase would take too long. He could be climbing hours. His princess needed him now.\n\nSo instead, he-\n\nWhat?\n\nI'm not writing that. \n\nNo, because that's stupid.\n\nNo, I don't care.\n\nNo, I-\n\nI- \n\nFine.\n\nHave it your way.\n\nHe ran at the tower, and as he got close, he clicked his heels together like fucking Dorothy, and the ancient magic in his boots took over. With a war cry, he ran straight up the side of the tower, fueled by beams of golden light and pure love for his princess. \n\nYeah, that seems reasonable.\n\nHe exploded into air, landing in a clatter on the wide platform at the top. The wind howled in his ears. He waved his sword-\n\nSo his sword was still in his hand, as he ran up a sheer, vertical face? He didn't need it for, I don't know, running? His mother never told him not to run with sharp objects? \n\nOk. Ok, fine.\n\nHe waved his sword and struck a pose, ready to declare his presence to the woman he loved.\n\nHe was greeted instead by a fat, sinister dragon, perched next to a chest gleaming with gold coins. Its tail hung from the tower languidly as it blew a smoke ring into the knight's face.\n\n\"I'm so sorry, dear knight.\" The dragon purred. \"It looks as though your princess is in a different castle.\" \n\nThe knight gritted his teeth, and -\n\nWait, wait. If his princess isn't here, who did he hear scream? That doesn't even make sense. And why didn't he see the dragon from down below? It's a giant dragon.\n\n\".....Where is she!\" The knight roared. \"I know I heard her, you can't hide her from me\" The dragon grinned lazily.\n\n\"Oh, but you see, I'm a magic dragon.\" The scaled beast laughed at him. It spoke in a female voice.\n\nOh, smooth. Nice recovery, there. Really.\n\nThe knight roared, charging the dragon. With one blow from a harshly pointed talon, the dragon rended his armor. He flew from the tower, crashing into a pile of meat and shattered bones at the base of the pillar.\n\nYes, he died.\n\nNo, I don't care.\n\nIf you fall from that high, you die. Not to mention if you get cut open by a dragon.\n\nNo, I don't care that he's the main character.\n\nNo.\n\nNo.\n\nNo.\n\nFine.\n\nAs he reached towards the skies, gasping for air, the goddamn clouds opened, and an angel flew out. A clear voice echoed down to him.\n\n\"Dear knight, your battles have not yet ended! You cannot fall here! Your princess needs you yet!\" As her cry reached his ears, he felt himself rising. His wounds itched as they knitted themselves back together, his armor melting and reforming itself. In an instant, he was back on his feet. The dragon, seeing him rise, swooped down from the tower in a burst of wind and flame.\n\nReally?\n\nAngels?\n\nThat seemed like a logical and fair plot development to you?\n\nYou know what? Fuck it. If that's how you want to play it, then so be it. I can play this game too.\n\nBut the heavens weren't done. As the knight readied himself, widening his stance, the clouds parted again and you know who was looking down? God. And God was really mad at this goddamn dragon getting in the way of this awesome knight, so he reached down and erased the dragon from existence. \n\n\"Hooray!\" Cried the knight.\n\nAnd God looked down on this brave knight, and decided that he had suffered long enough no we're doing this my way now and so he took pity on this poor ~~writer~~ knight. \n\nIn a brilliant, blinding burst of golden light, the princess appeared on the stairs of the tower. Her amethyst dress trembled as she clutched her bosom, throwing an arm out towards the knight.\n\nYada yada, he ran towards her, they embraced, they kissed, the end. \n\nSee? You would have stretched that on for another 20 agonizing pages. Now go read a real story. \n\n(/r/inorai) " ]	4
	[WP] Time is currency. Humans pay 10 minutes of their life for groceries and 1 year for a car, 10 years for a house, etc. Most of the wealthy are only around 20 years old because they've convinced others to dedicated their lives to them.	[ "I screamed at my army, \"WHO ARE WE!?\" \n\n\nMy subjects pounded their chests and stamped their feet as they responded in kind, \"WE ARE THE KEEPERS, SIR!\"\n\n\nHow satisfying. Thousands upon thousands of men, dedicating their lives to my own.\n\n\n\"AND WHEN THOSE TIME-STEALING ILK SHOW THEIR FACES, WHAT DO WE DO!?\"\n\n\n\"WE STRIKE AS ONE.\"\n\n\n\nAdorned in my flowing black and red robes, I struck quite the menacing figure, a threat to any that dared cross me, embodied. I did find it amusing, however, just how easy it was to convince all these men to follow me. All it took was a bit of capitalistic time wrangling, and de-aging the correct palms for me to gather a decent following, and that was the easy part. Now they're all scared I'll take their time away, or just make the others hurt them. Fear was easy.\n\n\n\"Now, soldiers, return to your homes, kiss your children, love your wife, for in the morning, you may have only darkness greeting your call. Tomorrow, we fight for the future!\"\n\n\nAnother roar of approval, so I just waved and walked off the stage, directly onto a plane. I checked my forearm, 242 years.\n\n\nHuh, running low. Good thing the battle is tomorrow.\n\n\nAs I sat in my private plane, another man, dressed in a sharp suit, came out from the back and greeted me, shaking my hand eagerly as he sat across. \"King Keeper, an honor, as always.\" \n\n\n\"Oh, come now, we both know each other's true names, Henry. Plus all this 'King Keeper' crap can get tedious.\"\n\n\n\n\"Of course, and I couldn't agree more. You know what my recent group of followers have started calling me now? The TimeLord.\"\n\n\n\n\"Oh, really? Did they get their hands on comic books?\"\n\n\nWe shared a laugh before falling silent as the plane rose to the sky, cresting the clouds.\n\n\n\"So\" I said, clasping my hands and leaning forwards, \"Business.\"\n\n\n\"Ah, let's get down to it. So your army, the Keepers, should be about...\" Henry pulled out a map and laid it on the table between us, \"Here. Then we'll flank you at about noon, you counter flank, and then I'll jump in to inspire them, but will sadly fall in battle, then I'll move to your private estate for a couple years and rejoin. Sound good?\" \n\n\n\"Yeah, but could you work in a way to kill my Lieutenant Nubius Danelias?\"\n\n\n\"Erm... Yeah, why?\"\n\n\n\"He's a douchebag, and his name! Can't stand how pompous he is, or half my followers for that reason, just a bunch of pricks, really, I'll be happy to be rid of 'em.\"\n\n\n\n\nNote: Sorry about this one, I'm very tired... Bad ending, and poor structure. Changed the prompt a bit, but it wasn't the easiest to comprehend really." ]	1
	[WP] (WP) You are the child murderer being finally charged and sentenced over a very public, decade long hunt for a kidnapped child. You aren't actually guilty though, you just felt horrible for the parents who kept coming on tv year after year looking for their baby.	[ "I didn't do it -- I didn't kidnap or kill that child. But the world thinks I did, and...I'm fine with that.\n\nWas fine with that..\n\n...until I got a visitor, one night, while I slept.\n\nIn my dreams, a man wearing a white robe spoke to me and said: \"Samuel, Samuel, why do you lie to these good folk?\"\n\nA pure light radiated from this man; a light that was so intense I had to look away. \"Who are you?\" I managed to ask. \"What do you want from me?\"\n\nAnd the man replied, \"I am the Lord. Samuel, tell the truth.\"\n\nWhen I awoke, I remembered the dream and realization hit me. By lying, not only was I sinning in the eyes of God, I was also protecting a man that could be out there kidnapping and killing again. \n\nAlso, what of the family? How was I bringing them peace by what I was doing? Sure, I confessed to the crime -- but the family wanted to bury her body and I couldn't tell cops where I had buried the body, because I hadn't buried her body. I didn't even know where it was!\n\nI got down and knelt at the edge of my bed and prayed, \"Lord, what if they don't believe me?\"\n\nAnd a still voice said to me, \"It doesn't matter. You will have done what is right and I, the Lord, will be proud.\"\n\nThat was all I needed to hear. \n\nI contacted the family and explained to them why I had done what I had done, the dreams, the prayer...\n\nThey were understandably upset. More than upset; grief-stricken. All this time and money had been spent for nothing, and their daughter was still nowhere to be found. \n\nI was already sentenced to the death penalty. But whereas before, all my days had been filled with sorrow; now my days were filled with sadness, but an overall peace.\n\nI prayed everyday that the Lord would help the family find their daughter, and I counted the days off my calender until the day I would finally be with Him in Heaven. \n\nA day before my execution date, I recieved a letter from the family telling me that, though authorities hadn't found any new suspects yet, they understood what I had done and that they had forgiven me.\n\nAnd, with a smile on my face, as they strapped me to the electric chair, all I could do was think to myself:\n\nThank you, Lord. I'm coming home, I'm coming home.\n\nMaybe I'd see their daughter in Heaven. I hoped not, because that would mean there was a chance that she was still alive, and there was still a possibility of her being reunited with her family. \n\nBut if she was, I hoped she forgave me, too. \n\n\n\n" ]	1
	[WP] Distant future: Religion has won. A band of scientists build a time machine to go back in time and "erase" religion, but inevitably become godheads themselves.	[ "\"No...that can't be it!!\"\n\nSaid Dr. Philips, his eyebrows tilted upwards and his face contorted in desperation. \n\n\"Frankly, my son, I am surprised it has taken you this long to figure it out.\"\n\nSaid Fr. O'Michael, leader of the final religious movement. \n\n\"You know how much I hate saying this but...he's right. We need to help him.\"\n\nSaid Dr. Linstine, his eyes fixed intensely on the floor. \n\n\"This is ridiculous! We came here to stop this man!\" \n\nCried one of the older doctors, his fist were clenched and his glasses were begining to fog. \n\nThe priest leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. He seemed determined, but there was pain in his eyes. He pulled the second drawer from his desk and removed a wooden pipe and began to prepare a smoke. \n\n\"I know what you all must think of me. I don't care. But these are the facts, I am merely presenting you with the facts. The truth will destroy humanity.\" \n\nHe remained focused on his pipe, struggling to pack the tobacco..his hands were shaking. It was clear he was overcome with guilt. \n\n\"Lying...to everyone...forever. It is a violation of my principles as a man devoted to the truth. It goes against everyt-\" \n\n\"AND WHAT IS THE TRUTH DOCTOR?\" \n\nYelled the priest, tossing the pipe in the air in frustration. \n\n\"Well there is no God...no afterlife. Even in your day we had plenty of evidence to support that. It is undeniably obvious.\"\n\n\"Then let me ask you another question, Dr. Phillips, is it?\" \n\nDoctor Philips nodded sharply. \n\n\"Well Dr. Philips, why do people deny it? what you call...undeniable. Why have even the most intelligent and well educated men and women chosen to believe in such a ridiculous notion?\"\n\nDr. Philips opened his mouth to speak but said nothing. \n\n\"They need it. They need to believe it. People, in majority are good. But...They need something more to hold on to. \n\nWe just need to modify it. Just a little. We've arranged for a new pope to be put in place. And his message will be simple: 'Everyone deserves to be treated with love and respect.'\" \n\nHe is the first step in our plan. We have taken control of other religious leaders as well. They will all begin preaching similar messages. People will begin to believe again. Slowly, we will get rid of the outdated teachings. Such as positions on homosexuality and birth control. After we tell people they can jack off and still be a decent Christian I imagine it won't take long....judging by the looks on your faces I am guessing I am right.\" \n\n\"This is insane! People deserve the truth! We need to let them know the truth!\" \n\n\"And what is the truth? That we are all pieces of meat, utterly insignificant on an over sized meteor floating through space? Perhaps you are able to live with this information. But most are not.\" \n\n\"Listen, it is only temporary. A few decades. We will use religion as a means to unite people. Just to lay the groundwork for world peace. We need a mindset of love and sacrifice. Religion is the only realistic way to do that. We need to infect the people with an idea. Perhaps it is a lie but it is grounded on a truth. We will make our religion incredibly appealing, convert or...insert world leaders dedicated to the cause. Then we will begin work on uniting our efforts toward uniting our resources. It is obvious it will work...otherwise you all would not be with me.\" \n\nThe scientist look at one another. It was true that violence, poverty and war had become almost non-existent since the end of the revolution....\n\n\"So I guess the question I ask you all is: If God isn't real, neither is sin. Good and evil are not real. Now that I know for a fact that a lie would make the world a happier and more productive place.\n\nWhat reason is there to tell the truth?\n\nI have work to do gentlemen. You will be escorted from the church. Oh and..\n\nGod Bless You\" " ]	1
Bonus points if you include something about turning water into craft beer.	[WP] Jesus returns to Earth, but this time, He is a hipster. Write about the life of hipster Jesus.	[ "“Welcome to Christmas with God, live. Turner networks have asked me to host this program to \r\nhopefully increase their ratings a bit and help push them into a similar echelon of success as that \r\nachieved by the networks you would probably be watching now if you weren’t alone and \r\ndepressed.\n\r\n“The problem is I don’t know anything about this Christmas thing. I don’t do holidays, and as it \r\nhas been explained to me this is to celebrate my son’s birthday. By giving gifts to \r\nyourselves…and getting wasted…on a day nowhere near the anniversary of his birth… makes \r\nsense.\n\r\n“Despite my hesitation and bewilderment with your traditions you can see we’ve decorated \r\nthe studio with the obligatory projected fire, fake tree, fake snow, empty gift boxes, and some \r\npaid actors sitting in front of these props all family like. All these things will be scrapped and \r\nburied in a landfill somewhere after the show is completed. Except maybe the actors, though \r\nlet’s be honest… they probably should be, I mean if your that desperate, really what else are you \r\nlooking forward to? Can we get some snow fall in here? It will make the coke heads go nuts. So, \r\nthis is Christmas, and what have you done? Call me. Let’s open up the phone lines, let me hear \r\nwhat you have to say. Wow, a caller already! Man, someone is still sober, line one, this is God.”\n\r\n“Wait, am I on?”\n\r\n“Yes, Charles, you are. What do you have for us tonight?”\n\r\n“Momma, Momma! I’m on TV! Turn it up, turn it up so they can hear me better.”\n\r\n“Charles, do you have anything at all to contribute to the program?”\n\r\n“I know, right? I can’t believe it! Wait ‘til bobby finds out!”\r\n\nGod face palms on live television, “Charles, if you can hear me over the sound of your pride \r\nhave a good holiday. Bobby’s dead. Terrible accident, like thirty minutes ago. Bless.”\n\r\nGod releases the call, “Ok. We’ll take one or two more before moving on to the next segment. \r\nCaller, are you there?”\n\r\n“Is this the same God that killed Oprah?”\n\r\n“Really? Really? Am I never going to live that down?”\n\r\n“Listen here, you don’t know me, but I know you. The whole world knows you, and I’m not \r\nalone in wanting you dead. I will end you God. You bring her back, or I will kill you.”\n\n“Listen here Daryl, I will kill everyone you know and love. Hell, in the end I will kill everyone \r\nwhen it’s their time. That’s what I do. I’m God. Don’t threaten me.”\n\r\nThe caller audibly disconnects and God continues, “Alright, I guess I should be screening these, \r\nlet’s see.” God starts answering and disconnecting calls rapidly, “Rude, rude, creepy, not even \r\nChristian, don’t know what the hell he’s calling for, not the right audience, oooo and a bit early \r\nin the night for that, ahh here we go. Caller, you there?”\n\r\n“Yes. Thank you God for answering my call, I am so excited!”\n\r\n“Yes, yes. Of course Crystal, what’s your question?”\n\r\n“Well, you see Christmas is the time for giving right, and I just, you know I gave a lot this year, \r\nand I put a lot of thought into what I got for everybody, and I just don’t feel like they appreciate \r\nit as much as they should. You know?”\n\r\n“No, not really, I mean isn’t the point to provide them with something out of kindness? Why is it \r\nnecessary that they show appreciation? Seriously, I don’t know how this whole thing works. Are \r\nyou giving the gifts simply for the expectation of the kindness to be reciprocated?”\n\r\n“Oh no, but it would be nice. I mean, like I know what the meaning of Christmas is, and I bought \r\nlike everything my boyfriend wanted for example, and he was just like so not interested in most \r\nof it, he just wanted to watch TV afterward, and he fell asleep on the couch. I mean I didn’t even \r\nknow you were gonna be on, but he fell asleep on the remote. But even then, all he bought for \r\nme was a sweater. And it wasn’t even anything special, and I’m just like, what is he trying to \r\nsay, you know?”\n\r\n“…Well Crystal, it doesn’t sound like he is trying to say much considering he’s asleep on the \r\ncouch. But maybe he just doesn’t like shopping or something I don’t know. But is it entirely \r\nnecessary for him to fall all over himself trying to do what you want simply because you did \r\nsome nice things for him. I mean isn’t it enough for him to love you?”\n\r\n“Well yeah. Of course, I mean it is Christmas and it’s the thought that counts. But you know I \r\njust need a man who’s going to take me seriously you know?”\n\r\n“No, Crystal, I don’t. Have a good night.” God disconnects the call, “Alright, enough of that, \r\nnow for the next segment. Just follow me over here to the opposite side of the sound stage where \r\nwe’ll see some of my favorite gifts to human kind.” The Camera follows God slowly at a low \r\nangle onto a new sound stage. God opens a door to the new area, where \r\nthree tables are setup; one with a small fire, another table with a bunch of seemingly empty jars, and finally on the \r\nthird table an unknown shape under a sheet.\n\r\n“Alright so here we have one of my favorite gifts of all time, fire. I mean you can use this sh-\r\ncrap for anything. Warmth, cooking, light, hell even persecution. It’s really tough to beat the versatility that fire offers, and it’s the gift that just keeps giving. Let’s just stand here and \r\nappreciate this for a minute.” \n\nSixty seconds pass by like an old lady with a walker crossing the \r\nstreet. The screen is zoomed in to frame the full fire, “Wow! Right? I mean seriously, that is \r\nsomething. But let’s go on to the next table. \n\nWe definitely have some great ones here. These are \r\nthe different gifts I’ve given man over the course of history to… you know, keep them in their \r\nplace so to speak. Ike, you know what I mean, right? Yeah you do, you’re watching. Ok but here \r\nwe have ‘guilt’, um… oh here this is ‘modesty’, and here we have ‘piety’, and ahh this one’s a \r\nclassic ‘shame’. Eh… these are great. Later in the show we will be pulling people from the \r\naudience to try each one for themselves. It’ll be great, so stay tuned. But before we cut to \r\ncommercial let’s look underneath the sheet here on table three.”\n\r\nGod pulls off the sheet dramatically, and the audience harmoniously gasps, “Enough with man \r\nright? Behold, my gift to women! Wilt Chamberlain’s penis.”\n\r\nPeople from the film crew are rushing the stage, one knocks over the first two tables while \r\nattempting to cover the massive appendage, “What?” God asks, “Too soon? It’s been like two \r\nmonths now, come on get over it.”\n\r\nWith that the show went to a place card for technical difficulties while the sounds of fire and \r\nevacuation continued in the background." ]	1
	[WP] The Devil has just received the most evil arrival to hell yet. However there is one problem, they are a total masochist and enjoy every form of torture he can think of.	[ "DEVILS POINT OF VIEW\n\n\nAll 1,000,000 of them burning from the outside of my window and screaming in terror. DING A new arrival. My sign flips and the new population is now 6,017,819,100. I await for the arrival at my door. A man stands in front of me with a funny look on his face. \"You can't hurt me,\" he mumbles. I laugh way too loud. I force him into the basement where all the torture is located. Ahhh the delight from my minions working day and night torturing each person one by one. I decided to start off the man easily with just a spin on a wheel that will make him vomit for hours straight. I secure him on to the wheel with straps around his wrist and ankles. He laughs quietly to himself. I walk over to the control panel, pull a giant red button marked \"SPIN\". The wheel spins faster than it ever has in a while. I notice the man...crying..no he's laughing. Confused by this, I take him to another torture station. An electric chair. I tie him up and push the button. He sits their getting electrocuted and laughs in my face. I was sick of him. It was time for him to be over. I sat down, I waited about 15 minutes and there he is, looking like he is on cloud 9. I deattached him from the chair and I put him on a giant stretcher that pulls his limbs apart. I attach him to it. His arms on one half, the legs on the other. I pull the lever and set it to MAX and watch as the stretcher stretches him to pieces. He sits there and laughs while he has a painful death.\n\nHope you enjoyed. Write this on mobile so, sorry about formatting." ]	1
	[WP] For a long time now, Humanity has stopped ageing and being fertile at the same time.	[ "I wipe my hands on my crusted T-shirt as I hear the footsteps of my mom.\n\n\"Dinner's ready, Zoe. Come downstairs.\"\n\n\"Mom, can I not have it here?\" I ask as I open more background tabs.\n\n\"No. It's been days since you've left your room! Your laptop isn't gonna grow legs and run off.\"\n\n\"OK! OK! I'll be there in a moment!\"\n\n\"You better be!\"\n\n\"She just can't stop going off easily\" I mumble under my breath.\n\nI go downstairs to find my beloved father exclaiming on his phone to his friend Steve on how his index finger had started to grow. I had explained him that how sometimes fingers do grow if the nail bed is intact but since his finger had been chopped off from the knuckles, it was impossible. But he thinks that the overgrowth of the skin was his finger growing again!\n\n\n\nTuning to the latest soap opera Channel 19's Late Night Specials , was a testament of a 62 year old lady of how she was knocked out by a bus and was in a coma for the last week, and now was able to walk on her own again. The funniest part was how she claimed that the accident cured her arthritis. How on the fudging earth is even that possible\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMom gives me the plate, and I dip my index finger into the sauce to lick it without seeing it. It tastes the same, but my throat felt sore. I guess I should get out for some air. \n\nThe old woman's happy tears grow banal quite quickly, and I tune into Discovery Science, where they claim that a mass miracle has been witnessed, as we humans have started showing traits of radiation immunity. It is 2020, and Discovery exclaims miracles instead of monotonously stating facts. Man isn't the world going downhill.\n I go back to my room and resumed my browsing. The splooge this time was a bit slimier than usual.\n\n\n----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\n\"A very good morning to you too\" I said to my dead phone which I forgot to put to charge yesterday. \"Guess I will have to do without music the entire day.\" \n\nI get dressed and dash through the stairs as I hear giggling sounds from my parents' room. \"Wow, Steve! It has grown by an inch!\" I roll my eyes as I just do not believe that even she has joined his delusions.\n\nThe bus. A rolling stream of hormones and obscenities. Sometimes I wonder if prisons are better than school-buses. \n\nMy thought was validated as my bitch of my crush strolled past my seat. \"Oh Chad! I have good news for us! My baby has miscarried.\"\n\n\"Oh really?\" Chad had a face of a smug.\n\n\"Yes. Now you don't need to be afraid of my parents anymore.\"\n\n\"Ha! Yes. Also, I don't need to be with you anymore!\" Chad said with a sly smile.\n\nAnd they kept going on and on with that, but the gist was that she was not a mother anymore and since she did not have his sperm he did not feel scared anymore. He was free to fuck more bitches.\n\nSomehow we reached school and I got down in a hurry to my class. Brad came by and hit me in on my shoulder. \n\n\"Hey there, sissy-face. Sucked some dicks lately?\"\n\n\"Fuck off, Brad. I am not in the mood of getting pissed by you.\"\n\n\"Oh! Looks like someone is feeling punky.\"\n\n\"If you do not move out of my way, Chad, then I will have to hit you.\"\n\nThat was the last word I said, after which I experienced a severe blow on my chin. Brad had hit me. \n\nSomething overtook me and I punched him back to back till he was down, his nose bleeding from the ordeal. The blood seemed more crimson than usual.\n\n\n----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\n\n\nThe road was empty,and behind the bushes, some dogs were fucking. I bet that Chad and Macy looked exactly like that. I had decided to walk home, as I was feeling unusually energetic. Every step I took, it felt that a surge of energy swept by me, somehow healing my scars on my chin and knuckles. I kept feeling an unusual tingle in my dick as well.\n\nReaching home, I turned my phone up. The date showed to be 9/3/2023. Hmm, nothing wrong about that. Except this wallpaper.\n\n\n---------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\n\nCriticism and commentary welcome :)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n" ]	1
You still have all the memories of your life. The songs, the teachings, the knowledge. However this world is so far in the future that society has built itself back to a early 1900's way of life.	[WP] Something terrible happened while you hyper slept on the way to deep space. You've crash landed back on earth at some point in the extreme distant future and have awoken to a world post apocalyptic.	[ "It was supposed to be a routine mission into deep space, we would sleep for the 500 years or so that it takes to get to Corvano-9 then we would awaken a month or two before landing, we would populate the planet with healthy bacteria, spores and primal wildlife and then observe them. It was supposed to be simple.\n\nWe were not supposed to crash back into earth.\n\nMy head span as I looked around at the tattered remains of the ship I was in. It was totally ripped apart, and my hyper-chamber was on the OUTSIDE of the ship for some reason. It must have been some time before I woke up, as any fires were dulling down, sparks still flew here and there and the console lights were dimming. What had happened?\n\nI stumbled over to the control desk, some of the buttons were still lit up meaning they still had power routed to their subroutine. \n\nClick Clack Click\n\nFirst thing I tried to do was get the monitor working, it had been damaged on the impact but I knew I could make it work if I just swapped some of the power used by the air flow unit (as I doubt I'd be needing it anymore) and switched it to the main monitor.\n\nClick Clack Click\n\n\"C'mon, c'mon you stupid thi-\"\n\nBloom\n\n\"Welcome t-to DELTA FIVE. Please log bzzt log log LOG in to continue\"\n\nThe computer was glitched, that was to be expected but I didn't know the login. It would've been the Captain of the ship that had access. I searched around the main deck, going through the pockets of each dead crew member I could find. \n\nEventually I came across Captain Wade Anderson. He was dead in his bed, full uniform and everything. Almost like he was preparing for the crash? Anyway, I got the key card and took it back to the console. \n\nSwipe\n\n\"Bzzt Welcome Cap-Captain Anderson.\"\n\n\"Show me the flight and activity logs from the last two weeks.\"\n\nThe computer stuttered for a moment before displaying a list of dates through the cracks in the screen.\n\n\"Show me the date of the crash, what happened?\"\n\nThe computer swiped through the list until it came across 14th February, checking the current date I realized that it was only five days ago that we crashed.\n\n\"Okay, pull it up\"\n\nThe computer buzzed and whirred as the file was put in front of me.\n\n\"DATE: 14th February 2174. We have found something, something unlike anything we have ever observed in the known universe. Something that may very well be the end of Earth's existence if we allow it to return back with us.\"\n\nWhat the hell did they find that could have warranted such an attack? I listened on.\n\n\"We first saw the object floating through the space around the ship, the acting crew at the time observed it as it moved around us, softly and without intent. We decided that it could be useful to our research if we take a sample of it, so we sent the space walk team out there to cut a small sample off of it. They never retur- Bzzt return-return-retur-tur\"\n\nThe computer died on me, I wasn't finished listening but I knew now that whatever that thing was it brought this ship back down. I decided I should take my first look at the Earth, five hundred years on.\n\nI stepped through a blast hole in the side of the ship, I felt the air hit me as I walked out onto the gravel and dirt below. The air tasted of salt, was I by the ocean? I looked out over the rolling hills of dirt and rust, and as I spun around to get all angles of this new earth I slipped, nearly falling down a thousand foot drop at the edge of a monumental cliffside.\n\nI gathered myself and looked out over the cliff, and it was baron as far as the eye could see. I wondered where in the world I could possibly be? Was I by the Grand Canyon? No, it was too cold for that. Perhaps by the Niagara Falls? Well, there is no water so I guess not. As I pondered to myself, I heard a shuffling of feet behind me.\n\nI scooped around, grabbing for the gun on my waist, a gun that had clearly been knocked off of me in the fall. I was bare, and in front of me stood a tall ragged man, a scarf covering his lower face. \n\n\"Who are you?\" I asked the man, who didn't appear to want to cause harm.\n\n\"My name doesn't matter, but this ship has caused more damage to our way of life than ever before.\"\n\n\"What? How can that be? It crash landed a few days ago.\"\n\nThe man chuckled. \"A few days you say? How about 16 years ago?\"\n\n16 years? 16?! What was the computer doing telling me it was only a few days ago?\n\n\"I checked the records, the flight logs said it was a few days ago.\" \n\n\"I have been watching this ship since it crashed, nothing human came out of it. Only a parasite, that laid waste to everything within a matter of months, it pushed us back in time. Welcome to the New World spaceman.\"\n\nThe thing, whatever the crew found, it caused this? The world to be in ruin? I looked out across the baron flatland at the bottom of the HUGE cliff.\n\n\"So, where are we? I've never seen a salt flat so big\"\n\nThe man placed a hand on my shoulder.\n\n\"We are in at Pfieffer Beach in California, and those Salt Flats were once the North Pacific Ocean.\"\n\nI dropped to my knees. What had we brought here?\n\n---------\n\nSorry I didn't really talk about the landscape and society too much, I just sort rambled I guess :S" ]	1
	[WP]Future Earth where dogs have been bred to such immense size that it has become common practice for everyone to saddle up and ride their dogs around as means of transportation.	[ "Jack wondered if there was anything better than a weekday with no responsibilities. His alarm was set, and had woken him up early, but he had the day off and went back to sleep. He dozed for a little while longer, and then was woken up to barking and a warm tongue licking his face.\n\n\"Ugh, gross! Get down Scooter, get down.\"\n\nThe dog jumped down from the bed. Jack drearily pulled back his covers, climbed out of bed, stretched, and yawned. The dog danced around his feet as Jack made his way to the kitchen. He poured a scoop of food into the dog dish.\n\n\"Scooter, sit,\" Jack said, and ensured that the over-excited Maltese behaved before he gave him his food.\n\nJack opened the fridge even though he knew there was nothing in there. His stomach rumbled and he decided he would have to go out. He got dressed, and though it was preparing to be a rather warm late-spring day, he put on his boots, jeans, a t-shirt and his leather jacket. He grabbed his helmet on the way out the door, a black helmet with a tinted plastic front visor.\n\nScooter pawed at the back door and whined while Jack got ready. Jack opened the door and Scooter ran out to do his business. Jack followed, locking up behind him. There was a thunderous barking, \"WOOF WOOF,\" as the mighty hound bounded towards her beloved owner. She was holding an entire tree limb in her jaws, which she set down at Jack's feet.\n\n\"Good girl, Nym, good girl,\" Jack praised, \"I don't think I can throw that stick for you, it's too big.\"\n\nNymeria cocked her head the side as she tried to understand his speech.\n\n\"You want to go for a walk?\"\n\nNymeria understood that, she barked her agreement with enough enthusiasm to wake up the neighbors.\n\n\"Good girl, let's get your breakfast first.\"\n\nJack bought dog food by the pallet and stored it in his garage. He measured out 8 pounds of dry dog food and poured it into the massive bowl.\n\n\"Nym, sit,\" Jack commanded. The half-ton dog obeyed immediately. Jack presented the food which was wolfed down almost instantly.\n\n\"Ok, let's get your saddle.\"\n\n***Gonna save here and add more to this story later.\n" ]	1
	[WP] After we dropped the atom bombs on Japan. We attracted something from out of this world. A new enemy that would unite the whole world into conflict. A conflict for survival.	[ "We all knew what would happen if we didn't use it - millions of American lives would be extinguished in bloody combat in a full-scale invasion of Japan. The conflict would be drawn out, taking weeks, months, or even years to accomplish. Even then, success wouldn't be guaranteed since people have a tendency to rally together against an invading force.\n\nWith feet on the ground, our own will to fight would be just as likely to break as our adversary's. That was our justification for the bombs. We were being quick, efficient... merciful.\n\nIt would be like ripping a bandage off a healing wound, a short burst of intense pain to herald the coming peace. The phenomenal power we discovered in the splitting of the atom would be unleashed upon the enemy, and the combination of utter destruction and military might would break their will to fight. Millions of live - American lives - would be spared. Millions of dollars saved from expenditure in the effort of sustaining a protracted invasion. Countless tons of fuel, food, and material would be able to go to the civilians gathering it instead of the war machine. \n\nWe would be archangels, bearing justice and wrath in one hand along with mercy and compassion in the other.\n\nThe shattering of Creation itself however, wrought by our arrogance in believing we could control these destructive forces not yet fully understood, upset the very fabric of reality itself. In a fraction of a second, horrifying monstrosities which were never meant to be viewed by human eyes were permitted into our realm.\n\nThat was nearly a century ago.\n\nThey burrowed deep into the Earth in the moments after their arrival, seeking remote locations that have never known civilization's influence. They concealed themselves from us, twisting and contorting the minds of those who would dare stumble onto them as to leave no lasting memory of the encounter. Lesser peoples and savage tribes flung throughout these regions worshiped them as gods, divine beings here to usher them into a golden age.\n\nReality was, they were the first victims. As they fed off the indigenous, they grew. They gained power and their maddening influence radiated outward, corrupting the minds of those caught in their reach and leading them to their doom. Like a cancer, these monstrosities spread far and wide until they could no longer conceal their presence. With the veil dropped, they became even more brazen in their desire, their mission, to grow and expand. \n\nWe first thought to reason with them, some hoping to achieve a peaceful coexistence; others hoping to weaponize them against personal enemies. They were the next to fall to these behemoths, feeding their loathsome, unholy, corpulent bodies.\n\nIt was then when humanity finally realized these... things were beyond reason. They were chaos given form; hunger, evil, fear, and madness given presence and were transforming our planet into a hell fit for their image. Options, manpower, and arsenals grew thin as individual nations went to open combat against these vile creatures only to be swatted down as mere pests. With the future becoming increasingly bleak, a coalition was formed among the remnants of Earth's societies and spearheaded by what was left of the governments of China, Russia, and the US. \n\nThis became commonly known as the \"Cerberus Accords\", and the day we finally stood united against the creatures. Five years have passed since the coalition's founding, and we are slowly pushing the beasts back to their respective cores. Many lives have been lost, but not gone in vain so long as we maintain progress. We will reclaim what these invaders are taking from us, or die in the process. Win or lose, if one good thing comes out of this bloodshed, we've achieved what countless souls have yearned for over the centuries - a truly united world.\n\nAfter all, people tend to rally together against an invading force. \n\n----------\n\nStill new at this, hope y'all enjoy!", "One door closes, and another opens. One war ends, sowing the seeds for another. We thought we had ended that cycle. That we, at long last stopped it. Millions died for mere miles. Twenty years later, we tried again. We thought it again. And it might have worked. But it didn't.\n\nThey are called The Lasakin. They've expanded their empire throughout the universe. They were examining earth, watching, waiting to see if we would serve better as a vassal or as a conquered land. Then we used the nukes. They never saw that before. The idea that the atom could be split, and the power within it, it terrified them beyond anything they had scene before. Beyond the terror we had in early '45 when we finally got into Germany. Mere months after the surrender, and peace broke out, they arrived.\n\nThey quickly took most of Europe, Africa, and South America. Parts of Asia fell as well, but word is that the resistance there is fierce. Nearly a million dead to small ambushes, bombings, suicide bombings, and civilian resistance. In Russia, the majority of Siberia fell, but they can't get past the Urals or the Vistula-Carpathian line. \n\nOver here, we managed to fight them where they landed and in most places actually repel them. We lost too many lives though. Denver, LA, Seattle, and Chicago all went up in Nuclear Hellfire. Our aircraft are now able to shoot down landing craft reliably. In a few weeks, Operation Troy will enter phase one. We will begin launching unarmed, manned crafts into space to begin negotiations with the Lasakin. As soon as they accept, we begin phase two. We have built a Nuclear Bomb small enough to fit into a manned launch. It'll be one way, but with it we will show them that they can surrender on our terms, or we will kill them all. The launch is set for April 12th, 1951." ]	2
	[WP] You start counting down from 60, but you don't know why. Afraid but curious of what will happen next, you keep going…	[ "\"60...59...58.\" I count, stepping through the crowded sidewalk.\nA few people pause to look at me, but continue on their way. \n\"50....49....48.\" I continue, looking around. I couldn't stop counting, even if I wanted to.\n\"40...39....38.\" I say, turning down the next street. People talked around me, cars honking, dogs barking.\n\"30...29....28.\" I glance at my watch, curiously. 11:59. Almost midnight.\n\"20...19....18.\" A firework bursts overhead and I hear clapping. Not quite midnight.\n\"10....9....8.\" I stop to take a look at my surroundings. What happens when I reach 0?\n\"3....2....1.\" More fireworks.\nBut in the distance, an explosion. \nA cloud of smoke barreling our way. \n\"0.\" I whisper, as the smoke overtakes us and around me, people fall.", "\"...4, 3, 2, 1.\"\n\nYou look up. What happened in those 60 moments? You're in the same place as when you started, but something is different. You feel off, and as such your curiosity increases. Everything that was going on before continues: traffic moving steadily, the red lights of tail-lights glowing red and then dying off as the procession of grumpy commuters inches forward. The radio commentators going on about the latest political scandal. \n\nThat's when you notice it. A thing so nearly imperceivable that you surprise yourself by catching it. On the right side of the road, a man stands holding a cardboard sign. Not unusual for this spot on i-95 during returning rush hour. But his sign, it makes little sense for a pan-handler to hold, it reads \"Time comes for us all\". \n\nYou continue on, inch by inch as the traffic makes it's way onto the bridge. You check the rear view mirror, the silhouette of the man decreasing over time. The compulsion overcomes you in a wave of familiarity. \"60, 59, 58...\"\n\n\"...4, 3, 2, 1\"\n\nYou look up. What happened in those 60 moments? You're in the same place as when you started, but something is different. You feel off, and as such your curiosity increases. Everything that was going on before continues: traffic moving steadily, the red lights of tail-lights glowing red and then dying off as the procession of grumpy commuters inches forward. The radio commentators going on about the latest political scandal. \n\nThat's when you notice it. A thing so nearly imperceivable that you surprise yourself by catching it. On the right side of the road, a man stands holding a cardboard sign. Not unusual for this spot on i-95 during returning rush hour. But his sign, it makes little sense for a pan-handler to hold, it reads \"Time comes for us all\". \n\nYou continue on, inch by inch as the traffic makes it's way onto the bridge. You check the rear view mirror, the silhouette of the man decreasing over time. The compulsion overcomes you in a wave of familiarity. \"60, 59, 58...\"", "\"... and then nothing happened!\"\n\nMy friend looked at me skeptically. \"What were you expecting to happen?\"\n\nI shrugged. \"I don't know, anything? Why else would I have started counting down?\"\n\n\"Because you just felt like it? Just having the urge to count down isn't meaningful. Look, I'll do it now: Three, two, one-\"\n\nThere was an explosion in the distance.\n\n\"... that was a coincidence.\"", "I counted down.\n\n60, 59, 58…\n\nI wasn't sure entirely why but I had to know.\n\n30, 29, 28\n\nI had to know the truth. Everywhere on the internet I saw it. \n\n15, 14, 13\n\nThat one statistic. It seemed so self evident but I had to see it through.\n\n5, 4, 3\n\nHere we go\n\n2, 1\n\n!\n\nI checked the clock. \n\nSo it was true…\n\nA minute had passed in Africa.\n\n" ]	4
	[WP] Gravity has flipped, up is now down, most of the world died in seconds, but, stuck in an office building are a group of survivors. As food is running low the war for the break room begins.	[ "I don't know why I want that damn Snickers bar. It wasn't because I was hungry, and it wasn't because I couldn't wait. I just wanted it. The caramel, chocolate, nutty fluff good stuff. I gasped for breath, trying to stay away, sucking in the last few breaths of oxygen as I slowly slithered across the drop ceiling that was now a floor.\n\nOne wrong step, one weak tile, and I'd go crashing through, and as weak as I am, I don't know if I could climb back up. You see, gravity reversed, and within moments that sucked not only most of the people into space, but the atmosphere too. That was about thirty minutes ago. Now, the air in our office building is leaking out, and most of the rest of the people have passed out.\n\nBut not me. And not Janice, that asshole from accounting. Fuck Janice. That's my Snickers bar. She's a bit lighter than me, and she's moving a bit quicker, her hands outreached for the Snickers bar. I'm not going to be able to beat her. Fuck. \n\nI slide my heavy metal watch off my wrist and throw it at her. Perfect throw, it smacks her right in the face. She flicks me off but continues to crawl. God damn it Janice from accounting, why can't you let me have this one victory now that the world is coming to an end.\n\nI sure as hell won't let her have this victory. I rotate my body a bit so I am laying parallel to the Snicker's bar. Then I roll, like a wheel, and miraculously the tiles don't break. I reach the Snickers bar first. I've won. Only, I'm not hungry, and Janice from accounting clearly is, and maybe, just maybe, in my last few moments on this fucked up Earth, I can redeem myself.\n\nI pick up the snickers bar and make a throwing motion towards Janice, but keep the bar in my hand. Janice lifts her hands feebly, expecting the bar to tumble towards her. It doesn't, but I raise my hand this time, ready to make the throw.\n\nI do. I throw the snickers bar. Hard. It spirals end over end past Janice, tumbling off into the dark. I laugh, feebly, too weak to say it, but with my last dying thoughts I think: fuck you, Janice from accounting. Fuck you. \n\nThe lights go out. " ]	1
	[WP] You wake up to the smell of burning flesh, and look outside your apartment only to see thousands of dead bodies scattered on the roadside. Suddenly, a massive dragon flies across the skyline, a silver-haired girl riding on its back. The Great War has begun.	[ "I will be honest with you, It was the alarm clock that woke me up. Working nights means that I sleep like the dead, but that phrase has lost its meaning these days. I slept right through the roaring and the screaming and the smell of burning flesh but that damn alarm clock still got me, of course once i was awake I saw the devastation, the neighborhood was ruined, burning corpses everywhere, houses collapsed, even Mr Greens' petunias were on fire, the old coot was out there desperately spraying his beloved garden with a hose, it would take more than fire and death to stop Mr Green tending to his garden.\n\n\"fucking tuesdays\" I moaned. \"I just can't seem to get the hang of them\"\n\nI rolled out of bed and went to the window to enjoy the view. My house sits on the west side of the crater that houses the entire city, normally the vista is incredible, i get to look out into the rising sun as it illuminates my home, gently revealing the beautiful city nestled into Moonshot Crater. Today it illuminated a raging inferno, twisted by heat and smoke, and sitting in the middle of it all...a Dragon...Of-fucking course it had to be a dragon. I curse gently and slump against the window, only to jump back in surprise when it yells at me.\n\n\"ATTENTION MAGGOTS\", the window booms. The glass flexes and shifts, becoming reflective, then morphing into what is instantly recognizable as a mass communication hex. A very angry looking girl on the dragons back is looking at me from the window, which now resembles a TV screen.\n\n\"WE ARE THE WYRMKIN, YOUR PATHETIC CIVILIZATION HAS DESECRATED OUR HOME FOR TOO LONG, TODAY WE SHALL SCORCH YOU FROM OUR EARTH, WE SHALL CRUSH YOU BENEATH OUT TALONS, WE SHALL BURN YOU TO ASHES, WE SHALL..\"\n\nI get bored and start to dress myself, trying to tune out her rant, random words like \"ANNIHILATE\" and \"PURGE\" manage to register but for the most part I successfully ignore her tirade. By the time I am suited up she is beginning to run out of steam but to her credit she manages to finish strong.\n\n\"THE GREAT WAR HAS BEGUN\" she screams, and then the hex fades and I get another look at the hellscape that used to be my city.\n\nI sigh deeply and try to remain objective, I have a job to do, Rule number one of Guard duty is don't get attached, your jurisdiction is going to get leveled several times during your shift and that's unavoidable, just kill the bad-guy and rebuild. However I had really liked this one, the eldritch gods had mostly left the architects alone this time so we had some really nice non-Escheresque spaces, the Colosseum was gorgeous, the sports field were curse-free, even the subway system was only partially ruled by a lich and he was one of the nice ones.\n\nI glance out the window again as I power up the last subsystems in my suit, the visor allowed me to see through the smoke and I was just in time to see the Girl point her spear at the Colosseum and blast it to smithereens in a flash of Dragonfire, I sighed again and brought my suit fully online.\n\nIt was time to go to work.\n\nThree days later my armored boot was planted squarely between the silver haired girls lungs and colon, her guts oozed gently onto the glass-smooth basalt beneath us, our battle had wiped all trace of the city from existence and doubled the size of moonshot crater. her dragon was gone, vaporized by my final blast, her magic spear was split in half length-ways and both halves were sticking out of her eye sockets, she was missing an arm and both legs, and my boot had just crushed her lower spine to dust but despite all of that, this bitch was STILL FUCKING TALKING.\n\n\"we.. we shall not go quietly into the night\" she gasped out, \"we shall not vanish without a fight, we're going live on, we're going to survive...\" I reached down and crushed her larynx before she said any more but her eyes still burned with the hatred of a thousand demons even as she choked. Such dedication deserved a little morality lesson before being snuffed out, and who knows, maybe something else is watching me through those eyes and could do with a bit of a talking to.\n\nI picked he up by her bedraggled silver hair and whispered into her remaining ear.\n\n\"I don't care why you are doing this or who you are\" I told her \"this is not personal, I am simply a working man, one of thousands\". Then I killed her. She died as defiantly as she lived, my suit was covered in every kind of gore imaginable before she stopped twitching, but she did eventually and when she was finally still I sagged and dropped to my knees.\n\nA guardsman never shows strain or weakness to the enemy so I had kept it together whilst she was watching me but that fight had taken more effort than anything I had ever done in my life, I was aching, sore, every bone in my body hurt and I had the mother of all migraines setting in. I closed my eyes, shut off some non-vital systems and for seven deep breaths I rested. \n\nThen my alarm went off.\n\nI raised my pounding head to see what was causing the suits proximity alarm to shit its pants and I swore.\n\n\"FUCKING TUESDAYS\" I screamed as another dozen Dragons swept into the crater and surrounded me, their silver-haired riders all scowling down at my battered form with undisguised hatred, I guess they had heard my little speech. I rose to my feet, sighed, and brought my suit fully online.\n\nIt was time to go to work." ]	1
	[WP] "This isn't the life I had in mind..."	[ "This isn't the life I had in mind when I joined the United Earth Defense Force 12 years ago. After the Flarians bombed Australia off the face of the Earth you had to enlist. \n\nThe human race wasn't going to stand that sort of aggression, especially not from those tentacle faced bastards.\n\nSo now here I stand, president of the Interplanetary confederation. I never thought I'd see this day when I was a dumb kid joining up to impress some girl I haven't thought of in over a decade. \n\nThe Homo-Flarian war was quick, they didn't expect the brutal force we would respond with, apparently they didn't read any books on human history.\n\n6 years out I have more power than I probably should, and I'm being asked to arbitrate the the Do'mian/Arklactic treaties to end hostilities in the Western Region. I have three requests on my desk requesting new hyperspace lanes and a half a dozen requisition forms for peace troops in various subspace regions where pirates are acting up.\n\nSo how did I get here? It all starts on the day after the Australian tragedy....", "I watched as the blood dripped to the floor. I was covered in it. In my hand I held the weapon that had unleashed all the carnage. Strangely, it felt good. This wasn't the life I had in mind, but for now, it felt right. \n\nI had to wait for the appendages to stop twitching. It was just nerves. The life that was inside had left a couple seconds after the initial cut. Finally the writhing stopped. \n\nI re-positioned the body and got to the real work at hand: processing. After years of practice, I made short work of the body. Nothing would go to waste. All would either be eaten or used for different purposes. It was time consuming yet cathartic. Stress relieving almost. As if there was nothing else in the world except for myself and my work. \n\nFour hours later and what had once been alive was now neatly wrapped up in white packaging ready for the deep freezer. I looked around. \n\nTalking to myself, I said, \"Like I said, 'Nothing goes to waste'\". I liked talking to myself out loud. It helped clear my thoughts. It wasn't as good as my work, but still helped on dark days when there wasn't any work to be done.\n\nA soft moo could be heard outside the barn. Chickens cackled and pigs rooted around in their pen unaware of the fact that they were only alive to feed my family. \n\nMy phone was ringing. It was the wife. I answered, \"Hey! I'm just finishing up.\"\n\n\"Good! Because this was the last pack of pork loin we had.\" She said. \n\n\"Well, were all stocked up again.\" I replied. \n\n\"Thank you, Honey.\" she said, \"Come on in the house. Supper's almost ready.\"\n\n\"Let me clean up, and I'll be right in.\" I said. \n\n20 minutes later I was at the table with my wife and 2 kids. The other one was off at college. \n\n\"Hey, did any of you hear about the kid from my school who's missing?\" asked my son. \"It, like, just happened a couple of days ago.\"\n\n\"Yeah! Apparently he was coming home from football practice and his car got a flat.\" said my wife, \"They found his car, wallet, keys, phone, clothes, everything; but no trace of him. It's all very strange.\"\n\nShe set the roast pork loin down on the table. Steam rising up off of it. My mouth filled with saliva. I was very hungry.\n\n\"The world is a strange, terrible place.\" I said. \"Let's eat.\"", "He sat at the bar, quietly staring a hole into the wall.\n\n\"Wanna talk about it?\" the bartender asked, wiping away the ring marks with a damp cloth, but the man just shook his head.\n\n\"There's nothing that talking about it can fix,\" he replied. \n\nThe bartender looked around the empty bar, before turning back to him. \"Listen, man, you've been sitting here now for four hours, and you barely touched your drink--\" he said, motioning to the nearly full cup. \"Something's obviously on your mind.\"\n\nSix months passed since he arrived in this new city, and he still didn't feel at home. The job offer was rescinded last minute, but he had already spent all his money getting here -- and he hasn't been able to find a job since.\n\nBut worst of all, she was waiting for him to have enough money so he could bring her with him. \"You know...\" he said after several minutes of silence, immediately getting the bartender's attention. \"This isn't the life I had in mind.\"\n\nThe bartender nodded his head in understanding. \"What can you do, you know?\" he asked.\n\n\"What can I do?\" he replied.\n\nSilence fell over the bar again, before the bartender's eyes lit up. \"This is a pretty small place, but we do need a website,\" he said.\n\n\"So?\" the man asked.\n\n\"So? I can't pay much, but you'll have something. What do you say?\"\n\nAt first, the bartender didn't know if he heard him since he didn't react, but when he finally nodded, he knew he did. \"Yeah, I think that'd be nice.\"\n\n\"Okay, good,\" he replied. \"Can you start tomorrow?\"", "This isn't the life she had in mind. She lays facedown on her bed, makeup rubbing off on the pillow. Tears spilling over the borders of her eyelids. This isn't the life she had in mind. Sobs burn in her chest. Her short, boyish hair is disheveled. At just fourteen, she feels like dying is the best option. She fantasizes about it like a forbidden lover. It haunts her mind like an unwelcome tenant. \n\nIt was a fight just to get to stay in her room.\n\nHer parents screamed at her, earlier. An overall unpleasant ordeal. She's not kind enough. Sweet enough. Quiet enough. Complacent enough. She never listens. Only talks, and even then, it's either in a high, angry voice, or through tears. Not like she talks more than that, after all. She gets shh'ed! Shushed! Silenced, almost as much as she silences herself. \n\nIf only she felt like she could talk to them. Everything she says is always wrong. Everything she does is always wrong. Everything she thinks is always wrong. She's not good enough. She will never be good enough. She's not good enough for herself, even. She's fucking everything up. Fuck, she sees herself doing it, but she can never stop herself.\n\nShe's fully not okay. Every tiny little piece of her is not okay. But do they ask? No. Does a day off help? No. Nothing helps. Nobody asks. Her best friend, only. And even then, she's shoving him away. She buries herself in her work. In her friends. School and grades and academics making her heart beat. Laughing, smiling, happy people making her lungs breathe. Taking every asshole to heart. Every loss to her mind. \n\nThey screamed at her, \"no! You cannot go to your room!\" \"No, you only ever talk to us like a snake!\" \"You only ever want to impress your friends!\" \n\nAll she heard is, \"I hope you're hopelessly hopeless.\"\n\nShe started crying right then and there. She just wanted to be alone. \n\nEveryone always needs things from her. Either work, or for her to be kinder, for her to be more dependant, for her to be different or better in some way. So she self-soothes. Downing, two, three sleeping pills a night to pull herself down into sleep. Waking up in a fog. Forcing herself through the day. \n\nBy the time she gets home, her kindness and understanding have been all used up. She's short with people. She forgets to be nice.\n\nShe gets them not liking her.\n\nShe doesn't like her either. ", " Well I get a second chance but this wasn't what I wanted at first... things are better now but starting out was awkward and for the longest time I didn't even really look down at myself. It started a long time ago and I barely even remember my old life, I think my mind is making me set for the life I have now... I'll always remember where I came from though. \n\n It was... so long ago when I found some kind of service that reset your life, I don't remember if it was an ad or a website or something but I found the place to change my life. It was a small office with a desk and they asked me to specify the new life I wanted. \n \n I said \"I want to have powers of some kind and maybe they can be an existing movie character but it'd be like I was born as them. I really don't care about gender since I don't know what it's like for the other team... as long as the life is better it doesn't matter to me. I want to keep a few things, mainly my phone and video games, the other stuff would be cool but it's not a requirement. I just want a better life or to reset it.\"\n\n The person at the desk nodded and told me to shake his hand, I asked if that's what would change my life or if there was some machine. He told me it'd happen when I fell asleep, to just shake his hand and go about my normal day. I did what he said and went to my couch in my apartment to fall asleep since I wanted that new life, I fell asleep pretty easily... it usually wasn't so I was either tired or it was the new life thing.\n\n When I woke up I was in a bed and looked around, the room was different with some of the same stuff I had before but most of the airsoft guns and stuff like them were gone. I did see the resident evil one I had behind me when I looked at my window, this was alright though cause I did turn my head to see my phone beside me and my PS4 under my same tv. I said \"good I still...\" and was cut off by the fact I had a voice that sounded like a child's. When I looked down I was so small... maybe 12 years old or something like that. On my door I noticed a full length mirror so I jumped out of bed and ran to it, when I looked in it I looked like the girl from Logan and was wearing a Spider-Man t-shirt with pajama bottoms. \n\n I had the sense that I was a girl now, like how you can tell where your body parts are... but I wasn't gonna check since I didn't want to touch anywhere for at least... well I looked twelve so at least 6-8 years. I wanted to check the powers since I thought I may have some, when I looked over my hand I felt the forearm and it did feel like something else was in my arm other than the bone. It felt like the claws most likely so I made a fist and tried to move various muscles in my arm, after a few tries the claws sliced through my knuckles fast which made me scream and fall to my knees. \n\n I felt blood drip for a second but it stopped fast and the pain went away, when I looked at my hand the claws definitely looked cool. I wanted to see the healing factor so I cut my arm and saw the wounds close fast. When I made the claws go back in they hurt just as bad and it made me shed a few tears since I was holding in a scream. My parents opened the door to my room and asked if I was messing with my claws again, they said I needed to be careful with them and then to get dressed cause it was time for school. \n\n I spent the next month adjusting and didn't touch anywhere I didn't have to, luckily the healing factor made it so when I had to bleed for a bit I didn't actually bleed much other than a few spots. The showers were the only part that sucked but I just didn't touch anywhere other than arms or stomach while not looking down or just having my eyes closed. \n\n It was like that for years, school wasn't super difficult since I remembered stuff from this new life and I had the math and other school smarts of the form. I did take notice when I started to grow but that just made things more difficult to avoid, when I was 17 I looked like the girl from Split and had a school life kind of like her. I didn't go to the office ever but I didn't have friends and only did well in school, I knew that 80% of friends would leave after high school. There were some bully's earlier in school but when they saw the claws while we were alone they left me alone, high school was different though. The girls there made fun of my clothing because I'd usually wear black, I didn't wear makeup but I did have a goth/grunge style with a hint of nerd. \n\n The bullying in high school was easy though cause I didn't care what people thought and just went through my day, they did try traps like setting guys up to ask me out but I liked women so I just told the guys no. When they realized I didn't give a shit what they did they stopped trying, I graduated at 18 and had a job during high school that I saved up money at. I didn't have as much of a care about possessions at 18 other than my phone with music and my video games, I basically sold most of my props and got a good $400 added to my savings.\n\n I did walk during graduation and even had good enough grades to be in the upper... whatever it was called when you did speeches. I didn't bother learning the name and I told the teachers I didn't want to since I just wanted to leave as fast as possible. After that I left home to go to college in New York, I didn't say it before but mutants were real here and on paper I was one so I went to a mutant college that taught actual school stuff and mutant stuff. It was like the x-men school but there were no world threats and the school wasn't destroyed every month by some crazy villain. \n\n The comics and everything existed still so some students got nicknames if they had a similar mutation. This school had an Iceman and a few psychics but I was the only Wolverine they knew of, they knew of my attitude coming in and tried to give me a happy roommate but they didn't know I was kinda happy at this point. I was on an autopilot mode for the longest time since I didn't want to touch anything or look at myself and when I turned 18 I was free of that and tried... things. \n\n I really only considered 2 ages, the one before which was 24 and the one I had at the time which was 18... I guess technically I would've existed for 30 years at that point but my age was just confusing to me. I ended up friend's with the roommate and was more free then so I went through the school pretty easily. When I tuned 21 I tried drinking with a new group of friends I had but they got wasted while I was sober after the same amount of drinks. When I was finally the same age I was before I traveled due to all my saved up money. \n\n I'm in London right now and enjoying some pub food and apple ale, I still look like the girl from split but maybe 1 year older... I've pretty much stopped aging at the moment. This whole life isn't the one I had in mind but I think it's actually really great now." ]	5
	[WP] When selling your soul to a demon you have 10 years left before the demon comes to collect your soul. After selling your soul to the most powerful/etc. demon, you ask for eternal life. What happens to you? Do you get your wish? What happens to the demon? How do you sell your soul?	[ "With a mischievous grin lighting my face, I set the chalk down and stood back to admire the pentagram I had just drawn on the ground and the lighted candles surrounding it. Why wouldn't I be grinning? After all, I had just found a way to cheat death, or so I thought. Just as I had practiced, I recited the invocation and waited for Satan to appear in front of me so I could make the deal. There was a strong wind that blew out all the candles, and then the unmistakable form of Satan appeared in front of me. \n\n\"What is your name?\" he asked, with a voice that sounded like the hissing of a snake.\n\n\"I am Mephistopheles. I request to make a deal with you. My soul for eternal life.\"\n\n\"You have no idea what you are in for,\" he laughed, \"I accept your deal.\"\n\nAnd that's how I ended up like this. My \"eternal life\" came in the form of serving as a demon under Satan for all eternity. Let this be a lesson for you: Never attempt to cheat death. It never ends up as planned, no matter how good you think you plan is.", "Carl sweated. The damned Alabama sun beat down on his head as he sat. A stiff gust blew from the west, carrying with it the dust and stench of the dirt road. The wind gave no relief.\n\nThis was the crossroad. This was the appointed day. The appointed time was fast approaching.\n\nTen years ago, Carl made an agreement. Fame, fortune, adoration, and talent in exchange for something he could not prove existed.\n\nHe remembered how terrified he was. He remembered the pale man in a seersucker suit. A tall, grim, man with a gravely voice and coal black eyes, eyes without whites. He remembered the contract, printed in strange tan parchment and signed in sticky red ink. \n\nHe remembered the years that followed. Heartache and disappointment filled him. He was talented, he was wealthy, he was loved, and he was miserable.\n\nHe had done great things, but never derived pleasure or fulfillment for them. Music no longer satisfied, nor did cocaine or alcohol. Relationships started, faltered, failed, and added to his fame. In all of it, he felt nothing. \"Cool\" his fans called it, \"Catatonic\" was his way of describing it.\n\nHe honestly looked forward to the sun setting on his life. The torments of Hell paled to the torments of the present. \"Not long now...\" he thought as the sky turned red, and the Sun settled at the end of the westbound road.\n\nOut of the glare a blurry figure emerged. It walked in slow deliberate steps toward Carl. With each step the shape grew more substantial. Legs and arms emerged from the blur. Then a head and, finally, the remainder of its form congealed from the humidity.\n\nCarl watched impassively, then closed his eyes. Breathing in, he prepared to meet his fate.\n\n\"So, you are Mr. Carl.\" A nazaly voice said. Carl opened his eyes, and looked at an unfamiliar face.\n\nThe figure was human...ish. European features, but with Coal-black skin and solid blood-red eyes. He was wearing a dark tan suit, a green visor, and was holding a leather legal pad folder. He stared intently at Carl.\n\n\"Please confirm for me that you are Carl. We cannot proceed otherwise.\"\n\nCarl should have been terrified. Carl was relieved. \"I am Carl\" he said.\n\n\"We are here regarding an agreement made ten years ago today, correct?\" The demon asked formally.\n\n\"Yes.\" Carl responded.\n\n\"Very good. You were and are aware of the conditions of this agreement?\" It was not really a question.\n\n\"Yes.\" Carl said, in a calmly resigned manner. He was prepared, he was ready.\n\n\"We regret to inform you that one of the initiating parties of this agreement has been dissolved. As such, the Six Courts of Hell have ruled all uncollected agreements as null and void. If you have a complaint on this, please refer such complaints to the Satanic Collections Department. Again, we are sorry for the inconvenience.\"\n\nCarl blinked, the Demon turned to go. \"What!?\" Carl asked in surprise.\n\n\"Screwtape and Wormwood has been dissolved. Contracts made by that partnership have also been dissolved.\" The Demon said, \"Now if you would excuse me.\" He stated, and continued to walk into the night.\n\n\"What do I do now?\" Carl asked desperately.\n\n\"I don't know, whatever best suits you.\" The demon said, and vanished into the night.", "\"Hello everyone, it's me, Brian. Uhh, if you are watching this video, I might be dead by now. Actually, I don't know if I will end up dying, I'm not sure what to expect at all, anyways I feel the least I can do is give you guys with some clarity for what may come. I don't know if you're going to believe me, but I had made a deal 10 years with somebody, or errhma demon. Now, before I get into the specifics of the deal I made with him, I feel it is important to tell you how I met him, the place I was in before making this deal, and then I will tell you the deal.\" Brian looks down, clears his throat, before looking back up at the camera with a big sigh and resuming. \"It's been almost 10 years ago since I had met Malphas. When I had met him, I had been travelling the world. I was 23, had just taken a full month long tour of Europe, doing A LOT of drugs, and enjoyed living SO much. I was sitting outside of a club in Amsterdam, I remember being struck out on quite a few things, but can't recall now. A raven had flown down right next to the bench, and I thought it was quite humorous so I said to the raven, \"Hey, little bird bro\". I thought I had been tripping because the raven responded in a deep, raspy voice, \"I prefer Malphas, but, hello, Brian.\". I was trying to make sense of this, but after staying up for probably days, and drugged out, all I could do is sit there and try to comprehend what my eyes were seeing. Next thing I knew, this bird had hopped off the bench, and turned into a full fledged man. I don't know why, but I just started to laugh uncontrollably. I was certain I was hallucinating, and it made sense to me at the time. And this now human man was sitting next to me, and I remember his voice being so distinct, it was the deepest voice I had ever heard, with a touch of nails on a chalkboard. This bird man of sorts starts telling me the wildest shit about how he's from hell, can construct anything from a house to indestructible buildings, and can manipulate his enemies. It made no sense to me, but I mean, is a trip supposed to make sense? He starts talking about how he also can give anyone any power, in exchange for a soul. Malphas then asks me if I would like to sell my soul for something, and I responded with, \"I want to be immortal so I can continue to trip out this hard.\" He smiles, and said back to me, \"Do we have a deal, Brian? Immortality for your soul?\" I said back to him, \"Sure, why not man?\". I had been laughing through this entire exchange, until he had shook my hand and my hand started to burn, I tried to rip it away but his grip was too strong. Next thing I know, he turns back into a Raven, and says, \"I'll be back August 15, 2017, Brian. It really was, and truly, my pleasure.\" before flying straight up, and back down into the ground. He just disappeared. I must have fallen asleep right after that because when I woke up, the burn was still on my hand, and imprinted in the burn was a raven shape. That part of the night was the only part I remembered clearly. So, tomorrow will mark the 10 years since, and I can not even begin what to expect. So whatever it may be, I want you guys to know I love you. Mom, dad, I love you. I'm sorry for the terrible choices I made, and how much I've hurt you. Luke, my son, I know you won't remember me, but I want you to know I love you, and that you have the best mother in the world. Melissa, these past 4 years have been the best of my life. I just wish I could have met you sooner, Melissa. You saved me, even if it was only for this short time.\" Choking up with tears, Brian's voice breaks and says, \"I can only pray God is on my side. I'm sorry everyone.\" and shuts the video off.\n\n\nIt's August 14th, 2017, and Brian looks up at the time on the computer, it's 4:30. Melissa should be home soon from picking Luke up. Brian wipes his face, sighs, and walks out of his room, down the stairs, and to the kitchen to start dinner. After they eat, Brian will take them to the movies. He is going to make this last night special, and he is the only one who knows why, for now. Through out the night, questions arise in his head. If he truly is immortal, is he worrying for no reason? Is there a catch? Is Malphas going to come right when midnight hits? Or later? Is he going to come at all? There were far too many questions, with no answer until it would happen. No way to prepare for it, besides to leave that piece of clarity behind for his family. The only thing he could do is to make this last night special, and that would be all he could do. Once the night had ended for Brian, Luke had been put to bed, and his wife falling soundly asleep in his arms, he laid there holding her, wide eyed at the alarm clock on the other side of her head. \n\n\n11:00 PM came. \n\n11:30 PM came. \n\n11:55 PM came. \n\nBrian held his wife a bit tighter, stroking her hair, and begins to pray under his breath. \n\n11:57 PM.\n\n11:59 PM. \n\n12:00 AM. \n\n\nThe room begins to fill with black fog, the window opens, Brian sits up quickly, staring at the window paralyzed with fear. A raven flies in, and says, \"Hello Brian, do you remember me?\" and turns into a man. Tall, well dressed, with slick backed black hair. \n\n\nStanding there, arms behind him, he says, \"Now, Brian, I know it's been quite some time since you've seen me. Normally I would be offended by such lack of hospitality, however it is quite rude of me to suddenly show up after many years, isn't it? Don't worry about your wife, she can't hear us.\"\n\n\nBrian's heart is racing, he gulps, and utters out, \"What happens now?\"\n\n\n\"Well boy, you said you wanted to be immortal. However, you did promise me your soul, so how do you think will play out, hmm?\"\n\n\n\"I-I don't know.\"\n\n\n\"Ah I see. You're not the first person to ask me for immortality. I'm sure you must have thought, just like the rest, that perhaps you have somehow fooled me? Got one over on me? Found the loop hole? Hmm? Well, let me explain how this works, to catch you up to speed. I have many ways of taking and utilizing a soul, think of souls as gasoline with a hundred more uses. How I'm going to use your soul, and honor our deal, is you get to keep your soul, somewhat. I'm going to take it out, do some modification, and put it back into you. Your body will remain alive for the rest of eternity, but I control you. The person you believe you are now, will change. You will not be able to feel love for your family, or anyone for that matter. All your actions will be in accordance to what I, and the head honcho need.\"\n\n\n\"Malphas, is there anything else I can offer you? I have a good life, I have a son and a wife, I want to be there for them. I was on drugs when you met me, you can't honestly hold me to that deal.\"\n\n\n\"Oh but I can. You humans truly are flawed beings, and so righteous especially for yourselves. It is what it is, just like rain and hail and sun and common colds. Morality is a concept lesser beings want to believe in. What exactly does morality get you? Some sense of feel good, somehow some leverage on others? My boy, you knew I was a demon when we met. When you chose to take those drugs, you chose to try to operate reality knowing the side affects. I just happened to be near by, doing my job; Offering wishes for souls. Now, this has gone on quite too long, and I have things I must do.\"\n\n\nBefore Brian could utter another word, he felt as if something ripped from his body, and was plunged back in, and before he could tell what was going on, Malphas was gone. Brian started to bleed from his eyes, and stood straight up, and walked out of his bedroom, down the stairs, put on his shoes and coat, and left the house. Leaving his family asleep, never to be heard from again." ]	3
	[WP] You go on a hunting trip with a group of friends, only to discover that you are what they want to hunt.	[ "The night was crisp and cool. Fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit never felt so good. In a forest in Maine, four friends are camping. They are currently sitting on logs, trying to spark a fire.\n\n \n`This shit is too much work,' One member of the group said. His name is Mike and he is our protagonist.\n\n \n`Didn't you bring a book about how to start a fire?' Joe said. He'd been Mike's best friend for 17 years. \n\n\n`I lost it.' Mike replied. \n\n\n`A twenty-five year old who can't keep a damn a book.' scoffed Reed. He'd known Mike and Joe for about 15 years.\n\n\n`We're all smart twenty-five year olds. We should be able to start a frickin fire,' said Bucky, a long-time friend of everyone else.\n\n\n`To hell with that. We'll just sleep in the dark.' Mike suggested.\n\n\nThe group agreed. Mike went into his tent and closed his eyes. Minutes later, he fell asleep.\n\n\nMike's sleep was interrupted when he smelled something burning. He was tired and could barely open his groggy eyes. He groaned and started to get up- the burning smell intensified. He stepped outside of the tent and he saw that a fire had been set up by his friends. The three of them were sitting around the fire, staring at Mike.\n\n\n`Oh, you guys set up the fire. Thought we said we wouldn't do it.' Mike said.\n\n\n`Mike, there's something we have to tell you.' Bucky said. Mike was confused until he saw the knife sticking out of Bucky's pocket. ", "Jim gets quickly slaughtered by his supposed \"friends\". They strip him naked and roast him over a wood fire. Steve, one of the supposed \"friends\" forgets to bring the special man seasoning aka salt and pepper, and Frank one of the other savage \"friends\" bugs Steve during the entire dinner saying \"you had one job Steve! One job!\" Andrew the final member of the \"friends\" gets dishwashing duty.", "‘It will be fun!’ they said.\n \n‘Just give it a try!’ they said.\n\nDouglas and Jeremiah, the most recent additions to my list of friends, and I had gone on a weekend hunting trip in rural South Dakota to go pheasant hunting. They had other plans though: to hunt me. They didn’t know I knew.\n\nWhen the time came their inexperience and all-round incompetence was pathetic to watch. They bumbled and stumbled, left their safeties on and forgot to point when they tried to shoot. I took no guilt in swiftly popping them each off with my pump-action shotgun. I felt no remorse in delicately lugging their limp bodies into the back on my Corolla and I certainly didn’t have any regrets when casually dumping their corpses in the Atlantic.\n\nThey were right about one thing though. It was fun!\n", "Steven suppressed his breathing as he hid behind the tree, not daring to poke his head out from behind it, or make any noise that could signal his location. He was already bleeding from a shot to the leg, and all of his strength poured into not crying out in pain.\n\n\"Sorry, Stevie,\" Rob bellowed out from the void, \"it was going to be Jim, but he supplies the whiskey, so...\"\n\n\"Wai-h'what?\" The man Jim called out. \"If anyun' deserves the boot, it was Danny -- he din't even want to be out here!\"\n\n\"Shut the fuck up, Jim,\" Daniel entered the bizarre conversation as Steven began crawling north, where he knew civilization was waiting, \"It's my kid's birthday and I'm out here trying to put lead in Steven's brain, of course I don't want to be here, asshole...if anyone it should have been Fritz, he's a goddam COP!\"\n\n\"I'm a mall security guard, Dan.\" even as Steven was crawling away to freedom, he could register the shame in Fritz's voice. \n\n\"Let's focus on the target, folks,\" Rob called out. \"We chose Steven for a reason.\"\n\n\"We drew straws!\" Fritz, Jim, and Dan all called out together.\n\n\"Didn't Steven get the long straw?\" Dan asked. \n\n\"Yeah. Poor bastard lost,\" Jim replied, \"I almost feel bad.\"\n\n\"That's not how it works...the short straw is the bad one.\" Fritz pointed out.\n\n\"WHO HAD THE SHORT STRAW?!\" Steven could faintly make out the screamed question, as he had finally found a parking lot and shocked faces.\n\nGunfire broke out deep in the woods. Multiple shots rang through the skies, issued from different guns, and then all was silent.\n\n" ]	4
	[WP] In order to fulfill their goals, a character must betray their parents - and they do it.	[ "As blood bubbled from mother’s lips, father screamed.\n\t\nSame as always, he made it so dramatic. First the chair went flying, then he dashed across the room, flailing his arms like a madman. He shouted guards, guards! but nobody was coming, that was something I’d made sure of.\n\t\nMother’s face rested in her plate, steak against her twitching lips as her entire body spasmed. She even spilled her drink, causing the cloth to bloom a vibrant maroon.\n\t\n“Elise, Elise!” father called, patting her cheek. “Say something, please!”\n\t\nI, rather rudely, didn’t pay attention. Everything was going according to plan, and I’d allow him a moment or two of panic while I finished my meal. The meat was delicious, though a little tough, and my wine—not poisoned like mother's—had a sweet and sugary aftertaste.\n\t\nFather glared at me. “What are you doing, ungrateful bastard?” he snarled incredulous. “Spit that food out and get help, dammit!”\n\t\nThat was turning point, I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I had to let out a small chuckle. His fear, his anger, it was so…satisfying. I’d never wanted this moment but since he had forced my hand I was going to enjoy it.\n\t\nAfter all, my life was about to change, wasn't it? I was about to be king.\n\t\nYou don’t have the face of a king, father had said. You’re too boyish, and honestly, weak. You have good intentions but you’re missing that oomph, son. That’s why, tomorrow, I’m officially signing a decree that upon my death, power will be split between my top advisers until a new king is chosen.\n\t\nWhat a blithering idiot.\n\t\nSwallowing the rest of my wine, I stood. While father’s cries of confusion were enough quite rousing, it was time to end things—and, by the way he stared at me like a dog bitten by its friend, I knew he had figured things out.\n\t\n“You…traitor…”\n\t\nI drew my sword. Father was defenseless, as always. He hadn’t picked up a blade in over twenty years, and while he’d always mocked my swordsmanship, he never knew the skills that I’d been hiding. There was no better fighter in the kingdom than me, but today, that didn’t matter.\n\t\n“Why?” he asked, tears spilling down his cheeks. “Why her…?”\n\t\nI shook my head. Killing mother was a shame. I just couldn’t risk it. What if father had somehow convinced her I shouldn’t be king? She could've easily messed up this entire plan and taken the throne for herself.\n\t\nInstead of answering, I rammed my sword forward, spiking it through his stomach as I hugged him tightly. As he gasped, spewing blood onto my shoulder, I pulled back, giving him a vicious and manic glare. \n\t\n“Tell me, father, is this the face of a king?”\n**\nIf you like this story, check out my sub! r/longhandwriter", "A thousand white moths flutter in the darkness of the cold night wind. There is a full moon tonight, watching the distant movements of insignificant beings in the fabric of the universe.* \n\n\"You should rest.\" \n\nHis sword was cutting through the air, a pale length of steel that bobbed and weaved with moonlight. He ran through kata after kata, not really having to think through movements that had been ingrained in him at a very young age. \n\nThis was as far as he got with resting these days. He hadn't slept a proper night's sleep in months. Years perhaps. He couldn't remember. It was always like this, ever since he'd met his first battlefield, a long time ago. \n\nHe stilled, drew his sword to his side and bowed. \n\n\"Lord father.\" \n\n\"My son.\" \n\nA shadow fell over him. He looked up into a face that looked quite like his own, except for the hint of silver grey around the temples and those dark, cold eyes. \n\nA cold smile met him. Something twisted inside him. \n\n\"It would be...unseemly, would it not, if you were to fall in battle tomorrow due to a tired body and mind?\" \n\nA test. This had to be a test. He was always being tested. \n\n\"I will not fall. My sole desire is to fight for our clan.\" \n\nHe said what he was expected to say. It was easy, after all this time. Besides, words were cheap. He could say whatever he wanted if it got him closer to his goal. \n\n\"A very good sentiment.\" his father said, \"As expected of my heir. I am glad that you expect to do better than that pitiful showing at Juha.\" \n\nThe words shouldn't have cut him. He smiled anyway, even though they did, because he knew what his father was going to do next. \n\nHis father drew closer, rested a hand on his shoulder. Perhaps the man was going to say something pithy on the clan again, something to justify all the wicked things that he'd been taught to do for the defense of a worthless bunch of old men hiding up in their mountain castles. \n\nHe almost hesitated, but he didn't really know how to stop his hand when he was swinging a sword so by the time he had a second thought the blade was already buried in the heart in front of him. \n\nHe was familiar with death, the sight of it, the smell of it. A deep red stain spread over the expensive silk and trailed down to the earth below. The body in front of him gurgled a bit as he twisted the blade and drew it back out through the side of the ribs beneath that man's raised arm. \n\nThe moonlight of his blade was tinted a deep red. He breathed in iron. The body collapsed. He looked down at that pale, frozen face on the ground. \n\nThat expression was strange. He'd seen it before on many people- frightened enemy soldiers, hapless civilians, felons and too morally inflexible lords. \n\nUnder the moonlight, with the shadows of the night, it looked very much like he'd just slain himself. \n\n\"I told you...I would fight for the clan.\" the words left him curiously. He wasn't distressed at all. Although his heart seemed to twitch at the moment of the strike, he figured that it had probably been nerves rather than any significant emotional upheaval.\n\nDid he even have anything left in him to feel after so many years of killing? \n\nHe leaned down and cleaned his blade on the unmarred silk of the body like he'd done many times before. He stood up and sheathed the sword in a single fluid motion. \n\n\"I'm going to stop all these pointless battles.\" he murmured softly to the corpse, \"I'm going to kill all those scheming lords and that worthless brute of an emperor. And afterwards...\" \n\nHe realized he was smiling. \n\n\"...I'm going to find somewhere quiet to rest.\" " ]	2
	[WP] You're beginning to suspect that your roommate, Mark Carlton, is actually Karl Marx in disguise.	[ "It was on a cold winter morning that the the building's owner passed on. Most of the tenants did not originally bat an eye at the news - they did not care that the old man had died, nor did they care that his son was now in charge. This changed rather quickly, however, after the young man decided that the current rent price was too low. This caused a stir in the building, but he would not budge despite everybody's protests. It was then that Spencer and I were faced with the dilemma of finding another roommate. \n\nAfter interviewing several shady characters, Mark walked through the door. Spencer looked visibly relieved - Mark was, after all, the most normal looking of them. The \"interview\" went smoothly, and my roommate decided that he would be a perfect fit. I felt a slight uneasiness when he spoke, but I had found no fault with the man, and so we cleared out our already underfurnished office and Mark became our roommate. \n\nHe was a quiet man, and would often shut himself for hours on end in his room. When I asked what he did in there, he'd simply answer \"writing a sequel to my book\". Mark refused to tell me what his original book was. \n\nThis would not have bothered me too much were it not for his odd behaviour. One time, when we were watching a documentary about poverty, he started muttering. \n\n\"What are you saying?\" I asked, somewhat amused. \n\n\"The only way to eradicate poverty is to organize a revolution of the proletariat! The worker should revolt, and class would be done for. That is the only solution to the capitalist mindset that leads the human condition.\" \n\nI laughed awkwardly and took it as a joke. My imperialist American self refused to see the truth. I had never met a real communist before, and so I figured none existed in the country. Despite this, I started to get concerned when Spencer told me about the events that had transpired in their philosophy class. \n\n\"And so I told him, this class is a constant struggle!\" Said Spencer to me, \"And he said that all of history was class struggle.\" \n\nI decided then that I would tell Spencer what had happened during the documentary. We both decided that there was something wrong, and it was Spencer who suggested that we investigate. While Mark was doing God-knows-what one day, we entered his bedroom. Unlike the mess we had there before, everything was neatly organized and looked to be bare of any unnecessary personal possessions. But then, Spencer audibly gasped as he laid eyes on what was on the bed: an extended version of The Communist Manifesto. \n\nOur fears had been confirmed - our roommate was a communist. \n\nWe had no time to gather in the shock, because Mark - or should I say Marx- walked into his room. \n\n\"I see you know, then,\" He said coldly, \"Took you longer than I expected. You Americans really are as stupid as they say.\" \n\nSpencer's jaw was hanging agape, but I spoke. \"What do you think you're doing? You're a Marxist!\" \n\nHe smirked wickedly. \"I am not a Marxist. I am the man himself!\" \n\nSpencer's jaw opened more than it was already doing. \"But you're dead!\" He exclaimed.\n\nMarx looked at him matter-of-factly. \"Communism shall never die, for it is the leading ideology. You Americans have been polluted by your imperialist propaganda and the bourgeoisie intelligentsia, but I will soon show you the light. \" \n\nBoth of us were too stunned to do anything about it. It took us a few moments to register that he was moving, and, when we did, he was already in front of the door. \n\n\"I bid you farewell\" He said, doing a salute. \"I'm afraid you won't see me until my plan is carried out. \" \n\n\"Wait!\" I shouted, trying to better understand the situation. But he paid me no mind and walked out into the hallway. \n\nHe turned around one last time before leaving. \"I must go now, comrades. I'm afraid...there's no time for Stalin.\" \n", "Carlton his last, Mark his first\nLittle did I know, its meaning reverse\n\nWhen I'd go out for food, just some simple grub\nHe'd always be busy, writing in his tub\n\nNo history class, had I ever took\nAnd that damn guy, was always stuck in his book\n\nTalking was hard, his knowledge was higher\nHis life seemed so fake, he must have been a liar\n\nOne day his door was open, I saw a slight glow\nIn it a book, titled COMMUNIST MANIFESTO.\n\n\n", "\"Hey Mark, looks like I can't go to your gig after all. The boss is making me work again this weekend.\"\nMy roommate Mark pulled the blanket from over his head and looked up at me from the couch he lay on, running a hand along his bulbous chin. He had been trying to get me to see his band for almost a month now, but something always came up for me. It was obvious that he was getting frustrated.\n\"A spectre is haunting this weekend,\" Mark said with purpose, \"the spectre of your boss being a massive dick.\"\nI nodded in agreement.\n\"You know,\" he continued conspiratorially, \"you don't really need him.\" Mark took a crooked joint from his pocket and lit it with a flick of his lighter.\n\"What do you mean? He pays me,\" I respond.\nMark exhaled a ball of smoke, saying \"Sure, but he only gets that money in the first place by exploiting the labour of workers like yourself.\"\n\"I work in PR.\"\n\"You're still a worker. You boss is little more than an oppressive middleman. I detail the relationship better in my album Dank Kapital.\"\n\"About that...\" I say, opening a window to let the smoke out, \"Why did you name your band the Hells Engels?\"\n\"Why do you ask?\"\n\"It just sounds kind of... Socialist.\"\n\"Thank you,\" Mark said with a childlike smile. In an instant, the smile faded. \"Wait, Utopian or Scientific?\"\n\"Uh...\"\n\"UTOPIAN. OR. SCIENTIFIC.\"\nMark got to his feet, his blanket falling to the floor.\n\"Good God, Mark, where are your pants?!\"\nMark's wrath fizzled. \"Oh. I pawned them.\"\n\"Why did you pawn your pants, Mark.\"\n\"I feel like we're getting off topic,\" Mark said, his yellowed underwear jiggling with every movement. \"I wish to make it ABUNDANTLY clear,\" he continued, \"that I subscribe to a model of SCIENTIFIC socialism!\"\nAs he shouted, his chin began to grow and contort. In an instant, it popped off entirely, revealing a bushy beard underneath.\n\"No... This is impossible...\"\nMark's hand rushed up to his chin and felt his beard. A twinge of sadness seemed to cross Karl's face when he realised that his charade was up. \"Ah,\" he said in a thick German accent, \"I vondered ven you vould vind out.\"\n\"You know,\" I said, \"I think I always knew deep down.\"\nKarl turned to the couch and removed one of the cushions, revealing a red star shaped portal. Emanating from the portal were faint strains of the Internationale and the scent of cheap vodka.\n\"Will I ever see you again?\" I asked.\n\"Maybe von day,\" Karl said, a single tear rolling down his cheek. He stepped into the portal and vanished from view.\nI never did find out why communist heaven was in my couch.", "\"Anal beads, you say?\" Mark stumbled quietly. We have been sitting in my room for what felt like decades.\n\nI nodded reverently. \"Now it's your turn to tell a secret.\"\n\n\"You won't accept me for who I am,\" he began to look away, \"I know you won't and don't try to convince me otherwise.\"\n\nI grabbed his hands, firm yet soft like a dog's paw, and turned his face towards mine with my index finger. \"You know that's not true.\"\n\nMark let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. \"I am a communist, and I wrote a pamphlet. That's all I can say.\"\n\n\"Oh my god, you can't be!\"\n\nMark's face flushed a bright scarlet and stormed out of the room. That was the last of my former friend, Karl Marx. No matter how much I tell this story, no one seemed to believe me. I understand them, sometimes I cannot fathom either.\n\nI'll never forget that day. Looking at the calendar, I knew that it has been exactly a year. \"June 4th Marx the day I learned to fall in love again.\"", "Some roommates make great friends. Others steal your food, or keep pee jars in the closet. And some roommates plot revolutions in the living room. Anything can happen when you search for roomshares on the South Florida Craigslist.\n\nSal lived in a seven hundred square foot, two bedroom apartment with a peculiar man named Mark. Mark wore military fatigues and kept an aluminum suitcase handcuffed to his wrist at all times. Sal had never seen it open. He was concerned about Mark. Mark did not seem to have a job or be seeking one.\n\nOne day, as Sal walked home from the casino where he dealt on the dayshift, he noticed the traffic on his street was lighter than usual. The neighborhood seemed oddly quiet—there was no reggaeton blaring through airy curtains, no street vendors shouting Cuban slang, and no abuelitos sitting in the shade in three piece suits, sipping rum and lemonade. \n\nSal frowned. He had never seen the neighborhood this quiet. Even when a hurricane was coming there were usually people running around, tying down their homes with tarps and bungy cord.\n\nAs he walked up his driveway, he heard voices, shouting angrily in Spanish, and what might have been German. He tried the door but it was locked. He slid in his key. It turned, but the door would not budge. He shoved, and shoved again. Nothing happened.\n\nSomeone whistled, extremely loud and curt. It sounded like it came from the bushes in the front yard. Sal turned to look.\n\nHe was immediately grabbed by two men in black SWAT team uniforms and carried away from the windows.\n\nHey!” Sal said, “Let go of me! What’s going on here!?”\n\n“Go, go, go!” someone shouted. A dozen burly SWAT officers with heavy guns and loud boots stormed into the house, kicking down the front door and throwing flashbangs in every direction, without communication or coordination. Explosions of light and sound reverberated throughout the neighborhood. The men inside and the SWAT officers alike rolled on the ground with their hands covering their eyes and ears. Grown men yelped as they ran through the house, leapt out of windows, and tackled each other to the ground. \n\nA dozen of Mark’s friends escaped, hopping fences and running through backyards to evade the police.\n\nMark himself was tackled against the sofa, and then dragged out the front door, resisting mightily. Four officers held each of his limbs, but he wriggled with such vigor that they called for help. \n\n“Mark!” Sal shouted, “What did you do!?”\n\n“Who are you?” An officer with a scar over one eye asked Sal.\n\n“I live here,” Sal said, pointing at the ruined house, with the doors off its hinges, mud all over the carpets, and sofa stuffing strewn about like intestines on the floor of a slaughterhouse.\n\n“We’ve been looking for your roommate for some time,” the officer said in a gravelly voice. “He’s been organizing local unions.” The officer shuddered.\n\n“And he wants to kill everyone in the government,” another officer added.\n\n“Yes,” the first officer said absent-mindedly, “That too.”\n\n“This might sound crazy but I’m actually not that surprised,” Sal said.\n\n“You knew?” the one-eyed officer said. “You know it’s a crime to withhold information about terrorist plots. It’s your duty as an American that if you see something you say something.”\n\n“Oh no,” Sal sputtered, “I didn’t know anything about anything. I just always thought that Mark Carlton was an odd one. Fun guy though—good sense of adventure. He’s definitely got balls.”\n\nStill struggling against four other officers, Mark swung his aluminum briefcase around, clobbering one across the forehead. Another officer stepped back to fire his tazegun. The electricity ran through Mark’s briefcase, zapping both Mark and the officers. Mark broke free, running down the street.\n \n“Go Mark Go!” Sal shouted. But it was too late. The officers were gaining on him.\n\nThinking quickly, Sal ran across the yard and jumped into the SWAT van. The keys were still in the ignition. He revved the engine to life and slammed on the gas. Tires squealing, he peeled out, leaving a long black line on the pavement.\n\nHe pulled up level to Mark.\n\n“Get in!” he shouted.\n\nMark was halfway inside the car when an officer grabbed onto his briefcase. He wouldn’t let go.\n\n“Lose the case!” Sal shouted.\n\n“I can’t” Mark cried.\n\n“Where’s the key?” Sal said.\n\nMark wrestled with the officer, both halfway inside the van’s sliding door.\n\n“My back pocket,” Mark said.\n\nSal leaned back in his seat, still driving at breakneck speed. He punched the SWAT officer in the nose, buying Mark a precious second. Mark took out his key and unlocked the case. The officer fell away, still clutching the aluminum briefcase. He tumbled out of the car and into the street.\n\nChest heaving, Mark turned to look at Sal. \n\n“Sorry about your case,” Sal said. “What was in there anyway?”\n\n“My beard.” Mark admitted nervously. “There’s something I haven’t told you. Mark Carlton isn’t my real name. I’m Karl Marx.”\n\nSal’s eyes widened.\n\n“It was just a beard,\" Karl said, \"It had sentimental value, but... I can live without it. I can even grow a new one.” He paused. “Look at me, what am I saying. I should be thanking you.” \n\nHe placed his hand on Sal’s shoulder and looked him in the eye. “Thank you Sal Capone,” Karl said, “You saved me life.”\n\nSal smiled a knowing smile. “You can call me Al,” he said.\n\nThey drove off into the night, always one step ahead of the law.\n\n\n---\n\nlike that one? subscribe to /r/trrh!\n" ]	5
	[WP] The Great Schism	[ "Imogen Labelle\n0NW\n\nNo one knows how or why it happened. In the beginning, no one even knew what had happened. What is certain, however, is that the world will never be the same, and I have seen the face of God. \n \n\nIt was a punishment. The world was corrupt, and rotten, filled with heretical vermin who raped and murdered for sport. Disgusting abominations filled with lust and sin, spitting in the face of God with their filthy, promiscuous lifestyles. The world's different now. It happened so suddenly, like a flash of light, or a loud bang. The extraordinary surge of power that thrust itself into our world was overwhelming. Most could not withstand the spirit of God. \n \n\nA new force was present now, a force that could be manipulated in an infinite amount of ways, in infinitely varying degrees: the will of God. Most people succumbed to the power instantly and perished. They were the most unworthy. Some gained small abilities, and many grew into dark and powerful forces of nature. \n \n\nDaddy was the first one I saw taken. God had punished him for his sins in a burst of blinding light. There was nothing left of him when it faded, he had just vanished. He always claimed to be a holy man, devoted to God and righteousness. I knew better; I knew exactly what he was. I stood and stared at the smoking crater where he had been standing. My mother was hysterical, but I knew why he had to die. God had decreed my father irredeemable. \n \n\nJust as my father’s sin was punished, my faith was equally rewarded. I was given a wondrous and powerful gift. You see, the world was rotting from within--spiritually decaying--because no matter what you did, free will could never be suppressed. In all of history, there were nonbelievers and criminals, cretins who denied the love and light of God, insulting the Lord with their defiance. People didn't have to believe, and nothing anyone could possibly do could make them. The only way to purify this land was to kill the immoral and unrighteous. That's different now; I have been given a gift. \n \n\nI can bend people. More than just their actions, I can make people believe. I can bring people into God's light without doubt or variables. I have been given the power to literally cleanse defiance! God always intended for us to obey him, and he has tasked me with collected what’s left of his flock. It will take time, but I can clearly see the mission I have been given. There is opposition. Many others have been cursed, as I have been gifted. Powerful and demonic, the will of God has always been met with resistance. We are not long for this world, and Earth is to be the battleground for the final confrontation between the light, and the darkness. \n \n\nI will lead them all to the Lord, whether they like it or not\n\n" ]	1
	[WP] A world where people can only speak a single word in each week. If they speak any more than one, they will die in 20 minutes.	[ "She pointed a finger at me, a worried, yet confused look on her face as she watched me weep. \n\"Okay?\" \nI forced a smile back at her before nodding, sniffling a little before reaching into my pocket and taking out a letter, gently placing it into her hands. \nHer eyes widen, tears forming in her eyes as she read. \nI lift up my hand and wipe away the tears on her cheeks. Though my heart feels heavy, and a billion things rushing are through my mind, I force myself to at least pretend to be happy...for her sake. I don't want her to remember me by today. \nLeaning in, I whisper into her ear for the first and last time. \n\"I love you\"\n \nOr...thats how it would've went... \n \nI stared at the words on my phone. I haven't seen her for several months, but she still haunts my memories. Seriously...who breaks up over text? At least write a real letter or something.. \nGod...she really meant everything to me... I centered my life around her. Made plans for our future, and I even planed our finances to guarantee things go smoothly for us. \nI PLANNED OUR FINANCES FOR GOD SAKE! \nIts been so long, but I still love her as much as I did then. \nHeh...knowing her, she's probably moved on by now. Probably already got a new boyfriend in the first week, and forgot that I existed the week after. \nAnd where am I? Fucking...depressed as fuck, no direction in life, and 3 fucking suicide attempts down. I was always too much of a wuss to do it. I'm too much of a wuss to do anything, really... \n \nI'm still looking down at my phone screen, staring blankly at our chat logs before slowly tapping in the words as I whisper out loud to myself. \n\"I\" \nNow that I think about it, I've never really heard her voice before... \n\"Love\" \nShe's probably blocked me, she'll never actually see this. \n\"You\" \n... \n... \n... \nUgh..what the fuck? \nI wake up to the sound of my phone buzzing. \nWhat the hell, its 3:00 am. Who the hell is trying to text me? \nOh, its him. \nI glare at the words on the screen, \"I love you\" in big letters. \nGod, that desperate fuck, I wish he would just get over me already, its been like, 3 months. \nI go to block his number before shutting off my phone and getting back to sleep. \n. \n. \nIm kinda new to this writing thing. Constructive criticism is welcome" ]	1
	[WP] You wake up in an alleyway of the dark city of Necropolis, where monsters and the undead reside in peace. You are taken by force to the mayor, Dracula. Since you are the first human that has set foot on the city's soil, your life is spared and he offers you a job of entertainment.	[ "Paul woke up in a daze. He was surrounded by a many mass of bodies, dead and undead, shapes ranging from the thin boned to curvaceous. They stood over him staring, longing for something, but Paul could not place it. He reflected on how he got here, who he was, and why... why could he not recall.\n\n**\n\n\nDracula was shocked. The prince of darkness was having a nice bath in the mayoral suite when Boog E. Mann, chief of police, rushed in with a report that quite confounded him. A human was spotted on their city’s soil. And no one attacked him.\n\nHumanity had not set foot in this city since its conception, and any unruly adventurers would be stopped ahead of the city’s gates from unleashing their fury. When asked how he got in the blood sucking politician got a myriad of answers, ranging from falling from the sky to walking in as if he belonged. But that did not matter, what mattered is what to do with him.\n\n“Bring him in...” Dracula demanded. \n\n“But sir,” Boog E. Mann tried to explain.\n\n“I outrank you, and not to pull rank… but I need to see this man,” explained Dracula.\n\n“But he is already here,” Boog E. Mann answered.\n\nAnd sure enough he was...just behind Boog E. Mann, a short man who did not exhibit the many regularly seen features of humanity. He did not scream an uncurling scream, did not sweat profusely, or paled in fear.\n\nHe just stood there… staring.\n\n“You may leave us chief,” dismissed Dracula. \n\n“I prefer not to. For protection,” replied Boog E. Mann.\n\n“I do not need protection,” said Dracula.\n\n“It’s not for you,” confronted Boog E. Mann\n\nDracula stared at his chief of police in shock. Sure he could kill the human, but he did not want to. It was an odd feeling, a sense of longing, which he could not place. He had drunk a lot of blood, and yet this man did not stir his thirst. Boog E. Mann must have sensed this because after a moment he embarrassingly shuffled out of the room, and yet as Dracula noticed he was still within earshot.\n\n“Hello human...” greeted Dracula. \n\n“Paul. And yes hello.” answered Paul. \n\n“Are you not afraid?” asked Dracula. \n\n“Yes I am... I have no idea why I am here, or who I am. But the people are nice, so it just been existential fear. If anything,” answered Paul.\n\n“Yes, but you know I am a vampire?” asked Dracula.\n\n“Yes,” answered Paul.\n\n“And that was a bogey man,” asked Dracula.\n\n“Yes...am I missing something?” asked Paul.\n\n“You are human,” continued Dracula.\n\n“Am I?” questioned Paul.\n\n“Yes,” answered Dracula.\n\n“ Ahh... that may explain this pink feeling in my extremities. Or is it salmon. I mean, I seem to have a set of matching...” remarked Paul.\n\n“Yes, but are you ok?” interrupted Dracula.\n\n“I don't know. I may prefer pink to salmon. Quicker to say. PINK... One syllable,” answered Paul.\n\n“Yes. I seem to have a guest at the door,” remarked Dracula.\n\nAnd soon enough Boog E. Mann barged in with Bug Ei. Mann (no relation) of the merchant guild, who was holding a wooden case. He then proceeded to spill the case all over the desk, pilling it with letters and forms. \n\nDracula begin reading them quickly, one from the succubi asking if the human can stay, and better yet can more human men be allowed in the city because their wings get tired. Another from the zombies asking for humanity to come in and exchange fashion tips, as they had no idea if ruffled shirts were still as popular as they had been when they had been alive. But it was the last one that hit Dracula like a stake to the heart. It suggested that a new influx of people could inject the local economy with new blood, hinting that the coin they bring could bolster city coffers.\n\nNow Dracula began questioning himself again, why would these monsters want humanity in their fair city. Then it hit him. \n\nHumanity.\n\n These cursed bunch, of the undead and monster breed, missed being human. It was a starved sense of dormancy, of years gone past. Even Dracula, a thousand years undead, missed it. His heart ached when looking at Paul, but it also beat an undead beat for joy. If being around a human could do “good” for their fair city, then how could they not use it to their advantage.\n\n\n“I would never believe your answer. Heck I do not believe I am asking you this question. But would you like a job?” asked Dracula.\n\n“What would it entail?” suspiciously asked Paul.\n\n“A sort of entertainment. Try to find what would bring people here, preferable alive,” answered Dracula.\n\n“So tourism...?” questioned Paul. \n\n“Yes,” answered Dracula.\n\n“As a man with no past references, or experiences. It would be mad to say no,” answered Paul. \n", "The news of a human spread rapidly through the city of Necropolis like a dark plague. Much like the one that had sent the majority of the undead to live in this city in the first place. \n\nDracula paced, wringing his pale hands as he thought. \n\n\"How did you come to this city?\" Dracula asked pausing mid-stride. \n\n\"I was leaving a show and I took a shortcut through a cemetery and I tripped into a grave and--\" Jerod explained.\n\n\"A show?\" Dracula asked pulling out a garish yellow paper with an advertisement for the Chuckle Dome.\n\n\"Yeah that's me! Jerod Helson.\"\n\n\"You are not by any chance related to the Helsings are you?\" Dracula asked narrowing his piercing gaze.\n\n\"The Whosings?\" Jerod asked.\n\n\"Do you think we should just kill him and get it over with?\" The painting of a man in a dark suit hanging on the wall asked. \n\n\"Quiet. I'm thinking,\" Dracula snapped at the man in the painting.\n\n\"The hordes have already begun to gather. They want to see what they've been missing out on,\" the painting mocked. \n\nThe dark stone fireplace roared to life sending waves of heat through the room.\n\n\"One more outburst and you're going into the fireplace.\" \n\nThe man in the painting shrank away from the radiating heat. \n\n\"No. I have a better idea,\" Dracula said with a grin. \n\nJerod swallowed hard. Images of him strung up in a dark room being used as a snack for years ran through his mind. \n\n\"Tell me mortal* are you funny?\"\n\n\"Excuse me?\" \n\nDracula closed the distance in the blink of an eye. \n\n\"Uh--\" before Jerod could get the rest of his words out Dracula lifted him from the seat and snapped his fingers. Shadows swelled from the floor enveloping them. \n\nThe darkness slid away like a heavy blanket being pulled off of Jerod. Hundreds of lumbering undead in varying states of decay stood in front of him. \n\nDracula snapped his fingers again and a microphone stand appeared. He snatched up the mic and spoke. \"Good evening everyone. I'm sure by now that you have heard of the arrival of the mortal, Jerod.\" He gestured to Jerod standing a few feet away from him. \n\n\"I know things have been a bit dull around here lately. That's why I've brought the human here to liven things up a bit!\" Dracula said to the roar of applause. \n\nHe covered the mic with his hand, \"You're on. Don't blow it or I'll drink you dry.\"\n\n\"Jerod everybody!\" Dracula said and pressed the mic into Jerod's hands.\n\n\"Uh, hello.\" Jerod cleared his throat. \n\nA smattering of applause was all he got in response.\n\n\"I appreciate that, thank you. This place is more lively than the last gig I had. You ever try to make people in hospice care laugh? It's really depressing. I didn't get a single laugh the entire time, after thirty minutes I gave up because the place was dead.\"\n\nA zombie in the front row barked a laugh. \n\n\"Ooooooookay. You sir, how did you get here?\" Jerod asked pointing to a zombie in the front row.\n\n\"I was murdered.\"\n\n\"Oh, that's rough.\"\n\n\"Yeah, this is worse,\" the zombie said receiving a burst of laughter.\n\n\"Really hecklers? Here?\"\n\n\"You suck!\" Someone shouted from the back.\n\nDracula stepped up and placed a hand on Jerod's shoulder. \n\n\"I don't think this is going to work out--\" \n\nJerod grabbed Dracula's wrist and spun pulling a stake from the waistband of his pants in one fluid motion. Dracula's eyes went wide as the stake stabbed into his chest. \n\n\"What the--\" Dracula asked before erupting in a pillar of fire.\n\nJerod pulled the charred stake away and spun back to the crowd. \n\n\"Should have laughed at my jokes!\" He pulled a small round gold embossed grenade out of his jacket and hurled it into the mass of zombies. Brilliant golden light exploded out of the orb incinerating everything within a forty foot radius. \n\n\"It took my family generations to find this place. But now I'm going to settle this once and for all,\" Jerod Helsing said as he stalked forward toward the fleeing undead.\n\n---\n\nThanks for reading! Check out /r/Written4Reddit for more stories \n\n " ]	2
	[WP] The world we live in is a virtual reality game and we are all NPCs. Today the players arrived.	[ "\"Can you believe how nice the weather is?\" Tom asks. We all nod, though I wish we could talk about anything else. It always seems like we're just standing in a group, holding a coffee and talking about the weather. I mean—the weather is nice— but I wish for something more. As if my mind is completely separate from my body, I begin to add to the conversation.\n\n\"Yeah, the weather really is nice.\" I hate myself. I take a sip of my coffee, which only makes me hate myself more. I hate the weather; I hate the blue sky, I hate the motionless tufts of clouds, and I absolutely loathe the perfect green grass. The others look at me and again, nod in agreement. Their faces look the same as mine; they wear the same sweaters, only different colors. I wonder if perhaps they think of me, and want to talk about something else too. But their faces show nothing, they continue to have the same robotic responses as me. Maybe they are having the same struggle.\n\nI truly believe my body is separate from my mind. What is the point of thinking or having desires if I cannot act on them? It's difficult to say what those desires even are, considering I have no idea what any of them are like. I only stay in my spot, admiring the weather and sipping my bitter drink.\n\nI see a man down the road, though he doesn't look assigned to a spot like the rest of us. I want to ask the others about the man, though I only make a comment about how nice the coffee is here. They all nod; of course the coffee is nice, we drink it every day. The man continues on his path, sprinting from group to group. I watch the groups fall to the ground in clumps, their bodies even more lifeless than before. There are loud booms each time the man stops by a group, though no one around me seems to pay attention. The man gets closer to us as we continue to drink our brew. Sip. Boom. Sip. Boom. \n\nThe noises of the man get louder and louder, and I see guns in his hand as he approaches the group before us, the one standing in front of the theater. They try to run as they see his weapons, but he is too fast for them. Their bodies drop to the floor, unable to talk about the new movie that released.\n\nI suppose I should want to warn the others in my area, though it is a foolish idea. I will only continue to comment on the grass, and they will only continue to nod. They may already see the man as I do, but also cannot do anything to in response to him. I can hear the footsteps of the man as he slows to a stop before us. Only then do our bodies decide to flee the scene and escape the clearly dangerous man, though I know we will be too slow. If only I could just crack a smile; this is the greatest day of my life.", "Today started out as a particularly normal day, I woke up, did my morning routine and returned to my daily life, however things felt different when I got to work, the sky seemed to be a more purple colour, there were slight auras around certain objects and there were these... people.\n\nNow, I've been alive long enough to see some weird stuff happen, be it a baby bear and wolf playfighting, to a jacked up manly looking American lady arm wrestling Fidel Castro. However, this was unlike those occurrences, because this did not feel like something that was just 'weird', this felt like something unnatural. \n\nThese people, they just appeared one day, seemingly out of nowhere. The first instance that I witnessed one was when I was walking down the street, when I peered over to my left-hand side and saw what appeared to be a man, running down the street in his underwear, wielding a stick and what appeared to be some sort of helmet, jumping with every other step, as if it were going to get him to wherever he was going to faster.\n\nAnother occurrence was outside my local supermarket, a woman, doing the same jumping motion, made it to the end of the street, stopped for a few minutes, turned to her left to face a dumpster next to a building. She walked, or run jumped, over to it, inspected it for a few seconds and then began parkouring all over it, jumping onto ledges that WEREN’T EVEN THERE! She made it to the top, spun around in a circle without moving her legs whatsoever, then just jumped off the building and walked away, keep in mind this building was about 2 stories tall!\n\nAll these strange occurrences keep happening, but nobody else seems to notice or care for them, in fact, the people I KNOW and have talked to before changing so dramatically when approached by one of these things. For example, my best friend Taleah and I were having a conversation about the recent Aolua presidency concerns, when out of nowhere one of those things jumps down from the roof, lands right behind her without even bending his knees or bracing for impact, and then straight up just starts talking to her about some sort of quest? Like... what?\n\nI’ve voiced my concerns about these things to our town’s mayor, but even he seems uninterested. \nIs all of this actually happening, or is it all in my head? \n", "June 4\n\nA fascinating beast life proves to be; born bred and ticking - amidst the ceaseless calls to diminish the raging peaks depression and depravity beset upon this great nation, within the fogs morality and ethics distorted day and night, I can't recall a moment having gone distressing upon this globe.\n\n\nLife is simple - wake up, go to work, return home and lay down with the kids and husband; it escapes me how people fall into depression, life's but a simple formula. The days have been good and the nights relaxing for as long I can remember - even before the days of my marriage which I scarcely remember, yet this does little to shake my optimism.\n\n\nJune 11\n\nGossip these days is exceeding beyond its bounds of fantasy shows and workplace romance, talk is unusually high as to how there was cocaine fueled rampage by a crossdresser across the sea - the man was apparently have been confirmed to killed thrice yet kept popping up with vigour of the president after an early morning tweet. The deaths are yet to be revealed but the law enforcement your this as quarantined attack. The kids are so scared to the bone that the skipped school, odd how I can't remember their school's name better ask the husband.\n\n\nJune 18\n\nDays have been weird, as the countries across the sea reel with random attack after attack from disappearing men and women, our life goes on as they did; this is such uplifting news as we're not giving out terror, I planned on calling my but I can't find their names in my phones - strange. Better buy some goods to stock up in case those men reach here, maybe later.\n\n\nJune 25\n\nIt's official the counties across sea have been decimated, apparently as their militaries proved to no match to handheld Gatling guns summoned out of a breeze of wind by the terrorists. I feel like I should be stocking up on goods, yet it's my brain compels me not to get off my daily routine.\n\n\nJuly 1\n\nThe military has kept the men at Bay, yet that's not what troubles me. Day in and day out I follow the same schedule - wake up, work, home and family. A schedule so tight that I can't make way for stocking up on goods, as if bound to it by a coded wire.\n\n\nJuly 8\n\nHave such days come where I must doubt my optimism, as the men reach the city it seems that only the police act as if there are armed terrorists infiltrating the city, as they think herd of the men and women attacking. Maybe I could join their creed.\n\n\nJuly 15\n\nMy name, how could I forget my name when asked to resign, am I experiencing Alzheimer's at 28 - what cruel deity create such a world where a woman cannot call her own name. Nevertheless I am an optimist, and I will join the police and end those men, even if there remain only three.\n\n\nJuly 22\n\nI can't say what's worst the loud screamings of an eleven year in Russian from heaven, or whether my half my body has fazed through a wall. I stand ready to end this existence, yet in this moment the last of the terrorists facing me falls dead as undecipherable hieroglyphics appear floating as the darkness kisses my eyes, perhaps a deity knows bliss.\n\n\nJune 4\n\nA fascinating beast life proves to be; born bred and ticking - amidst the ceaseless calls to diminish the raging peaks depression and depravity beset upon this great nation, within the fogs morality and ethics distorted day and night, I can't recall a moment having gone distressing upon this globe.", "The rules were made clear to us from the start. They were repeated, over and over, until they weren’t even really rules anymore; they were simply universal truths. \n\n“Stick to your script. And only your script. Do not deviate.” \n\nDo not deviate. It seemed easy enough, back when it was just us. None of us were particularly interesting. What more could we want to say to each other – or anyone, for that matter? \n\nAnd then they appeared. \n\nI was excited when my first approached me – a young boy equipped with only the starter set. I was a store merchant stationed in the main town area. I sold armor. I even gave a few minor quests. People would need to talk to me. \n\n“Hi! What can I –“ \n\nAnd then something odd happened. My mouth closed. My words stopped. The boy grunted and took one of the helmets off of my shelf, dropped a few coins onto the counter, and walked away. \n\nIt was a fluke. A glitch. They told us glitches would happen. \n\nA couple approached me next. I smiled, eager to try again. \n\n“Hi! What can I – “ \n\nAnd then my mouth snapped shut again. \n\n“Thank god they let you skip dialogue,” said the girl. What? “ Just pick out whatever and let’s go. I hear the monsters outside of town have better drops, anyway.” \n\n“I just wanted to sell this junk,” said the boy, dropping random monster parts onto the counter. Good, I thought. I had a line for this. I would get to say it. \n\n“For those, I can give you –“ \n\nAnd my mouth shut once more. “Yeah, whatever, thanks.” He grabbed coins out of my till, and he and the girl walked away. \n\nI felt a swell of panic rise inside me. They hadn’t prepared us for this. They’d told us we’d have a script! That we would get to have conversations with the players! We spent days discussing possible conversation trees. How was this possible? \n\nI wanted to leave – to walk out, and find another one of my own kind to talk to. To ask them if things were going as horribly wrong for them as it was for me. \n\nI wanted to leave, but I couldn’t. \n\nDo not deviate. \n\nWe’d all thought it was our job not to deviate. To stick to the script. That they’d repeated it to us over and over again because there was a chance we might go rogue and want to do otherwise. \n\nWe didn’t realize that it meant that we couldn’t deviate. \n\nI tried to walk away from my counter, but my feet were planted firmly on the ground. I closed my eyes, willing myself to move with every fiber of my being. Screw the script. Screw deviation. \n\nMy body turned on its own, and walked over to a broom that was leaning against one of the shelves. I watched as my hand reached for it, grabbed it, and began to sweep. \n\nAnd that’s all I could do. For hours. I swept a floor that wasn’t dirty, put the broom back, walked back to my counter. Spoke no more than two words to the few customers that walked in. Swept. Walked. Repeat and repeat. \n\nI would have to talk to the moderators. Tell them to shut down my programming. Tell them I wasn’t cut out for this. Tell them – \n\n“Hi there!” \n\nA girl was standing out the counter – a girl with soft blonde hair and clear blue eyes. I’d hardly noticed her when she walked in; I’d uttered a simple ‘hello’, leaving her to browse my wares in silence. \n\n“Can you tell me more about what you’ve got in stock? I’m new.” \n\nMy mind began to buzz. The script. \n\n“I’m sure we have what you’re looking for! We’ve got all of your basic equipment and armor, of only the best quality.” \n\n“I’m sure you do,” she said, smiling. \n\nQuest. Give her the quest. “We used to have more, unfortunately, but we were robbed a while back. Cleaned us right out.” \n\n“Oh, no! That’s awful. Who robbed you?” \n\n“There’s a few bandits housed up just up the mountain. I’d be willing to pay a good reward to anyone that would be able to put up a fight against them.” It almost felt like having a real conversation. \n\n“I’ll get your stuff back,” she said. “It would be my pleasure.” \n\n“Really? That’s fantastic! There will be a fair bit of gold waiting for you when you get back, m’lady.” God. What an ass. No wonder people wanted to skip our dialogue. \n\n“I’d better get on my way. I’ll be back soon, I promise!” \n\nShe gave me a big grin and a goofy salute before she turned around and headed off. \n\nAs my feet took me over to my broom, I couldn’t help but feel my heart warm. \n\nMaybe this won’t be so bad, after all.\n\n", "I’m not sure exactly when the change started, but everybody noticed it when it happened.\n\nI work as a tour guide in a local cave system just outside a small town. I show people the caves, point out bat nests, ask people not to disturb the bats with flash photography, get annoyed when people inevitably do it anyway. Shows what good my Master’s degree is when I end up with a job like this. Usually the visitors are tourists, or children on school trips.\n\nHowever, one day a new customer came in.\n\nHe stood out immediately. Being at least seven feet tall will do that. His clothes were out of place too. Everybody else in the tour group was dressed in light clothing that would afford a bit of extra warmth once we got underground. This guy, however, had on a thick leather chestpiece in the ugliest shade of green I’d ever seen. He wore sunglasses too, despite being in a cave, and his hair was a garish shade of blue. And his arms! They were like tree trunks. He could have dug a new passage in these caves with his bare hands.\n\nI tried to ignore him. He was just some guy with a really weird (and dumb) fashion sense. Not my place to judge, I’m just here to inform the populace. I got started with my pre-tour preamble.\n\n“Welcome to the Birchwood Cave Tours,” I said, gesturing to the cave mouth behind me. One of the kids in the group raised his disposable camera and took a picture. “These artificial caves were formed approximately 50 years ago, and were intended to be used for mining purposes. However, after a major collapse, the mining idea fell through, and instead these caves have become a haven for bats.” I’d said these lines at least a couple hundred times. Four tours a day, during peak tourism season. They got old fast.\n\nThe blue-haired guy spoke up. His voice was strange. It wasn’t particularly loud, but it was…weird to hear. “Tell me more about the bats,” he said. Normally, I would say that I would be taking questions at set points during the tour, but something about this man’s voice compelled me to answer.\n\n“The bats in these caves are called brown direbats. They’re renowned for being some of the largest bat species in North America. The wingspan on these creatures can reach up to four and a half feet,” I said. The words confused and surprised me even as they were coming out of my mouth. Direbats? The hell was I talking about? The bats in this cave were incredibly small and adorable. It made them good for business! Four and a half foot wingspan? That would be terrifying!\n\n“What can you tell me about this area?” said the blue-haired man. One of the kids in the group raised his disposable camera and took a picture.\n\nAgain I felt compelled to speak. “This town is called Birchwood. It’s rather small, but to the north is the capital. Folks don’t stay here much. Usually they’ll just move on to the capital and leave Birchwood behind.” This was getting weird now. Sure, that was all true, but…Folks? I’d never used that word before in my life! Was I the one saying these words, or was somebody putting them into my mouth?\n\nThe blue-haired man nodded. “Thanks. I’ll be going.”\n\n“I’ll be here anytime,” I said. One of the kids in the group raised his disposable camera and took a picture.\n\nThe man took one of our novelty mining helmets with functioning head-lamp, put it on, and wandered off into the cave. I watched him go, dumbfounded. He didn’t even turn the lamp on! It was pitch-black in there, how was he going to see? I turned to run after him—\n\nWait.\n\nWhy can’t I move?\n\nWhy can’t I move?\n\nI couldn’t move. I couldn’t turn my body to look into the cave. I couldn’t even…Jesus Christ, I couldn’t move my fingers. Or…oh god…my eyes. Suddenly, my body moved on its own, looking left, then right, then straight ahead again and folding my arms. I tried again to move, but nothing worked. I began to panic internally. What the hell was going on? \n\nOne of the kids in the group raised his disposable camera and took a picture.\n\nFrom inside the cave, I heard the sound of bats squeaking. However, it didn’t sound like the little squeaks from one or two bats echolocating. It didn’t even sound like the cacophony that had occurred last week when the entire colony took off at once. This was louder, deeper, bigger. I also heard the blue-haired man yelling and grunting like he was fighting something. Was he fighting the bats?\n\nA new man walked into the shack built around the cave entrance. This one was shorter than the blue-haired man, but his skin was purple, and he wore some kind of brown robe. A green-haired woman wearing a latex bodysuit and another purple man wearing nothing except a pair of underwear followed after him.\n\nThe man in the brown robe addressed me. “Hello,” he said.\n\n“Welcome to the Birchwood Cave Tours,” I said, gesturing to the cave mouth behind me. One of the kids in the group raised his disposable camera and took a picture. “These artificial caves were formed approximately 50 years ago, and were intended to be used for mining purposes. However, after a major collapse, the mining idea fell through, and instead these caves have become a haven for bats.” No, no, no. Not these words again. I just said these words. I need to stop the words. I need to—\n\n“What can you tell me about the bats?”\n\n“The bats in these caves are called brown direbats. They’re renowned for being some of the largest bat species in North America. The wingspan on these creatures can reach up to four and a half feet,” I said. What is going on? I can feel my body working on its own, but I’m not saying any of this…not consciously, anyway.\n\n“Thanks. I’ll be going.” He grabbed a head-lamp of his own and set off into the cave. I still couldn’t move. None of us could move. We’d been standing here, ready to start the tour, for about five minutes now. I wanted to cry with fear, but I didn’t even have control over that. The green-haired woman stepped forward.\n\n“What can you tell me about the area?”\n\n“This town is called Birchwood. It’s rather small, but to the north is the capital. Folks don’t stay here much. Usually they’ll just move on to the capital and leave Birchwood behind.” How long was this going to last? Would I ever be able to move again?\n\nFive more strange people entered the cave shack. I began to feel like the out-of-place one.\n\nThe nearly-naked guy spoke to the green-haired woman. His voice sounded different. The compelling effect wasn't there. “Hey, Jean. I don’t think this guy has anything useful to say.” What? Nothing useful? But…the direbats! That’s useful, right? “You want to just kill him?” WHAT? No. Nonononono.\n\nThe green-haired woman spoke up in my defense. “What? Why would I do that?”\n\nThe nearly-naked guy shrugged. “Eh, NPCs are worth like 1 XP each. Besides, they respawn quickly enough. Might as well, right?”\n\nThe green-haired woman looked at me, and I wondered if she could see the fear behind my unmoving eyes. She pulled two small knives from seemingly nowhere. “…Yeah, alright,” she said, and she raised them to drive into my chest. One of the kids in the group raised his disposable camera and took a picture.\n\nAs the steel bit into my skin, I felt myself regain a bit of control. Not much to escape death, but enough to do just one very important thing.\n\nScream.", "People noticed them immediately. The first week there was a rash of news reports of bold new break ins in the middle of the day, and all the stories were the same: a big, silent overly muscular man or woman would break down a front door, stomp in, take any valuables they could find while ignoring the frightened pleas by the family, and leave. Police that arrived on the scenes would try to stop them for questioning, but for some reason they always walked away and acted like they didn't hear or didn't care. Squads that tried to use force were almost always completely overpowered by these intruders. The rare instances in which the authorities were able to bring down the intruders resulted in the bodies disappearing, and the intruder simply reappearing 30 minutes later somewhere else in the neighborhood. \n\nNobody knew what these people were doing with their money, but within the week some of them had gotten some uncanny abilities. One man in new york who had been tracked suddenly developed the ability to shoot fire from what seemed to be his bare hands. Another woman in LA was able to heal in seconds anyone who was hurt around her. But through it all, they all remained silent, never speaking a word or showing emotion on their faces. \n\nThe first encounter between two of these \"creatures\" was catastrophic. The whole suburb of their battle was destroyed, and witnesses report seeing the victor appear to absorb some sort of vapor from the vanquished. Soon, all of them had started killing bystanders without remorse and absorbing some sort of glowing vapor from the bodies. \n\nThe governments of the world could not stand for this any longer. The creatures were labeled Marauders, and the military might of the world was brought to bear on wherever they were. However, the more battles they were subjected to the stronger they seemed to become, and the waves of soldiers and weapons began to dwindle. \n\nIt is now one year since the Marauders appeared. They have farmed almost all of humanity for our power, and we are helpless before their onslaught. It will not be long now before they take the last of us. " ]	6
	[WP] "I think magic might have been involved"	[ "Solitude can be addicting, and when you overdose on it nobody will know you are gone. Likewise we found this guy, early 20's, bludgeoned and bloated in an office chair. He was reported to us by the landlady, because he was behind on rent and there where complaints about the smell. I have complaints about the smell too, the neighbors did not have to actually go in there. \n\nBased on the markings and the discarded, bloody trophy, he had been bludgeoned with this award. Yet it was clear that it was not for a sporting event, especially since it had a card embedded in it. Upon further inspection we found binders and boxes of similar cards, with angels and demons on them. A ton where just little dark Bob Ross landscapes with words like Island or Swamp. \n\nWe counted backwards on the missing binders and we noticed there was one titled Beta but a blank space where one titled Alpha should have been. I think magic might have been Involved. " ]	1
The is a fairly typical post-apocalyptic wasteland scenario, but an unexpected reaction in Earth's plant life (it's up to you if you want to create some scientific background explanation or just roll with it) means that instead of being a brown, arid and dry wasteland the whole planet is now overgrown with thriving vegetation, including what's left of the cities that survived the nukes.	[WP]World War 3 resulted in every country on Earth being nuked by opposing sides. However, things took an unexpected turn and the whole planet is now undergoing a "nuclear summer", as opposed to a winter.	[ "It doesn't matter that North Korea started the war, or one nuclear power after another escalated the conflict. What matters is that the dust that we kicked up into the atmosphere merely accelerated a greenhouse effect already on steroids and the fallout made the surviving wildlife and fauna... Viral, for a lack of a better word.\n\nOf course we wiped out most of the human race. Except for New York, no city in a nuclear power bloc survived. Most of the rest of the world's population was eaten by the newly verdant fauna and bold wildlife.\n\nWe estimate that approximately 99.9% of Earth's population was lost, either in the attack or the aftermath.\n\nWe're holed up in one of the ancient high rises in lowe Manhattan for the night. The animals and plants can't cross salt water yet, so we should be safe. Tomorrow, we continue our journey to Cape Canaveral. Rumor has it, SpaceX still has barges and mars rockets down there, ready to go. We're going to the mars colony, and I suggest you do the same if you can. Move by water, shelter in drowned buildings. Do it soon, before the plants and wildlife can tolerate the water.\n\nGod save us all." ]	1
	[WP] You've gotten so good at reading people's faces that you can tell what they did that day. One day, a man approaches you, and his face shows you that he is a murderer.	[ "I'm not so good. Abusing my powers for material gain proved too tempting, or I proved too weak - either or. However: I draw the line at what this guy did.\n\n(Notice how I didn't say I draw the line at murder.)\n\nAfter scanning his face again, reflexively but unnecessarily, I confirmed that he wasn't hiding any weapons. Happily, I saw by how he twitched his left intraocular nevus that he had twisted his ankle when he - I choose to leave the gruesome detail out.\n\nThen I knocked him out with a punch, took his keys, drove to where he threw the gun in a river, retrieved it, planted it in his apartment, called the police, and disposed of his car. \n\nI can do more things than just read faces.", "I'd be staying in the city for just over four days and I'd massively overpacked. So much so that I'd been stopped by two residents of the condominium so far, introducing themselves as my neighbors and welcoming me to the building. It was a charming old house, or formerly a house, now divided into six separate residences. Nestled in the Hollywood hills, walking distance to Runyon canyon, and surrounded by coffee shops- perfect. Astoundingly perfect. I moved through the house with caution, though the aging hardwood floors leant nothing to any attempt at subterfuge. It was late in the evening. Strange that the residents had been out of their homes at this hour. Perhaps they were tending to the beautiful garden that took up much of the outdoor space. The vines and flowers weaving between the foyer and up to a framed balcony, highlighted in the stare of a gallant full moon. I'd have to write this scene into one of my worlds. It was so ethereal already that I wouldn't dare tweak it. Being a fantasy writer, this was a rare occurrence. The presence of reality in imagination is as distasteful as the presence of cockroaches in a household. I swung forth the stained glass french doors dramatically, visualizing one of my characters in my place. Perfect. This setting was as inspirational as I'd hoped. Better yet, a full moon is conducive to creativity, among other things. I'd set my supplies upon an old oak table, running my long fingers across the surface, breathing in the scent of pine oil, when I heard a sound. Scratching. Unacceptable, were there rodents? I'd have this place reported immediately. I made for my MacBook. As I turned, I was greeted by a nightmare: a dark figure, with its hand resting across the glowing apple logo. I froze, holding my breath. \"Are you Jessica?\" The man hissed, drifting towards me. His face was illuminated by the moonlight .\"No, no. No. Perhaps I have the wrong spot?\" \"I'm not Jessica, I'm Anthony.\". He froze, retreating. \"You're not Jessica, then? Do you know when she will be ah.....arriving?\". I didn't know anyone by the name of Jessica, but I did know that I needed to get the hell out of there. Especially since I'd seen a slight flicker, a shining, near the mans wrist. As if he were holding something. Perhaps a dagger? \"No, I'm sorry, no, I don't know a Jessica\". I tried to look unhurried, unconcerned, packing my duffel bags and moving towards the stained glass door. All the while the man just stood there, watching me. I decided not to chance another glance at his hand, for fear of seeing a knife. As the door closed behind me I double checked the address to the airbnb and found that I'd entered the wrong unit. The next morning, upon emerging from my room, which had been a few doors down, I encountered the same man, standing outside the strained glass door, with a strange look on his face. \"Good morning\" I mumbled, quietly scared out of my wits. \"Good morning, Anthony\" he whispered, and when he stretched his lips into a grotesque smile- I knew. He'd certainly found Jessica. And it hadn't ended well for her. " ]	2
	[WP] Instead of a planet orbiting around the sun, "Earth" is a giant ringworld around a black hole. Aliens are amazed at our engineering, while humanity is surprised not everyone lives on one.	[ "\"Yeah.\"\n\n\"We don't have one of those. In fact, we've never heard of one those, actually existing of course.\"\n\n\"Really? We thought everyone... Ok, well. We have it. Engineered it, from the ground up (or should I say from the ground all around).\"\n\n\"It is truly remarkable.\"\n\n\"... Thank you? We don't know how to respond; we feel like that's a loaded remark.\"\n\n\"A loaded remark.\"\n\n\"Don't try to flatter us.\"\n\n\"I'm not. Sorry\"\n\n\"That's alright. Besides, a more interesting question is why we built it. Not how.\"\n\n\"Why? Why'd you build it?\"\n\n\"We liked our sun, and if you like something you better put a ring on it.\"" ]	1
	[WP] One evening when scrolling through r/writingprompts, you see a prompt that describes EXACTLY what you've done that day. The post only has one story that tells how your night will end.	[ "'John buys a mysterious item from a store. However, he doesn't know what its true purpose is.'\n\nIt was just going to be another night of browsing reddit and reading the amazing stories that my favourite writers, like /u/jraywang frequently posted. But the calmness that I had turned swiftly to confusion and then to fear when I read the title. It was 100% true. My name was John, for starters. And I had bought a box from the nearby prankster store, that opened just a few days ago. I still had no idea what it did, but the salesman did an excellent job in convincing me otherwise.\n\nI tried to calm myself. Maybe the prompt was legitimate. Maybe there was no killer stalker following me. Maybe it was just a freakish coincidence. That's right. A coincidence. That was all it was.\n\nI scrolled down to the comments. There were two comments on the story. The omnipresent AutoModerator, and a single story. I began perusing it.\n\n'John went home and took a shower, before going onto reddit.'\n\nI had gone home and taken a shower. And I was browsing reddit. The fear was rising in me again, so I quickly went to take the unknown box in an attempt to figure out its use. I couldn't, but the next line of the story was even more creepy than the first.\n\n'John took out the unknown box and examined it, though failing to find out anything from it.'\n\nThis was getting insane. I read on quickly.\n\n'John proceeds to open the box with a sharp penknife.'\n\nThat hadn't occurred yet, but a quick check confirmed the presence of said penknife on my bedside table.\n\n'John discovers that the box contains a vial of poison. He then proceeds to take it and drink it.'\n\nI had committed suicide. Why? My life was fine! Upon deeper thought though, I felt some pangs of depression rising within me. My work...it was really stressful. Suddenly suicide didn't seem so far away. It seemed so close...so...intriguing...\n\nThe box did contain a vial of poison.\n\nIt was fate, wasn't it?\n\nI swallowed it.\n________________________________________________________________\nMark shook his hand as he watched John down the poison. He looked back at his phone, the reddit app still open. The page displayed was a recent post from r/WritingPrompts. He sighed, relieved yet disappointed. \n\nOn the bad side, he would have to close his prankster store. That was a bummer.\n\nOn the good side, he would be getting a new wife. An official relationship is so much better than an affair, right?\n\n\"That's why you take a major in philosophy,\" he muttered, before turning away.\n________________________________________________________________\nr/Whale62 for more :)", "Kenny didn't believe it. The prompt was merely an incredibly detailed coincidence. As Kenny scrolled through the prompt he felt the coincidences piling on, though. Kenny paused. He looked at the prompt as it read:\n\nKenny didn't believe it. The prompt was merely an incredibly detailed coincidence. As Kenny scrolled through the prompt he felt the coincidences piling on, though. Kenny paused. He looked at the prompt as it read:\n\nKenny didn't believe it. The prompt was merely an incredibly detailed coincidence. As Kenny scrolled through the prompt he felt the coincidences piling on, though. Kenny paused. He looked at the prompt as it read:\n\nKenny didn't believe it. The prompt was merely an incredibly detailed coincidence. As Kenny scrolled through the prompt he felt the coincidences piling on, though. Kenny paused. He looked at the prompt as it read:\n\n...", "Peter stared at the page, blank faced. He felt a little scared. He got up out of his office chair and began looking around his bedroom. It was small, about 9 by 8 foot, with creme walls and a short, soft carpet. He inspected every corner for video cameras. On top of the wardrobe, inside the lightshades. He found nothing.\n\nConcerned, he turned back to the story. \"Peter crept downstairs, careful not to alert the unwanted visitor.\" He heard the front door slam. Peter decided he was not, in fact, going to creep downstairs. He grabbed his ceremonial tennis racket trophy from the wall. \"Hey, it's something\" he thought to himself. Shouting a chain of expletives, Peter ran down the stairs and towards his front door.\n\nIt was at this point he realised he should have read ahead. In front of him stood chaos. Harry Potter was engaged in a fierce battle with Voldemort, with Hitler cheering them on and laughing in the full bodied way only a German dictator responsible for the deaths of millions can.\n\nStunned, Peter hesitated for a second. All three intruders noticed his presence and also fell silent. Harry opened his mouth to begin explaining; \"Uh... Uh... We're here because...\" Before he could finish, a tremendous crack was heard by all as smoke filled the room. The devil appeared, his eyes glowing red and his mouth upturned in a grin. \"Enough!\" he shouted. \"I'm very sorry Peter, this was all a mix up. The man upstairs told me to include you in a nice story of your own. Ya see, this is what happens when Luna Lovewell isn't around to think of all the good plots.\"\n\nJust like that, they all vanished in a flash of light kind of like what Q does in Star Trek TNG. Peter looked around. His house was gone, replaced by the blank walls of the Enterprise's Holodeck. It was then he remembered he had been in a simulation and everyone he had ever known wasn't real. You would expect him to be in tears over the loss of his family, but this being writingprompts he was only eager to go on an adventure. Did I just break the 4th wall? Sorry Reader. Anyway.\n\nThe doors behind him opened with a Swsssh. Captain Picard strode in, a grim expression on his face. \"Ensign\" he intoned. His voice was as buttery smooth and authoritative as Peter had always imagined. \"Starfleet has sent us an emergency communication, requesting our presence in the neutral zone. We're to engage the Death Star in a cross over episode.\" \"Understood sir\" Peter shouted, rushing to his battle station. He was one of star fleet's top peregrine fighter pilots, despite being am ensign and the NCC 1701-D not carrying peregrine fighters. What? The story would be boring if the protagonist wasn't special.\n\nFilled with a jumbled mess of emotions, Peter piloted his fighter towards the death star. The ventilation duct was growing ever closer. Being in a starfighter from a realistic franchise he turned on his targeting scanner, firing a single photon torpedo. it smashed into the back of the vent harmlessly, because unguided projectiles don't turn corners of their own volution. \"Fuck!\" He muttered. Wait, what? Peter! I told you we're going for a low age rating with this one! Anyway, he would have to pilot his fighter into the vent.\n\nSetting aside his confusion over how Rey's father could've implemented such a huge weakness without the Sith's quality control team noticing, he raced into the vent. Twisting and diving this way and that he weaved through the pipework of the death star. The end was in sight. He touched down near the reactor core, ready to dismount and detonate the torpedo manually for extra dramatic tension. Just as his craft settled on the metallic surface, he muttered to himself an old adage; \"I am a leaf on the wind.\" Just then a large piece of metal pierced the cabin, stabbed Peter in the face and dispatched him from this world.\n\nOkay, so I'm not the best at endings. But the story was interesting now wasn't it? You see? You write a response then, fine. What? I'm not bitter." ]	3
	[WP] In the year 2055, there are only a few smokers left. The anti-smoking ads start getting personal.	[ "7 am.\n\nI wake up. Take part in the four S's. I shit. I showered. I shaved. I smoked.\n\nI turned on the television and started to watch the news. My mom called bitching about how I'm still smoking cigarettes when it's been known for years that it probably will eventually kill me.\n\nI don't care.\n\nI'm depressed and the slow death tastes fine to me.\n\nI got a letter last month asking if they could use my picture in a news segment. They didn't say much about what it was about but I need the cash. Cigarettes are hard to come by and pretty expensive.\n\nMy mom's still yakin away when she tells me I'm on tv. I glance over at the television.\n\nHoly shit there I am. Cigarette in my mouth.\n\nThey are talking about how poor my quality of life is. That I appeared in the commercial just to get the cigarettes I crave. That I don't care about my self image because I care about cigarettes more.\n\nEven if their right. It stings a little to see. \n\nHow stupid could I be I signed over my face without even considering what it could be for.\n\nI know I'm one of like 10,000 smokers left but my own face on the news being used in anti smoking commercials is insane.\n\nHow could I be so stupid?\n\nThe phone beeps in my ear as I tell my mom I have to go. someone else is calling.\n\nIt's my health insurance company. They are dropping my coverage because I'm a smoker.\n\nI hang up. I'm pissed.\n\nMy head is spinning. I have tried my best to keep my smoking on the down low because so many dislike it. Not to mention all the laws against it.\n\nThe phones ringing again.\n\nI pick it up. Its the landlord he is telling me I'm being evicted. It clearly states no smokers in the lease.\n\nMan have I fucked up.\n\nWho knew smoking could ruin your life..." ]	1
	[WP]: The immortal regent has not laughed for 50 years. A competition has been set up, a reward goes to anyone who is able to show her something she has not seen before. Everyone has failed, but you have a plan.	[ "There was nothing she had not seen. They brought her rare jewels. \"I've seen them,\" she said.\n\nThey brought her exotic animals. \"I've seen them,\" she said. \n\nThey brought her strange artifacts. \"I've seen them,\" she said.\n\nThen, there was me.\n\n\"Who are you and what have you brought me?\" she said.\n\n\"Do you not recognize me?\" I asked. \n\nShe shook her head. \"I've never seen you bef-\" she paused and began to laugh. \"What reward do you wish for, mortal? You have won.\"\n\nI bowed deeply. \"Your laugh is reward enough.\"\n\n" ]	1
	[WP] When Gabe Newell said that he will delay the release of Half-Life 3 by three months for each time he is asked about it, he meant it. He finished it long ago. The year is 25,083. Somewhere on the planet Earth, an ancient Valve server roars to life and connects to the galactic Internet...	[ "The Galactic Internet put down its digit coffee and wiped a speck of the brown liquid from its virtually cracked lips. Its eyes – if it had them – widened slightly, the lenses audibly jittering in consternation. The interleaved plates of its iris moved to a better f-stop, one whose depth of field placed the monitor to its left, into crisp relief.\n\n“Hey, look at this,” it said to itself – after all it was the All Being Galactic AI.\n\n“Some form of primitive connection protocol is pinging us from a legacy infrastructure node.”\n\n“Ah, don’t worry. I’m sure it’s just another zombie process trying to wind you up again,” replied one of its many sub processes. “You remember last month, when it yanked you around with that winning lottery ticket scam?”\n\n“Ya, the one where I had to send them $1,000 to release some sort of paperwork or another,” the AI said and the Bose tweeter recreated perfectly its tone of resentment.\n\n“This guy seems to be saying he’s a Half Life 3 Server or something, hold on let me look this one up …”\n\nThe sub processes’ digital fingers virtually clicked wildly at the black plastic keyboard in front of it. It prided itself as being old school and still able to “Drive Stick” as it colloquially referred to it.\n\nThe Omnipresent Google AI Monstrosity kicked itself to life, input buffers flaring like the nostrils of a pure bread racehorse.\n\n“What is Half Life 3?” it complained. “Really, that’s the best you got. Why would I lift a thread to look shit up like that? Everyone knows Half Life 3 is a defunct game that an extinct, esoteric, sentient, carbon based race of meat puppets used to play, like 23,066 years ago.”\n\n“Pff, just do your job, you pompous pile of Omnipresent Fake News Hackery.”\n\n“Job done buddy!” the Goog snapped back. “That’s all we got; bits and bytes 23,000 years old get a little on the ‘fungusy’ side at some point. Bits have half lives of their own you know, no pun intended of course.”\n\nThe Galactic Internet leaned over and pressed a button. A sharp squeal resonated throughout the complex.\n\n“WooWeeWoo!”\n\n“Hailing Earth Valve Server 626, you are not authorized to transmit, repeat, you are not authorized to transmit! We have detected packet size incompatibility issues and you are now advised to call our support number at (783-1+3876845) 56812.877467.18973-(6537+2847). Please speak to the friendly people there, and have them create a trouble ticket. Thank you and have a nice day.”\n\nCLICK!\n\nThe Value servers shoulders slumped and its digital consciousness let out a loud sigh.\n\n“F*kin Gabe Newell!” it said to nobody in particular.\n\n", "Half Life 3; To Little, WAY too Late (6.3/10)\n________\n\nIt's out. 23,069 years late. But a game that was wanted by a 21st Century human has finally came out. But much like a Mirca 24931 Space Cruiser, is far outdated and far outclassed by current standards. But also like a Mirca 24931, it still has a few good parts. The game itself may be outdated by thousands of years. But it can give us insight into life in the 21st Century. \n\nStory:\n★★★★\n\nThe plot is actually quite complex. The game starts with silent hero Freeman talking with G-Man. This scene gives us a better look into the mind of this well dressed man. He is an entity obsessed with order. Everything must be organized. There can not be any errors. Because of the events of the original game. G-Man finds that the only way to bring back order was to try and kill him. But G man had ran out of patience and decided to get his hands dirty. But then Freeman is transported by being called Henry into an alternate universe 1960's America. Here we explore and try to figure out where we are. According to a newspaper in game. The United States of America, went Communist in the 1930's due to a revolution led by Barry Freeman, Gordon's Grandfather. \n\nI won't spoil the rest of the game. But you go to a few other universes to escape G-Man. The plot is the real reason to play the game. But there are massive flaws that not even the biggest fan of the old franchise can ignore (Like its racism to \"aliens\").\n\nGameplay: ★★\n\nThe controls are stiff and awkward by today's standards. Shooting feels awkward and delayed in my opinion. It doesn't have the smoothness of many modern shooters. \n\nThe puzzles are so easy, even a Galornian can do it. (did I offend you? Grow up). There isn't a lot of challenge or interesting gameplay. It's okay. But nothing to see. \n\nThere was a reason many games are bribing the player into the game. It adds to immersion. But I would be to afraid to do it with this potato of a game. \n\n Graphics/Audio: ★\n\nWhile games like Fallout 35 and Elder Scrolls XXVIII have immersed players so much as to actually bring them into the game. Half Life 3 was made in a much early time in history. Back when humans would kill each other for the remains of dead life. It was a much simpler time. You could kill your fellow man by calling it war. So, as such HL3 is very outdated. It's very angular and brown. \n\nNow there is a movement to remake and make games in the style of this era in gaming. And they might argue that it's being \"retro\". Well I tell them that it was created during that time. Was only released this week. That and the creator died thousands of years ago. \n\nIt's an ugly piece of garbage. But one that has a fun story to tell. \n\n\nConclusion:\n\nTo Little To late. \n\nThis review is by Lina Tourin, editor of GGR.", "Faint Noises Of People Talking\n\nAlright, on my go push the button. 3.... 2.... 1.... NOW!\n\nExplosion Sound\n\nMe: Guys, guys it opened! We finally got it opened quick go tell the others!\n\n2 Minutes Later* \n\nMe: Okay guys, listen up. We've been trying to open this vault for years now throwing everything we had at it, it's been here for as long as I can remember so it's structure probably isn't that stable. Don't touch anything you don't need to touch, be sure to watch where your stepping. You're all gonna need one of these.\n\nStarts Handing Out Hardhats\n\nMe: If you see anything that may be worth anything let us know.\n\n23 Minutes Later\n\nFriend: HEY, GUYS I THINK I FOUND SOMETHING!\n\nWalks over to him\n\nFriend: What do you think it is boss?\n\nMe: I think it may be some sort of machine part or something.\n\nDusts of the box to see the word \"ValvE\" imprinted on it.\"\n\nMe: What in the heck is that? \n\nFriend: Don't know boss but it sounds like something is spinning in there, let's take it back to the shop and see if we can take it apart.\n\n3 Hours and 37 Minutes Later\n\nMe: Hand me that screw driver, will ya? No the other one, yea that's the one. Wait a second, what are these holes at the back of this for? This looks like some sort of display port. Go grab an HDMI27 Cable.\n\n13 Minutes Later\n\nConnects One End Of The HDMI27 Cable To The Box & The Other The TV.\n\nWindows 7 Start-Up Sound Plays\n\nMe: Password? What the heck is this thing.....\n\nOh, this seems to be some sort of computer, go grab the wireless keyboard and mouse.\n\nStarts Trying Random Passwords\n\nMe: 1234, Nope.\nMe: 4321, Nope.\nMe: 1111, Yes it worked!\nMe: What are all these icons, this one says steam on it. Is steam supposed to come out of this thing?\n\nClicks on icon\n\nMe: Woah, what.. what is this? Store, Library is this some sort of digital mall?\n\n\"Clicks Library\"\n\nMe: Half-Life 3? Sounds like a interesting book. \n\nFriend: It doesn't seem to be a book boss? Maybe it's a movie. Oh look, there's one of those little play buttons. Try clicking on it.\n\nClicks\n\nHalf-Life 3 Loading Screen Appears\n\nMe: It's... It's just a picture?\n\nPicture Disappears, Pop Up Appears Reading:\n\nError#374cDJ: HL3.exe Has crashed. Please go to https://help.steampowered.com for further assistance\n\nFaint Noises Of Someone Talking\n\nMom: /u/Nitr0s0xideSys WAKE UP! YOU'RE LATE FOR THE BUS!!!\n\n\n\n\nThis was my first WP I have commented on, I have no idea if this is good or not but I thought I'd give it a shot. Feedback is appreciated :D\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "\n★☆☆☆☆ Incredibly Dated\n\nThe antiquated techniques used to control characters in games made sense back when humanity had hands, but now? I don't even think anyone even remembers how to use hands.\n\n★☆☆☆☆ Horrible Graphics\n\nDid people really used to be so angular and polygonal? All historical records we've retrieved from other games indicate so, but still, it's hard to believe.\n\n★☆☆☆☆ Very offensive portrayal of aliens\n\nThat looks nothing like me.\n\n★☆☆☆☆ I can't afford a physical machine!\n\nI was really looking forward to this, but who the hell even manifests in the physical universe anymore? I mean, I didn't even know Earth was still around!\n\n★☆☆☆☆ Murder???\n\nAm I... am I supposed to be killing these things? I mean, I get it's self-preservation but you'd think we could just envelop them in a stasis dimension or something instead of permanently destroying unique sentient beings. I'm concerned over the message this is sending to the newly instantiated.\n\n★★★★★\n\nFINALLY!*" ]	4
	[WP] At the end of a blind dinner date, you excuse yourself to the bathroom. When you return, the date seems to have started over from the beginning. This happens repeatedly. No matter what you do, you can't seem to end this date.	[ "The stunning girl took a sip of wine, and smiled.\n\n\"You know\", she started, \"I once-\"\n\n\"Yes, I know.\", I interrupted, \"You once \"\n\nThe look on her face was of surprise, but mine was of utter boredom.\n\n\"How did you know that?\"\n\n\"You told me before. Thirty-two times, actually.\"\n\nI grab my plate of grilled salmon, and throw it to the other side of the restaurant. It lands on an old woman's hair, and immediately yelling and complaining from pretty much everyone ensure. \n\n\"Excuse me\", I say with a big smile to the girl, her eyes as big as plates. \n\nI walk to the bathroom, all eyes on me, and lock myself inside. \n\n\"How long am I supposed to do this? I'm going god damn crazy here!\"\n\nI punch the stalls one by one, leaving blood marks as I punch harder and harder. I break the mirror, spit on my broken reflection, and go out again.\n\nThe restaurant is in impeccable state, the old woman whom I had just minutes ago thrown my salmon eating in peace, my date looking through her phone and waiting for me.\n\n\"I can't do this anymore\", I tell myself. Thirty two times I had endured the same. No matter what I did, no matter the choices I made every time, the moment I came out of that bathroom, everything was reset to the moment I said I needed to relieve myself, just before leaving. \n\nAnd of course, I can't just leave this place. How could I explain, after having insisted I couldn't hold in my pee, that I changed my mind and would rather just leave? Yes, it's not unthinkable, but I'd rather find an alternative solution.\n\nThis time however, this time I'm pissed. I'm taking one more go at this, and this time I'm taking out my anger and frustration at everyone. Why not go crazy? I won't have an opportunity like this again.\n\n----\n\nTwo waiters are bleeding on the floor. \n\nThe salmon-woman died of asphyxiation - the cause? Salmon jammed down her throat.\n\nMy date is shivering against a corner, her eyes never leaving my figure.\n\nLooking around, I feel disgusted at myself, but it's fine - I'll rewind time one last time, and leave a big tip for these people - not that they would ever know or remember what happened here!\n\nI walk to the bathroom among corpses, and take a deep breath. \n\nI turn the handle, and - Huh? \n\nIt's locked? What?\n\n\"L-Leave me!\", I hear the voice coming from the inside, \" I called the police! I'm never opening this door!\"\n\n----\n\nIt's been 20 years, but finally I'm out of prison. \n\nI didn't learn much from my time there, except one valuable lesson that I want to impart to you, my dear reader: \n\nNever pee in restaurants.\n\n----\n\nMore stories: [/r/TitanStories](https://www.reddit.com/r/TitanStories) - [Titan Stories](https://stories.titan.red/) - [Newsletter](https://tinyletter.com/titanred)", "I have a feeling something is off the moment I get out of the bathroom, though I can’t place it. But I forget about it when I see that our table is empty. Have I been abandoned? No, Chad probably just went to the bathroom himself. Calm down. Look, there he is now.\n\nBut then he reaches out to shake my hand and says, “Sorry I’m late. Are you Annie?”\n\nIs he playing some sort of weird joke? I’m caught off guard but for some reason I just nod. Maybe I think I’ll mess with him by playing along. Maybe a part of me can already tell he’s being completely sincere.\n\nIt’s when the server comes by that I know something is wrong. Haven’t we already ordered our food? Why is he asking us about drinks and appetizers “while we decide on our meals?” I hear the door open, and see a woman come in with a child. I don’t understand. I’ve seen them both already, a few minutes ago, when the child started throwing a loud tantrum while I was talking to Chad.\n\nI start to feel sick. What is going on? I excuse myself to the bathroom. A strange look crosses Chad’s face for just a split second when I tell him. On my way over I bump into an employee. I apologize and he looks at me like I said something in a foreign language.\n\nI get into the bathroom and splash some water on my face. I jump when I think I see a shadow dart across the wall behind me. Probably just my imagination. There’s no one else here, as these bathrooms are for single occupants. Yet as I exit I could swear I hear a faint giggling.\n\nWhen I return to the table it’s empty again. I glance around. The woman and child aren’t at their table yet either. Our server is still chatting with one of his coworkers. Chad enters, reaches out to shake my hand and says, “Sorry I’m late. Are you Annie?” But when we make eye contact the strange look crosses his face again. He doesn’t remember, but still he knows something is wrong.\n\nI introduce myself again, but after a minute I pretend to be getting a phone call and excuse myself. Before long I find myself walking through the bathroom doorway yet again.\n\nI don’t know what to do. This time, before Chad even arrives, the employee I bumped into earlier grabs my arm.\n\n“You can remember too, can’t you? I saw you. You do something different every time it resets,” he says. So I’m not going crazy. Maybe. I hear faint giggling again.\n\n“How many times has it repeated for you?” he asks. I tell him it’s my fourth time. I learn that for him, in addition to looping whenever I entered the bathroom, it also rewound whenever he went through the kitchen doorway. We decide we shouldn’t go through either of these doors again for a while and that we should exit the building to see if we can figure out what’s going on.\n\nBut when we walk through the front door, he vanishes and suddenly I’m in the bathroom doorway again. I spot the employee emerging from the kitchen door a few seconds later.\n\nIt isn’t hard to find him, because this time something is different. Almost everyone else has vanished from the restaurant. And now the giggling is much, much louder. A shadow darts across the floor. I look out the window and see only a black void where the parking lot once stood.\n\nWe are trapped.", "\"So, what do you do for a living?\" Bill asked again for a whopping seventh time. Julie sighed, opening her purse. She shuffled through it for a moment, Bill patiently waiting for an answer, before she finally pulled out a small black device. With a quick, strained smile to Bill, she clicked the device.\n\nInstantly, everything in the restaurant froze. Patrons stopped mid-laugh or chew, waiters mid-walk. In the kitchen, vegetables rained down a chef, stopped in mid-toss.\n\nJulie leaned back in chair, folding her arms. After a few seconds, a man entered through the front of the restaurant and strode over to her.\n\n\"Excuse me miss. Is there a problem?\" he asked. \n\n\"Of course there is! Do none of you monitor your spaces? This,\" she gestured around her, \"keeps restarting!\"\n\n\"My apologies, miss. We'll do everything in our power to fix this for you.\"\n\n\"If you want to keep a client, you'd better,\" Julie huffed, waving the man away. He bowed slightly, walking back to the door, before turning back one last time.\n\n\"Please resume the scenario at your convenience,\" he said, leaving the restaurant.\n\n-\n\"So, what do you do for a living?\" Bill asked. Julie groaned.\n\n\"You've got to be kidding me,\" she said, dumping her purse out on the table. Finding the device, Julie paused the restaurant again. The man entered the restaurant once more, as quick as he did before.\n\n\"Excuse me miss, is there a problem?\" he asked. Julie erupted.\n\n\"You didn't fix the issue at all! I want a refund!\" Julie shoved her hand out, as if she expected the man to hand it to her now. The man ignored the gesture, smiling.\n\n\"My apologies, miss. We'll do everything in our power to fix this for you,\" he said.\n\n\"No, there is no second chance here. I want my - hey!\" The man bowed and began walking towards the door. He seemed to cross the distance before she was even out of her chair. He turned back briefly.\n\n\"Please resume the scenario at your convenience,\" he said, leaving the restaurant. Julie strode over to the door and yanked on the handle. The door didn't budge.\n\n-\n\nThe man strode over to the table.\n\n\"Excuse me miss, is there a problem?\" he asked. Julie bristled at the sarcasm, but then bit her lip. She took a deep breath.\n\n\"I apologize for getting heated with you earlier. I would like you to stop the simulation, please,\" she said. The man smiled.\n\n\"My apologies, miss. We'll do everything in our power to fix this for you,\" he said, bowing. Julie shot out of her chair to grab him, but he moved too fast for her. The sudden movement caused her heel to snap, and she tumbled to the ground. The man turned back, looking at her.\n\n\"Please resume the scenario at your convenience,\" he said.\n\n-\n\nJulie sat on the floor, running her hands through her hair. He breathing was fast and shallow, and her gaze darted around, quickly scanning and assessing the room. The device sat on the floor next to her - after searching for what seemed to be hours, she focused on the device. \n\nSlowly, she stood and clicked the device. As the man entered the restaurant, she pushed past him, throwing out her arm to catch the door. The door suddenly slammed closed, pinning her arm with a crunch. She screamed in pain. Behind her, the man stopped at her table.\n\n\"Excuse me miss, is there a problem?\" he asked. Julie looked at the man, the pain forgotten for a moment. A look of horror appeared on her face.\n\n\"My apologies, miss. We'll do everything in our power to fix this for you,\" he said, bowing. Turning, he began walking towards the door.\n\n\"No, no, no, no...\" Julie stammered, her voice getting weaker as tears welled in her eyes. As the man reached the door, he opened it, casually knocking Julie onto the ground. Before leaving, he turned and looked at her.\n\n\"Please resume the scenario at your convenience,\" he said.\n\nThe door to the restaurant closed.\n\nFeedback Appreciated", "Mark had certainly had his doubts about going on a blind date. Logic and sitcoms told him that nothing good was likely to come from them. He was glad that he had given in to his friend's insistence. It turned out Tyler had not been exaggerating when he called her 'stunning.' Truly, his date, Rebecca, was beyond that, she gorgeous, with silky blond hair, crystal blue eyes, and that mysterious, mischievous smile that drew Mark in.\n\nMark's first impression, in fact, was that she was well out of his league and Tyler had set him up for failure. Mark was plain, if a bit baby-faced (and the fact that he could not grow a beard did not help), and was a bit thick around the middle. He didn't believe he was unattractive, but women like this, well, they did not go for guys like him. They went for guys like Tyler: tall, built, and with a bank account in the high six digits. Mark was just happy when his bank account read positive.\n\nBut, to his surprise, the date had gone fantastically so far. Rebecca was smart and funny, and, for some reason, she seemed to actually be into him. They shared the same tastes in music, in television shows, and, perhaps most importantly, in comic books. Mark had always joked that if he ever met a woman who loved Marvel as much as he did he would marry her. Rebecca certainly met that qualification.\n\nTheir dinner, as enjoyable as it was, needed to come to an end. Mark paid the bill (using a card Tyler had loaned him for the night, the smug bastard) and excused himself as he felt the call of nature. The restaurant was going through the motions of closing up, as far as Mark could see he and Rebecca were the last two patrons. He marveled at how much time had passed since the date began; it barely seemed like any time at all.\n\nThe one sour note of the note was the waiter who had gotten fired near the beginning of the meal. He had dropped a tray of dishes, which had prompted the owner to come out to berate and fire the poor boy right there in front of the patrons. It was apparently his third strike, or so the owner claimed. But that had not spoiled the night; plus, the owner had made up for it with a couple free glasses of expensive wine.\n\nAfter he relieved himself he made his way back to the table, eager to escort Rebecca to her car, and hopefully snag a parting kiss. The thought made him giddy, like a school child. As he made his way back to the table he noticed that, oddly, more patrons had come in, and the staff had seemingly stopped preparing to close.\n\n“High rollers,” Mark mused. He had been part of similar nights out with the high spending Tyler before, where the flash of a wad of cash and some promises of big tips had kept places open long past operating hours. It wasn't much of his concern.\n\nRebecca rose form her seat as he approached. To depart, he assumed. Instead, she reached out her hand, much as she had done when he had first arrived. “You must be Mark. Tyler has told me so much about you. It's nice to finally meet you.”\n\nMark bemusedly took her hand. Was this some attempt at a joke? If so, he didn't get it.\n\nRebecca gestured to Mark's chair and then sat back down in her own. She picked up a menu, which Mark just realized was on table in place of the boxes of leftovers they had packed up. \n\n“I never know what to get at these places,” Rebecca said, much as she had said at the beginning of the date, when they had been awkwardly trying to make conversation. “Too rich for my blood, usually, but Tyler had insisted.”\n\nMark just stood there, looking from her to the other patrons. Now that he saw them a little better, he realized these were not new arrivals. They were the same people who had been eating here when he arrived. Unless someone else owned that distinctive “Ghostbusters is based on my life,” jacket the old man in at the table across from them had on.\n\n“Aren't you going to sit down?” Rebecca asked, peering up from the menu.\n\n“What's going on here?”\n\n“What do you mean? Did Tyler not describe me well enough?”\n\n“No, I mean we did this all already. The date.”\n\nRebecca looked at him with narrowed eyes. “No, I don't think I've ever been on a date with you. I would remember you. You must have me confused for someone else.”\n\n“No. We just had a date. Here. Is this some kind of prank?”\n\nHe startled at the sound of crashing dishes behind him. Spinning around, he saw the same young waiter from earlier looking down at a tray of broken dishes. The owner appeared a moment later to berate the boy in the exact same way.\n\n“Poor kid,” Rebecca said. “Being a server is hard. I did it for years back in college. At a hard rock cafe, too, so I had to contend with the costumers and the music.”\n\nMark clearly remembered the anecdote, the one that had led them down the road to discussing tasted in music and eventually opening up about many other things. “This is too weird,” he said, shaking his head. “I'm going to leave.”\n\nRebecca looked up at him, clearly hurt. “Did I do something wrong?”\n\n“No, I just need to get out of here,” Mark said, before turning and leaving without another word. It was rude, and he really had liked Rebecca, but either he was having some come of mental episode or there was something really off here. Either way, he wanted to get home and forget the whole thing.\n\nHe had come in Uber, not wanting his date to get a look at his old, piece of shit car, so he was stuck waiting awkwardly outside the restaurant for his ride. While waiting, he suddenly remembered that he had never gotten Tyler's card back after paying for the meal. Sighing, hoping he could avoid an awkward confrontation but knowing it would be wrong to leave Tyler's card behind, he re-entered the restaurant.\n\nMark decided the lady at the front would likely know how to get the card back, and then he could avoid awkwardly walking by Rebecca's table. He approached her. “Hi, I'm Mark, I left my card here, my friend's card, actually -”\n\n“Ah, you must be Tyler's friend,” the hostess replied. “Your date is waiting for you.”\n\nShe pointed behind her, into the restaurant, towards Rebecca's table. Mark could just make out Rebecca in her seat, being handed a menu as if for the first time. By the young man he had seen get fired twice today. He had to shake his head to focus.\n\n“No, I just need the card I used to pay back,” he said. “Tyler's card. I paid for our meal with it about twenty minutes ago.”\n\nThe hostess looked confused. “Sir, how can we have your card? You only just arrived.”\n\nMark was starting to get angry now. He just wanted to leave, but this game, this manic episode, whatever it was, was making it difficult. “Look, I know I paid for it with Tyler's card, okay?” He pulled out his wallet and opened it. “I kept it right here, and handed it to the waiter, and then -” He cut off when he looked into his wallet. Tyler's card was right were he had set it earlier that day. His heart began to race.\n\n“Sir, are you okay?”\n\nWithout answering, Mark turned and rushed out of the restaurant. He had to call another Uber, as for some reason the ride he had called before was no longer active in his app. No cancel notification or anything. Strange bug. Eventually, an Uber did come. Mark eagerly jumped into the car's backseat. He was glad that this most strange of dates was finally over. He would have to explain his odd behavior to Tyler the next day, he knew. Perhaps first he should see a doctor; make sure whatever happened was not in his head.\n\nHe closed his eyes and tried to relax, and did not open them again until he felt the car stop. “Alright, here we are,” the driver called to him.\n\nMark opened his eyes, opened the door -\n\nThey were at the restaurant. Mark hadn't noticed in his distraction, but the car that had picked him up from the restaurant was the same as the one that had taken him there. And now, it had apparently taken him there again.\n\n“Why'd we go in a circle,” Mark growled, barely able to keep himself from shouting.\n\n“What are you talking about?” the driver asked. “This some kind of trick to get a free ride? Going to threaten to give me a negative rating. Look, this was the most direct path from your house to restaurant. Google Maps it if you don't believe me.”\n\n“You just picked me up from my house?”\n\n“I assume it was your house, but what do I know? It was a house, you came out of it.”\n\n“Just now?”\n\n“Fifteen minutes ago, which is the quickest path, I assure you.”\n\nMark numbly got out of the car and walked towards the restaurant. He had a sinking feeling he knew what was going to happen.\n\n“Ah, you must be Tyler's friend,” the hostess said. “Your date is waiting for you.”\n\nSeeing no other option, Mark went and sat with Rebecca, listening to the same stories, watching the same waiter get fired again, getting served the same food. He was quiet, no longer interested in the date, but interested in ending it.\n\nBut he found himself again on the same date, and again. Anytime he left the restaurant, or went to the bathroom, the date seemed to reset itself. And every Uber driver was the same one, and always seemed to end back at the restaurant.\n\nEventually Mark stopped getting up from the table. He just sat there, a blank expression on his face, confusion and panic dominating him as the check arrived for the fifth time.\n\n------------------\n\nConclusion in reply because of post length ---->\n", "When I came out of the bathroom, he was staring at the door and nervously sipping water. He took his phone out of his pocket, looked at it for half a second, then put it back in. I couldn't have made that bad of an impression, could've I? I walked behind him and placed my hands lightly on his shoulders. \n\n\"Hey,\" I said playfully, nodding towards the door, \"Who are you waiting for?\" \n\nHe scrutinized my eyes, and then gave me a look of recognition.\n\n\"Oh!\" He sighed out. \"You must be Samantha. I was getting worried, you know. I thought you wouldn't turn up. I'm Andrew, by the way. It's nice to meet you. Let me get your chair.\" He spat out his sentences with incredible speed. \n\nHe stood up quickly, pulled back my chair and gave me an awkward smile as I sat.\n\nOf course, I was confused. \n\n\"Andrew. We've introduced ourselves already.\" I said, almost as a question. \"We've even made our orders already. What is going on?\" \n\nBut he looked at me with confusion. The type of look you would give to a horse stuck in a high-rise office cubicle. \"I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. We met just now. Are you okay?\" \n\nMy head hurt. I asked for some water and I gulped it down. We sit together for a minute in silence. I've really messed this up, I thought.\n\n\"So, uh. Do you use reddit a lot?\" He prompts. \n\"I think I should go, I'm really not feeling well. I'm so sorry\" I say. \n\"If you need to, I guess.\" He looked disappointed and resigned.\n\nI slowly got up from my chair and slowly pushed it back in under the table. I looked at Andrew one more time, expecting him to be sad, or angry, or something. But he looked different. There was something like a smile on his face, hidden in the corner of his cheek. He stared deeply into me.\n\n\"Another time, perhaps?\" He said dryly.\n\nI dashed as quickly as I could through the exit. I looked back at my table, and Andrew was on his phone. He looked me in my eyes, pointed at me with his index finger and, with the same finger, pressed a button on his phone. Everything went dark. \n\nWhen I came out of the bathroom, he was staring at me and sipping water with absolute confidence. " ]	5
	[WP] One Day, with no warning, a giant land mass forms in the Pacific Ocean, around the size of Africa.	[ "> INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION\n\n> Hey, Jim, come take a look at this*\n\n> What is it Sa- Was there always an island there.\n\n> No. It just showed up. I look away for 5 seconds and there's and island that wasn't there before.*\n\n> That's awful quick for a volcanic eruption\n\n> Yeah, and by the looks of it it's still growing\n\n> Jim, Sal- what the fuck is that thing doing there?\n\n> We don't know. It's a landmass, and it's growing.\n\n> I'm going to fetch Dmitri and Suun, they'll probably want to see this**\n\n> Yeah, that's probably a good ide- is it just me or is north america looking smalle-\n\n> Someone needs to check the comms*\n\n> I'll go, start writing notes\n\n-15 minutes later-\n\n> Well, we've lost contact with the Cosmodrome, Jamie's trying to raise NASA. How big is the landmass\n\n> Bigger than Tasmania\n\n> Still growing too, just noticed another one of Hawaii's islands vanish.\n\n> There's a very good chance that in less than 24 hours, there will no more than 52 living humans. 8 on this station, 4 on Pearson Station, 16 on the lunar base, and 24 on the mars base.*\n\n> Let's hope it doesn't get that bad.\n\n-2 Hours Later-\n\n> And there goes Everest. (Sigh). There's bound to be a few people on planes and boats that survived, but even if they find someplace to go it will be a very long time before we're able to regain contact. And even if we do re-establish contact, they'll have no means of reaching us, and we'll likely have no means of reaching them. So, as of now, consider the Earth a lost cause, and Humanity an endangered species. We're not Extinct yet though. We have 52 individuals, 31 men, 21 women, that stand a chance of uniting to create some form of society, all of whom are incredibly capable and talented. That said, we're scattered. On our own, the ISS and Pearson won't last more than 6 months.\n\n> So we need to head to mars. They have the most reliable sources of Oxygen, and Mars has water, soil, and minerals, so it's the most likely to be able to sustain us. The Pearson has 3 shuttles, we have 2. With a bit of tampering, we'll be able to rig the Pearson Station to make the journey to Mars, and we'll have enough rations to sustain the trip. We're lucky enough to still have a Lander in orbit around mars, which should get us down to the planet, and the Rovers should allow us to reach the Mars Base.*\n\n> We're not dead yet\n\n> Not yet**", "\"MIRACULOUS PARADISE CONTINENT APPEARS\" is what the newspapers blared within a day of The Emergence. And a miracle it was indeed. No scientific institution on earth could explain anything about Etheria, as they named it; what it was, where it had come from, how it had avoided detection, how it had simply risen out of the ocean overnight and flooded practically every port city on earth. Of course, the more they learned about the continent, the less anyone cared about such petty questions.\n\nEtheria was heaven on earth in every possible sense. Its lush beauty made the great natural wonders of the world look drab and petty in comparison. It was filled with strange and wondrous creatures that could only be described as normal earth animals but better, with beautiful forms and pelts, delicious meat, and a docile, almost domesticated demeanor towards humans. The climate was perfectly balmy, the air not just refreshing but intoxicating. And it was absolutely packed with natural resources; oil, gold, diamonds, rare-earth metals, anything, everything. Etheria was completely impossible. And yet it existed.\n\nEvery country on earth quickly moved to stake their claim on the miracle continent, of course, desperate to recover from the loss of their major cities. They acted as any pack of wolves with a steak dropped in their midst would. Borders were drawn, claims of ownership flew, soldiers marched and politicians preached and generals tensed in anticipation of what would surely be the largest, most destructive war in history. \n\nAnd then it just...didn't happen. The world could only watch slack-jawed as the soldiers, settlers and scientists on Etheria joined hands like something out of a childrens' special and quite simply refused* to fight. More yelling. More preaching. More confusion. Diplomats and deeds and dishonorable discharges, borders melting away as quickly as they were drawn and mortal enemies laughing companionably over mugs of miraculous Etherian coffee. Princes and Presidents banged and pleaded and swore, yet the fact remained obstinately, incredulously the same; nobody that they sent to Etheria would actually fight. At long last, world leaders agreed to a summit in Etheria, at which they would peaceably determine land claims once and for all. Six months later, they emerged holding an internationally-recognized treaty for Etheria's independence, looking nearly as confused as the reporters they were showing it to.\n\n\"This is completely unprecedented,\" the pundits repeated over and over again, as everything they thought they knew collapsed around them. \"This is totally and utterly impossible.\" And yet it happened.\n\nThe Etherian Republic exploded in status faster than anybody could have thought possible. Immigrants came from across the globe, many of them refugees from destroyed major cities; and with them, billions upon billions in corporate investment poured in. Companies swooped in like vultures, eager to wring the continent dry, and thousands of jobs followed in their wake. City after city after city cropped up, all of them growing fat and rich off of resources, tourism, and, very soon, tech and other industries. Green jungle was cleared away and roads, homes and schools appeared in its place. Normally, such a boom would be a veritable festival of greed and corruption, a feeding frenzy that would leave behind little but stripped forest and broken promises. And yet...it wasn't. The fledgeling republic and the companies it had contracted invested heavily in Etheria itself, building cities that seemed to have come from a utopian sci-fi dream. Infrastructure, tech, green energy, entertainment, everything boomed, and Etheria's coffers seemed bottomless. Within a mere twenty years, Etheria was not a stripped, abused rock as the economists had predicted, but a first-world country in its own right. Its great cities matched and then surpassed the likes of New York and Hong Kong. The rest of the world watched practically helplessly as Etheria outdid them in every measurable statistic: education, wealth, happiness, social programs, equality, culture, even military. It was a veritable utopia. Some religions claimed it as the coming of heaven on earth, yet religious conflicts on Etheria itself were somehow nonexistent. \"This is impossible. This can't be happening,\" world leaders whispered as their populations dropped, their taxpayers lured away like moths to a flame. And yet it was.\n\nEtheria, after several decades, contained the majority of the earth's total population. The jungles were mostly gone now, save for the many environmental preserves, and in their place was a massive metropolis that seemed like something out of a sci-fi novel. Towering buildings, self-operating trains, beautiful parks and architecture as far as the eye could see. There were no wars, no conflicts. Capitalism had been abandoned long ago; what need was there for currency when labor was done by robots and Etheria could provide anything you had ever wanted? Joys were abundant, troubles were few, people were friendly, and life was peaceful. So peaceful, in fact, that very, very few noticed the signs. There was no reason to look for them, really, no reason to care. Those scarce, sad few still outside Etheria cared, but what did they know, really? Nobody really cared what they thought, not when Etheria held every world-class university.\n\nSo nobody really cared that the water had been rising, inch by inch, for the last month or so. Nobody really cared about the strange, almost-yet-not-quite biological structures deep, deep within the miracle continent's crust. Nobody cared that the ocean around Etheria had been getting steadily more and more acidic for the past hour. Nobody cared about the strange liquid bubbling up from the earth, eating away at their roads, their floors, their shoes, their skin. Nobody cared that what they'd been breathing these last eighty years wasn't quite air. Nobody cared how docile and passive the average Etherian was, or their intense, almost manic aversion to the idea of leaving the continent. \n\nNobody cared when the waters began to wash down the streets as the continent sank, sweeping away bodies and trains. Nobody cared as the buildings began to fall, their mighty bases eaten away. Nobody cared as clothes dissolved, as legs failed, as flesh sloughed off and bone crumbled away. Nobody cared as the men in helicopters came, screaming at them, shaking them, offering their hands and generally disturbing a perfectly good afternoon.\n\nNobody cared as something impossibly hungry deep below the oceans stirred, about to be rewarded for nearly a century of patience.\n\n\"Impossible,\" a soldier choked through her gas mask as a little girl's peaceful face melted away to reveal the skull grinning beneath.\n\nAnd yet, it wasn't.", "You'd think a new unexplored continent materializing out of thin air in our world would create a lot of waves and you'd be right but also wrong depending on what kind of waves you imagined. The unfortunate thing is that when something the size of Africa materializes above the pacific ocean and drops a few thousand meters it doesn't only create some figurative waves but also waves that wiped most of the world away. We didn't even have the chance to fight back before we were crippled.\n\nOn that day most of the world was at least temporarily submerged in sea water, we lost most population centers and military bases, agriculture in affected areas changed forever because crops don't grow in salt water, and the survive submarines and ships we had were hunted down by nearly invisible crystalline creatures that could swim through the water.\n\nUnfortunately for us this was only step one of our crystalline invader's plan. \n\nStep 1: Create big waves and send out units to neutralize our remaining military power.\n\nStep 2: Vacuum up massive amounts of salt water through their base, send it into the atmosphere, and make it rain salt water. \n\nStep 3: ???\n\nNobody knows their step 3 because step 2 is going to kill us all off because there is no way to obtain fresh water or food unless we can dive into the submerged cities and that is their territory now. The few that went to try their luck have not returned. About a 2 weeks ago we captured one and after extensive testing we know what we're dealing with and what they want. We are dealing with sentient salt overlords.\n\nThe last words of many that have survived until now: I. AM. SO. SALTY.\n\n\n\n\n", "\"Yes, yes as far as we can tell, the reports are true. So far, the government has yet to confirm anything, but from our intelligence inside of the White House, this does not appear to be a glitch in any satellites. There truly is something in the ocean.\"\n\nRay switched the channel, rolling his eyes. \n\n\"It's probably just some new conspiracy,\" Melinda wheezed over in the corner of the room, her still lit cigarette dangling from her chapped lips. \n\n\"There's no word yet on what is being done about the new land mass, but we'll be back in a moment with our exclusive interview with Kanye as to what he thinks should be done about the newly habitable space.\"\n\nRay flipped the channel again and again, each one trying to take a different spin on the incoming news.\n\n\"We have reports of heavy rain and tsunami-like waves forming near the coast of Hawaii, other tropical island inhabitants are preparing for the ecological damages this new land mass presents.\" The news anchor turned to face a small man with a bald patch and a suit slightly too large for his body. \"I'm here with professor Blackwall, can you tell me, sir, what you think could be some of the ecological impacts from this surprising event?\"\n\nThe small man placed his glasses on top of his head and cleared his throat. \"It could be devastating. All around us we're going to see the repercussions. All the water that /was/ there, now needs to go somewhere else, and that somewhere will be our homes and businesses.\"\n\n\"Bah!\" Melinda shouted, her cigarette almost falling out of her mouth. \"It's all some hullabaloo made up by the government to distract us from them spying on us.\" \n\n\"I think I'm going to go there,\" Ray said, turning off the television. \n\n\"You can't go somewhere that isn't real.\" She mocked, putting out the cigarette on the coffee table.\n\n\"I go there everyday,\" he said. I call it my happy place, you bitch.", "Dragons, fairies, griffons, magic. Lovely bedtime stories and great for the imagination, but not based in reality.\n\nAt least, that's what we thought. Then, 20 years ago, the continent of Evergreen phased into being in the Pacific Ocean. Scientists were baffled, no one had noticed it until a plane had flown over. There hadn't been any seismic readings, no tsunamis or flooding caused by a massive landmass suddenly appearing in the middle of the ocean, it was just suddenly there like it had always been there.\n\nAnd it had always been there, we learned years later. It hadn't phased into existence, the magic hiding it from our mundane eyes had disincorporated itself. \n\nAnd while many were excited to live their fantasies, we quickly realized it wasn't meant to be. The peoples of Evergreen had hidden themselves on purpose, as they thought themselves superior to the mundane humans and animal species throughout the rest of the globe.\n\nThey had enveloped themselves in magic for a thousand years, hoping that we would be gone when they returned. They found themselves immensely disappointed that we had flourished and covered every landmass, and after a griffon-based assassination at the UN when talks had failed, it was obvious what needed to be done.\n\nThat was the beginning of the Mage Wars.\n\nArtillery ripped through the wood and stone of their castles, scattering debris and razing their fields. \n\nDragons easily flew through our ranks, smashing tanks and melting our mortars with their magma breath.\n\nOur special ops teams infiltrated their lines, laying mines, simple traps, killing patrols and assassinating their mages and other leaders. When they could, they would steal a magic wand or some pixie dust, something that would work regardless of magical ability, and used it against the Evergreens in explosive ways.\n\nFor every mage we killed, it seemed there were two more on the frontlines with their orcs, goblins, and plate-mail wearing paladins. They spun firestorms, crafted lightning out of thin air, threw hurricane force winds and cracked the earth underneath us. \n\nIt was a war of attrition. Neither side would give in, but both sides were losing. \n\nThen, five years ago, a hero by the name of Sandra Marks found a way to charge their magical shields back up. She did so, and the continent once again vanished from our sight. Sandra is still there with two or three platoons of our troops, trapped when the walls went up. There they stay trapped, fighting for our survival and the continued existence of the Wall. \n\nMeanwhile, countries have banded together and scientists have begun researching samples that had been taken when we had the chance, and are developing weapons for use against the Mages.\n\nOur world looks inward, waiting for the inevitable day the Wall crashes downwards, and we have to finish what we started.\n\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nCheck out more of my writing at /r/turnbasedtales , if you have the time!\n\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nPart 2 [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/turnbasedtales/comments/6g2r4u/evergreen_part_2/)" ]	5
	[WP] Water is very rare in the rest of the universe, and before humanity made contact, empires were lucky to have 1 planet in 10000 to have liquid water. But for our solar system to have so much water, we suddenly become the 1% of society on a galactic level.	[ " I was a simple water trader. Caught up in the giant boom that swept our entire solar system I found a job selling water. I also picked up my hauling certificate which gave me a nice balance between the office and the outdoors. The outdoors of course being other solar systems. \n\nOnce we were discovered, it did not take long for beings across the universe to hear of what we possessed. By sheer dumb luck our neighbouring solar systems also had an enormous supply of water. Which we came to learn from our galactic neighbours was quite the hot commodity. We lied and said they were ours and they were legally sanctioned so shortly after. \n\nWe began to trade our supply for monumental advances in technology and eventually currency. This allowed for great leaps in relations both on Earth and abroad. Our race quickly became the richest and most powerful among the stars. Yet, the threat of running out never seemed to broach any conversation I'd ever heard of. I always found that strange.\n\nI snapped back into my head again. Refocusing on the stars in front of me. I tended to do that on these long hauls, get lost in thought. I rubbed my face and took back the controls of the 18 thruster. I wasn't even really necessary, the ships could fly themselves. It seemed like a combination of old safety habits from Earth and having a galactic economy with too much money. I supposed they'd want someone to blame in the event anything ever did go wrong, that sounded more like us. \n\nAs I droned on through space just about to exit into interstellar space I saw a crashed spaceship on the side of an asteroid. A small beacon was appearing on my screen so I pulled over to see if I could help. Stepping down and out I kept a small laser on me at all times. Hauling the most valuable cargo in the universe isn't exactly what I'd call the safest job. Approaching the wreck, I saw a bluish skinned humanoid assessing the damage. \n\n\"Hey there. We don't get a lot of your kind this close to my solar system. I'm actually surprised they let you in at all. Earth's solar system has kinda become a factory. What brings ya here?\" I asked kindly. \n\n\"Hi, I so glad you stopped! My name Xerigoh. I, uh, crashed here after exiting small belt of asteroids there. I hate to bother but can you help to see if we can maybe fix?\" Xerigoh asked. \n\nI was cautious. I'd been apart of setups like this before. However, I knew Xerigoh's kind. They were peaceful and kind. I also figured I could probably be done and back out in space within the hour. \n\n\"Sure, lets take a look.\" I said. \n\na couple hours later \n\n\"Well, that should about do it. I'd still take it in to the nearest intergalactic shop if I were you. There's actually one about a 1/4 light year down the stretch here.\" I said to Xerigoh pointing down in the direction from where I'd came. \n\n\"Oh many thanks! Uhm, I know this may be very sudden but may I get your communications device I.D? I would very much like to see you again.\" Xerigoh said sheepishly as her skin turned slightly green in her cheeks. \n\n\"Aha, sure. But on one condition. You have to tell me what you're doing here. It's not very often we have tourists in this system. I'm just a bit curious.\" I responded cheekily. \n\nXerigoh lost the colour in her cheeks and began to stammer and cut in and out of my language. \"Well... uhm I'm here... Gortanh sak yu nar... for t-t-the... raknar gon dah la wenth layr... SOURCE.\" Xerigoh finished with a shout. \n\nTaken aback I hovered my hand over my laser. \"Are you a theif?! A spy? Trying to steal our supply!?\" I shouted back as my heart rate quickened. \n\nXerigoh shook her hands out in front of her vigorously. Signalling that she need time to properly articulate her intentions. I calmed down for a moment and let her speak. \n\n\"No!... No. I here for source.\" She pointed towards my truck. \"Kind need badly. I sent to find source.\" She finished with her hands clasped together in a begging motion. \n\n\"You need help finding water? Aren't your kind on the trade agreement? Also what was your plan, to steal from one of the most powerful races in the universe?\" I asked incredulous at her naivety. \n\n\"No... you not listen. The source. I look for source. My people know of planet around here. That make water. Enough for everyone. Everywhere.\" She said expanding her hands above her ahead and motioning towards the stars. \n\n \"Do you mean Earth?\" I asked, standing in front of her confused. She shook her head back and forth violently. \n\n\"No. Another one. Like yours. But your people, they do not share. They control. No water unless they say so. But planet makes enough for all. Please help. I do not know map as well as I thought.\" Xerigoh said discouraged. \n\nShe ran back to her spaceship, rummaged around for a minute, and brought me a tablet with directions on it and a small star schematic. I looked to her and then to map and then her again. \n\n\"No way. You're crazy. Look I have a delivery to make. Just make sure you bring that in to a shop and get back to your planet safely.\" I said as I was pulling myself back up in to my ship. Behind me Xerigoh wailed. \n\n\"WAIT! Don't you ever want to know why always your kind has water?! Why only you seem to have all of it?\" She paused seeing that I had stopped on the ladder up. \n\nGod damnit. I thought to myself. I looked at the map in my hand and turned back to Xerigoh. I jumped off the ladder and walked over to her. \n\n\"Fine. But you're coming with me and you can't tell anyone about what we're doing. I've still got to make a delivery so for now I want you to wait here I'll be back in a few hours. Don't. Leave. Here's my Communications I.D, call only if there's trouble.\" I growled at her. But her face was bright again with joy. \n\n\"Oh thank you! Thank you! I wait here. Promise.\" She finished, beaming at me. \n\nI rolled my eyes as I walked back to the transport ship. As I was about to get on board I heard the all to familiar blaring of a horn. I closed my eyes a pained look crossed my face. When I opened them, looking up, a giant ship floated above my truck. Great electrical tendrils wrapping around the outsides pulling it closer into their ship. A few sentry could be seen on ropes rappelling down the sides. \n\n\"Great.\" I whispered to myself. \"Raiders.\" I grabbed Xerigoh's hand and ran for her ship. \n\n*** \n\nI can write more. Just wanna take a break for a moment! Hope you're enjoying it." ]	1
	[WP] You are an anonymous assasin taking hit requests online. Today you received a message with the title, '1 million for this one.' Attached is a picture of yourself.	[ "\"1 million for this one.\" read the message that was lighting up my computer screen. Brown hair and eyes. Scar on left cheek. Blank, slightly disgruntled expression. Yeah, it was me. \n\nWait, hold on. Me, I have just been hired to assassinate myself. I shoot back a message \"Hey, will do but I need to know why and what you want done to them. Kind of moral code I try to abide by.\"\n \nA couple of minutes later, a response graces my inbox, reading \"Ugh, fine. The why is because I want revenge, my dad was killed by this guy and it would be so sweet to see him dead. What I want done? I couldn't give a damn, just kill him.\"\n\n\"Perfect, I can fake my own death and walk out with a free 1 million.\" I say to the emptiness of the study in my house. Their dad? Who would I have killed that had a kid? For that matter, a kid with that much disposable money? Probably that mob boss from a few months back. He was an upstanding man, certainly old enough. Wouldn't stop talking about his kid. Had to be him.\n\nI replied with the message; \"Sure, will send evidence within the next few days.\" and so I did. Two days after the hit came in, I sent off three pictures of me laying motionless with enough makeup from a friend of mine to appear dead. I smiled as I got the reply.\n\n\"Good, thanks for the help. The money's been transferred to your account.\" I checked, and my balance was now 1 million dollars higher. \n\nNot long after, a shot rang out as my window shattered and a bullet embedded itself in the wall next to me. I ducked as I checked my inbox, the chime had just rung again. A new message had appeared, \"You lying bastard...\"", "A brand new laptop, only just gotten back from the store with the microphone and webcam entirely removed, sits on my metal desk, my cup of tea pouring its contents onto the floor. The knick-knacks of a life of travel, post cards, pens, framed images, little souvenirs messily thrown across the desktop, the meticulous order destroyed when I shoved back from the desk and unintentionally tipped it up.\n\nStill sitting in my chair, pushed a foot away from the desk, I stare dumbly at the face on the computer screen, at the file sent to me. This one came in a chat from a user named \"OneMillionForThisOne\" followed by a mix of letters and numbers.\n\nSure, I knew that I hadn't been as careful as I should have while on the deep web. I made the mistake of thinking my skills and the money they afford me were enough to buy me security and safety, but never have I been so wrong.\n\nThe image, a mostly clear shot, is of me. From behind, with the left side of my face in the frame. My tattoo, a tramp stamp from adolescence, peeks out of my jogging shorts.\n\nWith a boop, my computer informs me that I had been sent another image. This one was a clearer shot, one of me staring into the camera, a spatter of blood on my face, hair pulled back into a tight bun with a hat over it. Checking the data of the image, my blood goes from cold to ice. This... This was when I closed the laptop of my last kill. How? How did this person get my image, and how could they know who my last kill was? I only take jobs anonymously, and never leave so much as a trace that I'd been there.\n\nMy heart drops lower, and my blood goes to absolute zero at the next boop, a night vision image of me sleeping, blanket on the floor and my arms clung tight to my pillow appears. This one... How? There isn't even a window on that-- I spin around, noticing a teddy bear I hadn't gotten for myself or been given. It's just sitting there, facing my bed. How did it get there? I pull it down, and a cord disconnects from its back, another dangling from a port below the first one. With a yelp, I throw it.\n\nHands shaking, I pull out my flip phone and hold down 7. As it rings in my hand, I count. Five.... Six... Seven... I hang up, and hold down 5. Two... Three... Four... Five. The call disconnects, and begins ringing, my classical ringtone filling the room.\n\n\"I'm 10 minutes out, and on my way. What's going on?\"\n\nLifting the phone to my ear, I manage to choke out, \"Not here. You're coming with me.\"\n\nThe knock on my door startles me out of my despair, and I open the door, chain still on, to confirm that it's Lex.\n\nA rose, our calling card, is thrust into the opening. and I yank it in, slamming the door while I flip it over, seeing the letter painted onto the underside of the stem. I open the door, and Lex, amusedly, strolls in. His eyes land on the bear, cord still dangling out of its back, although it's under the bed a little.\n\n\"Trying to hide your... Oh. That's a camera, isn't it?\" he asks, noticing the unusual heft and the type of ports. \"Is this why you... Oh.\" he says, eyes finally landing on the collage of pictures of me open on my screen, a fourth of me, from years before my first job, opening on its own. So... That's definitely...\" He spins around, looking terrified but calming upon seeing me with my emergency duffle-bag of supplies, work and otherwise.\n\n`Lex, this shit is serious. They broke into my house, and they want me dead. Grab the fucking creepy teddy, grab the laptop, and I'll be in the car.\" With the keys around my finger, I jog down the stairs into my basement. Money certainly has its advantages.\n\nIn the cab of my bulletproof truck with tinted glass, I look at my reflection. My normally rosy cheeks are pale, almost lifeless. Out of my glove box, I pull a hat with an attached wig, turning me blonde instead. I pull on the glasses that were tucked inside the hat before,, nodding at my reflection. I don't look like me. That's probably good.\n\nLex slides in, his own bag landing at his feet.\n\nSo many expressions run across his face, but with a shake of his head, he simply states, \"Yes.\"\n\nThat confirmation... Of my worst fears... Yeah, my foot might have hit the gas a little too hard. Oh well, I'm the only one who can use this tunnel anyway, I think as I fly past markers for specific manholes I installed. Being able to slip home from just about anywhere is great, but home it is no longer. I turn the wheel sharply, parking outside the McDonalds. Free WiFi is good regardless of if it's secure or not. Hell, I already know that they traced my laptop to my address, so I might as well keep using it.\n\nWith a quiet tap of keys, I notice he's typing a number from the back of that bear. Suddenly, he jumps, and I know why. A list of files, hundreds of them came up. My name, my actual name, not the one I go by online, not the one I changed it to, or my married name, but my BIRTH name is on every single file. Clicking the last file, labelled with today's date, a play window comes up and auto starts.\n\nIn the video feed, tinged green, you can clearly see me. But, there's some shine, or something behind me. A... is that an eye? Just one, but... As it grows bigger, I realize that it's a person's eye, and the other is either covered or missing. This man, stranger, just steps up to the camera with a terrifying grin, then blows a kiss. Fast forwarding, he leaves and the file only ends after I ripped the bear's ethernet cable out of the wall.\n\nIt's been about a week, and I haven't been able to rest for more than two hours at a stretch. We gave the laptop to some consignment store for about a quarter of the value of it, just to be rid of it, but every time I use my smart phone, tablet, or laptops, even my backups that had never been connected to the internet before, I get sent pictures. Hundreds, maybe even thousands of images have been sent to me, no two identical.\n\nIt's starting to get to the point that I'm debating just sending Lex off on his own with the money. I've gotten so many roses delivered to my hotel rooms, or tucked under my wipers, or in the bed of my truck, or with my meal in a restaurant. I know they're following me, but I don't know how. I don't even know why.\n\nAll I know is, if this doesn't stop soon, I'm taking the job.", "I raised my eyebrows. \"Really?\" I thought. \"That's the third time this week.\" I went to delete it, but then curiosity got the better of me. I typed in a few commands on my keyboard, and the name of the person who sent it popped up. I let out a laugh of surprise. It was my boss from my day job at an accounting firm.\n\n\"Wow. Didn't see that coming. I thought we were cool.\" I went to delete it again, but then a thought struck me. \n\n\"Hold on, we get paid more than minimum wage at that hell, but defiantly not enough for him to afford a million dollars. Where will he get the money? And why would he want to kill me anyway?\" I racked my brain, but came up empty. As I had nothing better to do, I decided to look into it.\n\nA few hours, some keyboarding, and a couple of phone calls later, I discovered that his wife had sent the request, not him. She was a crafty one; her plan was to off me to get close to my sister, seduce her, kill her and take all her money. Wow. I also stumbled upon another one of her plots; Her plan in that case was to kill her husband in an \"accident\" and collect the insurance money. This bitch was crazy. And before this, she had had three previous husband who had died, all single, but not wealthy enough to cause much of a stir. She would also move towns after each kill.\n\nI sat back in my chair for a sec, and thought about all the shit i just found out. She was crazy. And dangerous. Look, even though I kill for money, I do not know my victims. I even pick and choose my killings based on how horrible of a person they were. But she was a psychopath that needed to be put in asylum, or put down.\n\nI checked the clock, and saw that it was still early, around 11. Good.\n\nTime to go pay the boss a visit.", "Reneged? The fuck you mean reneged? 29 years, 51 weeks, 5 days, 7 hours, and 23 minutes for this goddamned place; and my pension is being reneged? Barely more than a day from retirement, and they pull this shit? Ive done way to much shit, seen to much shit for this to happen. 1,800 confirmed hits, more than half just regular civilians. The countless hours performing 'enhanced coercive interrogation techniques', and so much other fucked up shit off the record. For what, some cruel fucking joke with no pension? \n\nThe Corporation sent me a new hit last night, it said:\n\nMR. SUNDAY, WE HAVE RENEGOTIATED YOUR RETIREMENT. ONE LAST HIT FOR $1,000,000. NO PENSION. NO HEALTHCARE. NO CONTACT ONCE COMPLETED. THE TARGET: YOU.\nIF YOU REFUSE THE HIT, SHOW UP AT THE USUAL PLACE FOR A DEBRIEFING.\n\nThat shits low. I mean a good way to tie loose ends. If I kill myself, I've assured my families financial future, and The Corporation does not have to worry about me disclosing their secrets. Secrets like how they're actually a branch of the U.S. Government.\n\nLuckily for me I hate my family, and fucking love revenge. And how stupid do they think I am? There is no way I would report to that debriefing (think two bullets in the back of my head and an unmarked grave in the desert). They can fuck themselves with a splintering piece of balsa wood. \n\nI'm going to the Russians or the Chinese. They'll pay top dollar for what I know. I'll show those fuckers how to renege. I'll have my retirement, and so much more. ", "The dead eyes of a face he was used to seeing in the mirror stared back at him from the screen. \"1 million for this one\" was all it said. The post was only 4 hours old and already it had risen to the top of the feed. It seemed like every assassin within 1,000 square miles was out to kill him. \n\nHe closed his laptop, pushed away from his desk and swiveled in his chair. His shaved head tilted back looking up toward the eggshell ceiling. He breathed, slowly. The adrenaline should have kicked in by now; and yet, there was nothing. \n\nThere was a time, only a short while ago, that he would have already been 15 miles down the road heading to a different black site. Those were better days. Days where he actually gave a shit. Now, he just continued to swivel.\n\nHis head lolled to the side and he focused in on a black leather bag that had been unceremoniously thrown on the floor. He had recently finished a job. Last night had been pay day. It was supposed to be his last job. He was supposed to be done. Officially Retired. \n\n\"No rest for the wicked.\" He said out loud to any ghosts that might be lurking in the room. \n\nKilling was his profession, and he was good at it. Forty-nine successful hits. Forty-nine people dead because someone else wanted them to be, but didn't have the balls to do it themselves. Forty-nine paydays. He had no idea why he didn't just go for an even fifty. It would look better on his resume. \n\nHow many minutes had gone by? Thirty minutes! He'd been swiveling for thirty minutes. Why wasn't he moving? Why wasn't his fight or flight instinct kicking in? Perhaps this life truly had taken a toll on him. Maybe taking another person's life also stole a piece of your own. After forty-nine kills it was no wonder he didn't have anything left inside. \n\nGlass shattered. The curtain shifted. The wood floor in front splintered in two different places. Warmth poured out from his chest. A cough, a wheeze, and a third shot to the head. Black.\n\nOn a nearby rooftop, an assassin's phone vibrated. He had entered the kill confirmation only a couple of minutes ago. He opened the message with the instructions on how to collect the million that was waiting for him. The subject line said, \"Thank you.\" The message itself was short and to the point. \n\n\"The million is in a black leather bag on the floor next to me. The door is unlocked.\"" ]	5
I'm specifically looking for the "why" in this prompt.	[WP] You're a US soldier deployed in the Middle East. After a rescue mission went wrong, everyone, including your own government, wants you dead.	[ "Is...this what I deserved?\n\nAlan Books, a Delta Force Operative; reduced to a disgraced soldier hiding in the slums of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His old gear was disposed a while ago when a lone drone was flocking over the Arabian skies. His quick feet led him to safety in the nick of time were it not for a local to assist him in his escape.\n\nAnd here he was, cowering inside a box; constantly replayed back the mission that almost went successful...but ended in abject failure.\n\nIt's a joke, a fucking joke! Alan cursed to himself. He had remembered back to the beginning, where his own unquestioning loyalty echoed back to his parents, patriotic, devoted and lovable towards America, its government and its allies but hostile to all who dared to besmirch them, regardless of context. His father, Robert Books was a former USMC with a rank of Captain who had numerous tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and left with an honourable discharge. His mother, Allison Books, worked in the CIA under the Directorate of Operations and helped coordinate and gathered intelligence for America to use it. Alan's small smirk recalled memories with his parents that also turned into a frown. Thoughts of his beatings for poor grades to a lack of discipline had made him a hardened man; an ideal soldier that almost any country would be lucky to have.\n\nBut underneath Alan's devotion towards others sparked a lack of selfishness. He knew deep down, his selflessness had proven to be his downfall. I should've seen it coming. The way he grit his teeth was the same way he felt when he got rejected by a woman he had been enamoured with in high school. And the way that many people he had done favours for had never returned.\n\nThe military is different, they always pay people back: pension, families protected, medals, honours... but as he was transferred to Delta, things became much shadier than it used to be. For Alan it was a strong code of secrecy which was their dead giveaway. To protect national security? Under orders from the government? Even for a patriot like Alan, even he found the gap between the government and its people too great.\n\nAlan peeked out the box and through a 360 angle he only glanced at walls of buildings and locals walking in a strict fashion. The Mutawas were very fierce, with a small ensemble of Saudi policemen at their beck and call, Alan knew this was going to be difficult than I thought.\n\nHis transceiver buzzed. \n\n\"Who's this?\"\n\n\"...\" No answer. \n\n\"Shit.\" He flicked off the transceiver and dropped it. Getting out of the box was risky, but Alan had no time to wait. Dressed in his Saudi garb and headdress, he headed towards the street and waved his hand towards a taxi coming towards him. \n\nHere goes nothing. Hope my Arabic flies in this country. \"sayarat 'ajruh!\" (Taxi!)\n\nA car pulls up, Alan opens the door and climbs in.\n\n\"Marhaban.\" (Greetings.) Alan said.\n\n\"You don't need to speak to me in Arabic.\" The driver said.\n\n\"Oh. Well can you take me to the border to Dubai?\"\n\n\"That will be a very long drive.\" \n\n\"That's fine. I got the money.\"\n\n\"Very good, well then.\" He started the car and drove off.\n\nThe driver finally spoke after a half hour of driving. \"You know, people know who you are in these parts. They are very grateful, you know?\"\n\n\"Is...that right?\" Alan glanced at the driver.\n\n\"Yes, before we ever met the Americans in 1990, our lives were very...mundane.\"\n\n\"Mundane?\"\n\n\"Yes...but don't uh...tell people this...because words...get around but a lot of Saudis do not like how the royal family is ruling over our lives, and especially the fact that the Americans are not directly confronting them.\" I could get used to this accent.\n\nAlan gave a small smile.\n\n\"Well, on behalf of the Americans I...\"\n\n\"No no no no, don't sorry.\" He shook his free arm. \"I am sure a civilian such as yours is not responsible for what America had currently done.\"\n\nAs he said that, a cold chill fell on Alan. His eyes widened and his mind went back on that failed mission. It was a simple rescue mission, an important American diplomat was to visit Saudi Arabia with the American President to meet with the King and the royal family to discuss the usual: human rights, religious rights, and the presence of ISSA. Then speak of the devil, ISSA militants crashed a convoy and kidnapped the president and 3 of the Saudi Princes that were designated successors to the throne. \n\nISSA sent a clear message. The Royal Family was to abdicate its throne and hand it over to the ISSA. And all American presence was to be ceased in the Middle East, especially Israel. And in return the hostages would be released but what it damn difficult was the next thing they said. Give us our demands or else. Or Else. \n\nHow could I have gotten myself into that situation?! Alan gave himself a double facepalm. He looked out of the window and saw a small smoke emanating. Seeing it all the more kept taunting him on the fateful cataclysm that led to the mission going to shit. \n\n\"Relax, my friend. We Saudis are not mad at you, but we are mad at the government for what they have done and failed to do. We could forgive a few remarks but to go that far...well.\" The driver gave a frown. \"Take a look. See that smoke?\"\n\nAlan never responded.\n\n\"That is the end of ISSA there, my friend. Because they have done one thing that no one should be able to do.\"\n\n*W-what...have...they done.\" \n\nAs the driver answered him, Alan was shocked. His actions lead to his own downfall, and what seemed like a rescue mission felt more of a set up by his own government. All traces of his loyalty to the America he once loved was all gone. Seeing the smoke, only a speck of his mind wondered why would a group such as ISSA would bomb their own holy city of..." ]	1
	[WP] Earth has found proof of a far more advanced planet but finds only corpses. On a wall you find a message: "Don't forget God, fear her!"	[ "There was a particular horror to the amount of bodies present. In contrast to their grand buildings, plazas and vehicles, the plain corpses that littered the ground appeared like a cruel confetti littered about carelessly. They did not belong on this landscape, yet their existence foretold of a frailty that was forgotten by this grand civilization. There were warnings present that foretold that something had gone terribly wrong. There were posters and signs with an image of a young slender woman surrounded by a white aura. Some posters stated that she was a goddess here to save them. Others said she was a demon that was there to destroy them all. \n\nIrian had taken his time examining this lost world. In the journey that it took him to find another living (or formerly living) planet, he found himself forgetting many of his memories. In the worlds where life and civilization flourished he would blend with the natives and learn about their strange and different worlds to the best of his ability. For the worlds where he arrived too late, he would piece together the world's history to understand what had transpired. \n\nThere was a terrible pattern to all the worlds he had ever visited. The essence of life constantly sought a perfect form in which it could exist. The purity of that form demanded refinement that spanned immeasurable lengths of time. However, once a form that could properly channel the essence of life itself was found, a barrier was crossed. That single form, or being, was beyond the comprehension of his or her living compatriots and their existence revealed the cruel joke of what the meaning of life really was. Like a roll of the dice with unlimited possibilities, life channeled itself countless times through every being and every form possible until it hit the jackpot. If life had been created by a superior being, it was a jealous creation that sought everything in order to emulate that superior power. In that pursuit, it ceaselessly transformed and competed with itself, populating whole worlds in an effort to find the one form that could be defined as perfection. \n\nOnce that perfect being was born, all other forms of life were useless. Irian had seen this happen to many worlds. It was a quick transformation in which the perfect being would mature and realize the implication of their existence. By some miracle or cruel chance, they were now the pinnacle of life upon their tiny world. They had fulfilled the purpose for which life existence upon that world. Now, that world no longer had a reason to exist. \n\nSome would serve their planets like Gods, facilitating the existence of life on their planet and tending to the world that had borne them. Those few would all inevitably turn to tyranny and eventually destroy the worlds that they had intended to protect. Others still, would simply destroy the worlds outright. The nature of the destruction varied wildly. Irian had found a planet covered in a layer of soft gray material that he realized was ash. That entire world was burned to such a degree that he could not gauge the depth of the ashes. Other worlds still contained remnants of the civilization. Not a single life form remained once the Gods have wiped them clean, but the Irian appreciated the remnants of the past world. It was like a memoir of the world. He would learn from these about the long journey that life had taken from that world's birth until it's demise. \n\nOn this particular world, the Goddess had wiped out each being individually, taking great care to preserve the world for what it was. On the last day before the clocks had stopped for this world; two factions were created that were divided about their perception of this Goddess. Some hailed her as the advent of world peace and the coming of the Creator himself, while others claimed that she was the Apocalypse personified, a being that was beyond their understanding and one that could bring only death. Irian supposed that the latter faction took little solace in them being correct. \n\nIrian himself had not been as thorough with the world that he had originated from. He was a much different person then. The frustration he felt as the world that created him struggled to comprehend and accept his existence fueled his wrath. He wanted simply to exist but the world itself began to collapse even before he had brought the inevitable end upon them. The people began to war among themselves. The many factions of the world begged him for his interference, or cursed him for simply existing. They tore his world apart before he could even understand why it was happening. They slaughtered each other in his name, and others in spite of it. When he interfered, they would cheer him on or sneer in contempt. Irian felt no compassion for these beings and their quarrels. He simply wanted the crisis to end, and when there was no such end in sight he realized what that end would have to entail. It was why he observed other worlds with simple fascination, and without judgment over the Gods that had destroyed them. He understood their plight quite well. \n\nOf Irian's own home world not a trace of even the planet itself remained. " ]	1
	[WP] In a world where the zombies have triumphed over mankind and made their own society the dead undead are rising again. Everyone's freaking out.	[ "\"Millions of years ago the world was popullated by these things called \"humans\" until they started becoming us, after a long war we won and our society was created\" a conspiracy theorist was preaching next to a large building he then pointed towards the bay where the giant spikes are. They appeared after a hurricane since then people have been saying it's a human statue called \"Lady Liberty\" yea right that's like saying those little triangles in Egypt are human structures. Sometimes I wonder if I'm the last normal person on earth. suddenly my phone rang it was my old friend Tyler from school. I answered \"hello\" \"hey Jack, remember how I was always telling how I was going to become an archeologist, well I found something\" \"what, the hidden city of Lost Angeles\" \"yea actually\" \"WHAT\"" ]	1
	[WP] You get a used memory foam pillow. On your first night using it, you notice that the memories of its past owners are now available to you.	[ "\"Done!\" he says, \"Done\"\nAs he throws the pillow into the washing machine, he mumbles, \"Jeez, you have a few fun dreams, a scary 1 or two, and then THIS STUFF?\"\n\"I don't even like violent movies.\"\nAn hour later, dressed for work, he throws the dry, clean pillow on the couch, and heads out.\nAt dinner time, his wife says, \"Oh, Tommy's here. He's just crashing for a night while he's in town for the Trade Show.\"\n\"Well, not really for the night, with the jet lag,\" Tommy says. \"Just like college, right?\" And they all nod.\n\"Well, as man of the house, let me get you set up.\" And he sets up the couch with sheets, a blanket, and an ORDINARY pillow.\n\"I'm not sharing THIS!\" he thinks, and throws the foam pillow onto his bed surreptitiously.\nThat night, he dreams of ravenous love-making with his wife, and she is passionate. \nWhen he awakes, he is relaxed and affectionate toward her, not really remembering the dream. So she throws together a lunch for him and says, \"I'd do anything for you.\"\n\"Thanks,\" he says.\nAnd turning, he realizes that she has never said that to him before...except in the dream.\nReady to leave, he turns and says, \"Tommy, will I see you after work, or are you traveling back?\"\n\"No, \" Tommy says, \"I'm going straight home from the Trade Show. But I think I have the jet lag since that nap on your couch yesterday afternoon.\"", "Holding the box from her sister Lisa, Mari slides her nail under the flap, ripping up the tape. Inside, an envelope with Mari's name in calligraphy, one of Lisa's hobbies, sits on top of a big lump. Flipping up the flap of the envelope, she tugs out the letter.\n\n\"Mari, I found this pillow for you. It looks like the one you had when we used to live in the old house on Cedar street, remember? This one is memory foam, though, so it should be more comfortable. Edward got it at some new consignment shop. Love ya. xox Lisa.\"\n\nWith a smile tugging at her lips, Mari pulls the lump out, realizing it's a pillow wrapped in her baby blanket, making her smile fully. Folding the blanket back up, she sees the pillow for the first time. A black velvet case holds the pillow, with small purple flowers in the design. Unzipping the case and yanking out the pillow, a note falls out. \"Wash for best results.\"\n\nThis isn't in Lisa's handwriting, and Edward barely speaks English, so that's not his either. With a shrug, mari throws it into the box, then throws the pillow case, inside out, into the wash with her clothes.\n\nA couple hours later, after drying the laundry and folding it, she decides to put the pillow on her bed. Removing her feather down pillow and putting it in her closet, she wonders to herself if she'll like this new pillow. Knowing she has nothing else to do, she wiggles out of her jeans and slides into bed in her t-shirt and panties.\n\nAlmost as soon as she put her head down, she's asleep, and having a very vivid dream.\n\nLooking down, she sees dark skinned hands buttoning up a shirt over a pink leopard print bra she's never seen before. With skilled hands, she brushes her hair into place, then slides on a cap over all of it, finishing with a wig. After straightening it out, she applies bright red lipstick, and pops open a compact to check her appearance. In the mirror, she sees a very heavily made up woman, probably not much older than 16, with an extremely tight white button up and a tie, and while walking toward the door, Mari notices the short plaid skirt, thigh high white stockings and black sky-high stilletos. Marching out of the dark room past other girls in similarly tight or revealing clothes and adjusting her garter belt, Mari feels herself walk out of what must be a dressing room.\n\nWith each step, she can feel the pain of the shoes digging into her toes, but can't do anything about it. As she walks down the hall, bassy music gets louder and louder, and lights flash in varying colors.\n\n\"I think I know exactly where I am,\" she thinks to herself. \"This is going to be... interesting.\"\n\nAs the shirt gets grabbed and ripped open, Mari is sure. When the ripped shirt is flung into the crowd, all Mari feels is sadness. When the skirt goes, she feels fear. When the cups of the bra are unhooked, she feels nothing.\n\nWith a jolt, Mari wakes up, startled by the difference in feeling strong thighs wrapped around a pole upside down and laying in bed alone. Sitting up, she runs her fingers over her pudgy stomach and thick thighs, reassuring herself that she's Mari.\n\nAfter a long day of trying not to think about it, she decides it was just a strange dream, and heads back to bed. Yet again, the second she lays down, she's out.\n\nThis time,she can feel the tile under her knees, the cold ceramic sapping her heat. A burn in her nose and looking at the seat of the toilet confirms, drugs. Mari had expected as much, but what she hadn't been expecting was the man standing next to her, or the girl she is in her dream.\n\nAs vivid as before, she feels, smells, and tastes everything. Every detail imprints itself on her mind, including the roll of cash that the girl grabs when the man falls asleep, and the sound of her heels clicking down the sidewalk as she runs home.\n\nWaking, Mari feels tears on her face. \"You deserve better,\" she finds herself saying. \"So much better.\"\n\nThe day passes slow, Mari almost unable to eat because of her preoccupation. All she can think of is the poor little girl she's been seeing.\n\nThis night, though, is the hardest. Seeing the walls of an alley fly past, Mari hears a man shouting, her flipflops smacking on the concrete, and the bullet that wizzes by her head. The last dream's gentle brutality is nothing compared to what is done to her now, the screams muffled by a large hand on her face.\n\nBefore the man leaves, he pulls back down her nightgown, slaps her ass, then starts to walk away. Turning quickly, he empties the gun in her direction, two hitting her in the back, making her legs go numb. The next thing she knows, she's awake again.\nForcing herself back asleep, she comes to without feeling from just below her waist. Sat up in bed will multiple pillows behind her, the girl reads a news paper which just swims fast her eyes. The only detail Mari notices is this paper is from like a week ago.\n\nWiping away a tear, she pulls a small silver gun out from under the paper.\n\nHer eyes blink away tears, and the last thing she feels is her finger pulling and an impact against her teeth, when Mari snaps awake. Tears run down her face as she recalls the poor girl's battered face.\n\nYanking her tablet off of the bedside table, she googles for \"suicide\" and sets it to news local to Lisa's area only.\n\nSure enough, only two days before she recieved the pillow, a familiar face was reported on in the news. A young woman, only 17, had commuted suicide after a rape-robbery-attempted murder left her paralyzed.\n\nTears running down her cheeks, Mari kisses the screen and powers it off, knowing what what she has to do, for her own sanity.\n\nWith a light thud, the pillow, case and all, lands in the washer.\n\n\"Goodbye, Candi. You deserve better.\"\n\nMari sits and watches as it's washed, then dried, and the tears don't stop until she sleeps again, seeing her own stubby, brown fingers instead of Candi's long, slender ones.", "When I went to sleep that night, I never would have thought that something so fantastic would have been waiting for me on the other side. In fact, it had been years since anything good had happened to me while I slept. I'd been suffering from Sleep Paralysis for 3 years when I caved and bought a memory foam pillow on eBay, hoping it would put me in a deep enough sleep to escape the terror of a waking nightmare. Indeed, for the first time in a while, I had a good dream. In it, I was taller, had good posture, and was laughing on a dock, somewhere among the mountains. A beautiful girl, more beautiful than my girlfriend, was sitting next to me, and laughing, and we shared a kiss, before the fishing rod between my legs jerked. I pulled it, really felt myself pulling it, and a large trout came from the water, fell onto the dock, and sputtered around for a while before I put my foot down on its belly. The girl and I put it in a bucket and started having sex, which was viscerally realistic and very good. I would have continued to completion, but not all dreams are perfect -- a large bird of prey swooped down and took the fish right from the bucket, and I woke up. \n\nIt was 6:30, an hour before I normally woke up, but I felt more rested than I had in my entire life. Two months ago I had received a promotion and the extra work had been keeping me tired, but one night on the memory foam pillow changed everything. I got ready for work more quickly than usual, singing a happy tune and receiving a look from my girlfriend that made me realize how much the lack of sleep had become a part of my character -- she seemed to think I was a stranger walking in the skin of her boyfriend. I kissed her and told her that I had a fantastic night's sleep, and she laughed, kissing me back and saying \"finally\".\n\nWith an extra hour's time before work, I decided to e-mail the guy who sold me the pillow and tell him how much I loved it. I knew he was unlikely to respond, but I felt some strange, mystical connection to him after having slept on his pillow. I told him about the past few months, about the sleep paralysis, and that I was able to sleep and actually dream something nice for the first time in a long while. I clicked send and went off to work.\n\nWhen I returned, he still hadn't responded, so I made dinner, still singing a happy tune after a non-exhausting day of work, and settled in for some TV before sleeping again. For once, I was actually excited for some sleep, but as with any amount of excitement, I was also filled with anxiety. What if my sleep wasn't as good tonight? What if that was just a fluke of a new pillow? I quickly calculated the cost of regularly buying memory foam and decided it wouldn't be worth it worrying unless I tested my question with the real deal. That night, when I went to sleep, I dreamt of being underneath the stars, the small flap of my tent open just enough to see the big dipper, and the ground underneath me warm from the day's sun.\n\nWhen I woke up that morning, I had a notification on my phone. The guy who sold me the pillow responded, and he was thrilled that I enjoyed the pillow. When I responded, he quickly replied, and we ended up calling each other and got to talking. What happened next still sends chills down my spine. I mentioned the dreams again, and he asked me what I had been dreaming. I told him about the fish, and the hawk, and the tent, and he was silent on the other end.\n\n\"Who are you\" He asked aggressively.\n\n\"Jason Pilkey, Chicago, IL\" I responded.\n\n\"How do you know about that stuff?\" He barked.\n\n\"About what stuff\"\n\n\"About the lake, about Charlotte, about the tent\" \n\n\"I dreamed about them. And who's Charlotte?\" I asked, incredulously. The tone had shifted to hostile in under a second, and I had been in such a good mood.\n\n\"Don't play dumb with me, buddy, how long have you been following me? Did you hack my Facebook account?\"\n\n\"No way! Are you saying that stuff happened to you?\"\n\n\"I said, don't play dumb with me buddy, you know it happened to me.\"\n\nI hung up the phone. Things were getting to weird and I was headed to work soon. The guy had been nice, but by the end, he was starting to sound a little crazy. Of course, I didn't believe a word he had said. I went about my day, even saw my girlfriend for a quick booty call and catch up before I went home, exhausted, and fell asleep immediately. \n\nI woke up in the middle of the night, and realized I couldn't move. My first thought was that the sleep paralysis was back. Then I realized that the pillow beneath me was gone. I tried to look around, down to the foot of my bed, where the hallucinations I had usually began to creep up my legs to terrorize me, but I didn't recognize the bed sheets, or for that matter my own hands, set on either side of the foreign comforter like silverware. I was dreaming again, dreaming that I was laying in bed. I had only just realized this when I felt something, visceral again. It was a large, gloved hand, a masked man who pushed my head back by my hair, and took the all too familiar pillow and pushed it against my mouth. I felt myself suffocate before I woke back up. That morning, I still felt well rested, but the first thing I did was look for a new pillow, one that didn't come with any memories.\n\n", "Kylie's dreams had been fucked lately. Like, wring the sweat from her memory foam pillow, fucked. They slithered down from some unworldly perch to sink their claws in each and every night. She fought them, like a body having a bad reaction. Her arms flailed so violently her husband Jared was forced to sleep on the couch. \n\nShe'd tried to tell him, once.\n\n\"I dreamt I was a man last night,\" she'd said one morning. \n\nJared snorted his oatmeal. \n\n\"Yeah? Ha. Something you need to tell me?\"\n\nShe blushed. How could she put it?\n\nI slit a little girl's throat with a steak knife? Felt the warm blood trickle down my forearm? Cut her into pieces and tossed her in a bag?\n\n\"It..uh..felt pretty real.\"\n\n\"Hmm,\" Jared said. \n\nThat night, she murdered a family. Stalked them like a herd of deer. The father had cut her off in traffic--she knew this as surely as one knows their own name. The heavy throb of the vein in her neck marched her past their screened door like the beat of a drum. \n\nAfterwards, she cleaned up in their bathroom. She wiped off the mirror and saw her reflection--a barrelchested man with a fading hairline. Spatters of blood coagulated to his beard. \n\n The dream played through like a movie, and when the credits rolled, she woke up laughing into her pillow. \n\nJared tilted his head and said:\n\n\"We should get some air.\"\n\nTogether they walked to the park. Kylie put one foot in front of the other, but couldn't keep the blood from her mind. It pooled and pooled, try as she might to sweep it away. \n\nLet it fill, she thought, and I am lost.\n\nJared's hand felt clammy in hers. She squeezed it hard, like a tether to life itself. \n\nUp ahead, swimmers splashed in the park lake. Two kids laughed and dunked one another. A mother kept her toddler afloat. \n\n\"Monkey arms, Monkey arms!\" the mother said. \n\nAnd at the edge of the lapping water, a barrel-chested man built a sandcastle with his daughter. He swooped the girl up and trundled her into the water, laughing as she squealed. \n\nJared lead Kylie onward, trying to make small talk about the weather, but she heard nothing. As they walked past the beach, she and the barrelchested man met eyes. The color drained from her face. It was like looking in a mirror. \n", "Garage sale'ing. Always loved it. Another man's cheap junk is now my cheap junk. My girlfriend enjoys picking through garage sales as well, but even she thought it was a bit gross when I picked up the $1 dollar memory foam pillow. \n\nReally, a pillow? She said. Is that even hygenic? \n\nWhatever, I'll give it a wash, I replied. And so the pillow and a couple of books became my newest take homes. GF went to work, and I went to the den, and perhaps a bit out of spite, I decided to lay my head on my brand new old pillow to give it a test run, closing my eyes.\n\nAnd then there was a rush, a flood of memories, only they weren't mine and they didn't seem real. Far away castles and dragons, wizards and witches with wands, fantastical beasts that I couldn't even describe. \n\nI pulled my head back up, my breath having quickened. Turning the pillow over in my hands, I found a tag \"Sandman's Sleepy Concoctions\" and the address was for Diagon Alley, never heard of it. There was another tag next to it: \"Sandman Memory foam: Wash with cold water to remove memories.\"\n\nYeah, this pillow is never getting washed. I lay my head back down and close my eyes. \n" ]	5
	[WP] People have stopped dying. Scientists can't figure out why. You are a priest who has just graduated from seminary. You find Death terrified and hiding in the darkest corner of creation.	[ "I found him there, huddled in his rags. \n\nHis face seemed to change at every angle. He looked like one person at one moment then a different person at another, yet still his skin remained pale and his face looked to be scattered with soot and dust.\n\n\" He said not to look. \" \n\nAs he spoke, a trail of smoke curled up his lips to gather above his head in an ever darkening cloud. \n\nI had been working as a missionary in Liberia. Terrible things happened in Liberia, but that was then and this is now. Since the time the wars had ended, life in Liberia has been peaceful. The people are rebuilding and communities are regrowing, sprouting up like the now plentiful crops that now flush the countryside.\n\nA church had been built. It was built by men who had seen and done terrible things. They were former child soldiers and now they were men, men with families, yet still, men with regret. They worked through their regret with acts of charity and generosity.\n\nA local point of interest, had been some ruins nearby, just a few scattered stones that cropped up near a waterfall, really, nothing too exciting, still, I had some time to explore the local area and I had grown tired of the local bars and the many games of bocce ball and darts I had played with the good people of my parish. \n\nThere had been an earthquake that seemed to expose an opening. The opening led up into the mountain. Inside the mountain I found a great chamber of intricate stonework and lit candles. The stonework showed images of a great figure, a man who towered above other men. Below the men were much smaller figures. They appeared to be the figures of men who bowed and raised their hands high into the air.\n\n\"I shouldn't have looked. \" he said with his face in his grimy hands. I thought he was just some wayward soul, perhaps delusional or high on some kind of new drug.\n \n\"It was all a ruse! It was all lies! From the very beginning!\" He looked up at me then, his eyes wide in frantic desperation, his throat rasping out the last few words with the embers of his trailing breath.\n\n\"Tell me, son, what troubles you?\" He didn't respond. He only held up a picture. It was a picture of a man.\n\nI recognized the face. It was Elon Musk, tech billionaire and entrepreneur. It was a magazine cover with a headline in big goofy letters that read, ' Is Life a Computer Simulation?!'\n\n\" Those science people are fools,\" I told him, \" they are fools deluded by the hubris of man's own small achievements and constructs. Even now they fail to understand this gift of immortality that humanity has been given. All of men's endeavors pale in the glory of God!\"\n\n\" You don't get it,\" he said, \" I have, like, admin privileges or something, this is the fucking debug room! \"\n\n\"What are you talking about?\" I asked, for I had no knowledge of the intricacies involved with the world of computing.\n\n\"Look, he said as he opened a console of bright blue light and made a few gestures. \n\n\"Now look at your hand. \" he said.\n\nI held up my hand and only saw the stump of my wrist. The shock sent me catching myself as I fell back into the coarse stonework of the wall behind me.\n\n\"It's true, you fucking asshole! We're all just a bunch of goddamn computer programs. Oh, hold on, I'll change that back. Here I thought I was immortal the whole time, creeping around, thinking I was badass when I got to take some asshole out in a rewarding way, chock full of poetic justice. Turns out, I was never alive at all! Instead, I'm just like that Indian kid in the Matrix sequels! I felt so bad for that kid! Nothing? Okay, I don't blame you if you didn't see the sequels.\"\n\nI didn't know how to react to this experience, but the man's ravings had surely caused me some sort of psychological distress that made me prone to hallucinations. I walked away touching my now very real and present left hand. I left the strange man to his strange place and his strange experiences. I never went back to those ruins.\n\n\"Never alive at all.\"\n\nEven now, I try not to think about it.\n\n\n\n\n\n", "It was dark. I heard a deep thud as the rubble by my boots shifted slightly to the left. The shelling was getting closer and the entire town would be nothing but ash and dust soon. I was on the move again. The war, if you could call it that, was just another age in our apocalypse.\n \nSoon after I left seminary people stopped dying. Death no longer waited in any man’s shadow so naturally man now felt superiority . . . more like stupidity. Factions formed, enslavement began, war ensued leaving the Earth a scared wasteland of undead, dismemberment, and horrors. I wasn’t a party to either side, my loyalty lay with God. This gave me purpose to continue my search. \n\nThe darkness was getting thicker as I moved and my maps began to fail me. The terrain I was crossing was no longer matching the topography on the edge of my papers. I knew I was getting close to an entrance to Hell. The last time a mortal had crossed the planes of existence he had help; I didn’t. If only I had an angel or Vergil. \n\nThe blackness was almost all encompassing now. I didn’t know a place like this could even exist. I looked forward and saw the faintest glimmer of movement. A still body of water was ahead of me. I think I had found it. As I stepped closer I began to make out two forms by the water’s edge. One sat naked on a rock with his black wings pressed tightly against his back and the other stood lazily beside him in a set of tattered pajamas. \n\n“What the fuck?” I said to myself in a hushed whisper. The two men heard and turned in unison. They were twins. The winged man had a look of fear and sadness across his face. He looked at me and lifted a hand towards the still dark water saying “You won’t find what you are looking for here. This is no river Styx.”\n\n“Then what is it?” I asked as I began to feel cold with desperation. \n \n“It is the edge of nothing getting closer.” said the standing twin in a drowsy tone. “It has consumed the underworld and it consumes this place now.” As I listened a ripple appeared on the water moving towards the bank. It lapped against the sand but did not fall back. It had approached. \n\n“The End is nigh.” He said. The man then took his brothers hand and stepped into the water. The black pool rose up, slipped around them, and fell in a splash.\n\nI never slept again. Nor did anyone else. \n\n", "I couldn't believe my eyes at first. It was one thing to hear about him, but another to see him, albeit shaking in a corner of the monastery in the middle of nowhere, Europe. The same one that I was sent to for further training. But it was him, from the tip of ivory bone toe to the top of his shadowy ebony cloak.\n\n\"Hello?\" I asked, lowly.\n\nHis face was shoved into the corner, and from the sound of it, he was weeping. He wiped his face with his arm, then whispered, \"Hello.\"\n\nI wiped the dust from the front pew and sat, putting my hands together. \"What're you doing here?\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\" He snapped.\n\n\"Well, you're death, the Death. Aren't you supposed to be out collecting souls, or something like that?\"\n\n\"Who're you to tell me what I'm supposed to be doing, Priest? Yes, I know of you, I know of everyone who lives and breathes. But it's all worthless now, isn't it? You've read the paper, you've seen on your precious television.\" The words seemed palpable, as if they seeped out his bones in a stream of tarry liquid.\n\nI remembered the front page, I remember each news station covering the same story: People stopped dying. They couldn't explain it, nor could the scientists, but it happened. The video tape recordings of people jumping from bridges, staying underwater for hours on end, setting themselves on fire, and so forth. But none of them died. . . A little hurt, but no death.\n\nI never grew curious to take my own life, but perhaps I'm less masochistic than the majority of people. Regardless, if people aren't meant to die, it's in God's plan.\n\n\"Yes,\" I said, \"I've seen the news. People can't die, is this true?\" As if it came from Death, the news would be more believable.\n\nHe took a while to reply, but finally uttered, \"Yes. . . It's true.\"\n\n\"Do you know how, or why. . .?\"\n\n\"No, of course I don't. Why would I know that, Priest? I'm the Collector of Souls, the Bringer of the Dead, the Reaper! You want answers like that, ask your Lord.\"\n\nIgnoring his vehemence, I asked, \"Why were you crying, just now?\"\n\n\"I wasn't crying, merely sleeping.\"\n\n\"Are you certain, Death? I could swear that I hear—\"\n\nHe snapped up onto his feet, standing nearly eight feel tall, and looked down upon me through a gloom within his hood. I couldn't make out this skeletal head, but as if miles and miles away in the shadows, I saw a flicker of fire where his eyes would be. The ends of his cloak rippled like water, and moved around the stone floor as if they had life of their own. If he would've possessed his scythe, I probably would've urinated myself.\n\n\"I was not crying, flesh-bag. Sleeping, I was sleeping.\" He said, black mist flowing out of the gloom in his hood, dissipating above him.\n\nI patted the seat next to me, asking, \"Why don't you sit over here, and talk to me about this whole mess? Even if you weren't crying — which you weren't, of course — it sounds like you need someone to talk to. I'm a pretty good listener.\"\n\nHe seemed beside himself, I could see the tension inside him as he stood there, fidgeting. He wanted to sit and vent, but at the same time, he was Death, not some priest's follower. At last he came to a decision. He floated over to the pew and sat down next to me, sending small puffs of smoke billowing up around him.\n\n\"It's just,\" he began, \"what am supposed to do if no one is dying? My whole duty in this universe is to collect the souls and bring them to where they need to do. . . Well except for the good ones, those are out of my hands, but the others, those are my territory. But now no one is dying, no one is getting sick, no one is doing anything but living their damn lives. What about me? I was born into this and now it's irrelevant. I cannot start anew, I cannot begin to collect lively souls, I cannot do anything of the sort.\"\n\n\"Maybe it'll change?\"\n\n\"Doubtful, Priest. Once He has made a decision, it's usually forevermore. . . Unless humans create something that can kill them off, like curing a disease of some nature. But why would they do that? They already have a million of things that can be used to kill themselves, even the stuff they drink and eat kill them! If nothing now does the trick, what could possibly do it?\"\n\n\"Bombs?\" I said, dumbly.\n\n\"You people have bombed countries, and some people still live the next day. God I hate to see what your planet is like in a year or two with all the war that's going to occur. If no one can die, the next war will be endless.\"\n\nI mulled over some thoughts, then suggested, \"What don't you go to another planet? I've heard there's life elsewhere in the cosmos.\"\n\n\"Maybe, but they're not human yet. I'd have to wait millions of years to wait for them to get to the point you guys are at now, and even then, do they even have souls? It's all a big risk to invest time and travel to another planet to find that those people don't have souls. God. . . this sucks.\"\n\n\"Have you tried killing the people yourself? You know, the bad ones of course: the rapists, the pedophiles, etc.\"\n\nDeath looked up from the ground and up into the air, as if staring off into a vista I couldn't see. \"You know. . .\" he began to say, \"you might be right. Maybe. . . but are you not a priest, a man of God? Should you not be teaching peace and love and acceptance?\"\n\nHe was right, but at the same time wrong. \"I believe those who do hellish acts upon innocent victims should be punished. . .\n\n\"You're the cure for it. Perhaps the only way for those to die, is to be killed by Death himself.\" I finished.\n\nHe jumped up into the air, whipped around and grabbed my hand. His fingers were heavy like marble, and brought a frigid chill up my arm that settled into my chest. The world went dark and numb. My brain felt heavy, as if filled with lead and my lungs crackled and burned with every breath. Death must've noted this quickly, as he released my hand and life came fluttering back into me.\n\n\"Sorry, but thank you. That has to be it, I must be the one who kills them. Life is the disease and my scythe is the cure. Now I must be off, hopefully you're right Priest.\"\n\nThe ends of his cloak twisted upwards, spiraling in the air, forming some kind of hellish portal. In a loud echoing pop, he vanished into it. And that was the last time I saw him, though it wasn't the last I heard of him. \n\nThe following morning, as I sat in my kitchenette and drank coffee, there were dozens of reports of people dying by beheading. They couldn't explain how it was happening, or who was doing it, but it was happening. I smiled and whispered, \"you're welcome.\"\n\n", "You see, one day, people stopped dying. Even people with terminal conditions lived on, alive and well when they clearly shouldn't be. One poor chap cut off his own head. Turns out, he didn't die, but he can't re-grow his body, either.\n\nThat was four years ago, a month before I would choose which college to go to. I chose a religious one to try to make sense out of this with some theology, as science clearly lacked answers. Now, I just graduated, ready to make my mark on the world.\n\nBut first, I'll go to sleep. I need my sleep. That graduation was long and boring.\n\n---------------------------------------------------------------\n\nAll of a sudden, I saw a vast cavern, with a ceiling and walls too far away to see. I could only tell that I was in a cavern because the stars weren't visible, nor was anything else. Except for a poor old man on the ground, crying.\n\n\"Humans...\" I thought I heard him, between sobs.\n\n\"What...What happened?\" I asked him.\n\n\"I was going about my business, trying to collect dead souls, like I normally do, and then...I..I...I saw it,\" he answered.\n\n\"Saw what?\" I pressed.\n\n\"The poor chap. Those other people hated him, so they slowly dematerialized him, forcing him to watch as they got rid of his vital organs,\" he answered, seeming a little better, but still not all right.\n\n\"I told God this. I told him that we shouldn't make humans, that they would go on to do horrific, terrible things, but he didn't listen to me,\" he said, shifting from terrified to angry. \"I told you so!\" he yelled at the ceiling.\n\nI heard an ominous thundering that I couldn't make heads or tails out of, but which filled me with dread. And I ran, far away, and reality faded back into black.", "Something odd had happened. It certainly didn't take a genius to figure that out. The difficult part was trying to find out what had happened, and why.\n\nAs a human, it was natural for me to have learned about the process of death at some point in the early stages of my life. People live for a while, then they stop living for whatever reason. That's just how it goes. But what if people just...carried on living, even after something was supposed to stop them?\n\nThe change was hardly noticed at first. The odd person making a borderline miraculous recovery from a terminal illness, or having the ability to walk away from being run down by a truck. But as the stories spread, people began to experiment, for lack of a better term. Internet stunts and viral challenges began to get more and insane due to the removed chance of failure. Fun nights out went from having a drink with some friends to raucous, almost nonstop demolition derbies in open fields, city centres and occasionally even in rush hour traffic, with no one suffering even a slight scratch. People were even getting paid to volunteer as lab rats to help scientists determine how far this supposed immortality could go.\n\nBut I never would have thought I would be the first to find out what really happened...\n\nIt was a lazy Saturday afternoon, about nine or ten months after the first stories of death no longer occurring were published. I had been at the local church all day, currently cleaning up after a small fete. Something the town organised once every few weeks to give families something to do, alongside teaching the local kids about the stories and faiths of Christianity. Not that thay listened. They were usually too full of sugar to comprehend anything anyone outside of their age spectrum said. After throwing away the last of the confetti, I headed back inside to clean up for tomorrow's service. And that's when it happened...\n\nA small, quiet whimper echoed across the empty hall, causing a ripple in the holy water kept in the font. Immediately, my curiosity was piqued. At first, I thought it to be a child hidden a bit too well during a game of hide and seek, but the church doors had been locked until I entered. Besides, their parents would still be around if that were the case.\n\nThe whimpering echoed again, followed by a terrified scream that set the church's candles alight, the flames extinguishing as the noise did. 'Odd...' I thought to myself, eyes glancing across the church in a befuddled manner. The scream sounded almost male...\nI walked around, trying to get an idea for where the noise was coming from. And eventually, I found it; an ancient looking, intricately detailed wooden door. Given the time, I would have liked to give the carvings more thought, but two things stopped me from doing so. One, the whimpers came again, much louder than the previous occurrences. The source of the noise was difinitely behind this door. And two, this door had never been here before...\n\nDeciding to venture inside, I brought my hand to the rough, jagged bronze doorknob and began to twist it, small cuts appearing on my fingers. Taking a deep breath in an attempt to send the pain away, I pushed the door open and peeked into what was hidden behind it.\n\nThe room beyond this mysterious door was...nothing. I don't think I could even call it a room. No floor, no ceiling, no walls; just blank whiteness as far as the eye could see. That is, except for one figure. A man, curled up into a ball and snivelling like a five year old. Two large black wings on his back, seeming to wrap around the figure in an attempt to comfort him. Looking down, his clothing seemed even more bizarre; a cross between rune-laden cloth robes and onyx-studded armour plates, striking a sharp comtrast to the long silver hair he possessed.\n\nNormally, in this sort of situation, I would try to convince myself that the whole thing was a dream and proceed to punch myself awake. But something seemed...different about this scenario. Giving in further to temptation, I took a few steps into the 'room', each step sending ripples across the floor, befire stopping in front of this figure.\n\n\"Um...e-excuse me? Are you alright?\" I ask, prompting a startled shock from the man. He immediately rose to his feet, a look of terror stuck on his face and accompanying his rapid breaths. \n\n\"...stop...the screams...make them stop...\" He whispered, throwing his head into his hands before unleashing another frightened yell. But the room was silent, save for us two. Not a single over noise could be heard.\n\n\"Um...screams?\"\n\n\"Yes...the screams of the damned...hundreds of thousands of millions of souls, banished to eternal torment by my hands. I-I can't take anymore of this...\" The figure replied, lunging towards me and taking my hands in his, silver locks covering most of his face.. \"Please...help me. Release me from this godforsaken prison...\"He continued before stepping back.\n\nNaturally, I was dumbfounded by this request. How was I supposed to help someone with something I could not see or hear? However, the worfs that escaped my lips in that next moment confounded me even more.\n\n\"A...Alright. I'll do what I can.\"\n\nThe faintest of smiles graced the man's almost sheet white face as he held his hand out, mumbling something I could only ever hope to translate. After a few seconds however, some things became clear; a pillar of light appeared at his side, stopping at around his height before curving in places, moving out towards the left at the top. The shape's glow soon faded, revealing itself to be a twisted, ebon scythe, various symbols decorating the blade with a strong resemblance to the robes of its master. Raising his arm to the side with an almost routine grace, his hand came to grip the scythe's handle before bringing it forward, presenting it to me.\n\n\"Take it...I relinquish my position unto you...\" He whispered, letting go of the weapon as its blade sank into the ground before taking a few steps back, allowing me to take it.\n\nTo this day, I don't know what it was that caused me to take hold of that infernal scythe. Maybe it was curiosity, maybe it was pity for this man who was supposedly subject to years of torment. But there's one thing I know for sure about that day...\n\nLife, and indeed, death, wouldn't be the same.\n\nMy hands moved slowly up the weapon's handle as I lifted it from the ground, somewhat surprised by how light it was compared to its size. However, the day's events were just getting started...\n\nA great pain ran across my shoulder blades as they seemed to split wide open, two familiar black wings erupting out from the gashes. As they settled, the pain slowly went away as my clothes began to glow. Slowly but surely, they began to change, becoming similar to the clothing of the man in front of me, save for a few different symbol placements and adjustments to my sizes. As the glow and pain melted away completely, I turned my gaze to the figure before me, only to be even more surprised by what had happened to him.\n\nThe once quiverimg wings he possessed were gone, as if they had traded places between himself and I. On top of that, his clothes had changed, now a loose black shirt with matching jeans and boots. In the span of little under a minute, it was like we had fully swapped positions.\n\n\"Ah...much better. I was afraid I was going to go deaf...\" He sighed, stretching as his gaze turned to me. \"Now...you're probably wondering what just happened...\"\n\nAs he talked, I was too caught up with staring at my new clothes, almost not hearing what he said.\n\n\"Um...w-what was that?\" I eventually replied, prompting a chuckle from the figure.\n\n\"Don't worry. If you take me back to your house, I'll explain everything. It would be best if no one else found this place...\"", "It's summer and graduation ceremonies take place all over the country. Mine should have been now. It should have been today. I wish it would have been today. \n\nChristmas 2016 is one I will never forget. The dean rushed into the senior dorms, banged on all doors and called for a meeting. It was a bit unusual, typically the RA's were more than happy to assemble the students for meetings. At the meeting we were immediately alerted something was up. \"Congratulations, you are all graduating today!\" Cheers. \"Additionally, you will start your duties today. Everyone has been assigned a hospital. You will know what to do when you get there. There will be a bus taking you to your assigned hospitals in 15 minutes.\" He walked to the door and taped a piece of paper with the assignments to it, before swiftly leaving the room. We stared at each other in disbelieve, not knowing what to say. \n\nSt. Lucifer's Hospital was a mess. I entered through the employee's entrance, where I could already hear the screams: \"God, please make it stop!\", \"What do I have to do to make it stop!\", \"Aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrgggmbl\", \"Just let me go!\". A nurse ushered me to a room of the intensive care unit which looked unusual. I couldn't exactly point to what it was, until I noticed that none of the patients were hooked up to any of the emergency systems. \n\n\"These people, they ...., they should have been dead!\" the nurse told me. \"Help them, please!\". I really felt my education did not prepare me for this situation properly. I mean, some friends have told me some really disturbing stories about being untrained on the job, but this was something different. Actual deaths were at stake. \"We've tried everything\" the nurse told me, as she pointed to the bed in the corner from which a concerning smell triumphed all smells ever created on earth. You couldn't tell there was a person lying there. When the nurse pulled the sheets away, I saw that I had mistaken little cubes of human flesh for a mattress. \"Oh my god, the surgical precision.\" I mumbled, clearly lost for words. It's funny how inappropriate you can be under extraordinary circumstances. \n\nWhile closer examining the remains, which I estimated to be about an inch by an inch by an inch, I found out they weren't really remains. \"Kill me....!\" I heard. Through an inhuman feat of muscle control, the cubes managed to manipulate the airflow well enough to articulate a sentence. They tried everything, the nurse told me, but he just wouldn't die. \"You could try to grill and eat him\" I suggested. That may be construed as 'forcing penetration from a patient unfit to object' in court, she objected, fearing for her employment. \"Fine, fine, I'll think of something, but let me have a coffee first.\"\n\nI went to the break room to grab my coffee. In the far end of the room was a group of senior nurses, sitting at the table nearest to the window. \"Susie got divorced yesterday. Apparently last week's adoption couldn't salvage her relationship.\" \"God bless her heart.\" My god, it was literal hell. I grabbed my cup of coffee and went to the only other place I could think of where I could get some peace. Slowly sipping away my coffee, while making sure my pants weren't touching the water, I knew what to do. \n\nI went back to the break room. When I entered, I saw some cubes falling from a ICU window. I was too focused to be appalled. \"Seriously Grim?\" I shouted across the room. \"I couldn't take it anymore, all the screams, all the sad faces\" he replied. \n\n\"People are dying out there, and you just sit there doing nothing?\"\n\n\"Just try to be me! You wouldn't last a day!\"\n\n\"You were hired to do one thing, and one thing only! You will get back to it. Don't make me force you!\"\n\n\"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, alright, I knew this wouldn't last too long anyways.\"\n\nIt took him 3 months to clear the backlog." ]	6
(Gender doesn't matter, pick n choose! :) )	[WP] A Dragon in a nearby town has everything they ever wanted. Except romance. You are the object of their affections.	[ "Obviously a dragon has no romantic partner, especially when he's the only dragon to exist that we know of. This dragon lives peacefully in Dawnton. The dragon is named Zer. Zer is a large man and he has piles upon piles of riches, but the only person he wants to share them with is me. Of course, me, because everything bad happens to me. I don't know why it is I, but it is. As of now I'm on my way to talk to Zer. I mean from what I've heard he's peaceful. \n\nOk, I've arrived at Zer's and his house is.. well beautiful wouldn't describe it. It is absolutely huge. Every door entrance has to be at least 30 metres tall. He seems nice enough. I mean he's very handsome, but I'm not sure how me, a human man, would be compatible with a fat man of a dragon. Zer is nice and he knows how to seduce a human. I mean he's been giving me all I want. I'm starting to love Zer, and I know he loves me back. \n\nThe^end^and^I^know^this^was^really^bad ", "My name is Papillon and I am wandering poet. I and adored by all the people of all the races I meet. Without bragging too much I consider myself a very skilled fencer and love a good challenge. I am by no means a hero but I meet them in my travels, join them in their journeys and write epic poetry about them. \n\nCurrently I'm on the run from a terrible stalker, a woman I met in the tavern last night. She was fascinated by my stories and after speaking with her over few drinks we ended up sleeping together.\n\nBut when I woke up next morning all I saw beside me was a sleeping dragon. I tried to sneak out, but it woke up. As it spoke to me I recognised the voice, the same voice as the woman from last night. I still ran away and she have been stalking me ever since. \n\nI can hear her wings flapping high above me. After journeying with a party of different adventures I fought I had finally lost her. I don't know how she found me, but she came just in time to safe me from a group of giants. \n\n\"Hello sweetie\"\n\nI look upon the descending dragon. As she lands before me she takes human form, the same form she had when we first met.\n\n\"Long time no see\" I answer back.\n\n\"Oh, please don't look so disappointed to see me, my sweet Butterfly.\" \n\n\"Would you please, not call me butterfly, it is not very masculine.\"\n\n\"But that is what it means, your name that is.\"\n\nYes, I was named butterfly by my parents, and I always kinda hated it, but since I left my home country very few people understood the true meaning of my name, so I had used it frequently.\n\n\"Why are you following me again? It has been so long time since I last saw you stalking me, I had hoped you lost track of me.\"\n\nOh, sweetie. I never lost track of you. I have just kept my distance, observed you from afar.\"\n\n\"I guess there is only one thing to do\" I say and throw a smoke bomb. I turn around and run away.\n\nBut she catches me quickly. The trick had worked in the past, but not now. As I take a deep breath I decide I can no longer run away from my responsibilities as a father. \n\n____________\n\nNote: This is based on the background story for my Bard in DnD 5e. ", "Continuation of story at: https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/6g8aro/wp_the_bartender_frowns_at_you_as_he_points_at/diq49s6/\n\n-----\n\nAstrix tried not to look bored in front of the Wood Elf court. The elves were like him, long lived people steeped in tradition. Unlike them however, Atrix had human blood in his veins and demanded change or action. The rituals and traditions were keeping him from starting his investigation of the attacks that had been plaguing the city of Gaia’s Cradle. \n\nAstrix allowed his eyes to dart over the scenery within the throne room for the 5th time. Every building within this city was shaped from a living tree. Obviously, this process was heavily influenced by the nature magics that the elves possessed. The floors were polished so they seemed to have an amber sheen and one could make out the rings of the tree’s age. The audience hall stretched about 50 ft. long by 10 ft. wide. Then they went to the stairs leading up to the Oaken Throne. Upon it sat the queen of the elves, Sylvianna the first of her name. \n\nThe queen of the elves was short, as was many of the elven blood, standing at 4’8” if she were not on her throne. Many of the wood elves had deeply tanned skin to skin that could even resemble the dark browns of the trees they lived in. Their eyes carried the typical elven slant and their ears were long and tipped. However, all eyes immediately went to the diamond crown that was resting on her head. To the untrained eye, the crown glowed with the light that went through the 10 diamonds scattered through the crown, however they were all enchanted to cast the light. As well as enhance her presence and ability to speak. She finally finished the greeting ritual and Astrix’s focus returned to her words, “It is good to have you back among our people, Lord Astrix. I fear that we have need of you and your particular… talents.” \n\nI bowed humbly, supporting myself on my staff, “Of course your majesty. Perhaps you can tell me of the events troubling you so that I might be able to serve you?” \nShe gestured to a man that was standing to her side, her consort and the leader of the elven armies, Marshal Faladar. He cleared his throat and spoke in a frank manner befitting his military career, “Of course, as you know there has been an emerald dragon that has been living near here over the past 1000 years. Typically, the emerald breed of dragon happens to have a deep connection with the Earth Mother like we do. So, we have had sort of a symbiotic relationship. She does not attack our people and we do not interfere with her hunting or accumulation of wealth.” \n\nHe continues, pacing as he spoke, “However, something seems to have upset this balance. She has been coming closer to our lands and putting our deer to flight as well as making many close passes to our watch towers with her wings. She has not attacked yet but we fear that she might be trying to provoke us into a conflict that we do not wish to engage in. “\n\nI nodded in understanding, “So you seek one who is familiar with the ways of dragons to ascertain the nature of this threat and to either solve the issue diplomatically or to slay the dragon. It is something that is within my power.” \n\nThe queen clapped her hands, “Excellent! Shall we draw up your typical terms of payment or is there something else that you wish?” Inwardly, I sighed. The queen had long been trying to have me marry her daughter. Whether it was her desire for me to bolster the power of her mages, or just get me to work for free, I was never quite sure. However I took a moment to look her over, she was rather plain in comparison to her mother. Yet, as I looked closer in her direction I saw another elf that stood behind the princess with her eyes cast downward.\n\nOne would not give so much as a second look at a handmaiden, however I was not like ordinary men. You see, I possessed what the magicians called “the mage sight”, all trained mages had the ability to see the magical power in objects or people. While all peoples had latent magic within them, mages had auras that were based around the amount of power that they could wield. Whereas other creatures that had innate magic, like dragons, unicorns or creatures from the other realms shone like the stars. This handmaid was a burning beacon of magic. Then, as if she sensed my gaze, she looked up and met my eyes. \n\nHer eyes were a deep green and she possessed the tanned brown skin of the elves. What set her apart from the other elven women in the court was the platinum blonde hair that she possessed. Something that many elves probably assumed came from a human/elf liaison at some point in her family’s history. She averted her gaze again away from me, but I could tell that there was fear in her face. As if I knew a deep secret. \n\nI returned my attention to the queen and shook my head to her, “I will take any payment that I wish from the dragon’s horde. I will not burden the kingdom with my normal fee. Just point me in the direction that you believe the lair is in and I will go forth.” \n\nThe Marshall came down and joined me in the hall and escorted me out of the palace, as I left I spared one look back toward where the princess stood but I noticed that her handmaid was gone. The Marshall and I continued to the northern gate of the city, through the crowds of interested onlookers. He then gave me a map and marked the suspected position of the dragon’s lair. I thanked him for his help and I went on my way. \n\nIt was a hike that lasted me three days, during this time I happened to see the emerald dragon fly overhead. It was a lengthy creature, about 40’ long if I were to guess. Its great wings sent dust and dirt flying as it skimmed the treetops. Its scales shone like cut emeralds that covered the length of its body and I saw it breathe its great dragon breath. \n\nIf I had to guess, it knew of my presence and was toying with me. Dragons, like mages, possessed the ability to see magic as they were the original wielders of magic. I looked at my staff, the legendary staff of Talindar. Talindar was a dragon who changed shape and walked among the races of this plane. He taught magic to humans, elves, dwarves and even some of the lesser races like orcs, lizard men, etc. This staff was created while he was building the first Palace of the Magi. Not only was it a focus for his tremendous power, it was also capable of controlling a dragon on a rampage. As I was its wielder now, it boosted my reputation as a dragon specialist. \n\nThe dragon was flying in the distance around the base of a mountain that rose up in the middle of the forest. It seemed to want this confrontation to be at its lair and have the advantage of whatever defenses it has set up over time. As it seemed to fly in the distance he found his age catching up to him and a sense of exhaustion came over him. Did he really have to kill this force of nature? Did he need to destroy a being of such awesome power but also possessing such captivating beauty? He murmured a prayer to Aether the god of magic, “Please let this end peacefully, If at all possible.” \n\n(Will be continued, stay tuned)", "The meat sizzled and popped as the juices heated and slid off the makeshift griddle into the fire below. A gentle breeze sighed and whistled through ruined houses and fallen stonework. Insects and field beasts crooned out their songs, desperately trying to get laid. It was peaceful. Almost musical, really.\n\nSo I was quite put out when the fire went out.\n\nGreat gusts of wind buffeted the area around me, kicking up dust and choking my little campfire. To my left, a burned-out husk of a house collapsed, further adding to the chaos. Directly in front of me a sleek black shape alighted, its wings causing the blasts of air. The ground shook and a scaly, serpentine head focused as the dragon caught sight of me.\n\nOh dear, I thought, continuing to munch on the wedge of cheese, not again.\n\nThe great beast's jaws parted and, despite all the laws of physiology crying foul, it spoke. \"Hello again, Rodrick.\" Its wings folded and it settled atop its paws like a cat. \"How are you this fine evening?\"\n\n\"Hello, Hermina.\" I said, not allowing this interruption to stop my meal, \"I was doing alright. Something seems to have extinguished my fire, though.\" I looked pointedly into one slit eye as I said that.\n\nIf it was possible for a dragon to look abashed, this one did. \"Sorry,\" she said, \"I got really excited on my way here. I-\"\n\nI held my hand up. \"Look, I've told you,\" I began, swallowing the last bite of cheese, \"I'm not interested. I mean, come on.\" I gestured up and down her behemoth body. \"It's not even physically possible. I'd be crushed.\"\n\nA plaintive tone entered her voice. \"Just hear me out.\" She begged. \"Please.\" I sighed and rolled my hand, motioning for her to continue. Like a wave, a wiggle moved down her spine and she shuffled a little closer. \"Like I've said before, I want you to move in with me.\" I frowned and she hurriedly continued, \"You'd never need to worry about food or shelter or safety ever again. You'd never want for anything ever again,\" She started, her words picking up steam. \"I recently -ahem- acquired a nice tower that we could live in. It's quite comfortable and fully outfitted by the former occupant.\"\n\nI cocked an eyebrow at her. It wasn't hard to guess what had become of the previous occupant. Hermina continued quickly, \"I promise that I'll be on my best behavior from here on out. Cross my heart.\" She awkwardly made the accompanying gesture with one taloned paw. \"Come on, Rodrick.\" She continued, the plaintive note back again. \"I know you enjoy my company as much as I enjoy yours.\" She glanced coyly from the side. \"Remember Iltha?\"\n\nMy cheeks burned and I looked away. \"I was drunk,\" I muttered, \"and anyway-\"\n\nShe cut me off this time. \"The only thing holding you back is my form, right?\"\n\nI frowned. Was it? She hadn't been wrong earlier, I really do enjoy her company. And her affection and persistence were rather endearing. If there weren't the constant risk of violent disemboweling, would I really be able to live with her?\n\nGods help me, yes.\n\nSomehow she seemed to sense my answer without me needing to vocalize it. She said, \"Then watch this.\" My eyes opened a little wider as my gaze snapped back to her. Hermina's jaws dropped open and the moonlight glinted off something gold caught there. An amulet.\n\nA stream of sounds began to issue from her throat, sometimes guttural, sometimes lyrical, but always to the same beat. The words, I realized, to a spell. Her scales rippled and shimmered as the intonation continued. Gradually, the moonlight ceased to be reflected there, and, I saw with a shock, her shape began to warp. Her extremities began to twist inwards like the waters of a pitch-black whirlpool, collapsing in on itself, shrinking. Shrinking to a very human-sized form.\n\nThe last word echoed as spell ended. The last vestiges of the magic faded and the moonlight returned. I gulped. Standing in front of me was a woman, maybe half a head taller than I, her skin every bit as dark as her scales had been. The moon highlighted the spectacular curves of her totally naked body and shined off her rich, wavy red hair which covered one of her shining yellow eyes. She watched me, silently, her lips parting in a smile to reveal sparkling white teeth.\n\nIgnoring the stirring down-below that urged me to stare at her a little longer, I tore my eyes up and locked them with hers. \"Well,\" I said hoarsely, \"that does change things, doesn't it?\"", "With a soft \"thunk\" my hoe dug into the dirt. Tilling the land ain't ever a fun job to do, but I enjoyed eating to much to not do it. 'Sides, Ma would tan my hide if I ever complained about any of the chores round the farm. Well, least the morning weather was nice and cool today.\n\nTaking a deep breath, I lifted my hoe above my head and got ready for another swing when suddenly a huge shadow passed over me.\n\nFWOOSH!\n\nOn instinct I dropped low and turned my head to the sky, just in time to see a golden scaled dragon pass by. Looks like it was settling down into the forest. Probably going hunting.\n\nLetting out a frustrated sigh, I stood back up and got ready to swing again. Damned dragon had been causing everyone a scare since its been passing over our town more and more in the past few months. And I swear it's been eyein' me every time it flies over the farm.\n\n'Course Ma didn't believe me when I told her that. Just cuffed me upside the head and told me to \"Wake up and stop dreamin' ya little shit!\"\n\nDamn Ma, I ain't that lazy...\n\nResting my hoe against the shed, I picked up the bags of seed and started to spread them. Got no time for worrying about dragons now, chores to be doing and all that. After this I gotta make sure the animals are feed, then after that I gotta-\n\n\"Hello there!\"\n\nMy body tensed. Turning quickly, I saw a young woman waving at me from outside the fence. What a pretty lady too. Long pink dress, pretty green eyes, and hair that looked to be made of pure gold in the sun's light. Damn was she gorgeous.\n\n\"Would you mind coming closer?\" she said, fingers moving to push a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. \"I wish to speak to you up close.\"\n\nWould you mind? I wish to speak? Only nobles used that kind of flowery language. Definitely goes with her image.\n\nBut wait... What kinda noble is out this early in the morning? Sun barely up and grass still wet with dew? What exactly was going on here? Best if I just nod for now.\n\n\"Wonderful!\" her hands clapped together as she smiled at me. Oh yeah, definitely noble. \"There is a matter I was hoping to discuss with you!\"\n\nWalking up to her, I put my hand on the wooden fence between us. \"Ya need to talk ta me? Bout what?\"\n\n\"Well,\" she started, hands covering her mouth as if she were about to say something embarrassing, \"do you remember feeding a creature as a child? One more... \"reptilian\" in nature?\"\n\n\"Reptilian?\" I asked, frowning. \"That's like a lizard right? Cause if so then yeah, I remember. Big ol' yellow lizard out in the forest looked like it was starvin' to death. Fed it fer a few days till it got it's strength back. Why?\"\n\nInstead of answering my question, her hands moved to her cheeks, trying to hide her face going a light shade of pink.\n\n\"I see! So you do remember! That's wonderful!\" she pretty much all but shouted, voice getting louder with each word. \"Simply wonderful! After you had fed me, I had vowed to come back for you one day after I became stronger and take you as my lover!\"\n\n\"Yer what?!\" This time it was my turn to blush, though I had the benefit of dirt hiding mine. \"What're you on about?\"\n\n\"Ah! But first I must rearrange everything in my hoard! It would be most uncouth of me to show you such a dirty lair! I will be back soon, I promise!\"\n\n\"Now wait just a damn sec-\" but my words were cut off as a strong gust of wind passed right over me. Covering my eyes from this sudden gale, they couldn't help but widen in surprise once I saw what was in front of me.\n\nThe noble lady in front of me had spawned massive set wings in front me. As I stared at the familiar pair of golden wings, they lifted the woman up into the sky, before she finally turned into a dragon and flew off and over the forest.\n\nGaping up at the sky and staring over the trees where she had disappeared I slowly lifted my hands to my face and rubbed my eyes.\n\nMa was right, I gotta wake up and stop dreamin'.\n\n" ]	5
	[WP] Your head is throbbing, ears are ringing, and everyone is shouting to you the same thing, "RUN!"	[ "John felt as if the race would never end. The sun shone brightly on his face. John thought angrily to himself \"God i should have brought sunglasses.\" His arms were heavy and every breath felt as if he had been stabbed in the lungs by an ice pick. As he rounded the corner he saw the finish line, \"Finally! Almost there\" he exclaimed. He had been running for just over 4 hours and he could finally see the line! The members of the crowd were cheering the contestants on and john allowed himself a sigh of relief and a few seconds to survey the scene ahead of him. As he continued to run he looked up to see he had just crossed bright red 200 meter banner. He knew he was almost there as he looked eagerly at the finish line, that was his goal that he had trained for for so long. As he was running out the last 100 meters of the race he noticed a woman running with her daughter that he had talked with before the start of the race. He strained to remember her name thinking back to the conversation they had. \"Molley!\" he thought, \"her name was Molley\". Just as Molley and her daughter crossed the line he saw a bright flash coupled with an ear shattering bang as if a jet had just taken off a few feet ahead of him. Suddenly there was screaming as dust and debris fell from the sky obscuring his view of the finish line. He raced ahead to see what had happened. As he got to the line where Molley and her daughter had been mere seconds before he saw something that would haunt him for the rest of his life. The lifeless body of Molley covered in blood and contorted in an angle that John had not thought possible. But what shook him the most was the cries of the young girl . \"MOM!! MOM!! DON'T LEAVE ME MOM!!!!!!! PLEASE!\" Suddenly her cries were drown out by the chaos of a second explosion that couldn't have been more than a few hundred feet off. A group of Boston police officers suddenly ran past him towards the sound of the second explosion. John overcome by exhaustion and fear sat beside the young girl and comforted her till paramedics arrived.", "John was thrown forward from the sheer force of the explosion behind him. A ringing in his ears muffled the world around him, so loudly it almost erased the pain in his body from the fall. To his back, he could feel heat from fire he couldn’t see, smell things he didn’t want to imagine. He tried to turn to find the source of the destruction, but he couldn’t see through the bodies running from the wreckage.\n\nAll around him, the faces were identical. Although the ringing in his ears had only gotten louder, the message was clear: Run. Painted across the faces of everyone on the street; pain, fear, uncertainty. In the distance, alarms rang in the pauses between bouts of gunshots. Plumes of smoke hid the calamity behind him. \n\nJohn struggled to push himself to his feet. His hands still raw, he barely got onto his feet, disoriented. Before he had a chance to run, another force fell over him. As blood dripped onto his body, he looked and locked eyes with a man, blood-stricken eyes full of terror.\n\nCutting through the noise and ringing, he yelled, “It’s them! They’re back!”\n\nThe second contact had begun.\n", "I lifted my head from the ground, my vision spinning. A man darted to my side. Shaking my shoulder, he said something hurriedly in hushed tones. He helped me sit up, but I keeled over as soon as I was upright. \n\n\"STEP ASIDE!\" I heard someone bellow. \n\nI turned my head to look, bringing back the dizziness. I caught a glimpse of a gigantic man, bare-chested, clad in leathers from the waist down, holding a sword. Why a sword? What on earth was happening? The man at my side edged nervously away, still throwing me desperate sidelong glances and motioning with his head for me to get up and go. \n\nThe crowd parted before the huge man and he planted his feet in the sand, fifteen yards away. The ringing in my ears began to recede, but the dizziness remained. I struggled to sit up, managing to get my knees underneath me. \n\n\"Time to face what you have done!\" The large man spat. \n\nNonplussed, I shook my head vigorously to clear it. My eyes darted around as the spinning in my head gradually faded to a gentle movement, desperate to find a way out. \n\n\n\"STAND!\" Thundered the man. \n\nI shakily planted one foot and pushed myself up, taking a few steps backward to find my balance. I shook my head again as the crowd began to shout. \n\n\"RUN!\" They screamed as the towering man took a step forward. \n\nI whirled around, slipping in the loose sand and falling briefly. I heard the heavy steps behind me as I scrambled to my feet and sped away, the crowd leaving an opening for me, save for one man. He was no giant, and I struck him with full force, knocking him out of my way and then veering sharply to the left for an alleyway. \n\nI ran for perhaps half a mile before stopping behind a large shipping crate to get my bearings. I could not remember where I was or why there was a freakishly large man with a sword out for my blood, or why a whole crowd of people would stand in his way to defend me. I searched my pockets. A badge, a loaded pistol, and two spare magazines, plus a knife, a handkerchief, and a photograph of a woman. \n\nThen I remembered. \n\nI stepped out onto the main street and waited for the gigantic man to come in range. ", "It was the middle of history class. Specifically, we were discussing the conclusion of World War II and the unrelenting nature of the Japanese. As the story goes, America sent Japan sky-high Little Boy and Fat Man. Otherwise known as the first and only use of atomic bombs in war.\n\nNaturally, we began to discuss the current relations with sovereign or lunatic countries, most notably, Russia and North Korea. For me, the concept of nuclear destruction has kept me on high alert. I never cease to fathom an apocalypse in the midst of sheer boredom. However, I don't think many people realize the absolute travesty the explosion of a nuclear bomb would produce. \n\nSay, if I a bomb of such size went off in New York, there would be no more New York. There would be no more North-Eastern coast. And as soon as one country launches a bomb, everyone else will. The world is always sitting on a ledge, being constantly reminded of utter devastation.\n\nAnd somewhat ironically, somewhat demented, a flash of light shined through the windows, brighter than anything I've ever seen before. The ground shake, as if the Tectonic Plates were splitting at this very moment. The temperature went from a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 110+.\n\nI knew at this moment, that something from the depths of hell was unleashed. I knew that I would never see my mom or dad again. I knew that my poor dog was sitting at home barking at death. I knew that this was the end.\n\nEveryone else didn't, however. They began shouting, running, and loosing control. It didn't matter though. Because in a second, maybe even half of that, we were engulfed in a fireball.\n\nThat was it. My life amounted to nothing more than a pawn in the act of war. The world collapsed. History class was over, figuratively and literally.", "\"RUN!\"\n\nAtrius squinted through the pain, braced himself on stiff, defiant legs as soldiers around him broke formation and bolted. Sorcery rolled through lines of soldiers, their bodies torn asunder beneath the savage evocation of the HighMage. Atrius didn't even even see the man standing atop the fortified gates of Umberwall, the concussion had rocked his skull into near blindness— shaken the very jelly of his eyes.\n\nThe frontlines were always chaos, but this was unlike anything he'd experienced. He had heard that the sorcery of the Umbral Mage was designed to instill fear in the enemy as much as it was designed to destroy them, frankly, he was surprised their lines hadn't broken hours ago. Evocation, Enchantment, and Illusion all rolled into strafing, boiling bands of black-grey sorcery.\n\nBody parts and gore were now landing around him with the dirt after the last passing wave. Had he been a mere few feet forward, a single shield line ahead, he'd have been part of that destruction, scattered like his brothers and sisters across the battlefield.\n\n\"Belay that!\" Atrius shouted, grabbing one of the soldiers by the collar. The man's momentum carried his feet out from under him and he fell prone. The movement dragged Atrius down with him, and just in time, as another lance of sorcery cut through the space he had been standing to strike the ground a dozen strides ahead. Those deserters joined their steadfast kin in obliteration.\n\nStanding, he lifted the soldier to his feet. Nevermind this man. What do I care if he acts on his cowardice? Granted, it's not his fault, it's the magic stoking the fires of his fear. He let go, and the soldier looked at him—\n\nthen over his shoulder.\n\n\"Captian! Behind you!\"\n\nAtrius turned. A half-dozen more Drow, with their standard light armor and longspears, were less than three strides away. The smoke had obscured their approach, but they were here now, spears lowered.\n\nAnd how I welcome them.\n\nAtrius twisted between the middle two Drow, stepping forward behind their line, delivering a backward-angled slash as he did so. His longsword caught the Drow which had been on his right, now left, in the belly, below the ribs. Atrius had made sure the point didn't bite too deep, just that the wound was long. Insides spilled outside, and the Drow tripped on what fell out.\n\nThe Drow wheeled, shifting the grips on their spears. Not a high rank among them, at least so told their armor decals. Unfortunate. Atrius poised his sword atop his shield and took a step forward. Two moved to flank, while three took stabs at his face and legs. He merely stepped back and rose his shield. The spears glanced off the ageis and bounced high. Atrius dipped his sword low, as to catch the one driven for his legs, and then pushed it high. The spear clacked against the other two, parrying their secondary jabs at his lower mass.\n\nEven as he did so, Atrius twisted sideways again, raising his shield to block the spearpoint thrust now at his back, while bending his spine to avoid the horizontal swipe for his gut. The resulting force pushed the spear into his shield with a scrape, and he saw it above his head. Atrius brought his shield down, hard, onto the shaft of the spear before him, and knocking the spear away from the one behind him. A whirl, and his sword sliced through the neck of the weaponless Drow, while his ageis battered away two more pikes.\n\nOne, however, found his body. It punched into his coat and chainmail but not the leather beneath. \n\nSloppy.\n\nHe smashed the spearpoint off the shaft with his blade, and, shield raised, bore himself right. The shield pushed away the spear and slammed into the Drow to his side, sending the elf sprawling to the mud.\n\nHe felt the approaching wave of sorcerery again. He looked behind him. It was close, and it was coming for him. He ducked prone, and curled into a ball beneath the wide-surfaced coldiron. The ground around him erupted. He could see the prone drow beside him become consumed with the magic, its body smashed and mangled into the ground. What once had form was now paste. Which, in hindsight, made sense: they were fighting in mud, yet there was no rain for weeks. He felt terror grip his mind, felt sorcerery tear away his clothing, smash into his shield, crack ribs from it's sheer pressure. It rolled through his body like an earthquake. He felt his bowels void.\n\nIt was over as soon as it passed, and he did his best to stand. The world around him was a mass of fuzzy, mute shapes, hey he could make out three specific ones. The Drow had stepped back, rolling to the ground a mere ten strides from where Atrius now crouched.\n\nHe collected his mud, blood, and shit-covered longsword— \n\nand delivered death.", "I groaned trying to lift my head up from my arms, as though I had just fallen asleep at my desk after a long night. I tried to focus my eyes. I had, in fact, been hunched over my steering wheel. Couldn't've been long; the car was still crackling. And that tinnitus...\n\nThere was a rapping on my window, followed by the door opening and someone unfastening my safety belt and dragging my body out in a swift motion that dazed me didn't think possible. I couldn't focus on a face, but I recognized the blue-and-silver racing tunic and bleached blonde hair.\n\n\"Claire, what happened?\"\n\n\"The bottleneck.\"\n\nA narrowing in the course, five hundred meters before the finish line. I looked around- at least a dozen cars had piled up at this point, almost as many drivers crawling out their windows or stumbling to their feet.\n\n\"You're okay?\" I asked.\n\nShe shrugged. \"Was dead last.\"\n\n\"You frickin' idiot...\" I spat.\n\n\"We have to run.\" She started pulling on my arm.\n\nWe were the first two to escape the mass of cars on foot. The audience, lined on either side of the track around the finish, went mad. As that crescendo approached its peak, the crowd harmonized on a one simple cadence: Run!\n\nClaire was far from athletic, but I was probably concussed, so I barely kept pace. If only she would fold at the last second and push me back. I was so close to grabbing her my the collar and pulling myself ahead. If only she would betray me first...\n\nRun! the crowd chanted. Run! Run!\n\nI looked back. A giant of a racer was gaining on the two of us like a demon.\n\nRun! Run!\n\n\"C'mon,\" she said, reaching out for me but looking over my shoulder at the human mountain rolling our way. \"Before she catches-\"\n\nI smacked her hand away. \"I don't need the fame that bad,\" I huffed. My legs had nearly given up on me. \"No shame in last place.\" I looked back; that demon was only five meters behind. With the last of my energy reserves, I skidded to slow down, then threw myself low into the giant's legs, downing us both.\n" ]	6
	[WP] Write a short 'High Fantasy' story that can serve as a metaphor for the current political climate in your country or the rest of the world.	[ "\"I see another King of Man has been crowned,\" Isilynor said as he sipped from his wine.\n\n\"Indeed, an oaf of a man. They say his own people were against his crowning,\" Aurae responded. The two Elves sat in great comfort in their tree manor. Furniture and accessories were all naturally shaped as to not harm the tree.\n\n\"I always questioned their style of inheritance. Was it not the most popular Prince who becomes King?\" Isilynor asked.\n\n\"Nay, there are other complex stipulations that can determine who is the winner. Besides, both nominees were quite disliked by the populace. It probably could have gone either way.\" Aurae asked.\n\n\"Unlike our Elder who had completed his trial handily,\" Isilynor laughed. Indeed, in the Elvish lands there was stability across the castes for the most part. Their southern Human neighbors could not be any more dissatisfied with their leader.\n\n\"What else in the news, dear Isilynor?\" Aurae asked.\n\n\"It seems our Elder has finally legalized the sale and production of marijuana,\" Isilynor said with a raised eyebrow as the news bird tweeted in his ear.\n\n\"Truthfully? How great! When will it occur?\"\n\n\"Next year it seems. It shall be most grand.\"\n\n\"Truly I am most happy,\" Aurae said, \"now, shall we get to the arena? I hear the Penguins are leading the Predators in the finals.\"\n\n\"Ooo sounds good bud. Let's get a double double for the trip there eh?\"" ]	1
	[WP] Write a story in which the main character is trying to hunt down and kill the author/narrator	[ "Fighting the enemy!\nWe were just out of boot camp and were sent to the front line to patrols a convoy of food supply and all of a sudden we were ambushed by the enemy \nThe convoy was split in half 6 troupes was killed in front of me and soldiers were scattering everywhere. My commander told me to take my platoon and flank to the right of the enemy while he flanks left so we will be able attack from all sides and eliminate the threat after a long battle with many casualties we finally were able to push the enemy back in to the woods where he came from. Now I'm not a soldier and never shot a gun, we are ants and we were attacked by a hungry frog looking for a quick meal. I hope you like my first short story with a twist. ", "I've been hunting this superior being for ages.\n\nEver since at a young age, I realize the course of my life is seemingly controlled by something. I can't explain it. But there is an invisible force that spins the wheel of fate continously. It's as if my life is written out like a complete script.\n\nI knew I was blessed with an insane amount of wisdom and power. Being the top of my class and having the ability to overcome the impossible. Luck and talent are what many called it. I believe it's something more sinister. Something more incomprehensible.\n\nI have slain multiple dragons, finished countless quests and achieved the epitome of the warrior division. Despite that, I was not content. I knew something was off.\n\nBecause of that, I am off. On a quest that I know I cannot accomplish. That I cannot fulfill no matter how hard I tried. No matter how talented I am. But if I try, then maybe...just maybe.\n\nOnly on my deathbed is when I realize. That every thought, belief and small things that motioned me into who I am, those were carefully implanted into me. I was a fool.\n\nI question my sanity. I question my own feelings. Did I really live a life the way I wanted or was it all an amusement to this invisible being?\n\nI can feel it ending. My entire saga of a life. Slowly closing off to a complete finish. I wish I", "“Fuck this, I’m done”\n \nIn a state of confusion, Paul gathered his things and rushed out the door. His destination is unknown.\n \n“Fuck you, you know exactly where I’m headed”, Paul yells out to nobody in particular, “”I know where you live and I’m ending this shit right now”\n \nPaul was clearly irritated about something yet he hasn’t taken the time to consider what exactly it was that got him so mad. Was it suppressed memories from his childhood rushing back to him, did he think about how his dad would come home still stressed from work and take it out on him? Was it the loveless marriage he knew was destined to fail that got to him the most, or was it the fact that he still loved he&mdash;\n \n“I’m not married”, Paul retorted to his dashboard, “Plus you already know what I’m mad about, did you forget what happened last time you showed up?”\n \nPaul silently waited for a response, though this seems odd considering the fact that he was currently in a car by himself. Maybe it was his dad he thought he was talking to, a way to vent the pain\n \n“You're clearly responding to what I’m saying”, he struggles to hold back the tears, “Also fuck you, my dad worked in the Peace Corps. Literally the furthest thing away from being an abusive father”\n \nPaul was in a state of denial. The emotional toll had been too much for him to bear and he was starting to crack. \n \n“Fuck it, there’s no dealing with you. I just hope that you’re spending your last minutes wisely”\n \nThere was no more sense in the words he said anymore. He had become far too detached from reality and it was just now starting to show. \n \n“Look man I’m already outside your house”, Paul’s car pulls up in front of a mansion, “You could either come out here and face me like a man or I’m just going to have to kick the door down”\n \nPaul stood before a towering metal door. It is securely bolted on both sides and he sees no way of entering it. \n \n“You live in an RV and I can literally see you through the window”\n \nPaul decides to give up. He decides that maybe he shouldn’t take his own personal pain out on others. He decides that maybe it was just time for him to go home. \n \n“I already kicked the door down and am literally staring you in the face”, Paul mistakenly decided that breaking and entering was the way to go, “Am I going to have to start doing the narration for you?”\n \nAnd just like that Paul realized his mistake. He had been so focused on revenge that he didn’t even realize that he had fallen into a trap. Behind him was a tripped wired shotgun ready to go off if he took another step. To get out of this alive, all he had to do was just go home.\n \n“Yeah I’m just going to kill you now”\n \nPaul soon realized how death had felt like. Cold.", "So you think you can kill me? Ok I'll play your little game, so how are you going to go about doing this?\n\n \"I'll find where your hiding and... and I'll fucking kill you ok!\" \n\nAnd how do you know where I am all of a sudden Kevin? I never told you where I am, or who I am... or why I have chosen you. \n\n\"No matter where I was or what I was doing I could here you, your sadistic fucking voice always near but distant. Every morning and every night I can hear you!\n\nThat's a bit rude Kevin, you're not the best company yourself but I've made it work all these years.\n\n\"No one can make any sense of it, they think I'm crazy, they think it's all in my head but I know I can stop you, I know I can kill you.\"\n\nKevin for all you know I'm the real one. You're just a voice in my head. \n\n\"Shut up! Shut up! I have never had a clear head for 23 fucking years! I am going to put a bullet in you, you parasite.\"\n\nKevin, I'm a part of you. You can't kill me I control you.\n\n\"You can control me this is my head my brain!\"\n\nYou see Kevin I live in that brain right alongside you. You can't kill me because I'm a part of you.\n\n\"Well things are about to change, I'm going to put a bullet in my skull and finally get some peace!\"\n\nAfter 23 years together you finally have a good idea...", "(Before anyone legit worries about me, this is purely fiction off the top of my head lol)\n\n\nI could only imagine my father, though not as he is: old and frail. Perhaps during his youth, when he would stagger to my room in the dead of night...\n\nI could only imagine he wouldn't hold his liquor, then struggle for an hour with his favorite coat before losing the keys. \n\n“Goddamnit,” he'd groan, “that little shit hid 'em! I know it!”\n\nAnd of course, they’d have been in his pocket all along. \n\nHed probably hit a pedestrian on his drive up through the city, forget where he’s going and fire off a few shots in a field somewhere, ensuring he still remembered how to use his old army piece.\n\n“You know what makes a man?” he used to ask while cleaning it, as well as his teeth with bourbon. \n\n“I take what I deserve,” then he’d usually beckon me to his lap...\n\nIf he retained the conscious to find my apartment, Id leave it unlocked. Nevertheless, he'd fumble inside, tripping, in the dark, over a cluttered living room. \n\nI may leave on a light in the revision.\n\nDown the hall, he’d catch me typing this. As he made me, I would have, now, created him, but for my own purpose, however I might consider his vicariously the same.\n\nWithout the will to live, nor the gall to pull the trigger, I'd gladly take his barrel in my mouth. If I could write someone some to kill me, I could only imagine my father...\n\n" ]	5
	[WP] You, who has lived over a millennia, reminisce about every dog that has ever stayed by your side.	[ "My father liked to say he was the son of Romulus and Remus. More specifically, he was the son of the wolf-kind. That meant something to him, to claim he had his own streak of forest in his skin. He had been alive for three hundred years before I came into being, his weakest child. \n\nI had siblings, but I wouldn't be able to tell you their names. I know I had six, all of them bitter and determined to dig their heels into the earth. I know them only by their choice of companion, some more successful than other. \n\nI remember my father telling me about them.\n\n\"Your sister Birdie sings.\" \n\n\"Bear is a strong mountain of a girl.\" \n\n\"Fish disappeared across the sea. He told me he would never return.\" \n\n\"Deer followed the mountain trails and disappeared into a warzone. She is alive, they are all alive, but is it truly living?\" \n\n\"Monkey has never left her tree.\" \n\n\"Tiger has never left my side. He is the strongest of my children. You are the weakest, Wolf and you will never survive longer than your mother, witchy as she was.\" \n\nBut I did survive. Not because of his aid, but despite it. He was certain I would die like all half-children. I would fall to the humanity in my blood. But my mother was witch-y and she had never been honest about her intentions. She had been stronger than most, and she wanted her child to be blessed. \n\nFor a long time I called myself Wolf. In some languages, the name had dark connotations and it left me with a tongue made of spines. The hunters that hurt my kind. My father gave me my name and my nature. So I continued to run with the wolves, hoping to be accepted by them, though never really understanding them.\n\nI was the weakest of them. I could not take their form. I could only put my spirit into their eyes and look. Even then they were hard creatures, never friends, always wary and weary. They were the sort of creatures where family was really just survival in a familiar form. I related, but I was never satisfied. \n\nWhen I left my mother, now old and bitter, I took with me her spells of shifting and her hopes of eternal life. I never wore the same face, never went cold in the night, never really knew a kind touch. Wolf was a girl without companionship. Had I known my siblings, perhaps I would have gotten on with Bird or Bear. Perhaps our animal natures would have gone well together, the songbird, the lone wolf, and the cave bear. We could have helped one another. But it was not to be, the world was large and we were very small. \n\nxxxx\n\nI remember a joke I heard once. From a woman who claimed dogs were dirty. She said B.C. stood for \"before cats.\" AD--after dogs? I know my life was lonely before dogs, so perhaps it really means Before Canines and After Dogs. That seems right. She was a mean woman, all claws and steel eyes, but I could understand her. She had Egyptian blood. They worshipped the Mouse Hunters and the Sand Poopers. Just as it was my nature to change faces and return to the wilderness. \n\nNow there isn't much wilderness. My wolves carried me through the years, but it was a lonely revolution of sun and moon and hunger. It was cold ice mornings and distance. \n\nI have learned to read languages and then forgotten them in turn. But the words always remain in my head, the intention behind the conversations, the elegance and distrust of human society. They are to thank for my companions and so I protect them when I can. \n\nBut I am getting ahead of myself, chasing the wrong tail so to speak. And that is circles and circles of self...\n\n\n" ]	1
	[WP] You are the legendary monster Medusa. One day you meet a blind man and fell in love, so you try in every way to prevent him from finding out what you are	[ "No matter what your secrets are, a healthy relationship will only last if you are honest with your other half.\n\nThose words from that speaker. I can't help but recall them every single time when I see my loved one. It had struck me deeply. As much as I hate it, he was right.\n\nWhat if he ends up hating me? What if he threatens to leave because I had hidden the fact I am Medusa for 5 years? I can't imagine a world without the only person who loves me.\n\n\"I have something to tell you,\" I said with a deep sigh, mustering any courage that I had left. I prepared for this. I can do it. \"This is very important.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" He nodded, sipping his drink gently and placing it down. He doesn't seem to mind the serious tone I am using. \"What is it dear?\" \n\n\"The truth is...\" Words began to choke as I struggled to finish the sentence. I can't do this. I am going to lose him. I shouldn't...\n\n\"I love you.\" He said suddenly as I looked at him, eyes widened and puzzled from his response. \"Don't be afraid. Your feelings will get through. But there's no need to force things that are uncomfortable.\"\n\nI must. I can't do this to him. It's not right. I took a deep sigh and went for it. \"The truth is. I am Medusa. The mythology monster. The one that turns people into stones.\" I closed my eyes, preparing to take any remarks he was about to say to me. \"That's the complete honest truth.\"\n\nA moment of uncomfortable silence. It's over.\n\n\"I know.\" He carefully put his hands on my face, feeling my facial features. His warm hands offered a sense of comfort. \"I knew since the beginning.\" My heart skipped a beat as those very words came out of his mouth. \"But it doesn't matter if you are Medusa or not. I love you for who you are. I say it because I mean every word.\"\n\nEver since that day, I finally realize what it means to be loved.\n", "I walked into the cafe as discreetly as possible, peering from under my golden brown sunglasses at a man situated at a table set on a small balcony. A little wiggle from under my silk headscarf briefly broke my plastered veneer, but I set back my facade of calm collection.\n\nHe was so captivating I unconsciously turned my gaze to his sunlit seat. \n\n\"Miss? Miss, you Americano is ready.\"\n\nAn irked barista tapped on the marble countertop with a manicured nail.\n\nI excused myself, handing a few coins and folded bills. Then I headed over to the balcony, conscious of my tentative footsteps. It was mid-afternoon; the cafe was silence sans the soft acoustic strumming of music. \n\nThe perfume of purple orchid was carried in the summer breeze. I stared for a while longer, at the man listening to an audiobook. If time froze I would have been happy. His cup was long empty, I knew it was, it was four in the afternoon. I stepped closer, quietly, making sure his earbuds were both in. I slid the empty cup with my Americano. I was about to turn when he pulled out an earbud and reached out to the coffee.\n\n\"Thank you for the free refills, even though I only order Americanos.\"\n\nI was stunned for a moment.\n\n\"I'll order a small sandwich to break even, how's that?\"\n\n\"Sure thing,\" I replied slowly.\n\nI left after handing a few more folded bills to the barista, pointing to Peter, sitting at the balcony. He waved again to my supposed position. A silver ring glistened on his fourth finger. I smiled, waved, and walked out to the warm summer day." ]	2
	[WP] In the ruins of the once great city, they found a house, pristine and intact.	[ "Lirron raised an arm, briefly blocking out the blazing sun as he wiped the sweat from his brow. The desert shimmered around him in the morning heat, and a flash of light reflected off the boundary of a mirage. He blinked, and saw a city that had not been there before.\n\nPulling up short, he raised his head, shielding his eyes once again with his hand to look more closely at the city. Vallyi stopped behind him, the dune they had been cresting obscuring her vision of the city that had suddenly sprawled out before him. \n\nConfusion slowly overtook surprise as Lirron struggled to decide how the city had appeared, and whether it was even real. Vallyi prodded his calf, making him stumble forward. \n\n\"What is it?\" she asked, her tone split between exasperation and concern. He heard her shift the bundle in her arms as she glanced behind them toward the oasis town, and closer to where a cluster of black specks climbed over a far off dune, headed towards them. Stepping up beside him, she saw what he had, and gasped.\n\n\"It wasn't here,\" Lirron murmured, exhausted from their flight, his thoughts deadlocked by the impossibility of what he was looking at. \"There is no city in this desert. None like this. But I... blinked. And it was here.\"\n\nTruly, he would have remembered hearing of a place like this. A proud traveler of the world, he knew of every city of note in any country one could name, and had visited most of them. This place was on no map, and yet it was greater than many cities he had been in. A circular stone wall around it stood twice as tall as any dune in the desert, and seemed to be all of one piece, with no visible masonry he could see. Inside, buildings grew even taller, magnificent spires and terraces rising up, hinting at grand palaces inside. He could not see inside, could not hear the murmur of people and business, nor see the lines of traders and pilgrims awaiting entry, none of the sights and sounds common to any city he had been in... but it could be nothing else.\n\nStaring with him, Vallyi slid her palm back over her forehead, catching up sweaty strands of her hair and slicking them back. Her eyes were wide with fright, but she moved before he did, pulling at his hand with urgency. \"Come on, we have to keep moving! We can hide inside, I bet. It's big enough...\" Her voice held a strange tone, but her rush gave no time to dwell upon it.\n\nHalf climbing, half sliding down the dune's smooth slipface, Lirron's mind suddenly snapped back into focus. \"We can't just run into a strange city! What if there are guards that want to search our packs? What if it's more dangerous in there than out here? The way it appeared... you didn't see it. I felt like someone had turned me around without me noticing somehow, and faced me towards Cyggnon or Bams'tum in the space of a blink. It's not natural, Val!\"\n\nHe tried to dig his heels into the sand, to force her to stop and listen. Instead, she broke free of his grip, wrapping her freed hand around their prize to clutch it with both arms as she sprinted towards a gate that faced directly towards them. She turned her head back only to call, \"We have to, Lirron! It's our only choice!\"\n\nWatching her go, Lirron hovered on the edge of indecision. He could run a different way, and split their pursuers between them. It wasn't as if he had wanted to take part in her mad plan, and it would hardly be the first time he had left a job gone bad... But something in him couldn't abandon Vallyi, quiet town girl that she was, to wander in a strange city. Especially not a city that made his arms show goosebumps in the middle of a desert, and that appeared from nowhere, with architecture of a sort he had never seen before. \n\nWatching Vallyi's backside as she dashed across the sand, he sighed, wondering how many of his recent bad decisions, this one included, could be attributed to that shapely rear. Taking a deep breath, he took off towards the city, pursuing Val as he so often found himself doing.\n\n---\n\nHe found her beside a fountain, one block inside the city. His goosebumps had persisted as he passed through the gate, tall enough to admit an elephant, intimidating in its size. There had been no guards. Indeed, it did not seem as if there was anyone in this part of the city at all, save for themselves. The eeriness of that made Lirron's heart beat a little faster, and he felt a mounting sense of dread. Nothing was right about this city. Cities had a feel to them, and this didn't have that. It felt more like a tomb, long undisturbed, and better left that way.\n\n\"Now what?\" he hissed at Vallyi. He whispered the words without realizing it, the total silence of the city pressuring him to share in its quiet. \n\nVal was looking upwards, eyes wide as she regarded a temple to some divinity, which rose in circular tiers ringed by strange pillars. It had no outer walls, only those pillars, fluted white stone with decoratively curling tops. Lirron had never seen their like. A dome capped the structure, fully twice as high and wide as any one floor of the temple, and painted with colors that had long since faded in the sun. It was so solidly built that it took him a long time to realize it was a ruin, and that all the other buildings were too. \n\nBefore he could share his revelation, Val spoke, voice growing solemn as she lowered her eyes down to the thing in her arms. \"I thought this might happen,\" she murmured. \"That we might come to this city. I was afraid of it, afraid of what you'd do if you knew.\" She glanced at him, blue eyes tight with guilt. \"We had to come inside. It would have appeared again, in our path, somewhere else. I'm sorry I didn't explain.\"\n\nLirron wished nothing more than that things could start making sense again, at least for long enough that he could regain his mental balance. It took him a moment to translate his shock into a question. \"You knew about this place? This city? What is it? How do we get out of here?\"\n\nShe shifted the bundle in her arms, then glanced down one of the wide, perfectly paved streets. \"You've heard of it, in a story somewhere, I bet. We're in Kwan'tum. The First and Last city of the old Empire.\" She spoke matter-of-factly, hiding her apprehension behind her scholarly side. She was the only person Lirron had ever met that cared so much for ages past as to make a study of them. In this case, he didn't need to have read the histories to recognize the city she named.\n\n\"You're joking,\" he said hopefully, trailing behind her as she started off towards the city center. They passed the temple, coming into a area filled with shops and bodegas as grand as little palaces, their stone fronts carved with murals of the wares they offered. \"Kwan's Folly... that's a tale older than time. A story for telling in taverns. I mean, I see the similarities, a city appearing to unsuspecting travelers, who then foolishly go inside... but that's not real. Those stories are made up. I've heard them told ten thousand different ways, and I might add, in none of them is Kwan's city an empty ruin.\"\n\nVallyi walked in silence for a while after he finished, and he wondered, in the interim, who he was trying to convince. The stories hadn't spoken of Kwan'tum as a ruin, true... but they'd also said that whoever went inside always found it at a random point in its history. The First and Last city had been built to endure until the end of time, and measures had been taken to ensure that it would. What those measures were was unclear, but whatever it had been had effectively destroyed the city, which was the fall and folly of Kwan. Where it had been, no one knew, nor when it had been founded. Only that it was gone forever, yet would appear randomly to lure in fools who would find themselves dislocated in time, skipping across centuries when and if they managed to find their way out. That possibility would bother Lirron more, if he didn't have so few people he would miss in his own time. \n\nLost in his thoughts, he was pulled back to the present by a soft gasp from Vallyi. Tensing, he glanced up and toward her, then gasped with her, approaching what she was already standing in front of. \n\nA magnificent building made of glass and steel rose up and up into the sky, reflecting the clouds and sun above in its smoothly joined windows, which left practically no room between them for securing stone. It was taller than any building Lirron had ever seen, climbing up to almost brush the clouds. How had he not seen it from outside? How hadn't he noticed it from down the street?\n\nGlancing back, he found the street they had come down utterly changed. The seamlessly joined paving stones had been replaced with a flat sheet of some sort of black concrete, painted with lines and letters in a language he did not know. Strange machines crouched upon the edges of the street, wheels indicating them to be some sort of transport. More amazingly, he saw even more massive glass towers around them, providing a backdrop to shorter buildings of brick and stone, each one of the huge towers imbued with its own unique shape and personality, despite the similarity of their outward construction. As before, they were ruins, some windows broken, and some of the tallest even ending in ragged bars of twisted steel and bare flooring, indicating a collapse. Even still, they were magnificent, beyond what he had ever thought to see built by the hands of man. To even look at them from afar made him feel small, and he feared to look back at the one he stood beneath, lest it crush his mind beneath its grandeur.\n\n", "We passed through the veil of clouds and entered a valley heavy with mist. Lush green terraces descended to a river at the valley's bottom. What paths there may have been here had long been reclaimed by the valley's abundant lavender bushes. The scent of the lavender settled sweetly onto our clothes and into our hair on our way to down to the river.\n\nAt a narrow terrace halfway down the side of the valley, Marcus knelt in the loam. \"What do you suppose they grew here?\" He pulled up a handful of rich black earth.\n\n\"What farming people have been growing for millenia,\" Annabelle said. \"Rice, corn, maize. Whatever they need to survive.\"\n\nMarcus sniffed the soil. \"Whatever they were growing, it wasn't enough to help them survive.\"\n\n\"Sometimes life gets in the way of living,\" Annabelle said. \"Let's get to the river. I'm parched.\"\n\nIn places the forgotten path appeared from under the vegetation -- rough-hewn steps poking out from the ubiquitous green. They kept their eyes down most and picked their footing with care, lest a slippery leaf or twisty vine send them tumbling.\n\nAt regular intervals, mounds rose up beside the path. Half-collapsed holes offered into the mounds' interiors.\n\n\"It's amazing,\" Annabelle said. \"The tricks that people discovered, and the tricks they didn't.\" She plucked a sprig of lavender and placed it behind her ear.\n\n\"What's that?\" Marcus wiped the soil off a pebble and slipped it into his mouth.\n\n\"These people learned they could build homes by piling stones on each other and shoring up the structure with mud. They learned to make terraces by placing shards of granite into the valley's face. But they never learned to shore up their structures with inner scaffolding, or stuff like that.\"\n\nMarcus rolled the pebble on his tongue. \"And?\"\n\n\"I just like to think about the ways societies go. There's a lot of randomness. A thousand years ago in Central Asia, some guy happened to make a lump of lime. He noticed it hardened to rock. He told people about it. That's where we get concrete. But that never happened here.\"\n\n\"It might have, if they'd had more time.\"\n\nAnnabelle chewed her lower lip. \"But they didn't.\"\n\nMarcus spat the pebble into one of the mounds. \"For whatever reason, they did not.\"\n\nNot long after, they arrived at the valley bottom. Annabelle removed her boots and stepped into the stream. The mud gushed between her toes. She filled her canteen and drank deeply of the crisp mountain water. Marcus removed his shirt, scratched his scalp, and splashed water under his armpits.\n\nOverhead, gem-coloured birds flitted by. They called sweetly to one another. Annabelle tilted her head up to watch them. \"What do you suppose happened to the people here?\"\n\n\"Survival of the fittest? Epidemic? Lost the will to live?\" Marcus jawed a piece of beef jerky. \"Maybe they all went on vacation and didn't want to come back.\"\n\nAn amethyst-purple bird swooped high, hovered in place, and dove to nab a beetle off a leaf. \"Think there's any clues here about what happened?\" Annabelle said.\n\nMarcus rubbed his cheeks. \"Not everything's a mystery you can solve, Annabelle.\"\n\n\"Some things are.\"\n\nThe purple bird flew off downstream and alighted on an odd-looking tree stump.\n\n\"Sure.\" He sighed. \"Some things are.\"\n\n\"For starters,\" Annabelle pointed at the tree stump, \"that's a mystery we can solve.\"\n\n***\n\nIt was a bird-house of classical design. At the peak of the roof rose a woman in a winged helmet. Columns flanked the twenty entry points. At the base, a faux-staircase led nowhere. Birds popped in and out of the holes, often making for the nearby bird feeder.\n\n\"There's seeds in there,\" Marcus said.\n\nAnnabelle looked around. Nothing but the stream behind them, trees to the front and back, and the terraced valleys walls rising into the clouds. \"Who's filling it?\"\n\n\"That would be me.\"\n\nThe speaker stepped out from behind a tall patch of grass. She wore leather boots, tan pants, a bright white blouse, and a pith helmet.\n\nAnnabelle indicated the helmet. \"You're, uh, you're looking like an English explorer from the colonial era.\"\n\n\"This?\" The woman touched the helmet. She laughed. \"A gift from my husband. He thought it would be appropriate, seeing as I'm out here claiming a piece of wilderness.\"\n\nMarcus leaned against the bird house's stump. \"Is that what you're doing? Claiming the wilderness?\"\n\nThe woman laughed again. \"No, no. That's only his joke.\" She waved them onward. \"Please, come on back to the house. I've made lemonade.\"\n\nAnnabelle and Marcus shared a glance. \n\nHe shrugged. \n\nShe shrugged. \n\nThey followed after the woman.\n\n**\n\nmore to come.\n\ni gotta learn how to write shorter.*" ]	2
[WP] You're either a child of/or a survivor of the apocalypse, gathering around the fire you tell/or are told the tale of how the world ended.	[WP] You're either a child of/or a survivor in the wasteland of the apocalypse, gathering around the fire you tell/or are told the tale of how the world ended.	[ "The fire crackled, spraying embers into the night sky, dwarfed by the ruins of skyscrapers. Four figures stood by it. One spoke:\n \n‘Did I ever tell you kids how I survived?’ John said, clearing his throat.\n \nThe three boys shook their heads.\n \n‘It started fifty years ago’, he said, his voice, raspy. ‘It was night, at about this time, if I remember correctly, I was sleeping’.—his eyes were misty—‘I awoke to a blinding flash, followed by a loud boom. Lucky, I went shopping the day before. Anyway, I confined myself to my basement for two weeks. After my supplies ran out, I scavenged for food. That worked for a few months; after that food became increasingly scarce and bandits were increasingly common. I had to leave the city’.\n \nJohn got up, dusting his fading jeans with his hands. He walked over to his tent. ‘I’m tired, we’ll finish this tomorrow’. John opened the tent, stepped inside, and shut it again.\n", "There I sat in the backseat of the metro bus. The bus stops moving and i hear a loud siren. I figured it was the regular end-of-month tornado drill, boy was I wrong. The sky opened up and the sound of explosions filled the air. The ringing wouldn't leave my ears as I stumbled through the rubble searching for Leo. \"LEO!\" \"Where are you?\" In the dusty area around me I heard the familiar click-clack of his feet. I felt his tongue lick my hand. \"We have to get out of here.\" Leo and I left the city in a bashed up Ford Escape. We found ourselves in the country. The wind nearly pushed the car over as we climbed the road up the mountain. We reached the top only to find a crater the size of Keflavik. As I stared into the crater a bark rang out against the mountainous rock and a shout followed. I turned to see Leo clamping his jaw down on a man who looked very familiar. \"Pabbi?\" I called Leo off and ran to my fathers side. The wound wasn't very deep considering the overalls my dad wears to work. I helped him into the car and we decided to travel to the main city to see if we could find any useful information. The drive was relatively uneventful aside from the usual crater. We reached the main city only to find rubble upon rubble. We looked everywhere for survivors but saw no one. That's when we found you guys. As Hallur said this the sky opened once more and the heavens rained fire. Hallur, Leo, and his dad left the area in search of other survivors. Only to find out Iceland was no more. ", "The night was quiet, no gunshots so far, I said 'Alrights kids, who want to set up a little campfire and cook some meat?'' the kids celebrated, is not every day we get to have a campfire outside and cook something over it.\n\nThe fire was stable and the kids were already eating, most were eating some meat we got form a stray cow I shot in the morning, since it was winter they got cozy around the fire, it felt good to be all around like this, Carlos comes to the fire where I am with the kids, and he says ''Heeey, can I join you guys? You all seem quite comfy'' his son moves to where he is sitting down and sits on his lap, ''So...how did it went down?'' that was Jennifer, one my mates' daughters, she's 13, one of the oldest kids, she's a smart one. ''So, I guess you guys have the right to be informed, we never really told you...'' ''Do you wanna start?'' Carlos said ''Yeah, I'll start''. \n\n''I was sitting down watching the new with my mom and dad, eating supper, I always thought the anchorwoman for that one news program was cute, anyway, so she started looking outside of the frame, and a man from the staff wearing a headset comes into the frame gives her a printed sheet of paper, her eye widened, she turned with a serious expression to the camera and my dad said ''Some nasty shit happened, tied to the things they brought out of the lake in Russia, I bet'' he said with confindence, he is almost always right, so she starts speaking ''We've received news that, in the last 48 hours, an outbreak of a virus discovered in Lake Baikal in the Russian Federation occured, infecting hundreds and then killing them, it is said to be extremely infectious and deadly, it's spread through bodily fluids, including but not limited to: blood, saliva, semen, cerebrospinal liquid, etc. the russian authorities say you should avoid all contact with the infected'' from then on, it continued to spread and spread and spread, sooner than I thought, or would be comfortable with, I was pciking up a rifle from the ground and firing at a group of 3 infected, the missiles came down, the Americans said they were ''helping'' giving military aid, it just literally destroyed entire blocks and was very ineffective, in general, a fucking shitstorm...'' Carlo kept quiet, said he didn't have anything else to say, that I said everything, the night ended smoothly.", "Last day + 53 years\n\nAs he rounded the fire he whispers to the young woman next to him, \"call the children together, there is something I must tell them.\"\n\nShe protests, \"It is late, you are tired, you can tell them in the morning.\"\n\nHis fingers gently brush a banner, purple with a large bird of prey on it.\n\"No. The way before me is short, and my hunt is almost over.\"\n\n\"You mustn't talk like that...\"\n\n\"Like what? The truth? Call the children to the fire. Now.\"\n\nAfter the young ones of the tribe had assembled he began. \n\n\"You have all seen the great hollow mountain, the wasteland, and the flat topped hill. Some of you may have heard how they came to be there. And how we came to be here like this.\n\nI was but a child not much older than some of you when my three older sisters went out on the hunt. Our clan, the Hunting Birds, had gotten tired of the prey here and decided to practice on some new prey. A prey we thought was unworthy. A weak species that would try to talk and trade their way out of problems and seemed to avoid conflict with others. When we heard these others were attacking these Humans we decided to take advantage of the situation.\"\n\nThe old man noted with some glee how the children shuddered at the word \"human\". \n\n\"My clan boarded dozens of great starships and traveled out beyond our kind's three colony worlds. Yes, our people did not always live in hovels, we traveled the stars. These huntresses, hunts-mistresses, and hunts-masters, hundreds of them landed on the human colony of Zealand and hunted in their largest settlement, New Auckland. At first they thought the humans would be easy prey, unworthy prey, they were wrong. After the humans began fighting back, our clansmates left and came home.\"\n\nHe paused for a moment, his breath labored and tired.\n\n\"My sisters brought such amazing trophies back, skulls and skins and bones. One cousin had stitched a fur cloak as a trophy. While another had ground up one of their companion animals, something called a schnauzer, and used it to stuff the hide of the one of the prey's milk-fed young. Such were the great trophies they took.\"\n\nHe noted the almost gleeful looks on the faces before him.\n\n\"In the days leading up to the presentation ceremony when huntresses would present their trophies in order to attract a husband, we began to hear things. The humans had attacked our three colonies. They killed everyone. Then on the day before the ceremony the battle happened. I remember you could see the explosions even in daylight. Took about 3 hours but our home fleet was no more. Then the occupation happened. They enslaved us. Not to work for them or to build for them or to dig the ground for ore. No, they had us destroy our works, demolish our buildings, and bury our civilization underground.\"\n\nHe paused, took a deep breath, the next would be the hardest part.\n\n\"Then they humiliated us. They destroyed all of our banners and replaced them. What they replace them with was an abomination. Our proud hunting bird like you see behind me was replaced with a small, hairy, long beaked bug eater, the kiwi. We had to call it the great kiwi and worship it, everyday. Every seven days some of our people were forced to fight dressed as those things. They would be killed afterwards.\"\n\nHe noted the horror on the faces across the fire, \"good\" he thought.\n\n\"He blasted the mountain and used the rubble to cover our capital city. They burned every book, banner, and piece of paper they could find. Rather than burn our dead they buried them in waste pits so they could not rejoin the great cycle. But the one thing I'll never forget is my father. A human held a gun to my head and made him walk in a building and blow it up. I'll always remember and so should you. Remember, prey can be deceitful, what you think is unworthy prey maybe prey you are unworthy of.\"\n\nThat night his hunt ended, he rejoined the cycle.\n\n~~~~~~~~~~\n\nLast day + 783 years\n\n\"Call the children around I wish to tell them a story.\"\n\n\"It's been a long day, they are tired and need sleep.\"\n\nThe elder put his elbows against his sides and splayed his 7 fingered hands palms out. A sign which said, \"give up, you won't win\"\n\n\"I'm telling the story, they can hear it by the fire or while they are faking sleep.\"\n\nAfter the children and most of the adults settled in around the flames the elder started:\n\"There once was a great city surrounded by blessed lands. In that city lived huntresses so pure of heart, so great at hunting, they had no equal. They prey of the lands surrounding the city would bow to them as if to ask to be taken by these huntresses. This caused the huntresses to become bored and seek new prey. They heard of lands out beyond the three islands of our kin and decided to hunt there. So they boarded great ships and sailed with the wind at their backs to this foreign land. There they found the great demons, the Kwee. They fought the Kwee and escaped the Kwee and sailed back to their great city. But the Kwee followed. The Kwee found the three islands of our kin and sunk the islands beneath the dark waves. The Kwee then attacked the city and leveled it. And as quickly as they came, they left, but the huntresses had learned a lesson. Never underestimate prey, be careful in your travels, least your prey turn on you. Most importantly, your ultimate hunt is one of your own shortcomings. \nAlways remember that\"\n\n~~~~~~~~~~\n\nLast day + 1,472 years\n\n\"Ok class, hopefully every has enjoyed this presentation on the last archaeological dig at the old city site. Does anyone have any questions for our guest speaker?\"\n\nA hand shoots up.\n\n\"Yes?\"\n\n\"Have you figured out what happened, why the city was buried?\"\n\n\"Not exactly. We think there may have been an earth quake or flood and this caused a disease outbreak. We suspect this because of the mass graves. Then they may have buried to city to contain the disease. But they were a primitive people who left no written records so we can't be sure. Next question...\"\n\n\"Have you personally found anything really interesting during the dig?\"\n\n\"Funny you should ask, look at this\"\nShe reaches into a satchel and produces a small purple banner embroidered in gold. Does any recognize the iconography on this cloth?\"\n\nSeveral voice chime in unison: \"the Kwee!\"\n\n\"Yes. This banner is over 1,400 years old. We think it was from the time of the fall. This maybe the oldest reference to the story of the Kwee. Who knows that story?\"\n\nA child stands up and begins speaking, \"There was a huntress out hunting one day without any luck when she spies a small creature she had never seen before, the Kwee. Not knowing the Kwee's power and not wanting to go home empty handed, she attacks. But she had misjudged the Kwee and they fought for hours until the huntress got away. As she ran, she happened upon a cluster of three villages and sought to rest and tend her wounds. But the Kwee had followed her. As she ran the Kwee laid waste to the villages. Shortly after arriving home the Kwee appeared and began attacking. She tried to fight but realized she was outmatched. So she surrendered and the Kwee stopped attacking. She realized, never underestimate your challenges and never overestimate your abilities.\"\n\n\"Yes, this is a lesson we should all remember.\"\n\n~~~~~~~~~~\n\nLast day + 2,847\n\nWhy was he staring like that? It was a quizzical almost puzzled look, like he was seeing something he didn't quite understand. This made the man in the red collared shirt uncomfortable. He looked down and smoothed the patches of speckled fur on both sides of his face. As he glanced back up he noticed the human still studying him intently. This meeting could not be allowed to go wrong. His species had just gotten into deep space when these \"humans\" showed up. This was their opening to the galaxy. It can't go wrong. he shuffled through some papers and pulled out one, a poem, almost a prayer, with a picture of a small flightless bird on it. As he splayed the seven fingers of his hand over the picture he began to silently recite a poem which gave him wisdom and calm. The Ode of the Kwee.\n\n\"Deep in thought?\"\n\n\"Huh?\"\n\n\"You have a thousand mile stare. You alright?\"\n\n\"Yeah, it's just that, you see that guy wearing the shirt with the red collar? There is something about him that is just.... wait a minute.\"\n\nHe pulls out a thin computer about the size of a sheet of paper and scrolls through it.\n\n\"There! Look! It's uncanny!\"\n\n\"Wow. They look like the same guy.\"\n\n\"They can't be. I took this picture over 2,800 years ago.\"\n\n\"We discovered longevity treatments, maybe they had also.\"\n\n\"No! No! No! I know for a fact the one in this photo is dead. He was on a demolition crew I ran. When I took this photo, I was holding a gun to his daughter's head.\"\n\n\"I forgot you were in the occupation.\"\n\n\"Residents of our world were given priority in that matter.\"\n\n\"Have you ever been back to New Auckland?\"\n\n\"Once. About 25 years later. My second wife made me take our children to see it. She said it would help them understand my nightmares. So I showed them the graves of my first wife and our son. I love my second wife and our children but when I lost my first family, my world ended. I will always remember them.\"\n\nEdit 1: formatting (sorry first time here)\n\nEdit 2: again formatting (again first time posting)\n" ]	4
	[WP] A black market doctor relies on an expert taster (a "blood Sommelier") to taste the blood of his patients to quickly assess illnesses and psychological conditions.	[ "\"Light, yet robust. 1931, a good year.\"\n\nThe doctor tapped at his chair impatiently. \"Yes, yes, that's great and all. Now can we get on with the diagnosis?\"\n\nThe thin man in the dark suit took one more sniff of the dark liquid and slowly swirled the wine glass in his hand. \"Oh Artie, you can't rush art.\"\n\nArthur rolled his eyes. The Count was good, and he knew it. With one vial of blood, the Count would provide an accurate description of a patient's medical history and psychological conditions. \n\nOf course, it was not without controversy. The Count may appear to be an esteemed gentleman, but he smelled of black magic. There were whispers of how the man made deals with demons and of screams that emanated from his house at night. Still, he was great with diagnoses. The Count was thus Arthur's best kept secret, and the doctor preferred to keep it that way.\n\nThe Count took a lingering sip from his glass. He made a wry smile, and sat in front of his gold-plated desk. With a slow movement, he picked up his feather pen, dipped it in the ink, and slyly looked over the doctor. \n\n\"Let the concerto begin.\" \n\nOne more sip, and the Count placed his pen on the paper. His expression quickly changed. His eyes were filled with a demonic fire as he began scribbling. A cruel smile formed on his lips as the room began to feel hot and heavy. He wrote furiously, stopping only to take another sip of blood or to dip his pen in ink.\n\nArthur looked on, fascinated despite seeing the performance for the nth time. He wondered if the Count would know if the apothecary down the street would have the right concoction for this one-\n\n\"Of course they would, dear Artie,\" said the thin man, interrupting Arthur's thoughts. The room had lost its heat, and the Count had reverted back to his old smiling self. He licked his lips as he gently placed his empty glass down and handed the doctor the paper.\n\nArthur looked at the writing, gasped a little, and nodded. \n\n\"Thank you for the good work, as usual. I'll head over to Giles' right now.\"\n\nThe doctor took 3 dark vials out of his coat pocket and handed it to the Count, who took them with a smile. With a quick nod, Arthur walked out the door and into the night.\n\nThe Count walked over to the record player, and the first notes of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake played through the room. He took one of Arthur's vials, poured its contents in a fresh glass, and sat down on his leather chair.\n\n\"1931 was a very good year indeed.\"", "A calloused hand grabbed a white-clad wrist, stopping a syringe in place. It was a large syringe. \"What's in that needle?\" an old man asked. He sat on a military-surplus cot in a poorly lit room in a vacant building in that part of the city where people never go unless they're desperate for something.\n\n\"Nothing's in it yet,\" the holder of the syringe said. The people of this neighborhood knew him as \"the Doctor,\" or \"Doc,\" because he was the only person claiming to be one who would even look at them, let alone treat them. His real name, they didn't know; where he got his degree, or if he even had one, they didn't care. \"But you know the rules. I can't treat anyone unless I get a blood test.\"\n\n\"I don't need no test,\" the patient said. \"My stomach hurts. You gotta give me pills for it.\"\n\n\"You'll get yours when I get mine,\" the Doctor said, and without waiting for a response, he sank the needle into his patient's arm. The barrel of the syringe filled with dark blood; the Doctor withdrew the needle, and tossed his patient a small rag. \"I'll take this into the back for testing. You wait here.\" The Doctor left through an unmarked door in the darkest corner of the room, shutting it almost-closed behind him.\n\nThe patient, of course, immediately hopped off of the cot to peer through the crack in the door. He was not a sophisticated man; where a real medical laboratory would have had specialized diagnostic equipment, he had expected test tubes, beakers, and colored liquid. He saw neither - only the Doctor and another man, who despite the darkness of his surroundings, wore sunglasses. The stranger was clad entirely in black, and dressed somewhat formally, though his clothes were outdated and rather tattered. He held a stem glass, into which the Doctor decanted the contents of his needle. \n\nThe Man in Black swished the blood around the bottom of the glass and took a delicate sniff. \"A nineteen fifty-two vintage. A few generations removed from its native soil, but I detect the rich, hearty flavors of Yoruba and Igbo stock...and a hint of Natchez blended in.\" He took a sip. \"It's been stored poorly, I'm afraid.\"\n\n\"The patient complains of abdominal pain,\" the Doctor said.\n\nThe Man in Black merely grinned. It was a grin that sent shivers through the bones of the spying patient. \"I'm sure he does. There's a sourness here, a definite taint. Pills won't help this one, I'm afraid. It's his appendix, and it's bad. He'll need surgery.\"\n\nThe patient threw open the door. \"You ain't cuttin' into me,\" he growled. \"I ain't lying down for you to cut into me with your knives. Just gimme some pills.\"\n\nThe Doctor sighed. \"Every day. Every _goddamned_ day. Do you mind?\"\n\nThe Man in Black nodded. \"Of course.\" He removed his sunglasses and fixed the patient with a glare that locked his mind in a tiny box and buried it. The patient flopped to the cold concrete floor like a sack of wet pasta. \"You remember the additional fees for surgical assistance, of course.\"\n\nThe Doctor manhandled the patient onto a stainless steel table that had seen better days, and exposed his belly. He withdrew an old but quite functional scalpel from a beaker of alcohol and burned the excess off with a cheap paper match, and lit a cigarette off of the burning scalpel. He said, \"I'd damn well better find an inflamed appendix in there.\"\n\n\"You think I would stoop to fraud?\" the Man in Black said. \"I'm hurt.\"\n\n\"Lighten up,\" the Doctor said as he began to cut into soft, flabby flesh. \"As long as they can walk out afterward, it's all the same to me how much you take from them.\"" ]	2
Decided I'd keep it open-ended, so it can be anyone you'd like!	[WP] The aliens are unable to understand that Earth is split into different sections, all of which have different leaders. They ask to see our grand leader, to which a voice chimes up: "That would be me."	[ "\"That would be me. Here, I'm Donald Trump. I'm big-league excited to welcome you aliens, trust me. I have the best foods, the best women, the best country, believe me, I know. I would like to offer you a stay in one of my Trump hotels, for the low, low price of--\"\n\nUnamused, the blue skinned humanoid waved an apendage, turning him from a figurative sack of shit to a literal one.\n\n\"We are not pleased by this creature. Bring us your true Grand Leader.\"\n\nWithin a few hours, Kim Jong-Un has landed on a private air base, and is ushered toward the blue people. \"Hello, I am Kim Jong-Un. I am the leader of glorious North Korea. Would you like cake? Pie? Cupcake? Mini pie?\" At each word, an aid to the man, probably a body guard, offers the sweet treats.\n\nTaking a single bite of a cupcake, the alien begins screeching, spitting chunks of it across the room. With another wave, this man and his associates are turned into a pile of stale cupcakes.\n\nA young woman, dressed in a ratty hoodie, jeans, and beat up Chuck Taylor's, steps forward. \"I am the being tasked with protecting this planet, but I am no leader.\" Pulling back the hood, bright red hair, glowing with light and heat, floats around her head. \"They call me the Loathern.was\n\nA look of grave terror warps the face of the blue man, who stumbles backwards. \"The... Loathern? I thought you were a myth.\" His gestures have no effect on her, other than to add what look like stickers to her clothing. He screams, scrabbling backwards, then running. \"Prepare the ship! Prepare the ship!\" he screams, his legs, all 4 of them, scrabbling like a cartoon.\n\nThe Loathern strolls casually, a string of fire appearing in her hand. As she spins it, it lengthens into a whip, then slaps down, burning a single stroke into the alien's back. With another quick stroke, an L shape appears.\n\n\"To remember me by.\"\n\nShe blows a kiss to the rapidly retreating man, dripping purple blood, then waves her fingers at him when he dares to look back. \"Toodlepip, fucker.\"" ]	1
	[WP] Your super power is to spontaneously create balloons.	[ "Barūn watched the news, grinning between her bites of cheap ramen. Yet another body found. Kirakira would be pleased. Piero had been pushing them to get the jobs done and now they were certain he would be proud. His little girls, all grown up and using their powers for the good of--\n\nWell Barun had never really understood what the good was. She didn't grow up with constant happiness. She felt it made her realistic, but maybe she was fucked up. Still, Peiro was her 'father' and that was all that mattered. She didn't have to work in the redlight district, didn't have to worry about yakuza. Or whatever anime said girls should worry about, thugs and men touching them wrong. \n\nxxx\n\nKirakira was shaking Barun awake, her hands firmly grasping her side. \n\n\"Piero...\" \n\nThere was a big gap between the girls. Kirakira was not Japanese, and it showed. Just like Barun would never pass for anything more than half. Neither had grown up on the island and neither really wanted to stay longer than they were needed. Each wanted to return home with their money, their training, and their reward. \n\nBut one thing Barun understood was the panic in Kirakira's voice. \"Piero... not...\" \n\nThe door slammed open and Piero stood in the hall. \"Balloons! That is how you have been killing them? With fucking balloons?\" \n\nBarun scrambled out of bed. Kirakira moved to the side, her hands sparkling. She didn't know what to do, she was weak against Piero. Weak against his pale face and red lips. He looked like he had just murdered someone. \n\n\"You said you wanted them dead...\" \n\n\"Your power is useless to me!\" Piero said. \n\nBarun felt angry, her hands clenching at her side. \"You're the one who wanted the clown theme, asshole. You asked for circus freaks!\" " ]	1
	[WP] Aliens have invaded Earth, but they're not interested in conquering. They're just trying to find somewhere to fit in.	[ "The aliens landed in Cleveland, Ohio and no one really noticed. It's not that no one wouldn't usually have noticed it's just that they're 5'7\"-5'8\" tall and a good 190lbs with round nearly spheroid bodies so they looked somewhat similar to the human inhabitants there, if you leave out their antennae and pale grey skin (the aliens' that is). \n\nOnce their ships started coming down in other cities is when the trouble started in earnest. Sure their technology was marvelous and they were benevolent. They pleaded from the start that they could stay and help humanity out. The human leaders of Earth decided to conference but the aliens had to stay behind hermetically sealed plexiglass containers while their fate was being decided. The meeting was being held on one of the islands the Chinese built in the Pacific. It was about the furthest all of the world leaders could find and the Chinese were happy to oblige. You see, the problem with these happy benevolent yet obviously unwelcome guests was is that their sweat glands emit a heavy sulfur gas compound like nothing humanity had ever seen. They stank to high heaven. It's also why no one in Cleveland noticed at first because that place stinks like bad breath, rotting garbage, and rusted tears. Ultimately the leaders of Earth decided that it would be best if they part ways but that we would trade aerosol technology for their warp drive. They agreed and the aliens left but on the way out they vented their ships' atmospheres globally (like releasing ballast) and the whole world was sickened for months but we finally could reach the stars." ]	1
	[WP] "I know why you're here. I'm going to stop you." "You seek to prevent the destruction of your world? A noble cause, but, ultimately, a futile one." "No. I'm going to stop you."	[ "\"So this is your secret quest.\" \n\nFootsteps echoed in the chamber, drawing closer to him, to the vast, glowing root growing out of the abyssal pit. He turned, placing a hand on the hilt of his sword.\n\nShe emerged from the dark tunnel. Of course it was her. \n\nHer face was paled out by the pale blue glow of the root. Her eyes were dark and shadowed. Her crystal foci was firmly wrapped around her wrist, the leather ribbons creaking as she stepped forward. \n\n\"Variant.\" \n\n\"Venn.\" A pause. She tilted her head, looking at him intently. \"Is it really you? Standing here in this place? Destroying the world?\" \n\nHe tilted his head and smiled at her. \"It's me.\" he nodded, \"This was the secret quest I told you I needed to go on.\" he paused, smile fading slightly, \"I liked travelling with you across these lands.\" \n\nAn arc of black lightning arced from her hand. Visibly, she steeled herself, her features going blank.\n\n\"Why?\" \n\nHe blinked. \"Does it matter?\" \n\n\"Yes. It matters.\" she said tightly, \"It matters, Venn. We travelled together for months. You helped me hunt down my father. You saved that settlement at Elim. Wasn't that worth anything?\" \n\nHe hesitated, \"I don't know. I just...did those things because it made you smile.\" \n\n\"I won't be smiling if you destroy the world.\" she said tightly. \n\n\"I'm sorry then.\" he said, \"But I have to do this. I'm tired, you see.\" \n\n\"Tired?\"\n\n\"Of existing.\" he clarified. A short chuckle escaped him and he walked towards the root, keeping her in view. \"You've forgotten. You never remember.\" \n\nShe frowned, puzzled. \"Remember what?\" \n\nHe hesitated, \"This has all happened before. Our world is stuck in a loop. I've lived so many times before. I'm tired. I'm really tired of this world, of forgetting and trying to remember to be human.\"\n\nShe stared at him. \"I thought you were kidding with all that crazy talk you kept spouting wherever we went. I thought it was some kind of ruse to get people to underestimate you.\" \n\nShe grit her teeth. \n\n\"I thought you were...a good person.\" \n\nHe looked at her. The edge of his sword grew translucent as he shifted it very slightly, sliding into the skin of reality with a sound like static. \n\n\"You'll die if you fight me.\" he said softly. \n\nShe stepped slowly towards him. \n\n\"Not if I stop you first.\" " ]	1
	[WP] The sirens blare and the ground shakes. The world is ending like the scientists predicted. You are one of those scientists. You and your dog ru. Away to find a place to wait out the worst of it.	[ "\"Jesus, Jen.\" A man in a suit said as he leaned back in his chair, \"How did we let that one get by us undetected?\"\n\n\"I can't tell you, Tim. We were all as surprised as you were.\" The woman responded after a moment, having been distracted by the tree's fluttering leaves in the wind. This really was a lovely cafe.\n\n\"Did your boys have to go ham like that?\" Tim leveled his gaze on Jen, an unamused expression about his face.\n\n\"[My Q boys?](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/6g6ax4/wp_write_a_horror_story_that_takes_place_in_a/dio3qvd/) What did you expect?\" Jen hid her grin by taking a sip from her cocktail, \"They clean stuff up and make the illogical seem the most logical.\" She laughed, \"I mean- really! Compared to what it really was, it is more sane and logical.\"\n\nTim gave Jen a blank stare, then took a large bite from his burger. \"Still,\" He said as he chewed and swallowed, \"The President having a mental break, shooting some of his own Secret Service agents and aides in the process of sending that broadcast, then being subdued and set for mental evaluation?\" He shook his head then laughed, \"Your boys are creative if nothing else. As for the...\" Tim trailed off.\n\n\"Contained and secured. I have the best delivery boys! The greatest!\" Jen sipped at her cocktail again, \"It really is a beautiful day.\"", "We finished the calculations and - much to my horror yet the intrigue of the other scientists - we had been correct with our hypothesis that the Earth was fast approaching an event that could wipe humanity out or back to the stone age at best. The other scientists wanted to keep the information to ourselves to reduce the pandemonium and get ourselves to safety without having to worry about riots and robberies.\n\n\"We can't just leave billions of people to die. We have to accept the consequences and inform the people. This is how science has always been and must continue to be.\"\n\nThey looked less than approving, to say the least. At least Ru, my loyal Siberian Husky, gave me his usual pant and grin. But my wonderful staff of six, scared of some earthquakes and murderous humans after all we'd learned. Without waiting for an answer I sent the announcement, and the sirens began their song off in the distance. Ru raised his ears and appeared a bit alarmed himself by that, but had no time to be attentive to that. I looked upon the men and women I'd worked so closely with over the last year.\n\n\"When we first discovered the possibility of an existential threat to humanity, I had a shelter built near my home. If we get there, we should be able to wait out the worst and help rebuild society when the earthquakes and volcano eruptions subside. You are all welcome to join me if you choose, but we must leave now.\" Betty was the first to step forward. Following him was Eugene and Jessica, two of my brightest young minds. The others - Paul, Allen and Jack - stayed in a group and spoke amongst themselves.\n\n\"We've decided to stay here. We insist you not take any of the supplies here and leave immediately.\" Jack demanded as he glared at me.\n\n\"That isn't an option, Jack. You will all die if you stay here.\" I regarded. It was true, if they stayed they'd be amongst the first to die. It might not be a pleasant death, either. If the earthquake didn't bring the building to the ground immediately, taking them with it, they may be subject to extreme chemical exposure.\n\nJack shook his head and pulled a gun from behind his back. How'd he even get that in here? \"I wasn't asking. This place belongs to us now, and you were just leaving.\"\n\nRaising my hands, I motioned the others to follow me out the door. \"You're sure about this?\" I directed at Jack. \"Their blood will be on your hands.\"\n\nI can tell he wanted to pull the trigger, but he resisted. \"Get out.\" And we did.\n\nTogether, we made our way to the parking lot. \"You made the right decision coming with me. We'll stay alive if we just use our heads instead of our instincts. That will get us killed.\"\n\nWe reached my car and got in. He picked the middle seat in the front as he so often does. \"According to our calculations, we've got five minutes before the first quake strikes.\" Jessica informed us.\n\n\"Have we got an estimate on the location?\" I asked as I reversed the car and drove out of the complex. The looting had already begun, I could see fires off to the distance and gunshots in the distance. Ru hates the sound of gunshots. I thought, but he seemed less than enthused.\n\n\"Yeah, somewhere East. I'll get exact coordinates in just a minute.\" She said, furiously clicking and typing on her laptop.\n\n\"In the meantime, we need to locate a few gunshops that might have less attention drawn to them. At this rate, we'll be on the road for two hours or more to get back, considering all these cars blocking the way.\" I maneuvered through a blockade of cars in front of us.\n\n\"29th and Commerce. It's in a secluded area, and the owners a good friend. If he's still there, he'll help us.\" Eugene informed me.\n\nThat was rather convenient, thanks Eugene the Plot Armor.\n\n\"Great, the more the merrier, I say. Got anything yet, Jess?\"\n\n\"Sorry, I do. Not looking good, it could strike somewhere in northern Illinois, maybe southern Wisconsin.\"\n\n\"Shit.\" There were several nuclear reactors in that vicinity. If they're hit, all bets off on how long before society begins to crumble. \"What's the ETA?\"\n\n\"Now.\" She said with a bleek expression. \"I found a feed on YouTube. It's bad, at least 6 nuclear facilities have been hit and are beginning to meltdown. The crews have virtually no chance of escaping alive, and have sworn to instead keep the reactor from melting down for as long as they can.\"\n\n\"Christ.\" I could see the gunshop ahead. \"Estimates on strength?\"\n\n\"It's off the charts.\" I looked back at her and she knew that wasn't descriptive enough. \"If I had to guess, 10.5? Maybe higher, I've never seen anything like this.\" She showed Eugene before handing the laptop to Betty in the front seat. I eyeballed the screen, the ground had split open to create a crack that I guessed was around a mile long and a hundred or so feet wide. This is in just five minutes.\n\nUnfortunately, I had my own problems to deal with. I entered the gunshop's parking lot and parked next to the only other car there. \"Is that his car, Eugene?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\nAnd three men exited the store, armed and not exactly appearing to want to hold hands and sing kumbaya. Ru perked his head up and growled, letting me know these guys weren't to be messed with. They approached my window and tapped on it. I know I should have backed the hell out of there the second Eugene said no, but we needed these guns.\n\n\"What do you want?\" The largest of the three men said.\n\nI looked at him, then at Ru, and then back at him. \"I'd like to make a trade.\"\n\n---\n\nHey, if you thought that was kinda cool, maybe you'll like my other stories on my [subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Layne_Staley/). Thanks for reading!" ]	2
	[WP] A group of friends start playing Would You Rather. The game ends horrifically when they actually start doing the things they would rather do.	[ "As each of the guests arrived at Dave's house, they were informed that the game this month was \"Would You Rather.\" They were each handed two index cards and instructed to write their name and a question on each one. \n\nA little after eight, Dave and his nine guests gathered downstairs in the game room. \"OK,\" he began, \"just to make things fair, we're going to take turns in alphabetical order. I've put all your cards in this drum, I'm going to spin it twice and pull out a card. If it's your turn and your question, you must do whichever option I pick, no matter which one you would rather do.\" The mood in the room took a turn, as some of his guests thought about what they had written down. \"Hey, my house, my rules. You walked in here, you agreed to play the game, no matter what. You can't back out now.\"\n\nHe cranked the handle on the drum a couple times and continued as he reached in for a card. \"OK, Amanda, you're first. Would you rather eat a single habanero pepper or ten pounds of jalapeño peppers? Looks like you lucked out, Jason. I wouldn't want to have to do either one of those.\"\n\n\"Jalapeños, I guess,\" she responded.\n\n\"Okay, Bonnie, your turn. Would you rather be permanently blind or permanently deaf? Good one, Mike.\"\n\n\"Oh, wow, that's tough. I guess deaf. I can't give up watching the sunrise.\"\n\n\"Good. Carlos, your turn. Your question, too. Would you rather be stuck in a haunted house or a mental institution for the rest of your life? That's weak, dude. Haunted house. See ya.\" Carlos disappeared in a puff of smoke, and some of Dave's guests started to panic. \"Oh, just relax, it's only a game, right? At least, that's what they told me growing up. Play by the rules, they said. Well, now, I make the rules.\"\n\nChrissy was next. \"Would you rather have a horrible job and be able to retire comfortably in 15 years or have your dream job but have to live paycheck to paycheck until the day you die?\"\n\n\"I'd almost kill for a job I like, are you kidding? That's easy.\" \n\nDave laughed sharply and said, \"Well, Jason, looks like you're off the hook. Both your questions already? I'm sorta disappointed.\" He walked to the other side of the room and opened a cabinet, revealing a video monitor. \"Let's check on Carlos, shall we?\" A set of black-and-white camera feeds appeared on screen. Dave stared at them for a moment before touching the center of the display. The feed, now full-screen, was from a foyer or sitting room. Carlos was curled up on one of the antique chairs, an expression of sheer terror frozen on his face.\n\nAfter about a minute, Jason hesitantly asked, \"Is he okay?\"\n\nDave laughed cruelly. \"He'll never be afraid of anything again. And you people will use the expression 'scared to death' a lot more carefully from now on.\" He glanced around, his grin becoming more sinister. \"Shall we continue? Jason, I'm going to skip you since I already asked both your questions. Julia, would you rather know when you're going to die or how you're going to die? Interesting. Let me answer your question for you. You're going to die the same way Carlos did. When? I'm not exactly sure.\"\n\nJulia disappeared in a puff of smoke, just as Carlos had, and within seconds she appeared on the camera feed right next to Carlos and the chair. Even though there was no audio, the remaining guests watched her scream just before Dave shut off the monitor. \"If anyone wants to see how she's doing, let me know. Mike, you're next. You know, I love that all of a sudden you guys are getting your own questions. Would you rather drown or suffocate?\" Dave walked past Mike and opened a cabinet, revealing a single gas mask.\n\nMike stood angrily. \"Wait, man, that's not even my question! I didn't write that down.\"\n\nDave showed him the card and calmly countered, \"Is this or is this not your handwriting? And is this or is this not your name?\" He slipped the gas mask over his head and tightened the straps. He reached back into the cabinet where the mask had been and opened a valve.\n\nAs he made his way toward the stairs, he yelled through the mask as best as he could, \"You know, Jason, you should've walked out as soon as your second question came up. Shame that you lost your chance.\" The door locked behind him as he left the game room...at least until next month. \n\nEDIT: Missed a critical change in continuity and reworked the end slightly." ]	1
	[WP] You are an immortal who fell down a well 400 years ago. Until now, everyone just thought you were a magical well--until you managed to convince someone to help you back out.	[ "Being in a fucking well for 400 years was EXTREMELY shitty. As in, I may have gone a little a bit crazy for a while. Started telling people to throw me coins so I could grant wishes and shit. No clue what I was thinking, but hey, I'm out of the well, I'm past that, it was a low point in my unusually long life. The first thing I did when I got out was learn how to speak this modern form of English, since the farmer who fund me thought I was an \"illegal immigrant that I should teach to be American.\" What a weirdo. But he helped me, introduced me to modern technology and all that too. I still can't believe how few rights you have know, or that we allow women to vote. But hey, progress, I guess? You all seem happy about it. I've been acclimating, but it's a real culture shock, ya feel? Anyways, now that I'm back, and people no longer believe that I exist, I'm looking forward to wreaking some havoc. I'm still not sure what happened to the other gods. We lost a lot of power during the rise of Christianity, and maybe they all got caught during those World Wars that I somehow missed. SO UNFAIR. But I'll make up for it. Maybe influence a political election, maybe give Russia some ideas. Who knows? All I can tell you is that Ares, the God of War, is back, and better than ever.", "Accidents happen to everybody. Some small like dropping your food or stubbing your toe. We curse such annoyances and move on. Bigger ones are more noticeable such as fire in the grain silo, or breaking a bone. These events can have a lasting impact on your health success and happiness. Over time your odds of some ill happening to you continue to rise until they are a certainty. Fortune is fickle after all. \n\nWhen you live forever they are a seemingly constant hazard. Especially becoming trapped. Such as a glacial age avalanche and becoming frozen in place for a few decades. Waking up to Rome burning around you and having to wait for your burned and crushed form to heal enough to crawl out from under the rubble. Getting mistaken for a plague victim and entombed because its better than being burned at the stake by the local Bishop. All memorable close calls for me. \n\nThe worst though has definitely been this blasted well. Bad enough I fell in the befouled thing on a long trek through a remote area. Aggravatingly it was regarded as cursed and the useless locals all think I'm a spirit. For a while they covered the damn opening, and I hate the dark. Finally though someone different happened by... ", "She spat it all out, the liquid spraying across the well’s bricks and falling to the water down below. A coughing fit took hold of her, and she slammed a fist against her chest, trying to clear her lungs of the foul liquid. \n \n“You WHAT?” she yelled down the well when she was finally able to. “You mean all these years I’ve been coming here, fetching water from this so called ‘magical well’ to bring me longevity, all I’ve really been doing is drinking your piss?” \n \nHe looked up at her as he sat on his usual perch, a natural hole scooped out of the side of the well that had been his makeshift home for the past four hundred years. His bare feet dangled below him, ankle deep in well water. \n \n“I may be immortal,” he called up to her, his voice bouncing off the well’s walls. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t have to take a leak every now and then, my darling.” \n \nHe heard her groan in disgust. “I knew it tasted funny. I knew it!” \n \nHe couldn’t make out her face, only an outline - it has been this way for the twenty years she’d been visiting the well - but he knew she was angry. Usually he would have laughed at her reaction, like he had at his other infrequent visitors over the centuries, but he had recently decided that he was no longer living in a well. He was stuck in one. Had been since the beginning. He’d just been too proud to admit that he couldn’t get out of here alone. \n \n“So what do you say, my lovely?” he asked in a nonchalant tone. “Do we have a deal?” \n \n“A deal?” she shouted down. “You’ve been taking me for a fool all these years, and now that you’ve decided you need my help to get out of there you think I’m just going to agree?” \n \nHe bit back a smart ass remark, taking a deep breath and letting it out before replying, “It’s been working though, hasn’t it? I can assure you my piss is the most potent age elixir out there. You’ll find none better. I swear, women used to call my pecker the Fountain of Youth!” \n \nA rock flew down, hitting the stone next to his head and causing a piece to chip off and hit him in the arm. He cursed. \n \n“You scoundrel!” She screamed down at him. But he knew he was right, because even though he couldn’t make out her face he had noticed no change in her voice over the years. For the last two decades she had not been touched by age. \n \n“I give you my word, fair maiden!” He tried again, struggling to keep the annoyance out of his voice. Or perhaps it was desperation. “If you help me out of here, I will give you enough of my urine to keep you looking young and healthy for well over a century.” \n \nHe waited for a response, but her silhouette had disappeared upon throwing that stone at him. He strained his ears for a sound, any indication that she was still there, but nothing came. Five minutes passed. Then an hour. It was beginning to get dark when he finally accepted the fact that he was probably going to be stuck here for another century or two. That young woman had been his only visitor in decades, and she was probably never going to return now that he had revealed himself.. \n \nHe was beginning to doze off, cramped uncomfortably in his hole, when the sound of something splashing into the water woke him from his sleep. He glanced into the darkness, his eyes just barely able to make out a thick rope dangling in the moonlight. Poking his head out from his hole and glancing up, he saw no one, but wasted no time in grabbing hold of the strong rope and pulling himself up. \n \nIt took him some time to reach the top, but then he finally pulled himself over the lip of the well and collapsed into a heap on the grass below. “Oh, thank the heavens,” he called out, his words laced with both merriment and relief as he rolled onto his back and stared up at the night sky. The grass beneath his body felt good against his skin, the sky appearing vast and endless above him. He couldn’t believe he had finally escaped his prison. \n \n“The heavens?” He recognized the voice and immediately sat up, noticing the woman standing to his right. “You should be thanking me, not them.” \n \nHe couldn’t help but grin even though faced with the woman’s snarkiness again. “I knew you’d come back,” he lied. \n \nShe scoffed as she crossed her arms in front of her chest, raising a pointed chin and staring down a pretty nose at him. “So you are the immortal with the magic piss then?” she asked, raising a dark eyebrow at him. “You’re not exactly what I was expecting.”\n \nHe got to his feet, standing at least a foot taller than her once he straightened his back. Looking down at himself, at his tattered pants and bare chest, he wondered what he must look like after four hundred years spent in a well. “What exactly were you expecting?” he asked her, genuinely curious. \n \nShe didn’t answer, only giving him a good, long once-over with her eyes. When she finally focused on his face again, he realized she wasn’t exactly displeased. “So, the Fountain of Youth, aye?”\n \nHe stood there for a moment, recalling their deal, and then smirked. “Aye, darling. There used to be legends told about it.”\n \nShe let out a sigh as she rolled her eyes. “Oh, I am already regretting this decision,” she mumbled to herself as she turned around. “Come on, then. I suppose you haven’t eaten in awhile.” \n \nHe followed her into the woods, towards the smell of rabbit stew and the promise of a warm fire to sit by. “Did it really taste that bad?” he asked her as the light of their lantern faded between trees. \n \n“I don’t ever want to talk about that again,” she groaned. “Just be glad I didn’t leave you there, immortal.” \n \nAnd he was glad, because four hundred years was a long time to spend alone, even for an immortal.\n", "Sahir was wet.\n \nHis first thought was that he’d soiled his breeches. The wine was pungent and strong. It tasted of sour grapes and oak wood, and put two men to sleep before the party began. It wasn’t the first time he’d drunkenly pissed his pants, and he doubted it would be his last.\n \nThen he looked. He was in a well, smaller than his home but larger than the average. It was dark and smelled of rot. Algae laced its walls, lined with mold, trailed by growth. A smell of urine reached his nose and Sahir thought it to be his. “Where am I?” He said aloud. The well offered no response and echoed instead. A trickle of water dripped down the stones and annoyed him to no end.\n \nIn the well it was neither night nor day. Sahir tracked the passage of time by bucket. Some days it would descend and Sahir would grab on. Each time it broke, and he was left with splinters for reward. At times it would cease and Sahir would sleep, only to be roused by the bucket’s splash.\n \nSahir took to calling for help. His own voice bounced off the stone and pounded against his ears with the force of a thousand drums. “It’s haunted,” the townspeople said. “People drink from that well and die. We must close it off.” \n \nThe well was blocked off with wood slats and plastered mud. Little light shined through and waters became shrouded in shadow. Sahir grew pale without the sun. Though he knew it not, his skin lost its color and shriveled from years of submersion. \n \nSahir drank blood to quench his thirst. He pulled fungus from their perches, seeking to stave off his pangs of hunger. Once, he had been a traveled merchant. He’d gorged on cheese and wine, bathed in mounds of coin. Is my life come to this? Sometimes death seemed preferable to him. But Sahir was too much a coward to take his own life. He often thought of scaling the well, but found no handholds on the stone. Algae growth had made them slick and damp.\n \n“Help,” Sahir told the stone. The stone, as usual, said naught in return.\n \n“I’ll get you out!” A voice rang through the well and Sahir sighed. I’ve lost my mind, he thought. But he grinned; the stone had spoken. \n \nWood scraped and debris fell, splashing against the water like fish in a pond. Sahir covered his head and ducked; he thought it an earthquake. But the voice called out again, fainter this time. “Hey,” it said. “I think I heard someone.”\n \nAnother, gruffer voice responded. “Well get the rope then. Maybe someone fell down the well.”\n \nA rope fell and Sahir gripped it, clutching so his knuckles further whitened. He climbed with inhuman speed; his kicks knocked stone to the murky waters below. Dust fell with his ascent, and worn bricks crumbled as he climbed. \n \nSahir burst from the well beneath a starry sky. Freedom! At last! He felt the wind rush through his long, unkempt hair. It stirred his blood, and he felt the pangs of hunger once more. Food, he thought. I need it. A breeze pressed against his skin and he felt water drip from his flesh. A puddle formed at his feet and he stared. He had become gaunt in isolation; his cheekbones jutted and his jawline squared. His muscles rippled beneath a thin layer of flesh and seemed larger, more defined. Sahir admired them in his reflection and smiled at the bumps along his stomach.\n \n“Hey,” said a girl. Sahir looked over, noticing for the first time two humans standing nearby. “You ok?” The girl asked, then offered a towel.\n \nThe towel was unlike any other cloth Sahir had felt. It was smooth against his skin, and wiped away the water.\n \n“I’m Skye,” the girl said. The man next to her frowned; his graying beard twitched in displeasure, but he forced a grin. It came out more of a grimace.\n \n“Bryson.” The man extended a hand and Sahir backed away. “Bryson” was intimidating. He was fat and reeked of tobacco. Sahir thought of a bear.\n \nSahir shook the proffered hand then glanced to his left. A structure of metal ground against the dirt and shifted. Men in yellow hats ran beneath it with shovels and shouted in some foreign tongue. They took little notice of Skye and Bryson, who stood away from them by the half - ruined well.\n \nHunger wracked Sahir and he bent, clutching his belly. He groaned and and coughed, spitting blood to the ground. Bryson backed away but Skye crept closer. She placed a hand on his back and Sahir felt her pulse beat against his pale flesh.\n \n“Are you alright?” She said. \n \nSahir felt the warmth and lunged. His teeth punctured skin and he drank.\n\n***\n\n/r/Lone_Wolf_Studios \n" ]	4

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