Split (1)

train · 265k rows

post_text stringlengths 0 17.5k	post_title stringlengths 4 315	post_scores int64 0 42.1k	comment_texts list	comment_scores list	comment_times list
[removed]	[WP] All of the planets make sounds like [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQL53eQ0cNA). You have discovered that these sounds are their voices. They are talking to each other. What are they saying?	0	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/MatterCaster, this submission has been removed.\n\n\n- Choosing Prompts Externally: Prompts should not ask users to base responses off titles or content they have to seek out in another subreddit or on an external website. \n\nAvoid simple questions, as they get answers, not stories. \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/9711on/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1534186519", "1534186599" ]
	[WP] No matter how many times you save the day, the public have no interest in you as a superhero due to your lack of tragic backstory. Fed up, you decide to fabricate a backstory, only to realise that all the other superheroes are also lying.	21	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "“What? That’s absolute nonsense, no one is going to believe that!” I crossed my arms across my chest, forehead wrinkled. In front of me stood my newest PR advisor, who was holding a conversation both with me and with someone else on his earpiece. “Look, kid, that’s the stuff people want to hear. You hired me for this. You want to get famous? Nobody gives a shit if you save people – everyone can do that. You just gotta make them pity you. That’s what all the other supers do.” He flipped his wrist over, glancing at his watch. “Eliza should bring you on in five. Be nice, if you can find it in you.” He turned around, briskly exiting the makeup room. \n\nBefore I could decide what I was going to say, I found myself swallowed by a bright pink sofa, opposite a bubbly blonde – Eliza Woods - with bright stage lights blinding me, and at least fourteen cameras on my face. I wrinkled my nose. \n\n“So, Diamond Girl—“ That had also been the PR executive’s idea. “I understand you want to share a little bit about your past. That’s very brave of you to come forward like this,” her voice was light, airy, and reminded me vaguely of a squirrel. \n\n“Right,” I snapped, unconvinced. Eliza looked taken aback. Good. My eye caught my PR advisor frowning at me from behind the curtains. With a dramatic inhale, I proceeded. “Sorry, Eliza, I didn’t mean to be so aggressive. I’ve learned to try to keep people from getting close to me.” I paused. My PR advisor raised an eyebrow, and signalled for me to continue. “It’s a defense mechanism; if I abandon other people, they can’t abandon me,” I responded, words leaving a sour taste on my tongue. Eliza raised her hands to her chest, gasping. I rolled my eyes but, thankfully, she didn’t notice. \n\n“Oh, you poor, poor thing. What happened?” She pressed, eyebrows furrowed into a frown. I can't believe I was doing this. This was not at all moral.\n\n“Well, you see, I grew up with such a happy family. I had two lovely parents, a kind but protective older brother, and a little sister. There was the occasional fight, but we all loved each other so much and would do anything for each other.” I told the truth. No one looked too impressed - this, for them, was just the build-up for the tragedy. Fine. The words came out like sandpaper, scratching my throat, but I continued. \n\n“But, one day, I was driving with them all to go to on a trip in the mountains – we’d been saving up to go for as long as I can remember – when a supervillain, who had been my best friend when I was younger, attacked us. He sent our car veering off to the side of the road. I jumped out of the car, little 14 year old me, and tried to protect them all as best as I could. I’d been a superhero for two years at that point.” Nope. I had turned to being a superhero about 6 months ago. When I was 14, I spent all day playing video games, rotting my brain, and slamming doors. Eliza turned to the audience and elicited a gigantic ‘aww’ from the crowd. It made me feel sick. I turned away. The PR executive said that made me look like I was about to cry. \n\n“But he tortured them in front of my eyes. It was all my fault - I couldn’t protect them. He knew about my identity and, because of it, killed everyone I loved.” Seriously, who believed this shit? An 14 year old superhero against another child super-villain? I glanced around, squinting past the bright lights, and it appeared that most people did. Their faces were all twisted and contorted into expressions that vaguely approximated pity. Like I had been instructed, I grabbed a tissue from the table and pressed it to my eyes. “I never asked for these powers, and all they’ve done is hurt me and the people I love. I wish I didn’t have them but, now, I’ve been using them to hunt the man down ever since, and to protect everyone else so that they never have to go through what I did.” What bullshit that was. Eliza reached forward, and pressed her hand overtop of mine. All instincts screamed at me to rip my hand away, but I resisted. \n\n“It’ll be OK, Diamond Girl.” I nearly burst out laughing. I concealed it as a hiccup of sadness. “I promise all of us are here for you, and we all love you very much.”" ]	[ 1, 4 ]	[ "1534190358", "1534196166" ]
	[WP] A soldier with a different kind of immortality - he possesses the man who kills him.	6	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "It’s a startling experience. No matter how many times I go through it the impact never lessens, the shell shock never seems gentler, and I never ever get used to it. \n\nI’m stabbed. My hands drip with blood. I’m strangled. My muscles shake from the strain of the force I’m generating to cut off circulation. \n\nI’ve never experienced death. The switch happens just in time for me to see the light fading from eyes that used to be mine. I don’t have time to process it – not in the moment – I’m too busy adjusting, and then it’s over, and I’m me again. Just in a different body. \n\nI’m shot. \n\nI’m holding the gun. \n\nA grenade goes off somewhere to my right. In front of me, a row of US soldiers appear over a barricade, all helmets and rifles. One of them is screaming something, but I don’t understand him anymore. Something knocks the air out of me, and the ground rushes upwards, gifting me a mouthful of sand. My rapid heartbeat rises to a crescendo and then evens out. Gunfire resonates in my ears. Someone is shaking me. I finally manage to focus on his face – the man who just saved me from a double switch. \n\nCome out of it! That’s what he’s saying. Yelling, really. You can’t speak and be heard over the chaos around us. \n\n“Āsif,” I apologize, grains of sand crunching between my teeth. “Meš haʿmel kedah tānī.”\n\nHe pats me hard on the back and signals me to the left. I stay in cover and crawl around unseen to try and get the angle on the Americans. \n\nWhen you’ve been alive for as long as I have, petty things like borders and politics and sides in a conflict stop mattering to you. Lives. They are what matter. And I’m taking them in more ways than one. \n\nI never know where the host goes when I end up in a new body. I can’t feel them. Every brain and every muscle feels mine and like it always has been, every thought as certain as the fact that I breathe air. For a while, I entertained the notion that I was alone on earth – the only person truly alive; because even though it was a lonely reality, at least it was one where I wasn’t stealing anything important.\n\nI’m a soldier now. I have been for… damn, I think it’s coming up on a century. I figure if I have to take people’s lives, the least I can do is take the ones that have been freely given. So I take them, and I fight, and they die. It’s not exactly fair, but it’s the best I can do. And maybe, one of these days, I’ll find someone who can kill me – because I sure as hell can’t do it myself.\n\nIt’s less of a blessing, and more like some cosmic fucking joke. I tried shooting myself. The gun jammed. Second time: my finger locked on the trigger and I couldn’t move. Third time: I passed out. I’ve hung myself several times. Again, I pass out. Then I wake up, and find that the rope has split, or whatever I tied it to has collapsed. I tried to drown; I washed up on the shore, coughing water. I’ve tried dropping heavy objects on top of myself. Somehow, they miss. I’ve tried jumping off cliffs, my legs won’t take me over the edge. In the end, no matter how simple or how complex my plan is, it usually defaults to me blacking out before I can go through with it and waking up safe.\n\nI haven’t slept in days. Weeks, maybe. Right now I can’t remember. My hosts are rested, though, so I don’t think it matters. I’ve been burning through them so quickly that I’ve sometimes gone through several a day. So many that I don’t even recall my names. What’s a name, anyway? Especially when you only have it for a few hours. \n\nDusk falls. The fighting stops. My name is Derek Paulson. Has been for a few hours. I walk the battlefield with a few of my brothers in arms, carrying rifles with flashlights and shining them into the faces of dead soldiers, both American and Iraqi. I stop when my light grazes a familiar shape. I kneel down, grab his shoulders and turn him over. He’s still alive. Barely.\n\n“It’s you,” I say, still holding him up. I don’t know why. He doesn’t like me in this body. \n\nHe chokes out a short, bitter sentence in Arabic. I don’t understand it. His teeth are stained with blood. Suddenly, he jerks in my arms, and I feel a cold, sharp pain in my abdomen. A knife. Slowly, excruciatingly, he twists it. What now? He’s dying, and so am I. He looks at me and his eyes change. As the edges of my vision start to go black, I hear a disconnected voice in my head.\n\nThere you are, it says. I’ve been waiting for a chance to speak with you.\n\n\n/////////////\n\nDISCLAIMER: I don’t speak nor write Arabic so apologies if what google provided me with was incorrect. Also I don’t know how modern wars work so I tried to be vague abt that aspect lmao please don’t drag me " ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1534229419", "1534254576" ]
[removed]	[Wp] Write a dark story with a happy twist.	1	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/Iron_209, this submission has been removed.\n\n[No recent reposts, even if changing small details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_5.3A_no_recent_reposts.2C_even_if_changing_small_details)\n\nAlso, no [copy-cats](http://i.imgur.com/38FjDgW.gifv).\n\nSearch before submitting as popular ideas can cause floods. If your idea is based on something you read elsewhere on reddit, chances are it's been submitted here already. Please wait at least 2 weeks before reposting.\n\n \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/976efv/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1534232357", "1534232621" ]
	[WP] The scar that covers you from neck to waist was apparently from your birth. Today you were finally brave enough to go to a massage therapist. The therapist begins to cry, and takes off her shirt too. Your scars fit together like puzzle pieces.	29	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "The wind howled as the red, orange and yellow leaves swirled around the sidewalk in front of me. I walked down the street hanging my head in shame after another failed date. I thought dating apps were supposed to make everything easier? The only thing they have done for me is increase the rate of rejection. Last week was my 30th birthday, I thought I would have a family by now, but I have yet to even get a second date. How pathetic.\n\nI felt a familiar vibration in my pocket and considered whether or not I should even look at it. No one ever texts me, it’s probably just another notification from the dating app, another invitation for rejection. I pull out my phone to look. Turns out it’s just an e-mail confirmation for tomorrow’s massage, figures. I sigh heavily as I walk up the steps to my dark and lonely apartment and then crawl into my bed. Alone.\n\nAs I step out of the shower in the morning I examine my upper body. Disgusting. Maybe it’s part of the reason why my dates always fail so spectacularly, even if things did manage to get to the bedroom, I’m convinced they would end the second my shirt was removed. I quickly covered myself up and headed off to work for the morning.\n\nI couldn’t focus on anything today, I was nervous. No one has seen me without my shirt on since the last gym class I was forced to take in the ninth grade. Even then I tried to change where no one else could see me to avoid the jokes and laughter. Today was my first massage, the shoulder pain was getting to bad for me to ignore any longer, I couldn’t put it off no matter how self-conscious I was. It was finally time to leave, so I packed up my things and headed to my car. So much for getting any work done today.\n\nI was alone in the treatment room after a brief conversation with the therapist. She told me to undress based on my comfort level, do you think she can work on my shoulder without my having to remove my shirt? Knowing the answer is probably no, I decide to try it anyway. I take of my pants and socks, I’m not self-conscious about my lower half, and crawl onto the table and under the blankets. There’s a light knock on the door and I tell her to come in.\n\nI’m alone in the room again. She told me that she can’t work on my shoulder properly while I’m wearing a dress shirt and left the room again so that I can remove it in private. I consider leaving, but the shooting pain in my shoulder convinces me to push through it. I slowly remove my shirt and crawl back onto the table and wait for to enter. Do you think she’ll want to touch me when she sees what’s under the sheet?\n\nShe starts to rub my back and shoulders lightly to get started. At first she is just doing it through the sheet, no big deal, but then she starts to pull it back. Suddenly she stops and starts to trace her fingers across the markings on my skin. I knew it, she’s going to end the massage and then go in the back and make fun of me to all of her co-workers.\n\nSuddenly I feel a drop of wetness touch my back, and then another. I hear a faint rustling and then she tells me to sit up for a moment. Thinking the massage is over, I do what she asks and look into her tear-streaked eyes. Why is she crying? My gaze shifts downwards and I notice she has removed her shirt. I stare at her in shock and disbelief. On her skin I see the same markings that have cursed my entire upper body since the day I was born, the terrible affliction that people have mocked me for and has destroyed my self-confidence. She has what I have, except in reverse, a mirror image. Standing side my side, the markings on our two bodies join together to form a single image. Remarkable.\n\n“Push!” the nurse says to my wife as she screams in pain. “You’re almost there!” I let her squeeze my hand with all of her strength as she pushes one last time we can hear the faint cry of a newborn child. The doctor holds up our beautiful daughter and we hold her for the first time. We smile at each other and look down at the most amazing and wonderful human either of us have ever seen. Markings and all." ]	[ 1, 9 ]	[ "1534251619", "1534259514" ]
[removed]	[WP] the United Kingdom isn't a country, It's 3 different countries in a trench-coat	6	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/Cross_reaps, this submission has been removed.\n\n[Direct prompt replies must be good-faith attempts at new stories or poems](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_1.3A_direct_prompt_replies_must_be_good-faith_attempts_at_new_stories_or_poems)\n\n- Joke Responses / Copypasta: This prompt is phrased like a joke or in such a way that users will reply with jokey comments or copypastas. \n\nPrompts will be removed if there's a high possibility for rule breaking responses ([rule 7](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses))\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/97a7ye/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1534266918", "1534268132" ]
	[WP] “in hindsight killing everyone in the universe was a bad idea.”	6	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "As he sat looking out the cave entrance, he reflected on the past week and everything that he had sacrificed. He had to kill the young woman that he thought of as a daughter, wrought even more destruction to his already devastated home world and now he had a thought that threated to betray him completely. \"Had it all been a mistake?\" The mad titan asked the darkness around him not expecting the response that was returned.\n\n \"Did you truly believe that this heinous, overzealous, downright insane act would make me love you? This time you've gone too far The Tribunal has taken notice. You won't survive what is to come.\" She was, as she always was cloaked in a black robe hiding her face but it could never hide her voluptuous form.\n\n \"I no longer fear such insignificant beings. They can do me no harm. Death, my love, you are the only one that can harm me. It took the erasure of half the universe to bring you to me and yet even now you deny that you love me.\" Thanos felt a surge of power from his left hand. The gauntlet yearned to be used but now he had doubts about how to use it. This would be his downfall. " ]	[ 1, 4 ]	[ "1534306578", "1534307219" ]
	[WP] Every species in the galaxy excelled at something. For Humans, it is cooking. Where even the most pathetic chef on earth would be considered the best chef on another planet. So people like Gordon Ramsey are cooking gods.	15	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Blø’x’ön recalled how thrilled he was to be selected for the interstellar bake off. A proud culinary champion of his race, who had produced wonderful tastes and delightful textures out of the most mundane ingredients. The guy next to him was an obese fry chef, that spat in the deep fryer to check if it was hot enough. The empire of Narbukulon had abducted him from Earth, in an attempt to win this tournament. He was treated like a God on their home planet. A real life pay-to-win. Anything made by a human would at least convince the alien judges. He had covered a stick of butter with dough and had deep-fried it. Nothing more.\n\nBlø’x’ön had worked hard to be here. He had worked his way up from a zero to best chef of Manårakon. He had served Matriarch hive mothers and was even allowed to mate without getting killed! He had put so much effort in this dish that it could not fail. It was considered the pinnacle of haute cuisine on his planet: the Mak’tul arach.\n\nThe human chef went first through the doors to the tasting area. He heard the judges bleeping and gurgling enthusiastically, but one voice stuck out like a sore thumb. “What the fuck is this?” Could it be? “You just dunked a lump of butter in a deep-fryer? You call this cooking? This is at best something I would use to grease gloves to do a cavity search on an airport! Get out of my sight!”\n\nThe fry chef came back in the kitchen. “Was that who I think it was?” The fat guy smiled. “Yup. Gordon Ramsey. Good luck buddy!” Blø’x’öns neck spikes fluttered in anxiety. He was going to serve his food to one of the best!\n\nHe trembled as he presented his pristine Mak’tul arach to the judges. He placed the dishes in front of the judges and skittered back to the X on the floor. The Oeloempfian judge put a tentacle in the plate and oozed instantly over her entire body. A sign of erotic arousal for her kind. One down. Two to go. His neck spines stopped moving. Blø’x’ön relaxed. Next was Xor-xor the feaster. He only served the best of the best in his restaurant. He absorbed the dish through his translucent membrane and spat out an empty plate. A few lumps of mucus stuck to it. A sign of deep respect from an Afuni. “Talk to me after the show. I want to offer you a job.” Blø’x’ön did not believe his receptors. Did he actually defeat a human? Then his gaze turned to Gordon Ramsey.\n\nGordon poked the Mak’tul arach with a fork. A brown puddle with slimy chunks and the smell of rotten eggs. He sighed. “You actually expect me to eat this?”\n\n“Well… I am accustomed with many interracial protocols. But humans have left me somewhat confused from time to time. Maybe you would just like to smell it or feel it with one of your appendages?”\n\n“Smell or feel it. Really? Are you fucking serious? I would be more thrilled if you presented me a cow patty! At the very least I would be able to use that as fertilizer. And I would know it was at least something edible once!”\n\n“I would be thrilled as well, Sir! Those are exquisite! The Mak’tul arach gets close but is nothing like the real deal!”\n\n“Apparently you don’t get sarcasm, so I’ll have to be a bit blunter with you. This is a piece of toxic waste! The culinary equivalent of a bloody nuclear melt down!” Gordon angrily jabbed his fork in one of the lumpy things on the plate. A tentacle rose out, wrapped around his face and tried to get in his mouth. The master chef angrily pulled it off. “WHAT THE FUCK? ARE YOU ACTUALLY TRYING TO KILL ME?”\n\n“Well no. This is one of the nicest aspects of a perfect Mak’tul arach! You do not even have to eat it, it finds its way to your intestines by itself and…” \n\nBlø’x’ön could not say any more. He was dragged off by the guards before he was able to explain the exquisite details of his dish. He looked at the colorful patterns of his holding cell. They were specifically designed to calm the inmates, but his neck spikes quivered none the less. How he had aspired to become the best. But now he was accused of trying to kill a God. He hoped his end would be gentle. He hoped that his offspring would be spared. He sobbed and curled up in ball on the floor. \n\nDisclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental." ]	[ 1, 3 ]	[ "1534306998", "1534321328" ]
[removed]	[WP]You made an exact clone of yourself, down to thoughts, memories etc. To avoid confusion (The clone thinking it made YOU), you tattooed "CLONE" on its forearms. You woke up today to see "CLONE" tattooed on your forearms.	4	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/Supersteel12, this submission has been removed.\n\n[No recent reposts, even if changing small details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_5.3A_no_recent_reposts.2C_even_if_changing_small_details)\n\nAlso, no [copy-cats](http://i.imgur.com/38FjDgW.gifv).\n\nSearch before submitting as popular ideas can cause floods. If your idea is based on something you read elsewhere on reddit, chances are it's been submitted here already. Please wait at least 2 weeks before reposting.\n\n \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/97gfq7/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1534319479", "1534321603" ]
	[WP] You've watched so many cursed videos on the internet that the curses have started fighting over which one gets to kill you.	230	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Evil Kurt pulled up outside the semi-detached suburban property, and sighed heavily. It was always bored teenagers these days.\n\nHe opened the boot of his old, run-down Toyota Prius and pulled out a large, rusty chainsaw. He turned and made his way slowly towards the back of the property, as he did so, he noticed a familiar smell.\n\n\"Barry the Malodorous, is that you?\"\n\nA heavy set man emerged from the bushes, flies buzzing around his bloated flesh.\n\n\"Hey Kurt, how you doing? It's been a while since the last reunion.\"\n\n\"Yeah it has, listen Barry, you're not on this job as well are you?\" he asked.\n\n\"Sure am Kurt, kid saw my advert on facebook, honestly its been paying for itself these last few years, people will watch anything on there. What about you?\"\n\n\"I got him on a Grinder swipe, checked with the boss, that counts.\"\n\nA slithering sound caused them both to jump in surprise. They turned and saw a zombie dressed in a wedding dress crawling her way across the lawn.\n\n\"Oh great, Margaret's here,\" muttered Barry.\n\n\"Don't worry about her, she never catches anyone,\" replied Kurt.\n\nSoon they were joined by a menagerie of bloody corpses, bog-trolls, caco-fiends and assorted other creatures from The Dark Realm of Despair, the local patch of the East coast League of Evil.\n\nThe etiquette was clear, Barry had arrived first, it was his victim. They all shared a few greetings and were about to retire to a nearby graveyard for a quick drink, when suddenly the skies clouded over.\n\nSwooping down from above came a horde of angry harpies and assorted minions. It was The Supremely Evil Mega Death Brigade, straight out of Charlottesville, and they meant business.\n\nThe ensuing battle would go down in history as one of the most brutal and bloody conflicts in a gang war that would eventually spread into thirty-six dimensions.\n\nIt would also be noted as the first, and to this day only, victim, of Creeping Margaret the Eternally Patient. Cleverly taking the opportunity to ambush a young man attempting to flee the scene, but who had unfortunately succumbed to the noxious fumes of one Barry the Malodorous.", "I smiled as I watched the evil spirits summoned from those “cursed videos” I saw from the dark net argued with each other on my monitor about who would kill me first without end. I could see them, but they couldn’t see me. How, exactly? Well, I’d rather not give out any personal information about myself. All I can say is that I have my secretive ways. How do you think I surfed through the bad part of the internet without easily getting killed? Or maybe they’re too “busy” to notice me.\n\nAnyways, there was this one demon who took the form of a pale little girl with no eyes. She also seemed to be immature, since the only point she could make was that she was “super scary”, with her annoying, shrieking voice. In my opinion, it looked like she was trying way too hard to be frightening. Sure, a jumpscare featuring that girl would make me jolt, but it would only terrorize me for a short amount of time. I’d seen worse.\n\nAlongside the demon-girl was a goat-headed freak with a satanic symbol on its forehead and a whole lot of tentacles on its back. It sorta reminded me of Slender Man and that thing from H. P. Lovecraft’s stories... I forgot what it was called. It seemed to be more intelligent than the demon-girl, since it could come up with more valid points about why it should kill me. Unfortunately, it was constantly interrupted by other abominations and eldritch horrors. I kinda feel bad for it, since it looks like an intellectual drowning in an endless sea of idiots. But I didn’t really care nonetheless.\n\nThere were a lot more monsters. One had too many eyes, one happened to be a giant spider, and there was, what I think is, an evil Jack-In-the-Box confined within its box, eagerly waiting for its next victim. Either that, or it didn’t want any part in the verbal flame war.\n\nI feel like bringing out some popcorn just for watching all these freaks of nature argue for all eternity. It’s just too entertaining for me. It’s like, reading the comments on a controversial post online, observing the chaos unfolding... but better.\n\nYou know what? Maybe I haven’t been cursed. Maybe I cursed them. I watched too many videos tainted by inhuman hands, summoning these accursed folk. But now they want me all for themselves. If they learned about being generous, then I would be screwed big time. But no. They’re just too ignorant to do so, and that even applies to those brighter than the others.\n\nThanks to me, they’re all cursed.\n\nThanks to me, I’ve trapped them in their own stupidity.\n\nAnd it’s highly unlikely that they’ll ever escape.\n\n\nHeh. Serves them right." ]	[ 1, 12, 42 ]	[ "1534364124", "1534391842", "1534385649" ]
	[WP] Every day, around the same time, you find yourself humming the same tune. One day, you hear someone else humming along.	0	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "My life, the people around me, Margret and her condescending ‘hello’ 9 to 5 everyday, Rick the shit-stain, pestilence of the office — a contemptible man, been stuck in this shit-end job for 25 years, and counting — particularly, his conspicuous ruse, how loathesome, ‘Ofcoarse, anything for you,’ or perpetually repeating ‘My wife always told me,’ yes we get it, ‘You are an intelligent man,’ third time now, ‘you can keep in your anger, and you emotions,’ sigh, ‘But your mouth will get you in trouble,’ you could almost see his tabbaco-stained molars, unveiled by his grinning. Everyday the office plays like a broken record; Everyday, the banal antics re-acted everyday, I die inside. \n\nAugust-16th: Like any other day, I wake up at 5:05AM, roll in bed until I’ve squandered enough minutes, get up, tinker with the keys of the piano — this time, a palatable song, E minor, Chopin’s Étude Op. 25, No. 5 ‘Wrong note’ — and get to work. \n\n7:00AM train: Humming Chopin's Etude in G# minor, Op.25; No.6 1897, there, I sensed, existed another tune, not far away. I look over, magnificently, she was humming Chopin's Etude in G# minor, Op.25; No.6 1897, an octave higher. \n\nOn that day my life changed. I did not sit in my usual quarters of the train. \n\nspelling*" ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1534364778", "1534370544" ]
[removed]	[WP] In a world, where being called a 'mad lad' is a racial slur.	2	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/MiskGames, this submission has been removed.\n\n[Prompts will be removed if there's a high possibility for rule breaking responses](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses)\n\n- \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/97ou17/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1534390038", "1534391512" ]
[removed]	[WP] You never read WritingPrompts comments	0	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/nadav1045, this submission has been removed.\n\n[Direct prompt replies must be good-faith attempts at new stories or poems](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_1.3A_direct_prompt_replies_must_be_good-faith_attempts_at_new_stories_or_poems)\n\n- \n\nPrompts will be removed if there's a high possibility for rule breaking responses ([rule 7](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses))\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/97pyt6/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things.", "Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plageus the wise? I though not. It's not a story the Jedi would tell you. Darth Plagueis was a Dark Lord of the Sith, so powerful and so wise he could use the Force to influence the midichlorians to create life... He had such a knowledge of the dark side that he could even keep the ones he cared about from dying. The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural. He became so powerful... the only thing he was afraid of was losing his power, which eventually, of course, he did. Unfortunately, he taught his apprentice everything he knew, then his apprentice killed him in his sleep. It's ironic he could save others from death, but not himself." ]	[ 1, 1, 3 ]	[ "1534401678", "1534402424", "1534401797" ]
	[WP] When you die, you find yourself taking off a VR headset to a man saying quite immersive, isn't it?	133	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "I was never a religious man.\n\nI had never believed in an after life.\n\nBut even so, I was ready for a rest. Ninety long years were finally about to come to an end, and I have to say I regret nothing. After climbing a mountain you'd want a little rest, right? And not to brag, but if there ever was a life that had been a mountain of obstacles and accomplishments, it had been mine. \n\nMy name is George. I was born in New York, in 1921. And not the good side. My single mother worked three part time jobs. I had no hope of going to university after highschool, even with the scholarship offers. I enlisted in the military, and I became off site doctor at the age of 19. I took care of the people who came back. I've seen some things. A man came back without half his leg. Another came back from a German concentration camp without any of his fingers. He was a Polish jew, quite the excitable fellow, and from what I understood his fingers were cut off because he was sharing food with the others. I also had to deal with the dead, which as you may assume wasn't the pleasant job. A man came back with all of his body except his head. Another came with his head but no body. Some were only fingers, and some were only toes. I had always been admonished in school for my excellent writing, so when I received the dog tags of someone I knew I wrote home to their families with the standard letter sent home. I wouldn't realize it until later, but what I had been doing, all of the tiny things like those letters, had changed the world in some way. Only looking back on it now did I realize my biggest accomplishment wasn't my biggest accomplishment. It was all of the small good things that I had done, all together, to form my change in society. \n\nAfter the war I went home. Well I would've. If it was still there. \n\nMy childhood home had been destroyed, my mother reported dead when she received a phone call from a few kids down the block, who told her I had died. The first thing I did was find those kids. It was three of them, one seventeen, one eighteen, and one nineteen. When they saw me they ran for it, but I knew they couldn't out run me. When they turned around and begged for forgiveness, I had one thing to say. \"I can never forgive what you did to my mother,\" I seethed \"but I won't hurt you, like you did to her. To me.\" and I left. I left them wondering why they weren't bloody or covered in bruises. I left them dumbstruck in that alley way. \n\nI started university in 1948, graduated in 1952 with my major being Business. I started my business in 1953. People from all over the country came, mostly to thank me for the letters I wrote home to their families during the war. I was glad I could help them cope. I ran a successful business until it was bought out by a popular company in 1967. I made 2 million from selling it, and I counted being a successful millionaire as my greatest accomplishment. \n\nSo after all of that, and an easy retirement, my body decided to kick the can and call it quits. It's not a painful death, and if you think of it like a vacation its almost enjoyable. I just sat numb in the hospital, surrounded by my friends, who were the closest thing to family that I had. \n\nI closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and died. \n\nI felt something heavy resting on my face. I reached up, pulled off a thick block of plastic. Plastic straps connected to the plastic (which I now recognize now as a light polymer, glass mixture) from my face, until I felt a tugging on my eyeballs. At this point I realized I had three thing metal strings in each of my eyes, directly through the pupil. I shouted in fear as they slunk back from my eyes, and I stared at the white room around me. \n\n\"Have you had fun Jacob?\" asked a voice. \"Or would you like to be called George?\" \n", "In death came a weak feeling of departure from a broken shell that had once flourished full of life. On the battlefield of sin, I had been stricken to death by bullet wounds. My army gear plastered in blood as my sight vanished from the planes of existence I had known for forty years. What a sad way to die. I had a beautiful wife and a son back home, I wish I could see them one last time... \n\n\nSuddenly, there was nothing. Then a clank of cogs and high-powered sounds of charging zapped the back of my head. A sudden clamp emerged from my face as the darkness faded and a blinding light shrouded my vision. \"Quite immersive...isn't it?\" Professor Thomas Roster spoke in his somber tone. His grayed hair was the same as it had always been, my memories surging back one by one in packets of information. \n\n\n\"Disconnect the magnetic clamps.\" Thomas told his assistants, as they did likewise. They disconnected the suction cords around my head that were attracted to the metal plating helmet I was wearing. I took it off and shook my long hair. Rubbing my chin, I realize I'd grown a nice stubble of hair on my face. \"How long was I in the game Professor?\" I asked him. \n\n\n\"About a week. I'll be expecting a full diagnostics and report from you. This is your job after all.\" He said. I faded back to the memory of my virtual family that had seemed all too real. I pondered about what I should say to Professor Thomas without it coming out wrong. Thomas looked at me with clever eyes, \"It's too immersive isn't it? Someone could lose their minds in that kind of time strain. I don't know the complete effects long-term, but I'm expecting great things from you Kayden.\" He smiled before heading off to leave the room with his assistants. \n\n\n\"I want to go back and see my family again Thomas. If I give good reports, can you do that for me?\" I asked. Professor Thomas stopped at the doorway and looked back at me with a smile. \"Anything you want. Although you'll have to start from birth and remember how you played everything out to get the same people back in your life. Get me my results before you spend another eternity with your family Kayden.\" The sliding doors shut behind him as he left the scene, and I was left to ponder about everything once again.", "He kneeled in front of his comrades. Fellow adventurers that had joined him on his quest for glory. He had watched them killed of in front of him, all the while he was helpless to do anything. He cried, and felt rage, at the unfairness of the situation. He wanted to get up and slay the beast responsible, but his body would not follow. As the creature loomed over him, a woman voice rang out \"your time has come to an end, warrior. Now perish!\" With a snarl, the creature slayed you. As your eyes close, you feel at peace, thinking that you will get to see your friends again. With a startling feeling, you feel someone pull a headset off you. With a flash of light, you are sittted in a pod of some sort, with a man standing in front of you, holding a virtual headset. \"Immersive ain't it?\" He asked. You stumble out, and he helped you by placing an arm around you. \"Wow, easy there. It's not easy getting used to your own body ain't it, after being a mighty male warrior, with the strength of a lion and all that.\" You take in his words, all while staring at your dainty hands, and your choices of a dress skirt. You sigh, as it all comes back to you. \n\nYou saw a poster that showed that a company was willing to sign a few hundred people, and guarantee them a unique opportunity, in return for beta testing a new program and device. They didn't state what, just a number and a place. So you called them up. Soon afterwards, you ended up in a science lab, and was told to choose from a plethora of games and life. As soon as you placed on the headset, you forgot everything and the game started. \n\nAs promised, the man showed you the contract you signed, and placed a envelope of cash into your hand. \"As agreed. You will find that should our company ever need you again, we are more than willing to pay you once more. If you want to become part of the experience as a full time player, just let Kaiba know. He will sign you up. Who knows, with the data we got from all of you, we might create a new fantasy game with the latest engine. Kaiba has been talking about a new sword role playing fantasy game. Guess we will just have to see.\" With that, he heads off, leaving you with your cash payment, and a prospect of becoming a full time player. \n\nYou smiled at the prospect, not knowing that the future isn't as good as it sounds. ", "\"I'm going to die.\"\n\nThe ground was coming up fast. Above him, Sandra was still screaming. \"I'm sorry, my dear, dear wife.\" Halfway through the fall, Ron closed his eyes. Life didn't flash before his eyes like he'd seen in the movies he loved - instead, he only saw blackness. \n\n\"That's it? I don't have anything worth remembering?!\"\n\nJust before his head made contact with the paved ground, a baby's face appeared for a microsecond. Mathew. Then it all went pitch black. He was dead.\n\nRon felt his head split open - along with the pain that accompanied it. For seven seconds, he screamed into nothingness as he felt the blood pour down the side of his head. And just as suddenly as the pain had come, it vanished. He continued to scream until his voice gave out. Panting heavily, he realized three things:\n\n1. He was floating somehow, weightless. \n2. He was no longer in pain. \n3. He didn't feel... dead.\n\nAstonished by his last realization, he looked up. It was still pitch black all around. He started hyperventilating - his claustrophobia was kicking in. He imagined the metal box he was trapped in as a child closing in on him, threatening to crush the breath out of his lungs again...\n\n\"NO!\" he tried to scream, as he clawed at his throat. feeling the imaginary hands choking him to death - or whatever death was in this empty place.\n\nA glow in the distance appeared. It was getting bigger and bigger, moving towards him... or maybe he was moving towards it. \"An exit?!\" His claustrophobia disappeared, as he realized he was probably about to meet his maker. The glow became brighter as he approached, and he reached out. As soon as he made contact, he grabbed it and pulled.\n\nThe headset came off his head, and he was immediately blinded by the white light. \"Quite immersive, isn't it?\" a chirpy voice said from afar.\n\nRon realized he was sitting in... some kind of dentist's chair. He looked up the white headset he'd pulled off his head, sitting in his hands, up at a bizarrely dressed man - also all in white. He had the creepiest smile Ron had ever seen.\n\n\"What? I don't - I'm not - Huh?\" Incoherent and still in shock, all Ron could process was the man's face - it was like looking into a kaleidoscope. The man had the most sparkly eyes, which were wholly white, an almost invisible nose, and the thinnest lips he had ever seen. His skin was studded with rubies, sapphires and diamonds. Ron was a man who hated facial modifications - the botox-filled celebrities in Hollywood were too disgusting for him to even look at - and yet, somehow, he thought the being before him was an incredible piece of art. \n\n\"Ronald? Do you not remember me?\" The man's smile twitched, and the gems somehow... faded. \"What is the last thing you remember before you went in?\"\n\nRon could only stare at the being open-mouthed. \"Went in? Went in where?\"\n\nThe man's smile completely disappeared, replaced by a look of anxiety - or at least that's what Ron could make out from the sudden mess of his face. \"No, no, no! You can't be having amnesia!\" The man wrung his hands, and Ron noticed some kind of symbol etched on to the back of his hands - the star of David with an arrow pointing towards his arm through the center. Suddenly, the man whirled and started walking away, muttering something in an unknown language - judging by his tone, he was probably cursing. \n\nAs the man walked away, Ron looked down at the headset. It was just like the one he'd given his son for his 10th birthday, except it had the same symbol on it that he'd seen on the man's hands. He turned it over, and there was a pattern like a barcode, except it was colored like a rainbow, and a number - 3756. \"Some kind of ID?\"\n\n\"Ronald? Can you hear me?\" \n\nRon got startled and looked up. The sound appeared to be coming from a speaker...\n\n\"I'm here, Ronald Textra.\" The voice was right behind him. \"Textra?\" Ron thought. \"My last name is Jansen.\" He turned to his left to see a person just as bizarre as the man who had left. He couldn't tell if it was male or female. The person's skin was patterned like a reptile, with green jade-studded skin, and had the eyes of a snake. \n\n\"No it's not. It's Textra. Jansen is merely the family name you were assigned by the program, honey.\" The voice was female, and yet the person didn't look either male or female.\n\n\"Textra? What kind of weird name is that?\"\n\n\"One you were assigned at your Naming Ceremony nearly a yeron ago. I'm so sorry - this must feel so new to you - \"\n\n\"You're damn right it does.\" Ron was suddenly seething with anger. He had been prepared to die falling and end up in Heaven or Hell, and instead ended up in some futuristic version of a stupid fashion magazine. \"Where am I? What is this place? Why do you look - \" At this point, the being raised a finger, and Ron's mouth suddenly shut. He glared at the being as if to say, \"DO NOT SHUT ME UP!\"\n\n\"I'm sorry, but you need to calm down. Your body cannot take much of the stress you're putting on it. It's very fragile after the whole experiment.\" The being made a circle with the finger, and pushed outwards, and suddenly Ron felt his anger subside. \"What is she doing, and how?\" - Ron had decided to go with assuming the person was female.\n\n\"My goodness, you've really forgotten everything. Again. Really, Ronald, your mind just might be made of rotten Neodyx.\" \n\n\"Rotten neo-what?\" \n\n\"Neodyx. The material that makes up our vessels - our bodies, you would say. An alloy of silicon, graphite, and the very special MDNA.\" She held out her arm, and he saw the symbol again - etched on her hand. She didn't seem to have fingernails, but her thin fingers themselves looked like nails. \"And you're currently on board the Maximus - what you would call a spaceship,\" she added, as she noticed Ron's brows furrowing with every word she said. \"You had chosen to perform an experiment where you would enter an Old Earth experience, salvaged from a human mind before Earth's implosion, and attempt to find out how early humans lived. As far as we know, the Implosion happened due to political tensions between leaders on the old planet, which caused a World War, which in turn triggered Project Noah's Ark - a massive spaceship beneath Earth's surface that was built by Earth's best engineers for the sole purpose of rescuing humanity's elite genetic pool. The spaceship left Earth with the chosen humans as the rest of them practically took Earth apart, and killed themselves. The spaceship landed on Mars, where the people terraformed the planet and made it their new home. We have lived there for mullions now - or you would say millennia - and so we upgraded Noah's Ark to serve as the Maximus, in order to find more habitable planets. Mars was our second chance at redemption, and our population is expanding forevermore. As a result, we need to move to a new planet, and so we've actually gone back in time. We are currently in the first time quadrant - what you would understand as the few yerons after the Big Bang - sorry, a yeron would be a few years in human time.\"\n\n\"So... we're travelling in a time machine?\" Ron was getting more and more lost by the second... or whatever crazy unit of time these people had made up.\n\n\"A time machine?\" Her skin suddenly turned yellowish, and she laughed. \"So primitive. We're well past a time machine - we're now able to move through time the way we do through space. But if you want to think of it that way, sure. We're in a time machine.\"\n\n\"And... I'm not dead?\"\n\n\"No, you're not.\" Her skin turned back to green as she looked sad. \"You're one of our researchers, a brilliant mind, but something went wrong with the experiment and you seem to have lost your memory.\" She looked at him wistfully. \"Are you sure you don't remember anything about your life here? Even me?\" \n\nRon stared at her and tried to find something familiar. Was she someone special to him? He was drawing blanks. \"I'm sorry... I don't.\"\n\nShe sighed - or at least sounded like how a snake would sigh. \"Well, that's not ideal. I'm Sandra. Your wife?\"\n\nRon's mouth fell open as she turned and pointed at a contraption containing a small child. \"And that's your baby. Mathew Textra.\"", "\"We appreciate your testing of the Life Access Interface, the full version will be release in 2023.\" the robotic voice rang empty in my head as I looked around at the sterile white walls surrounding me. The screen showed lines of code scrolling down, detailing my so-called life and everything that happened inside it. All the inconsistencies, the times where reality didn't quite line up right, made sense. My feet were weightless when my arms began to help me out of the bed. Standing on cruel tiles, I walked to the door, the tears fell freely as I opened it, and headed back to my desk to finish the code. All my friends, were effectively dead. I, was dead. \n \nIt took some time, but my memories returned. I was Janessa, a worker at a full sensory VR company. At least that's what was able to be confirmed. The memories from both lives mixed together, and I didn't know which was which. I deleted the memory suppression from the code, it's too intense for consumers. I'm not the same as I was before. I have flashbacks to this disgusting machine everyday, and every bloody night. I pull out my phone, and try to text them, but no one answers. It was 2 months before I broke completely. Ten seconds in the machine, is a year. Ten minutes, is 6 decades. 10 hours, is 600 years. They'll fire me for it, but I don't care, I don't want this life, this real life. I want the life that I died in, I want to be her, that amazing person, that people loved. \n \nMy breath was heavy as I walked into the room. Pulling out my laptop, I uploaded the virus. It would recover my universe, and it would delete the entire years work of the company if I was brought out without the code. I locked the door, and sent out the memo, the ultimatum. I was to stay inside for a full day, and if the power to the machine went out, all the data that they had would be deleted. If they unplugged the machine, and the code didn't get its periodic checkup to make sure the sim is running, all their work would be gone. My hands were out of my control as I furiously typed, before jumping into the chair, and almost slamming my data cable into the machine and pulling the device over my eyes. \n \nThe program started, and I locked myself from escaping. The virus would give me fatal biofeedback if the machine switched off, I was in it till the end. I laid there in my cold body, but I gave myself a HUD to let me at least watch as the world passed by. I didn't know why I was doing this, 16 hours is usually fatal, 24 is a guaranteed death sentence. I was going to die again, for simulations of people, so simulations could live their lives. The first 100 years was uneventful, but it got so much worse after that. Simulations are based on neural pathways already in the brain, and that was the problem. Pathways began burning out after 150 years. At first, it was just the odd disappearance. An NPC whimpering out of existence, and other people following their code, forgetting that person even existed. But the 200 mark is when it got strange. The NPC noticed one of the vanishing acts. A tree disappearing here, a person dropping from reality there, the saw it, and remembered it. No one believed him, so that was good, but I forgot to factor in mental degradation into my plan. \n \nYear 400 went by, and I regretted the decision completely. I had to watch as the world I birthed, fell apart. People began randomly going insane and attacking others. They called it the Hysteria, and it was the bane of this generation's existence. At year 500, people developed police and military. The malfunctioning were taken care of by the other NPCs, but this is when the worst problem occurred. Generalized anti-social behavior began occurring due to a world wide communications network being created. They stopped hanging around each other, because ironically they felt more comfortable with simulations they made, versus the ones I made. \n \nMental illness as they saw it, rose drastically. A combination of my deterioration and their obsession with escaping their reality. Year 600, 10 hours in. I felt a burning headache as I edged closer to brain death, This is when I began to write. I knew I'd forget my purpose here, but that's fine. I don't think I want to remember that I'm going to die in my final hours anyways. Anyways, this is the Era of Meta-Advancement. It's stupid, I know, but it's when they discovered simulations such as mine. They touched the code within the code, and began programming it to let them escape. After 50 years, it became the next big thing, and people began developing the technology in earnest. \n \nI wish I could remember what I looked like, so I could confirm it, but I saw something in one of those buildings. She was black haired, glasses, fair skin, hazel eyes, she wore her hair parted down the middle and worked at a full sensory VR company. She looked like me, I felt like she was me, I was watching a simulation, of myself, the real self, and that's when I began to doubt my life. What was I doing here? It was such an illogical course of action to sacrifice myself for them, and here this line of code was, doing the same. I looked into her simulation 11 hours after she locked the door and left the note. I felt sick to my stomach as I looked inside. I saw another woman in the machine in her simulation. Her time was moving at a ratio of time, equal to mine. I waited some time, before going deeper. Simulation after simulation, each time moving so much faster compared to the real world as the last. \n \nOf course, this meant that I couldn't be sure of my own existence, but what it also meant, was immortality. I could exist eternally by moving deeper and deeper. So I did. \n\n \nIt's been 12 hours in the real word, but I've lived forever in the simulation. I've observed every person on earth, birth to death. I became omnipotent, infinitely intelligent in this world. But I was only an observer. I've accepted that there's nothing else to experience. I discovered eternal life, and it was boring. I met myself, a simulation of an observer such as myself, and I was bored. I can't feel joy anymore. I just cry, because I know this is all there will ever be unless I want to die. I watch them become civilized, I see them achieve gender equality, I see the towers fall, and wars start, I watch as glitches create opposition to everything good. I watch my clone, and repeat. \n \nIt's been 13 hours in the physical world, in mine anyways. I let the clone die, and now I'm sentenced to death. I regret that decision more than anything. \n \nSociety began to regress. Wars ravage the world, equal rights acts are repealed by militaristic dictators voted in by the flawed behavioral programs. I have to watch as this world falls apart. I have to watch as races are sent back to their own countries, women reduced back to property, the deaths of billions as every country tries to achieve world power. After a while, I couldn't even tell what was a flawed piece of code, and what was just the end result of a post scarcity human race, where there was no longer any goals. \n \nThat was so long ago, and by now, everyone is dead. It's been 17 hours, and entire sections of the world are just missing. And while I was thinking, I realized that I never discovered eternal life. I discovered a kind of godhood, a way to become omniscient, and omnipresent. But I was the god of a dead world. I was in hell. I am in hell. I, created punishment for myself. Punishment for flying too close to the sun. I'm missing most of my memories, and reading over what I wrote, I barely remember any of it. \n \n19 hours in, and I decided to start one last simulation. Let it live out as I died. It's my final gift to the world, and I'm so sorry it couldn't last forever. But you have time to live your life. \n \nYou will die, but that's not a curse. It's my blessing. Make the most of the years in the simulation you have left. \n \nThank you for choosing Life Access Interfaces, I hope you enjoy your experience. ", "85 years. Long enough. It had been a hard life. Too much struggle, too much pain. It was time to rest at last. His hands trembled, his mind was at peace. To not be. To drift away, liberated from all the things of the world. Just a couple of deep breaths. A couple more shallow ones. Black walls closing in now. Memories like bits of data flashing before his eyes. He heaved, shuddered, and was gone. \n\nThe techs took the VR headset off and Aidan Shipwell blinked at the brightness of the room. For a moment he felt a profound sadness, like an echoing remnant of all that had transpired. A sadness borne of a promise unfulfilled at the end of a long life. Then he felt anger and his hands balled up into fists, looking for someone to punch. \n\n“It's quite immersive, isn't it?” said Dr. Ronald Tobagan. “Top of the line technology. So real you can't tell the difference. There's going to be a certain amount of disassociation from the uncoupling. No need to be alarmed. Your psychological profile indicates you should recover just fine. Someone remove the feeding tube.” The doctor pointed in the direction of a plastic line protruding from Aidan's abdomen. \n\n “How long have been I gone?” Aidan asked. \n\n“Two weeks. It's a little more than standard but we wanted to give you every opportunity.” \n\n“How'd I do?” \n\n“Well, the results are preliminary,” said the Doctor, “but it seems like you failed in every metric.”\n\n“Shoot.” \n\n“It's not uncommon. Extraordinary jobs require an extraordinary showing of character. You're just not qualified to be president of the United States.\"\n\n“It didn't use to be like this,” said Aidan. “Used to be that anyone could run.” \n\nDoctor Tobagan laughed. “Given where you've just been you should appreciate the reason for the change.” \n\n“Hmmmm.” Aidan thought back to his other lifetime which had begun near the end of the 20th century. Two hundred years in the past. \n\n“We ran you through the toughest simul. The most perilous moment in our nation's history. The earth at a brink, civilization on the verge of collapse, and totalitarianism on the rise in the United States.” \n\n“Pretty bleak,” said Aidan. \n\n“And you didn't do a thing,” Doctor Tobagan told him. “You didn't pick a cause. You didn't fight the good fight. When you faced adversity, you shrank away. You're not a leader. You spent a lifetime at home playing with your phone. You watched movies. You drank beer with your friends. You did your job and raised your family. Nothing more. It's not an indictment of you as a person...” \n\n“It's just the worst job interview I've ever had.” ", "A gentle breeze brushed up against the red cheeks of Robert as his brooding eyes glared down at the water below. The combination of the sun being hidden behind the clouds, the sound of the waves crashing softly against the pillars of the bridge, and the occasional car strolling across gave the impression of an exceptionally calm and peaceful day.\n\nRobert’s eyes darted to the horizon and saw dark clouds collecting and the slightest hint of lightning far off in the distance, but it was coming, and it was heading his way.\n\nHe focused back on the waves, his brow furrowed, and closed his eyes. Listening intently for the to and fro of the water below, the serenity of water occupied his thoughts yet there was one thought that kept trying to creep back into his head. It was very faint at first and distorted. The more he tried to get it to go away the louder it got and the clearer it sounded. Suddenly he couldn’t hear the wind or the waves or the cars behind him, in fact he couldn’t hear anything at all. For a moment it was deafeningly quiet.\n\n“Do it”, the voice whispered.\n\nNone of it made any sense to him. Everyday he’d wake and go downstairs to a fully prepared breakfast made by his beautiful wife, his kids would be watching cartoons in the living room, and he’d have a cup of coffee ready just the way he liked it. He had his 1968 Ford Mustang Convertible that he’d take to work. He taught his favorite subject at the university and actually felt like he was making a difference in peoples lives. On the weekends he would go to the park with his family and he would see them all sitting and laughing by the apple tree, his kids chasing each other around their mother, and he’d never felt so much love in his entire life. Why did he have these thoughts? Why now all of a sudden were these intrusive thoughts clouding his mind, making him incapable of thinking of anything else. Every time he focused on the good things in his life it always lead him to believe that he wasn’t happy. Was he inherently broken? Was he destined to live in misery his whole life now? He didn’t know for sure but one thing he knew for sure was how to stop the voices. \n\n“You can make it all go away so easily”, the voice said enticingly.\n\nHe didn’t realize it but his eyes were full of tears now. Some things in life, despite how incredibly resilient humans are capable of being, are just too much to cope with. When the mind breaks down the body is soon to follow.\n\n“I just want to make it go away” he said softly\n\n“I don’t want to feel broken anymore” \n\nWith a sudden burst of clarity and relief he took his last deep breath of air and took a step forward.\n\n———\n\nHis ears were ringing and the fluorescent lights were too much for him to handle\n\nA voice came on through the headset.\n\n“Quite immersive, isn’t it? Hi, I’m Amanda, a customer service representative for BetterLife Industries. Sorry to end your game like that but you were running out of money on your account and we couldn’t charge your card anymore. We certainly couldn’t just unplug you either, that would have caused far too much mental instability and confusion once you woke up. So, we downloaded a virus into the software that allowed negative and intrusive thoughts to take over your avatar to the point where it made you want to quit playing. You we’re doing pretty well, though. I think the best I’ve seen in all of our trials runs. Most people just end up robbing a bank or overdosing on coke but you actually made a pretty decent life for yourself. Anyways thanks for joining us at BetterLife Industries where we give you the life you deserve. Since your account is now overdrawn you must pay the total charge of $3,500 by the end of the month. Thank you and please come again”\n\n\n", "The truck came out of nowhere. As I slammed on the brakes, I reached out with my right hand to try to protect Barbara in the passenger seat. I saw white as the airbags deployed, felt the jarring crash and the pain of the steering wheel crushing my sternum, then everything went black.\n\nI was blind when I came to. I could tell my eyes were open but there was nothing to see, the blackness was perfect. I was reclining on what felt like a leather couch, and my clothing felt foreign against my skin. Gentle hands cradled my neck and undid a strap(?) underneath my chin, while other removed what felt like gloves from my hands and socks from my feet. My arms and legs were tingling, asleep, but at least they felt like they were all there. Nothing broken. I could move, a bit.\n\nA blinding crack in the darkness, as the helmet(?) was lifted off my head. As my eyes adjusted, I saw I was surrounded not by doctors, but by technicians.\n\n\"Where's Barbara?\" I croaked. \"Where's my wife?\" I addressed the white-haired woman in front of me. From her air of authority, I could tell she was in charge.\n\n\"It's quite immersive, isn't it?\" Her wizened face crinkled as she smiled. \"Welcome back, Mr. Davis. How are you feeling?\"\n\n\"My name is not Davis, it's Davidson, Walter Davidson. Where is my wife, Barbara? Is she okay?\" I struggled to sit up.\n\n\"Mr. Davis, this kind of disorientation can be common for first time users. If you'll remember, I warned you about that this morning, before you went in.\"\n\n\"I... you do look familiar... Mrs... Allread?\" I struggled, vague memories from years ago, a room like this, a company that offered the ultimate in gaming, a VR experience like no other.\n\n\"That's right, Mr. Davis. I'm Gloria Allread, and I designed the game world you've been exploring for the last few hours. Walter Davidson was the name of your avatar. For a first time user, you showed extreme aptitude, power leveling through the formative childhood questlines, joining a supportive guild, exploring the lore of the world and choosing a profession, finding a loving and supportive partner. You've experienced years of content in a very short time. I'll ask you again, Mr. Davis, Michael, how do you feel?\"\n\nConflicting memories, of a childhood spent escaping from the world, playing video games alone in my room, fights at school, flunking out of college, a brief but profitable run as an e-sports competitor. Michael's memories. And Walter's: family vacations, playing outside with friends, bike riding, swimming, lifeguarding, college, graduation, and Barbara.\n\nI shook my head. What can I say to Allread? That Barbara is more real to me than Michael Davis' mother? That Michael Davis has no life, but Walter Davidson has lots to live for? What can I say that will let me see my wife Barbara again?\n\n\"You created an amazing world, Mrs. Allread.\" Careful. \"Are there save files? Could you put me back in, just before the wreck? I'm happy to pay for another session.\" Spending Michael Davis' money like there is no tomorrow.\n\n\"Well, your vitals look good, and your credit is fine. Just one warning, if you go back in, you may experience increased disorientation when your session ends later tonight. If that's okay, just initial here and here.\"\n\n===\n\nI glanced over at Barbara, the love of my life. I took my foot off the gas. The truck came out of nowhere. As I pressed on the brakes, I reached out with my right hand to try to protect Barbara in the passenger seat, and our car skidded past the truck with inches to spare, coming to rest on the shoulder. I got out to see if the truck driver was alright.", "The year was 2062. Humanity had established life on Mars, almost half of earth's population had already moved to the other planet. Virtual reality had taken over the world, or worlds in this case. Everything was done in VR, from business to recreational activities. It was just easier. No one was going to travel through space for a simple business meeting.\n\nI was on my deathbed. It wasn't anything bad like cancer or some other deadly disease. I'd just grown old and weak. I lived for ninety-eight years, and I was happy to see the world evolve as far as it did during my time. I had accepted that I would die, and I was ready. I was surrounded my family in my last moments. My beautiful blonde daughter and her handsome husband, their three children, twins and another. My brother and his wife. They never had any children. Never wanted any. They cried and begged me to stay, hoped that I would live. I told them I was tired, I wanted to rest. They cried. Some of them tried to be brave and hold back or wipe away their tears. The children were still too young, too innocent to understand what was happening. They just wanted to play with grandpa. I smiled to them as I felt reality slipping away. My surroundings slowly faded, replaced by a grayish dark color. I could hear the heart-monitor beeping more violently, and soon everything was dark. That was it. I thought that was the end. I never believed in any kind of afterlife. I just found the concept too far fetched.\n\nThen, a light appeared. Was I wrong? Would I burn in hell or suffer some sort of other punishment for eternity? Would there be a God to scold me for being ignorant? I tried to stay away from the light. It grew larger. I tried running away, but it grabbed at my feet. I couldn't escape, I was surrounded by the light within seconds.\n\n\"Game over. Player disconnected.\" Said a robotic, female voice. What? Did I not die? I had played so many video games that a dream like this would make sense.\n\nI felt a virtual reality headset being removed from my head. In front of me stood a very tall, slender man in a black suit with a red tie. Behind him was an extremely large mirror. I could see my own reflection, I looked like I was sixteen again. I found myself questioning if this was some God or demon.\n\n\"Immersive, isn't it?\" He asked with a smile.\n\n\"What?\" I replied hesitantly.\n\n\"The game. You found it realistic, yes?\"\n\n\"Game?\"\n\n\"Hm\" He smirked. \"Maybe a little too realistic. Don't worry, that's quite common.\"\n\n\"Wh-what's going on?\"\n\n\"I'll explain, but no matter what I say, promise you won't freak out or interrupt me with questions? We can save those for later.\"\n\nI nodded uncomfortably.\n\n\"Let's begin, then.\" He said with a graceful bow. \"You are now back in reality. At the age of 16, you were one of the people who signed up to play our life simulator. If they were accepted, they were assigned a random character model and placed into the simulated world. They started at birth and played through the entire life of their character. Events, stories, other characters and everything else was selected through a random algorithm, though most things were left open enough that the user could change them through free choice. While in the simulation, they knew nothing and remembered nothing of the real world. Some people actually believe they're in the simulation, but we're still not sure if that's their belief or a glitch with our memory-clearing system. I know it felt like ninety-eight years, but you've been playing for about five hours.\"\n\nIt was all just... too much. I was sure I would have a heart attack at any minute.\n\n\"You OK?\" He asked. \"I know it can all be too much to take in. We've had... cases in the past.\"\n\nI nodded again. \"It is, how-how is this possible?\"\n\n\"Our advanced technology. For your simulation, you chose to be born in the late nineteen-hundreds. It seems your mind is still in that age. A flaw with our simulation we have yet to fix. If someone plays the game too long, they start to believe it is their reality.\"\n\n\"Why don't you just allow them to keep their memory then?\"\n\n\"Insanity, mainly. Our early beta testers all went crazy when they were old enough to know they were in a simulation. They would try everything to escape, including suicide. Some of them made it out after suicide, but a lot of their minds were too damaged knowing the truth. So we had a choice between killing or severely damaging people, or just dealing with some memory problems.\"\n\n\"I'm having a very difficult time accepting all this. I've accepted my death. I've lived a full life. I don't want to be here.\" I'd only realized the severity of what I'd said afterwards.\n\n\"Unfortunately, another side effect from our game. You would need therapy to come to terms with reality and return to society.\"\n\n\"Why? Why do you allow people to play this simulation if things like these are happening?\"\n\n\"Because we didn't know. We send out advertisements and campaigns for this game, and requested people to sign up. We only accepted two thousand people, and you were one of them. Most of them had already finished playing before you. There are only three hundred or so still connected currently. We fixed the most severe problems, and we're hoping we can fix everything to allow people over the entire galaxy to play it.\"\n\n\"W-wait. Galaxy?\"\n\n\"Oh, that's right. I keep forgetting. In your simulation, humanity only lived on Earth and Mars.\" He sighed. \"This will be long and difficult therapy, but we will turn you into a functioning member of our society again. Don't worry. For now, you can go wash up.\" He pointed at a nearby door with a male restroom sign on it. \"I'll be here if you have any questions.\"\n\nAs I stared at the bathroom mirror, I could see the tears forming in my eyes. His words kept replaying in my head. I would never be a part of this society. I've gotten so used to life on this 'simulated' Earth, and I've accepted my death there. Even if it wouldn't have been so difficult to learn about this all new society, I was dead. I grabbed one of the razors on the sink and started taking it apart. I leaned over the sink, bringing the blade closer to my wrist as my tears softly landed on it.\n" ]	[ 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 3, 7, 7, 34 ]	[ "1534424538", "1534438532", "1534454756", "1534458751", "1534460622", "1534445193", "1534443973", "1534430911", "1534439200", "1534429869" ]
	[wp] you can move as fast as the Flash but it’ll burn up literally all your energy and kill you. Today is that day.	0	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "It had taken me the 20 years of my life to even partially master my ability, as it were. When I came out of the womb, I pushed myself out, so fast that I had to alleviate the aftereffects in the NICU for two months. As a child, I'd have momentary bursts of quickness, only to come down with a cold, or unfortunately, something worse. The worst was when our cat fell out of our apple tree in the backyard, and, seeing it from the window, I booked it to save him from inducing a deathly faceplant. So much for cats always trying to land on their feet. After that incident, I suffered from blood clots in my legs, as well as near-asphyxiation due to the air not being able to keep up with my lungs' overworking. I needed six months to recover, alongside physical therapy and the use of crutches. It was odd; there was always a slight delay between using my ability and the onset of symptoms, but it occurred infallibly. \n \nNever, though, did I find a need to truly test my abilities. From all the past occurrences of usage, and my own simple experiments, I figured I could reach around 2,500 MPH before my lungs exploded and body couldn't handle the speed. It was a rough estimate, but it's not like I'd be timing myself right before my death. And it wasn't as if I'd ever imagined wanting to be somewhere that fast; my life wasn't exactly a picture of adventure. \n \nThat was, until yesterday. Last night at around 11:00 PM, struggling to finish my final college portfolio assignment for my writing elective, a strange noise bludgeoned my ears from... somewhere. It wasn't loud, nor particularly noticeable, but it almost screeched like a dog whistle in my ears, begging my brain to jump out of my head and dance. I had to follow it; like, it was calling me, beckoning me to a place and thing I needed to find. \n \nSo I walked. And walked. And walked. And walked. And then, I walked some more. After a few hours of walking, almost aimlessly toward the sound, through river and field and forest, I came to a small clearing within the forest. It took me a few minutes to grasp what I was seeing; a smoothed-out almost chameleon-like ship, the size of a shed, blending in yet standing out due to a small fire nearby and cinders falling from the trail left through the branches above. The moonlight tore through the landing trajectory of the ship, and, alongside the fires, illuminated its surface despite being very good at not standing out. Within a few moments, my mind raced to questions; what was it, was it an experiment, an alien, a government satellite, something else? Lost in thought, hardly even paying attention, I stood, in bewilderment and a self-imposed hypnosis. \n \nThen I snapped back, and before me stood a creature. It was about my height, somewhat round, with small appendages, and a fluffy exterior. It was also onyx black, with a shine and gleam from the fire and moonlight, and two eyelid-lacking eyes; staring directly at me, as white as Photoshop-bleached teeth in any romance film. It stood, motionless, but gave off a presence that I had to deem...friendly. Then, I saw its eyes move to my right, and standing a few feet from me, unnoticed, was another person. In fact, not just any person, but an acquaintance of mine from my writing class. We probably should have been friends, as I noticed him surfing reddit on occasion, looking at similar subreddits to mine. But, we just...weren't. We were redditors, after all. \n \nThen, my mind really snapped. After I saw a flash from his direction, indicating he took a picture, I realized this was it. This was my time. Earth had finally made contact with an alien species, and only the two of us knew. I had the opportunity, nay, the privilege, to alert the proper people about this discovery. I didn't know who to contact; the government, who might silence me? The police, who might just take it as a prank call? My friends and family, who might just write me off as bat-shit crazy and needing sleep? No. No, none of them would understand. \n \nAs my classmate ran in some direction, I took out my phone, and made sure to get the best picture I could at a decent pace. Hapy with the snapshot, I knew this was the moment. I maximized my speed, and ran back in the direction of my apartment. I could feel the adrenaline overriding my entire system, and knew a reckoning would befall me soon after. I was back at my apartment almost instantly, despite the many miles I walked. Once there, I shot up straight to my room, and sat down, turning off my ability. \n \nThe computer was still on. I knew this was it. I brought reddit back up, and started posting to every subreddit I could; /r/whatisthisthing, /r/conspiracy, /r/aww, and the many others that shot into my mind that were somewhat relevant and would get me that juicy karma. \n \nThat was five minutes ago. This will probably be my last post. I don't need anyone to know the story. I don't expect this to be upvoted, as I assume all of my karma will come from /r/aww anyway. But I needed to write it. Not for glory, or karma, or anything else. But, because... \n \nBecause...well, I need to write." ]	[ 1, 3 ]	[ "1534448780", "1534453086" ]
	[WP] After a fight with your boyfriend, you hear a muffled voice from under your bed say “I can’t do this no more”. A huge black snake creature comes out from underneath and says “I’m supposed to be scaring you, but I can’t when you come home crying and I feel bad. We’re fixing your life right now.”	119	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Alissa shot up with a start. She coulda sworn she heard something. A creak? \n \nYet silence reigned over the pitch black room. Shadows weaved across the floor from the tree branches outside, the faintest moonlight showing them; black against black. \n \nShe noticed the cupboard on the far side of the room ajar. She thought she'd closed it before bed; it creeped her out. It was even darker in there. And the darkness was where monsters came from, wasn't it? \n \nAlissa got up as quietly as possible, but could barely stifle a sob as she pushed the door closed. Tears dropped onto the floor. She suddenly halted as she thought she saw an extra shadow that shouldn't be there; it vanished instantly. Alisda shrieked, a little too loud. Oh no. \n \nShe flew into bed but the stomps approaching her room terrified her. She tried her best to pretend to be asleep, but it was no good; her mother flung the door open, and grabbed her by her hair and yanked her up. She got right in her face and screamed. \"One more noise from you, you weeping urchin, and I'll make you regret the day you were born! Got it!?\" \n \nAlissa tried hard not to let her tears of pain show. \"Y-yes ma'am.\" \n \nHer mother huffed and dropped her onto the bed, leaving and slamming the door behind her. She was obviously in a good mood; she hadn't even been slapped. \n \nTrying to keep her sobs to herself, Alissa thought about how her day had gone so wrong. Her first boyfriend had just dumped her. She knew she was only 14 and it probably wouldn't last, but he'd helped her find solace away from home at school. But when she wouldn't have a sleep over, and wouldn't give a reason, he flipped out at her. She was so embarassed and ashamed, she couldn't have people wondering why she never had friends home from school, or vice versa. She was dreading the questions of tomorrow. She didn't know what to do. She buried her face into her pillow to keep her uncontrollable cries muffled. \n \nShe turned her head to look at the darkness of the room. She watched the tree shadows dance on the floor... but one wasn't moving. She locked up in fear, but daren't make a noise. Her fear of what would happen if she did was greater. \n \nThen she heard a whisper. \"Hello.\" It said, quietly. \"Don't be afraid.\" \n \nNow curious despite her fear, she poked a hand out from under the blanket and made a little wave. \n \nA short, thin arm extended from the unmoving shadow on the floor, and waved back. Then the entire shadow sprouted several pairs of arms, and stood up. She could just about make out the glint of two eyes at the head. Sort of like a big snake, with arms. \n \nThen it changed colour from jet black to purple, making it more visible to her. The thing was scaly, and had a large, toothy mouth. But it seemed to be smiling kindly at her. \"Hello, Alissa. I'm Randall.\" \n \nAlissa was stunned. And confused. It seemed familiar, somehow... \n \nThen it hit her. \n \n\"Are you from M-Monsters Inc.?\" She stuttered quietly. \n \nThe monster rolled it's eyes. \"Yes, I am. I'm not evil, I promise.\" \n \nThe surreality if the situation was beginning to overcome Alissa's fears. She crossed her arms and glared at him. \"Prove it.\" \n \nRandall sighed in exasperation. \"There was a girl called Mary Gibbs. She was Boo. In real life. The real circumstances were slightly different to the film she got made. As far as we know, she's pretty rich now.\" He explained. \"And I was her real scarer at the time so I guess that makes me evil.\" \n \nAlissa just looked at him bemusedly. Then he shook his head. \"Look, that's not why I spoke to you. I'm meant to be scaring you, but...well, you don't need me to make you feel fear, do you?\" The monster looked at her sympathetically. Alissa was struck by how much she'd needed someone to just care, seeing the expression. Tears welled in her eyes. She couldn't cry now, though. She wiped her eyes with the blanket. \"Wait, scarer? Don't you do laughs, if you said the film was real?\" \n \n\"Still short circuits our tech, though we're working on it. In the meantime, however...\" \n \nThe monster looked lost in it's thoughts. Then it looked back at her. \n \n\"Look, Alissa.\" He said. \"I've been your scarer for two weeks now. We've made an acceptable amount of energy from your door. Only...well, this is the first time you've seen me, isn't it?\" \n \nAlissa made the slightest nod. She curled up in the bedcovers and looked away, ashamed. \n \nThe monsters came closer to the bed, and laid a hand on her knew under the duvet. Alissa flinched, though from pain, reflex or embarassment, Randall couldn't be sure. \n \nHe looked into her eyes, as she peered at him, trying to give the pretence of looking away. \"You shouldn't feel bad, Alissa. It's not your fault.\" \n \nShe couldn't contain herself anymore. It had been too long since a kindly person had paid attention to her; too long since her father had died and left her alone...she grabbed out at Randall, burying her face in his sides, quiet sobs and tears coating him. \n \nRandall stroked her hair with two free hands. He gave her a moment to let it out, to calm down, then pushed her away and fixed her eyes with his. \"Alissa. Would you run away from home? If you could?\" \n \nAlissa quieted her sobs. Like she hadn't considered that enough times. Too many times. \n \n\"Nowhere to go. And when I did...I was put back here.\" She whimpered. \n \nRandall bared his teeth in anger. But it wasn't scary like it should be; she knew it wasn't directed at her, now. Catching himself, Randall quickly looked very ashamed, but surprised at Alissa's acceptance of it. He looked into her eyes again. \n \n\"Alissa...\" He said. \"Would you like to come home with me? To our world?\" \n \nShe sat back, stunned. Then she leaned close, heart pounding. She breathed deeply to calm herself. \"Really?\" She whispered. \n \nRandall nodded calmly. \"You won't be alone. You're not the first human who's come home with us.\" \n \nAlissa looked up in surprise. \"How? Why?\" She blustered. \n \n\"We scare because we care, don't ya know?\" He said by way of explanation. \"You humans, as a whole, aren't very nice to each other. Always fighting and warring and killing; why do you think we keep ourselves hidden from you?\" \n \nThat made sense, Alissa thought. Randall turned away from her, and slipped across the room to the door in utter silence. She was impressed. He gently turned the doorknob, and opened the door wide, revealing the work floor of Monsters Inc. It was late through there, only Randall's assistant, Fungus, busy sorting paperwork. \n \nRandall looked at her questioningly. \"I didn't misread you, did I?\" \n \nAlissa shook her head. She got up out of bed, and held a finger up to tell Randall to wait. She got her rucksack and threw her favourite clothes in it and her teddy rabbit, and did a quick look over her dented desk. She slipped open a drawer, and lifted up the false bottom; a photo of her and her father, when she was 6, grinned back at her happily. She also took her diary out from this same hidden compartment, and slipped the photo inside. She pushed it into her bag, slowly did up the zip, and turned to Randall. She looked about the room, and then uncertainly at Randall. He held out a hand for her to take. She hesitated, then steeled herself and grabbed it. For the first time, she smiled at him. He smiled back, and lead her through the door to a whole new world, leaving the old one behind with the quiet click of a door closing.", "Hsss. \n\nIf Alloy listened closely, her decrepit old ears could just detect Jason stomping out of her chamber and into the overly bright corridor of the starship Septer. With a calmness she didn’t feel, she pressed the star calendar on her bedroom wall.\n\nIt blinked to life, reading the year 3127. Mumbling to herself, Alloy did some calculations. If her math was right, the humans, both the original and the one’s birthed on the ship, were 57 years and 3 months into Septer’s maiden voyage. \n\nTaken aback, she did the numbers again. Then one last time to be sure. Had it really been so long since she had boarded? Alloy looked at the paper-thin skin on her fingers which were turning more bluish for with each passing day.\n\n“I wonder if I’ll ever make it…to Umomia” She mused aloud turning the calendar off again. She used her oak cane to hobble over to the sleeping pod in the corner of the room. She figured it was the last real piece of earth left on the ship. \n\nUmomia was the new home world. One with flowing rivers, and majestic mountains, and even signs of life. With Earth becoming more toxic by the day, Alloy’s mom spent every dime she had left to make sure her daughter had a seat on the ship. Alloy had been only seven when Septer left Earth’s orbit and try as she might, she could not remember what real sunlight felt like. The only thing that had kept her going all these years was Jason. \n\nThe elderly woman tried not to think of Jason leaving. She knew it had been a long time coming, but every time she shut her eyes, she saw him in his good moments. Holding their children for the first time. Taking long walks with their grandkids through Septer’s holographic garden. Not now though. Now he was always yelling. Always forgetting her name.\n\nAlloy sniffled. The tears were rippling over the delicate folds of her skin before she even knew that she was heart broken. \n\n“Ssssooo, that isss it then. I predicted thissss, you know. Three yearssss ago. I had been around a while by then, and you were my favorite humanssss to watch.” \n\n“Oh— oh good gracious!” Alloy’s hands snapped to cover her mouth as a large black basilisk slithered out from under her sleeping pod. He was so quick Alloy nearly fell off the other side of the pod in her hurry to scramble away.\n\n“Don’t be alarmed. Would it help if I introduced myself? You can call me... Sneky. That is cute enough for you humanssss right? Unthreatening?” The inky serpent soothed, slurring his s’s heavily. \n\nSneky was as well over 40 inches in length. Alloy didn’t know where he had hidden himself under such a small sleeping pod. He continued, oblivious to her awe of him. “ I mean yessss, originally I happened upon your room to siphon your energy...but I would jussst feel so bad, you know? Your life force is nearly extinguisssshed already without my help and your forever mate left you all alone. Defenselessssss.”\n\n“What are you?” Alloy asked, but immediately bit her lip in regret. It had sounded much more snarky than intended. \n\nSneky didn’t seem to notice. Or if he did, he didn’t hold it against her.“You might call me an alien. You might call me a god. In simplest terms, I am merely an ascended being that has no solid form. I feed off the energy of others in order to keep a solid shape in your dimension.” \n\nAlloy stretched a hand out tentatively to touch the snakes smooth scales. Her hand passed right through him. “Yesss, not so pretty now am I? I haven’t fed in quite some time.”\n\nThe woman cleared her throat. “So if you’re not going to kill me, what can I do for you? Do you like tea? We have Earl… or perhaps Roobios?” \n\n“Oh...I never said I wasn’t going to kill you. I just ssssaid I would feel bad about it.” \n\nBefore she could make a noise, Sneky unhinged his lower jaw. It extended so far that it nearly touched the pristine tile floor. Just large enough to swallow her whole. And he did— cane and all.\n\n“Oh, what a sssssad day. Poor lady...poor... poor woman… Don’t worry, I will eat your lover too. Then you can be together for eternity.” ", "I stared down at the snake in my unicorn-footy pajamas, gripping my Elsa and Anna sheets, not knowing what to do. It righted itself, standing up like a black vacuum hose with red eyes and a flickering tongue.\n\n\"Ssslither thisss way,\" the shadowy snake beckoned. \"We've got busssinesss to attend to.\"\n\n\"W-w-what are we gonna do?\" I asked.\n\n\"To do sssomething that needsss to be done. You're only 11 yearsss old, too sssmall for a boyfriend. Let'sss go.\"\n\nThe thick snake slithered out of my door and into the hallway. I jumped out of bed and followed it through the dark house all the way to the front door where it stopped.\n\n\"You're not ssscared of the darknessss, are you?\" it asked.\n\n\"No,\" I whimpered. \"But that door is locked. And mom and dad have the only key.\"\n\n\"That'sss no problem, my sssweet,\" the snake said. \"It'sss easssily sssolveable.\"\n\nThe snake flicked its head and its eyes twinkled. The door opened with a creak.\n\n\"Let'sss shake it, sssweetie.\" The snake slipped through and I followed, closing the door gently behind. \n\nOutside it was pitch black except for the streetlights that peppered the sidewalk every few feet. It was eerily silent out, the only sound was the scraping of the snake's body against the concrete ground as he led us forward.\n\n\"Where are we going?\" I asked the snake. It was hard to keep up with it in my onesie-pajamas, but I was glad to at least not be barefoot.\n\n\"We're almossst at the finisssh,\" the snake said. \"Sssit tight.\"\n\nIt was hard to tell where we were since it was nighttime, but I had a feeling I'd been here before. When the snake finally stopped, I realized where he'd brought me.\n\n\"This is Samuel's house,\" I said, recognizing his red bike with gears and a Yu-Gi-Oh! sticker on it. He rode it to and from school every day, including today when I saw him holding hands with Mackenzie after the final bell rang. Just remembering it made anger pulsate through me.\n\n\"Don't be ssso sssalty,\" the snake said. \"It'sss time to get sssome revenge.\"\n\nThe snake slithered around to the side of the house, to the window into Samuel's room. It was just high enough for me to peer in. The snake stood up straight, flicked it's head to the side again, and the glass opened up. The snake slipped right into the room. I pulled myself up and heaved in after him.\n\nSamuel's room was as dark as the outside. He was lying in plane-shaped bed, legs sprawled out and snoring loudly. The snake crawled over to the side and looked at me with its bright red eyes.\n\n\"What are you going to do?\" I whispered.\n\n\"Ssshow him a nicccee sssurprise,\" he said. He nudged Samuel with his face, making him mumble in his sleep. He pushed him again, harder, and this time Samuel's eyes fluttered open.\n\nAs soon as he saw the snake, he burst to attention and let out a wild scream, scuttling back against his headboard. The snake quickly whipped its tail and wrapped it around his mouth, muffling the sound.\n\n\"Yessss,\" it moaned. \"Your ssscreams make you even more ssscrumptious!\"\n\nThe snake opened its mouth, unhinging its jaw, revealing its sharp thin teeth. It brought itself down over Samuel head-first, squeezing him and shoving him down its throat. Within just one \"bite,\" Samuel was just an unmoving shape inside the snake's body.\n\n\"What did you do?!\" I yelled. \"I thought you were just going to scare him a bit!\"\n\n\"Alasss, that wasss not my purpossse,\" it said. \"I came here to ssscare you, you sssucculent sssnack!\"\n\nMy heart was racing. I ran for the window, but I was too late. The snake had wrapped itself around my ankle and its mouth was already coming in for the kill. All I could do was scream in terror.\n\n\"Ah yesss,\" the snake said as it engulfed me. \"Ssscreams are truly the greatest ssspice.\"\n\n*****\nThis prompt was written with the help of chat at the [ScottWritesStuff](https://www.reddit.com/r/ScottWritesStuff/) Twitch stream." ]	[ 1, 6, 10, 54 ]	[ "1534463658", "1534482747", "1534477988", "1534477759" ]
	[WP] You were born with a strange reaction to water. You do not need it to survive. However, when water touches your skin, you transform. You’ve always taken special care. However, one night, on a first date, you get caught in a freak storm.	3	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "‘Shit Shit Shit Shit SHIT’\n\nIt’s pouring out, and I’m caught outside in public.\n\nIt’s too late. I felt the first drop of the storm hit my skin. I can already feel the water swirling around me as the transformation begins.\n\nPeople are staring, in awe as the water behaves unnaturally. A whirlpool of water out of water.\n\nWhen the mystical swirling water subsides, I’m on the cold and rough sidewalk, helpless and unable to move.\n\nNOW people are staring. How could they not? They saw a teen guy get hit with a single drop of water, have water surround him, and then turn into a merman. I do my best to escape to the nearby storm canal, but now people are coming closer. Trying to get a better look at me. \n\nMy heart’s pounding. My life’s over. My face is sure to be on TV and the internet now, my identity and curse revealed to the world. I’m sorry Mom and Dad, thanks for caring for me despite my curse. I’m sorry for getting found out after so long.\n\nMy anxiety gets the better of me, and I feel myself start to slip into————\n\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\n\nThis is Bravo team, target secured. Transferring the heir to his kingdom. We’re sure to be paid big for returning the Atlantean Prince." ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1534505542", "1534556290" ]
	[WP] You finally convince your parents to send you to magic camp. However, when you arrive you discover it's not a camp where you learn sleight of hand, it's a camp for people who are actually magic, and you have no abilities whatsoever.	649	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "She realised her mistake as soon as she stepped off the bus and right through a rather pale looking boy in front of her.\n“Sorry” she said sheepishly, moving off to the side as he floated away. Although it took her mind a while to process what she had just seen she knew, knew that there was no way that anything like that could happen, and that she was sure that she wasn’t seeing things. She tried to retreat back onto the bus but it had disappeared as if by. She shook her head not allowing herself to finish that thought. \nHer stomach started doing cartwheels and her heart jumped to her mouth. Panic started to settle in. \nA man with silver hair, in a camp T-Shirt looked across and saw the new girl. He knew she had to be new, as she had that look about her. He approached her and noted the look on her face, like she had made a terrible mistake, though she had just walked right through another student so it was understandable.\nShe saw him approaching, the camp counsellor she had hoped that she would wow them with her sleight of hand, she realised that was useless now, and time was running out for her to think of what to do. \n\n“Hi, you must be new here, I’m Mark. Fairy Godfather. You are” he said extending his hand.\nShe stared at his hand for a moment, then back at his face, plastered with a smile, before extending her own hand,\n\n“Aisling” she said, shaking his. \n\n“You’ll forgive my curiosity, but what exactly are you? I can’t quite place your look, you’re not a vampire or a werewolf that much I can tell, and I sense no obvious magic about you” he said.\n\n“Me?!” Aisling jumped “I’m a umm a Bean-sidhe” she said blurting our the first thing that came to mind.\n\n“A bean-sidhe?” He asked “can’t say I’ve ever met one before, I thought that they couldn’t talk? That to hear them meant death?”\n\nAisling laughed, recalling the stories that her mammy used to tell her when she young \n“A common misconception” she answered “we’re actually more complex than that, we don’t scream so much as wail, and it doesn’t cause death it’s a warning that death is coming. I mean I can see where people may have gotten confused”. \n\n“Ah” he said “well hopefully we won’t be hearing you wailing at all during camp, we couldn’t be doing with any more deaths, especially after last year”\n\nAisling paused “last year. What happened last year?”\n\n“Someone thought it would be funny to provoke a Minotaur. We were picking up body parts for weeks. But I’m sure that won’t happen again. Anyway I must dash loads more people to greet. I hope you enjoy your stay” Mark said rushing off to another young camp goer. \nAisling didn’t need a mirror to know that she had turned white as a sheet. She just hoped that she could keep up this ruse and that no one did anything that would call attention to her lie, or she may really be in trouble. ", "The first hint that something was up with this godawful place was that none of the other kids had packed... Well, anything really. Mum and Dad had stressed the fact that they were \"all-inclusive\", I thought that that might explain it. I hadn't even wanted to come in the first place, but since my parents first met here they forced me into it - perhaps they just wanted me out of the house for the holidays.\n\nAnway, this is being recorded as a sort of diary, because judging from what I saw while we were \"getting to know each other\" it's going to be one long holiday. In the words of Andy Weir, I'm going to have to science the shit out of this.", "Ophelia sauntered up against the back wall of the Talsabury Hall, trying to attract as little notice as possible while still being able to peer out over the second floor balcony to the main hall below, where the College admissions were being held. Holding a serving tray filled with drinks, she kept one eye out for anyone who might beckon her over. She hated the guise, but it was a necessary one. When her so called partner blew the entire operation, she would have to be the one to drag his sorry ass out of here. \n\nBelow, she saw him entire through the main doors, smiling as if he hadn’t a care in the world. From all over the room, a hundred pairs of eyes locked onto him as he approached the admission’s staff. A dozen of the best sorcerers and sorceresses in the Flotilla peered down at him, ready to judge his display of magical prowess.\n\nTalazan Rankor, Earthborn, non-magical, bowed before them with a sweeping flourish and charming smile. \n—————\n\n“Do you have everything?” Ophelia asked for the hundredth time. Talazan adjusted the cuff links’s on his jacket and making sure they were properly attuned to the five glowing stones beside him. \n\n“I think I forgot to put on underwear, but your welcome to double check.” Talazan winked at her. She rolled her eyes. \n\nThey were sitting out on the bow of their little dingy, the Tempest, floating just a few miles away from the Talsabury college. They were forced to stay within the clouds as much as they could, not wanting to be noticed by any potential passerby’s. Luckily the Talsabury was docked on the outskirts of the flotilla. The rich sure did love the luxury of privacy and exclusion. \n\nMiles below them, the the surface passed by in an barren, unchanging landscape. \n\n“Here.” Talazan scoped up the stone and handed them over to Ophelia. “Remember the range is only thirty feet or so. So please don’t wander off.” \n\n“No promises.” She replied. She really didn’t like this plan, but she pocketed the stones anyway. He had no doubt she would be able to smuggle them into the college. Lowlander servants weren’t scrutinized as much as others. After all, they couldn’t even use magic, what was the worse they could do?\n\nTalazan fingered his cuff links. It was time to find out.\n\n——————\n\n“Talazan Rankor.” Headmaster Alfheim spoke with a dry, aging voice. He leaned over the raised table to look down at the young man below. He was the one the Magehound had warned him about. A lowlander, he’d called the boy. Alfheim found that hard to believe. A lowlander applying to the college. Not even an earthborn could that crazy. Well, it mattered little in the end. If he was a lowlander, then he would fail the exam and the guards would haul him away, to be branded as a servant or exiled back to the surface. \n\n“You are applying to the college as an Elementalist, is that correct?” the headmaster peered down at the boy behind his glasses. The young man nodded with an enthusiastic smile.\n\n“It would be an honor to be able to consider myself a peer of your prestigious academy.” Talazan replied. Alfheim nodded, humming under his breath. \n\n“Very well. Then I’m sure you know about the necessary qualifications? You must be able to wield each of five elements in some essence. As long as you are capable of that, we would be glad to have you.” That was the crux of it. It would be impossible for a Lowlander to summon the elements, unless he had outside help. He would have been checked at the door however, and any magical items capable of summoning the elements would have been confiscated. \n\nStill, the Magehound warning rang in his ears. He would be paying extra close attention to this one.\n\nTalazan bowed again. “Then allow me to begin. First, the element of Earth.”\n\n——-\n\nTalazan took his hands off the ships wheel and clipped his Belt-of-Tricks around his waist. The vials containing various liquid, powders, and potions rattled about in his pouches. A bit of brimstone, a bit of sulfuric-acid. Some Vitriol here and some Aersenic there. Substances that the average sorcerer wouldn’t be able to recognize, unless they were a skilled alchemist. Certainly nothing the average Talsabury guard would find suspicious. \n\n“Let’s hope those things are worth what we paid for them.” Ophelia said, glancing at his cuff links. “If not we’re going to have a very long time to think about getting our money back in the college dungeons.” \n\n“We tested them. They’re fine.” Talazan reassured her as he steered the Tempest towards the Flotilla. . “Stop worrying.”\n\n“You’re only saying that cuz you got to keep them.” Ophelia grumbled. They had split the cost.\n\n—-\n\nOphelia saw Talazan reach out and summon a palm sized stone out of thin air. She felt the Earth Stone heat up in the pocket of her dress, sending a surge of elemental energy into Talazans cuff links. Talazan grabbed the stone and bounced it up and down in his hand. Smiling all the while. Ophelia hoped it would be enough as she felt the Earth Stone cool. The Elemental Stones were one use only, and they had cost a fortune.\n\nTalazan tossed the stone up towards the headmaster. The old man raised a finger and the rock came to a halt in front of him, floating in midair. He let it drop into his open hand and studied it for a bit, before nodding and setting it aside.\n\n“Continue.” He said. Ophelia barely stopped herself from sighing in relief. This could work after all. \n\n“Now Wood!” Talazan pulled a parchment scroll from his pocket, unfolding it and showing the administrators that it was completely blank. Ophelia resisted the urge to roll her eyes. It was just like he was back on the surface, preforming for a bunch of wide eyed children, and slack jawed villagers. \n\nShe felt the heat in her pocket again as the parchment in Talazan’s hand thickened and became dark. With loud pop, Talazan held up a slab of wood, freshly transmogrified from the scroll’s paper. Glancing around, Ophelia saw several of the sorcerers around the balcony looked impressed. Several even clapped. \n\n“Air!” Obvious encouraged by the applause, Talazan swirled his hands, summoning a gust of wind from the Air Stone. The magic poured out from the cuff links below his palms, scattered papers and rustling beards all around the hall. Polite clapping turned to laughter, and the headmaster held up a hand for silence. \n\n————\n\nThey flew the Tempest towards the east end of the Talsabury, hiding the ship behind the tall trees planted in the park. Ophelia came up from below dressed in her servants attire. She glanced towards him, standing on the edge of the ship as he tossed the rope ladder over the side. Crossing her arms, she fixed him with a serious look.\n\n“What’re you gonna do when it all goes wrong?”\n\n——\n\nAlfheim snapped his fingers and eight crystals materialized around Talazan. Purple lighting danced beneath their dark blue surfaces, and with a thunderous crackle, bolts of electricity shot from the tips of the crystals, connecting with each other to form a box around the young man. \n\nGasps of surprise and terror filled the room. It was a natural reaction Alfheim understood. Through some unexplained phenomena, electricity naturally nullified all magic within a certain radius. As such it was relatively despised among the flotillas. \n\nThe only way it was being controlled the way it was currently, was due to the special crystals that contained it. They could be found buried deep within the surface, and only emitted electricity in close contact with each-other. The box Talazan was in wasn’t harmful as long as the boy didn’t touch the bolts around him, but no magic would be able to penetrate the barrier. \n\nIf he was receiving help somehow, the box would put a stop to that. \n\n“Forgive me.” Alfheim spoke. “I find I grow paranoid in my old age. I hate to imply that you are not trustworthy, Mr. Rankor. But you display remarkable prowess for a novice. If you are truly as good as you appear, then you may continue. The barrier will not affect any magic within it’s confines.”\n\nThe smile flickered, but only for a moment. \n\n“I’m flattered, really.” Talazan replied. “To think that I would be so amazing that you would wonder if I was cheating. How could I be anything but?”\n\n—————-\n\nTalazan leaned back on the ships railing, fixing Ophelia with his best smile. It didn’t convince her, but he did it all the same.\n\n“Then I’ll do what I always do. I’ll improvise, adapt, and make a general fool of myself.”\n\n—————-\n\n", "\"Oh, come on, Mom. I turn fifteen this August, and you're sending me off for two teeny-weeny weeks!\" I protested for the umpteenth time, as I begged her to let me attend a magic camp that I had been ogling for almost a year now.\n\nAs usual, she glanced at the website I was presenting with a skeptical look. \"Are you sure about this? Amanda, just look at all those fires shooting up in the background of these pictures here. I really don't think this is the type of place a healthy, sane teenager would attend.\"\n\n\"Really?\" I retorted, with the most sarcasm I could imbue into my rolling eyes. \"So you're saying all the kids happily posing for this photo, or that one, or this down here, or any of these -- they're all just unhealthy, insane scumbags?\" I had recently learned on debate team that overexaggerating your opponent's argument was a great recipe for success. Yes, I'm on debate team. Don't ask.\n\n\"Well...\" she trailed off, sidestepping by getting back to cooking dinner.\n\nI wasn't about to let her off the hook, but Dad interjected at that moment.\n\n\"Honey, Amanda has really been wanting this for a good while now,\" he noted, placatingly. \"In fact, I don't know how many things in life she's been this persistent and stubborn about before. Why don't we let her give it a try? The website looks reputable enough.\"\n\nMom knew she was cornered, and gave Dad a deathglare for the ages. With a sigh, she reluctantly submitted.\n\n\"Wait, wait, wait -- I can actually go?\" I exclaimed in disbelief. As they say, thirty-seventh time's the charm.\n\n\"Yes, but on one condition,\" she said, making one last defiant stand. \"You pay for the entire trip, or no deal.\"\n\n---\n\nI thought about that last conversation with a giddy smile as I bounced along on the bus that would take me to magic camp. Now that it was actually happening, I couldn't stop the shivers from running down my entire body, as I sort of vibrated with excitement in my seat. Look, I'm not proud of it, but I couldn't help how excited I was, okay?\n\nIt was as I was reflecting on this moment that I noticed a slight upward buoyancy. At first, I thought it was the force of my buttocks, lifting off the seat in an actual hop of excitement, but I soon realized that the ground outside was drifting further and further away. I plastered my face against the window as the rolling hills below seriously zoomed out of sight.\n\nNow this was a seriously cool magic trick. I didn't know how they were doing it, but if this was a preview of the stuff we were going to learn at camp, I was even more excited. They even had gusts blowing in the windows, as if we were actually in the air!\n\nI turned around to ask if the guy across the aisle knew how they were doing the trick -- only to realize that he was currently deep into the complex art of blowing fire from his mouth. Notwithstanding the potentially terrifying safety implications, it was incredible how natural he made it look. In fact, I didn't even see a torch or fuel source on his person at all! All my magic research online said that you needed both of those to even think about fire breathing.\n\n\"Hey, how are you breathing fire without a torch?\" I asked, or rather screamed, as the clamor in the bus combined with the whirlwinds ripping through it escalated the noise level to a new high. \"Don't you need one of those?\"\n\nThe boy just ignored my questions and went on rolling flames into the air and through the windows as if nothing had happened.\n\nPerhaps he didn't hear me? \"Hey you, how are you --\"\n\n\"Are you actually trying to talk to Sven?\" The kid in front of me peeked over his seat, with a quizzical look.\n\n\"Sven, is it?\" I replied, somewhat relieved that someone was talking to me, at least. \"Is there some reason I shouldn't be talking to him?\" Social norms were, of course, the most important part of any teenager's life. As curious as I was, I didn't want to slip up if I didn't need to.\n\nThe kid stared at me with increasingly perplexed eyes. \"Are you new here or something? Don't you know Sven is half-dragonkin?\"\n\nI was so surprised by this that I had to laugh. Oh, dear lord, I didn't expect the kids here to be steeped in fantasy role-playing! Well, perhaps that sort of nerdiness is to be expected in a magic camp, of all things.\n\n\"Oh sorry, I had no idea!\" I replied, stifling a giggle. \"This is my first time at this camp, actually.\"\n\n\"Neato! I'm Josh, by the way,\" the kid in front, alias Josh, said. \"We don't normally get newcomers! So what's your name and alignment?\"\n\nWhat an odd, geeky question to ask. \"Well, my name is Amanda, and my alignment...\" I figured he was talking about D&D or something. \"Maybe, like, Chaotic Good?\" That sounded pretty cool in my mind, though I had never actually played the game.\n\nJosh cracked up in laughter. \"No, you silly, I meant your magical alignment -- obviously.\"\n\nMy magical alignment? Like, what kind of tricks I was into? And how was that obvious?\n\nI must have sat there looking at him awkwardly, because he started chatting again on his own. \"Well, I guess I should tell you mine first -- it's pretty lame, but I'm a water shaper.\"\n\nI nodded along, only to find him suddenly materializing water out of thin air and waving it around with flicks of his wrists, as if gravity didn't exist. I had never seen anything like this before, and I sat there now agape.\n\n\"Yeah, pretty stupid, huh?\" he looked a bit chagrined. \"My Dad can form tsunamis and stuff just thinking about it, but this is pretty much the best I can do for now.\" As if needing to impress me, he turned over and looked at Sven across the aisle with a devious glance. \"But I can put out fires like Sven's...\"\n\nHe proceeded to flow the water he had materialized through the air at Sven's face, and the fires sizzled out in a cloud of steam. As it evaporated, we could all hear the growl coming from Sven's direction. He looked something between infuriated and about to murder an adopted puppy.\n\n\"Wait, wait, Sven, I just --\" Josh tried to placate before things got too messy, to no avail.\n\nWith his face fully crimson, Sven unleashed a burst of flame in Josh's direction. At the last second, a wall of ice blocked the flames before they reached a cowering Josh.\n\n\"You're an absolute idiot, Josh,\" said a taller boy standing in the aisle. \"I saw the whole thing, and you had it coming.\"\n\n\"But, I just wanted to --\"\n\n\"No arguing, you were totally at fault.\"\n\nAs they went back and forth like this, it slowly dawned on me that magic had two meanings: one for parlor tricks, and the other for sorcery. I had come here for the former, but these \"tricks\" were a little too realistic, a little too magical, for that to really be it. In which case, by process of elimination, this was a camp for...\n\n\"Are you all wizards!?\" I exclaimed out loud.\n\nThe two boys looked at me with a frown.\n\n\"Obviously.\" They said in unison, as if I asked if the sky was blue.\n\n\n\n", "Part 1\n\n\"Bye, mom!\" I shouted as I shot out of the car. \"I'll see you in 3 weeks!\" I almost dropped my backpack as I slammed the door closed, but scrambled it back on my shoulders and turned around. Everyone here looked so cool! Half the kids were wearing cloaks or colourful hats, there were even one or two witch hats! My eyes kept darting around; there was so much to see! Someone by the sign-up booth was flipping cards, showing off as they flaoted around his head. Someone else was sitting under a tree, waving a wand around, all focused... and then suddenly a butterfly flew out the tip.\n\n\"Wow!\" I exclaimed, running up to them. He was startled to see me stop right in front of him, and glanced up shyly. I grinned down at him. \"That was so cool! How did you do that?\" I asked. He looked proud, but a little nervous. \"Oh, right,\" I said, sitting down beside him. \"My name is Fiona. what's your's?\"\n\n\"Goerge...\" he said meekly. \"You really thought that was cool?\"\n\n\"Well, yeah! I can't figure out how you did it,\" I said. \"I know a magician never reveals their tricks, but please please please could you show me?\"\n\nHe stared at me, puzzled. But then the pride at being praised won out. His back straightened. \"It's really easy,\" he said, tapping his wand on his wrist. \"You just gotta focus on the summonning spell, but you call up a butterfly.\" He focused on his wand, glanced at me after a few seconds, then renewed his efforts. I giggled. He made it seem like it was real magic, instead of just an appearing technique. A moment later, a monarch appeared in a puff of orange smoke.\n\n\"Seriously,\" I told him, \"you have to show me how you do that. Where do you store the live insect?\"\n\n\"What?\" he asked, startled again.\n\n\"Come on,\" I said, rolling my eyes good-naturedly, \"I'm at magic camp too. I know it's all tricks.\"\n\nThis only puzzled him more. \"...But it... isn't?\" he said.\n\n\"Of course it is,\" I said. \"You have a really great performance style, though,\" I added quickly. \"It would really convince anyone!\"\n\nRealisation seemed to slowly dawn on him. \"...Where's your wand?\" he asked.\n\n\"Oh, I do card tricks,\" I said, pulling off my backpack. \"Let me show you.\" I started to dig through the front pocket.\n\n\"Fortune telling? I thought only adults could do fortune telling.\"\n\n\"No, no, card magic,\" I said, pulling out my pack. I shuffled the cards a little and held them out to him. \"Here, pick one. and don't let me see it.\"\n\nHe hesitated, then reached forward. He stared at his card then stared at me. \"...Is this going to explode at me?\"\n\n\"What? No, just put it back in the pack, and I'll find it again.\"\n\n\"...Without a wand?\"\n\n\"Without a wand,\" I confirmed. He slid his card back between the others, and I shuffled again. \"Was this your card?\" I asked, holding up the jack of diamonds.\n\n\"...Yeah...\" he said. I grinned. \"I'm hoping they're going to teach us some more tricks like this here,\" I told him. He just kept staring at me.\n\n\"What?\" I asked nervously.\n\n\"You're not a witch, are you?\" he asked.\n\n\"Well, I'm a magician. You know, like with magic?\"\n\n\"But that wasn't real magic, was it?\"\n\nI laughed nervously. \"Real magic?\"\n\nHe pointed behind me. I turned. Someone was waving a wand and making her luggage levitate behind her. Someone else was changing the colour of her camping uniform. A guy waved his wand a bike appeared out of nowhere.\n\nEverywhere I looked, people were doing magic. But none of it was any of the tricks I'd ever heard of.\n\nI turned back to George. \"Is this real magic camp?\" I asked him.\n\nHe nodded.\n\n\"You really need to show me how to do that trick, now.\" I said." ]	[ 1, 1, 3, 11, 32, 142 ]	[ "1534530739", "1534548837", "1534540973", "1534547099", "1534537036", "1534534451" ]
[removed]	[WP] turning 40	1	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/bananatreeme, this submission has been removed.\n\n[Prompt users in the title, but don't play writing games or commission stories](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_6.3A_prompt_users_in_the_title.2C_but_don.27t_play_writing_games_or_commission_stories)\n\n- Prompts go in the title, do not extend into text. You can add commentary in the text, but don't add additional prompt restrictions. Also, avoid [too many details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/prompts?src=RECIPE). \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/987fg2/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1534551499", "1534552368" ]
	[WP] "They can assimilate me into their hive mind, but they'll never take away my love for you. I will always, always love you."	27	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "He said it and I believed him. I really believed love was that strong. I thought that he could hold on. My heart told me that his love was too strong to be torn away and that some semblance of it would stay with him forever.\n\nEven as he spoke those words, the parasite was eating away at him. His head twitched and he struggled to get his words out. His eyes clouded over, his skin turned pale.\n\nAfter he finished rattling off his dying words, he stood silent for a moment. His eyes locked with mine and they screamed with unbearable pain. He was motionless except for the twitch at the corner of his mouth. I could see the light slip from his eyes as milky white overtook them.\n\nI cried. Tears streamed down my face and blurred my vision. I could hardly force myself to stand. When I wiped them away, I looked back to find that his expression had changed to one of malice. The thing before me was no longer my husband. Everything that he was had been wiped away, even his love. The thing before me had no soul and I could feel it. Its cold, dead, robotic eyes radiated pure hatred so intensely that I could feel it pushing me back.\n\nIt smiled at the knowledge that it was about to claim another victim. I could see its mouth watering and a sort of arousal in its stare. It fought to gain full control of the body and it began inching its way towards me. I was still frozen with terror.\n\nPart of me wanted to believe he was still in there. Part of me wanted to believe he could be saved. I wanted to believe that he was still in there, but I knew what he had become and I knew that there was no going back. Still, part of me wanted to let go and join him. But I knew what I had to do; I knew he would want me to go on.\n\nI stumbled backward and fumbled for anything I could use as a weapon. The only thing that would work was a large, brass candlestick. I had to act quickly before the parasite gained full control. I stared him down and reminded myself one more time that the man I loved was long gone. I looked the creature in its eyes and I saw no trace of him.\n\nI rushed at it and screamed at the top of my lungs. The stupid bastard was still smiling with vague arousal, sure that it was going to take me as well. I beat that stupid look off of its face.\n\nSuddenly I was an animal. I had never felt such anger in my life.\n\nThis thing had killed my husband and I wanted no reminder of that. I brought the candlestick down over and over until there was no face left, only a red blob of flesh. I screamed so hard I felt like my throat was bleeding. When I was finished, the adrenaline was still flooding through my veins; I stood over it with my teeth barred like a snarling dog and I screamed one last time. \n\nSlowly, the anger faded away and grief took center stage. I collapsed and wept.", "Just the act of breathing sears my throat. To our left, great mountains of earth are thrown skyward, displaced by glowing spheres of plasma that superheat the air. The great spiked spire looms before us, like an upturned palm reaching for the clouded heavens. \n\nLuminous tentacles of light grow from it, giving it the impression of a cylindrical jellyfish. They wave about gently in the air, flapping gracefully like a ballerina’s ribbon. Then one of them snaps taut, around the leg of Major Roger. \n\nThe heavyset, bearded woman wasn’t an actual army soldier, but she had more than earned her nickname in the past months, fighting alongside us in half a dozen fierce battles for control of the subway tunnels. Major Rogers was like an anchor in a storm, holding the panic and fear that threatened to overwhelm us at bay with her bellowing laughter and uplifting battle roar, shotgun in hand. \n\nMajor Rogers wasn’t laughing now, as she stands firmly at attention, arms locked at her side and her back erect. Every muscle in her body strains to break free and a thick blue vein pulses on her forehead. \n\nWordlessly, the team promptly stops, turns and opens fire on the alien tentacle. Even Tom, who hated Major Roger, turns to help her. The invasion had left little in the way of allies, and desperation made you take whoever and whatever you could. Everyone who wasn’t them was us. The line was clear.\n\nOr at least, we try to. In the second it takes us to turn and face Major Roger’s captor, the ground around us bursts open and cicadas spill out. The aliens, similar to Earth’s own cicadas but humanoid and bipedal, swarm us. The plasma bombardment stops, to avoid killing their own.\n\nIn less than a second, caught off-guard, more than half the team is down, screaming as claws rend their limbs free and turn their torsos into a meaty pulp. Only ten of us are left, in pairs of two as we fight back to back, spinning in a manmade tornado that spit metal death. Major Roger’s eyes roll into the back of her head as spittle bubble from her lips. \n\n“MynameisRogerDasinIwasbornonthetwentyfirstofApril-,” she babbles a string of almost unintelligible words without pause. \n\nThe battle rages on for almost five minutes, the floor beneath us turning into a bloody sea of cicada ichor and savaged body parts, dotted by islands of metal bullet casings. All the while, Major Roger gurgles and slowly turns blue, having not taken a breath since she started talking. There were just five of us now, Tom having lost his partner and now fighting with two machetes, his vicious and dangerous combat style tearing through the cicada’s ranks.\n\nThen, just as suddenly as they had appeared, the alien swarm pulled back. Major Roger stands there calmly, glowing tentacle still wrapped snugly around his ankles. \n\n“You are unsuitable. Terminate.” \n\nThen she turns to face us, our bastion of strength and courage through the darkest times, carrying a brave face that barely hides the terror that writhes underneath her sunken cheeks. “Don’t be afr-.”\n\nAnd Major Roger explodes, showering us with a fine red mist. Lesser men and woman would have retreating, shrieking in fear all the way back to base. But all the lesser men and woman had already died, weeded out by the cicada swarm. \n\nWordlessly, we break into a sprint, the spire in our sights. Hatred coiled in the corners of my mind, and the C4 in my backpack seemed to hum in anticipation of the destruction we promised it. \n\nWe had been doing just fine, before the spire had shown up, with its great ominous tentacles. Well, relative to the Earth’s current situation, what with the invasion and all. But the thing had turned everything upside down, and now we had lost one of the best of us. \n\nWhat did that leave behind? In a world where you had to take whatever you could get, meeting a good person like Major Roger was like finding a diamond in the garbage bin. \n\nA second, luminous tentacle whips around Tom’s arm, and his hands go slack, his prized twin machetes clattering on the ground. As if on cue, a seething tide of cicadas crash into us, and we waltz with them, chittering and gunshots mixing into a discordant melody. \n\nWe spend the lives of our teammates in exchange for gaining distance on the spire. As our numbers are whittled away, the bio-organic base of the spire grows ever bigger, until at last it fills the entirety of our vision. \n\nOnly three of us are left, Lily’s partner having been sacrificed in the last push. Bony and with dirty blonde hair, Lily wielded an old battered bayonetted rifle as she essentially tore her way through the alien ranks. The cicadas must have gotten an inkling of what we were here to do now, because they no longer waited for the luminous tentacles to catch us, instead rushing us like a waterfall would a rock at its base. \n\nYet another tentacle curls around Lily’s neck, lifting the petite girl off her feet. Only my partner and I remained now, fighting to gain ground on the spire’s base. \n\nIt takes less than a minute for us to realize something’s not right, something’s different. I bash a dozen beady eyes of a single cicada with my rifle butt, then I pause. \n\nEverything has paused. All the cicadas around us stand frozen, their antennas shivering every so slightly. As one, they begin whispering. A chitter so soft it sent goose bumps racing up my arms. \n\n“Go, you dimwit,” my partner shoves me roughly. “Set the charges! I’ll get the girl.”\n\nHe was a new recruit, and so I hadn’t bothered learning his name. You didn’t bother learning the names of people anymore unless you were sure they were going to stick around. \n\nOur goal is less than ten meters away, and I race towards it. As I finally reach the spire’s base, glowing a sickly orange, I hear a scream cut short by a loud, wet crack. My nameless partner’s head rolls to a stop next to my knee. \n\nMy shallow breathing echoing loudly in my ears, I fumble with my backpack as I scramble to set up the C4. \n\n“Randy, Randy,” Lily calls, a small giggle in her voice. “Hey Randy look at me when I’m talking to you.”\n\nLarge, clawed insect hands grasp my shoulders painfully and forcefully turn me around. I can feel blood run down my arms, staining my shirt. In one hand, I hold the detonator tightly. The C4 was set up and- \n\nI don’t even realize it’s me screaming at first. I look at the stump, spurting blood as my hand is chewed into bloody chunks in front of my eyes by a cicada. Beneath its skeletal foot, it stomps the detonator into tiny pieces. And then I continue screaming. \n\n“Hush, hush,” Lily presses one finger against my lips, reducing me to little but fearful whimpers. \n\nThe luminous tentacle is still wrapped around her neck, and she floats about a foot off the ground. But her pupils are tinged a luminous orange. \n\n“I am suitable for integration,” she says this as if she had discovered a hidden cache of food, the delight and glee clear in her voice. “as a proxy hivemind controller. I’m going to be in-charge.”\n\nShe caresses my face with an unbearable tenderness, pouting. “Aren’t you happy? They can assimilate me into their hive mind, but they'll never take away my love for you. I will always, always love you.\"\n\nLily had been a phenomenal fighter. Someone like that was invaluable to the resistance. No matter who you were before the cicada invasion, skills like hers tended to make people ‘forget’ a sordid past. \n\nNot me.\n\nLily had been my stalker. The night of the invasion, I had found her skulking around in my apartment and had been about to call the cops. Then, of course, the invasion had happened. And somehow, she had stuck around, following me.\n\nShe grins, as the cicadas around me creep ever closer. “I’ll take special care of you, Randy…”\n\nI continue screaming.", "You are one. One is all. All is one.\n\nI remember pulling. \n\nA huge cavern. Dimly lit. An echoing, metallic voice. A large, slimey green mess. And my father stuck in the middle of it. His skinny body was halfway out, almost like he was growing out from it. I pulled and pulled on him. He didn't budge.\n\n\"Come on dad!\" I shouted. \"I'll get you out of here!\"\n\nYou are one. One is all. All is one.\n\nMy dad looked me calmly in the eyes. \n\n\"Its our family destiny son.\" He said simply. \"I was always going-\"\n\n\"That's not true!\"\n\nI remember screaming.\n\nTears blurred my vision. \"You never wanted to come here. You warned me countless times to never enter cave Vernon but I still... I still...\"\n\nYou are one. One is all. All is one.\n\n\"Leave, Tim. Do not come back here. Whatever family you ever had is gone. Do not come looking for us.\"\n\n\"If I'd never... We could have had so much more...\"\n\nMy father looked at me then, and I saw love pouring out of his green eyes. He never blamed me for this. For any of it. He brought his hands to my face.\n\n\"How lucky I am to have already had all this. I love you son. Always have, always will.\"\n\nHe leaned over. He kissed me on the forehead, lips so gentle I barely felt it.\n\nAnd then he pushed me.\n\nYou are one. One is all. All is one.\n\nI remember falling.\n\n\n" ]	[ 1, 2, 5, 10 ]	[ "1534574658", "1534578014", "1534577792", "1534577609" ]
Even if is partially inspired by 1984 the story doesn't have to be set in that particular universe.	[WP] You have committed thought crime and you know that you are already dead. But now a stranger has given to you a letter and has offered you chance to escape the Grid. He could be a spy, but at the same time he's the only chance you have to live.	17	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "I sit on my couch on a bleak August afternoon. Actually, it is in fact quite a beautiful day outside, if you ignore the smog.\n\nI don't care though.\n\nI have committed thoughtcrime, a heinous crime according to the Party. If you commit a thoughtcrime, it will be known. And you will have signed your death wish in your own blood. We all know this too well.\n\nThoughtcrime is a crime of the utmost offense. I would say that only treason is worse, but thoughtcrime is* a form of treason. All I had done was quickly write a note about how the Party is so oppressive in my extreme anger and frustration. I know they've already found out, I know it. What a pathetic way to die.*\n\nI finished writing the note, slid it in a book about how great the Party is, and put the book in a small filing cabinet in my old and worn down office for somene to perhaps find one day and look back on my own foolishness.\n\nNow I simply have to wait for the Thoughtpolice to show up and make me face my doom. Even if I would only be tortured at first, eventually they would kill me. Perhaps on the first day, perhaps in 10 years.\n\nHowever, what arrived was not what I expected.\n\nI heard a knock on the door. \n\n\"Already here, I guess this is it,\" I muttered under my breath. \n\nInstead of the ominous all black clothing of the Thoughtpolice, I found a man dressed in a white suit, grey pants, a grey cloak, old worn down boots, and a short grey tophat. He looked around, seemingly as if checking for other people, then handed it to me and left wihout a word.\n\nI closed my apartment door and sat down on the very same couch in my note.\n\n\"This is my ticket out of here.\"" ]	[ 1, 3 ]	[ "1534609757", "1534614056" ]
I hope I’ve explained it clearly enough. I had an idea for this sci fi technology but so far no story to go with it. I may have used the wrong terminology, my scientific knowledge is not great	[WP]In the future a new technology revolutionises medicine. Every single atom in a patients body is separated but still connected by electric impulses. Doctors can then walk through them with protective clothing and remove or repair cells on an atomic level. They could even rearrange or add to them.	49	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "It was almost like a scene out of a movie in the White House’s Situation Room. Staff frantically rushed around, while the large screen at one end of the room showed the various news broadcasts reporting it. “-an anonymous tip was left that doctors at an alleged secret government facility using the Molecular Separation technology have modified a person’s cellular structure and added parts to them. For the sake of their safety, the anonymous tipper’s gender is being kept hidden and-“ the President cut to another broadcast “-supposedly the Government is testing this to see if they can create super soldiers. Whatever the purpose, could this be one of the biggest controversies in histo-“ The president had seen enough. He knew what he had to do.\n\nAs the President stepped outside to enter his motorcade, the shouts of reporters were everywhere and constant. Shouts of “Mr. President” blended into one continuous roar; he wasn’t concerned with them and only had one mission: To eliminate the deserter.\n\nThough Mr. Stryker had left his life of being a government scientist behind, he had actually become MORE busy. Calls from news stations were coming in left and right to his office in the safe room of the basement. He had everything he needed there: Two secure satellite phones, a specially made laptop computer, and enough food and water to last him for weeks. It was from here that he became A. Anonymous, and from here that he had to maintain that identity. Bing! Stryker glanced at his computer, and found that he had a new email, one from CNN requesting a phone interview. It was here that he made his mistake. He wrote back, scheduling a time and date, and soon after received word that the news station was ready when he was, making sure to distort his voice and make it unidentifiable what gender he was or what race. “Hello?” Was all he said, but then he realized, slamming down the phone. It was too late-that one word could be the death of him if he wasn’t careful. The news station had called him, not vice versus-they knew who he was. It was then that Stryker realized his second mistake-the apartment he was in was registered to his name! How could he be so stupid? He still used the same credit cards, even the same bank after what had happened. He began to pack up his things, but then heard footsteps upstairs and decided otherwise, locking the vault door he had bought for a reason. “He’s downstairs, Sir!” Yelled an unidentifiable voice, then a very recognizable voice responded. “He trapped himself, it’s only a matter of time until we get him out. Now get me some cutters!” The victorious sounding man was indeed the President of the United States, and he was recognizable especially since he had personally met with Stryker to assign him to his task. Stryker realized there was no point in fighting, or letting them capture him. He grabbed his .45 and opened his mouth...Only to hear the click of an empty chamber. He had forgotten to bring bullets, and it would be his downfall.\n\nThe laser cutters finished their job, and it was time for Stryker to finish his. As the door was removed, the swat team moved up with riot shields, until it was clear there was no need. Stryker kneeled with his hands up and back to them, clearly giving up. They handcuffed him, and brought him up to the van. It was the last time Stryker would see daylight, and he seemed to know it, walking as slowly as the SWAT team allowed, taking it all in one last time.\n\nTHE FOLLOWING SECTION MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME\n\nMr. J. Stryker awoke in an all-too familiar place-his former workplace, to be exact. He knew this would also be his death place. “Mr. Stryker...” said the president, “What exactly did you think you would do? The public may love stories like these but in a small amount of time, once I spread the news that you were an insane asylum escapee, you will be ridiculed and forgotten. So what was the goal?”\n“My goal,” Stryker growled in response, “was to stop you from doing what you are about to do to me.” “In that case, you have failed. I will watch this...surgery with great interest.” The president responded curtly. The lab techs that used to work with him stripped off his clothes, strapped him to the operating table, and separated his atoms. They began to alter his body, change him in ways he could only imagine. It was then they turned to his brain. Mr. John Stryker could not even scream as the operator’s instruments lowered and he became a mindless body under the government’s control." ]	[ 1, 9 ]	[ "1534638620", "1534639454" ]
[removed]	[WP] Everyone gains a special power after doing a lot of something, such as gaining super speed after running 10,000 miles. You are the first person to fart 10,000 times.	0	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/BenjiYokai, this submission has been removed.\n\n[Prompts will be removed if there's a high possibility for rule breaking responses](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses)\n\n- Bathroom Humor: No troll or meme-based prompts. This includes posting fart or poop jokes as prompts. \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/98hy0q/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things.", "“Toxic, so glad that you showed up in time. I was beginning to think that you didn’t have time for our little debacles anymore,” Singularity roared in laughter.\n\nUgh. I really hated this guy. He was no challenge at all. All I had to do was just let out any odour and he would be knocked out immediately. He really wasn’t that much fun. Too bad that I don’t really do this for fun. Not anymore at least.\n\n“Why do you always want me? Can’t you just give me a break? Do you know how much running it takes to get to these crimes you pull off? It always seems as though you choose the places further from any place I’m at,” I glare.\n\nI wipe off the sweat that was starting to drench my mask and neck. My back was already a goner.\n\n“Why would I ever do that?” He smiled.\n\nI tried to keep him distracted for as long as I could while the hostages escaped from a back exit. As soon as the last person was out I was finally able to get to work.\n\n“Well as fun as this little chit chat was, I really gotta be somewhere right now.\n\nI could feel the chemicals churning in my stomach before I released it in a large belch.\n\nAs the gas filled the room Singularity’s mask changed colour.\n\n“Nuh uh, I’ve learned from all of our fights now. I have a filtration mask now. Any chemical you create will be filtered from the air before I breathe it.”\n\nGah. Seriously?\n\nSingularity disappeared into a black spot. Great. Now he was playing peekaboo with me again.\n\n“Peekaboo would’ve been a better name for you,” I grunted.\n\n“I think that one is taken already,” I was punched hard on the head from the back before I could react.\n\nHe landed a few more hits from my blind spots before I got an idea.\n\nI mixed a few more chemicals in my stomach and spit it out on the floor. A slimy blue substance was created on the place where my spit landed and my plan was ready for execution.\n\nA rift was opened again but this time I was ready for him. As soon as I felt the punch in my stomach I powered through the pain and grabbed him by the arm and threw him onto the slime.\n\n“What the hell is this?” He exclaimed.\n\n“The end of the road of course,” I smiled.\n\nI let out a fart on his face and watched as the gas started to corrode his filtration system. Then I let another one rip and knocked him out.\n\n“That was toxic.”\n\nI walked out of the restaurant and dumped him on the ground in front of the officers.\n\n“There ya go offi—“ I was cut off as they began to fire tranq darts on me. “Yeah, you’re welcome for the help!” I chided them as I dodged the darts and used a grappling hook to get away.\n\nr/PsyionicWrites" ]	[ 1, 1, 1 ]	[ "1534655058", "1534656066", "1534656638" ]
	[WP] People in heaven are falling from the sky, and people in hell are crawling out of the earth, including one person you thought would be doing the former.	20	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "I woke up late that morning when I heard the bizarre news. Dead people are coming back to life, not as flesh eating and brain devouring zombies, but dead people of the past were either falling out of a divine crack from the sky or being spat out of a unholy boiling mud bubble from the ground. The \"Revived\" as what the news called these people were coming back to the earth plane as mortals again. The world realized that when a insanely viral video of one Revived man being beaten to death was recognized, in fact, as Adolf Hitler himself, in flesh, and in the streets of Tel Aviv.\n\nWhile watching this end-of-days phenomenon in my t.v, I noticed my phone have over fifty missed calls. It was from my mother. She also had left over thirty text messages and ten emails. I didnt read any of them as each of them were the length of a college thesis, so like any worried son I called her.\n\n\"Mom, what is going on in the world? Have you seen the news?\", I asked her as soon as she picked up.\n\n\"Abel, are you ok? There are soldier's in the street maintaining order and forcing everyone to stay-in as these things, these people they called the Revived are randomly falling down everywhere or coming out of the ground. Abel, my dear are you ok? How are things there in Fairfax? Are the university police making you stay in your dorms? \", my mom spewed the worths in her mouth faster than a bullet.\n\n\"I saw the news. They said that these things were people who have passed away.\" I replied to my mother, then in that moment it hit me. I realized that my drunken father who passed away last year might become one of the Revived. I held my breathe, my heartbeat increased terribly and I can feel my hair raise slowly. My mother was still on the phone talking and saying somethings but I got distracted by something in the room.\n\nI found my self staring at the mirror. In the mirror I saw the reflection of a man with a familiar face. All dress in white suit, with a subtle shine and brightness emanating from the middle of his chest. It looked divine and angelic. He was just sitting right there in my couch smiling at me. His face full of joy and relief. It was my father. The man who comes home drunk every night and beats my mother.\n\n\"Hello, son.\", my father greeted me. \"How have you been?\", he continued.\n\n\"You were a terrible father, how is it possible? You were in Heaven?\", I was shocked to see him in that state, not because he was a dead man the last time I saw him but it looked like, judging from how he looked, he was sent to heaven\n\n\"But... Ted Kaczynski, he was an evil man and he was Revived and he had a horns the size of my arms. I expected the same from you\", I told him with a very shaken voice.\n\nHe walked around my dorm, examining the decor. He paused on my family picture.\n\n\"Abe... You break my heart. Your have a family picture of Cain? With you, your little brother, and your mother?\", my father asked ignoring the questions.\n\n\"Did your mother married that back-stabber Cain?\", he asked me with disappointment.\n\n\"Backstabber? Stop?!\", I freaked out. That moment I was confused, scared and terrified.\n\n\"Abe, my boy. There were a lot of things you didnt know about my relationship with your mother and HER RELATIONSHIP WITH CAIN\", the light in his chest flashed a blinding light. I was daized for a moment but I recovered. I found my self sitting on the floor.\n\n\"Is it him?!! Oh my God?! Is he there?!\", I heard another familiar voice, it was my mother and she was still on the phone. She must've heard me talking to someone.\n\n\"Stay in your dorm. I'm coming. Sweetie, whatever you do dont go with him. \", my mom in a hurry on the phone.\n\n\"Is that Ella? Your mother?\", my father asked as his chest reverberated with light.\n\nTO BE CONTINUED...." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1534655838", "1534778878" ]
[removed]	[WP] You met a fascinating woman in the bridge you're about to dive from to die. She didn't stop you but decided to join you jumping instead. That made you think twice about jumping.	1	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/1ce_bear, this submission has been removed.\n\n[No explicitly sexual responses, hate speech, or other harmful content](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_2.3A_no_explicitly_sexual_responses.2C_hate_speech.2C_or_other_harmful_content)\n\n- We feel that asking users to write about suicide is harmful. It can be hard to tell if someone's writing fiction or making a cry for help. In the event there's any truth behind this for you or someone you know, we recommend checking out /r/suicidewatch or /r/depression. \n\n Prompts will be removed if there's a high possibility for rule breaking responses ([rule 7](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses))\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/98jvae/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things.", "\"Do you think we'll hear our bones shattering before it's lights out?\" A woman with neon pink hair asked as she sat next to me.\n\n\"Umm...\" I couldn't take my eyes off of her. \"I hope not?\"\n\n\"I would introduce myself, but like, who cares, right?\" she had an infectious laugh.\n\n\"Right.\" I agreed. If she hadn't sat next to me, I'd be dead by now. \n\nI leaned forward to get a visceral sense of danger. It was a long, long way down. It was a sure thing.\n\n\"Did you write a goodbye letter?\" The pink haired girl asked.\n\nI had not. I lived alone, hardly had by friends, and I had nothing to offer. \"Nah.\"\n\n\"I did.\" She said. \"But I forgot to leave it.\"\n\nShe pulled out an envelope and stared at it.\n\n\"Isn't it ironic?\" She started. \"In life, we settle for exchanging texts and comments, but we always write our goodbye letters on physical paper.\"\n\nI hadn't thought about that. Whose job is it to do that research, I wondered.\n\n\"You wanna read it?\" She asked, gesturing it to me. I really didn't, but reluctantly decided to take the envelope.\n\nI realized that I was still living out of obligation, doing something I didn't want to do, just to be polite. I nearly jumped right then out of pure frustration. But, what the hell.\n\n\"Don't make fun of me.\" she said with a laugh.\n\nTo whom this surely doesn't concern in the least.\n\nWhy are people afraid to zipper merge?\n\n\"That's it?\" I asked.\n\n\"Yeah, it kind of embodies everything.\" \n\n\"...How so?\" I asked.\n\n\"Well, think about it...\" She said. \"It's rush hour, traffic is backing up, and the clover leaf entrance ramp is backed up all the way to the other freeway.\"\n\n\"Yeah?\"\n\n\"Why is it backed up?\" she asked, wide eyed.\n\n\"Because it's rush hour.\" I said.\n\n\"Really?\" she asked. \"Then why is there a huge entrance lane not being used?\"\n\n\"I don't know...\" I honestly wasn't sure what she was talking about. \"You're here because of rush hour traffic?\"\n\n\"No, just follow me here,\" she said, turning to face me. \"As the cars get onto their desired freeway, they elect to stop, and flip on their turn signal, and attempt to merge right away, even though they have hundreds of feet of unused road ahead of them.\"\n\n\"Yeah, they're...\" I paused, then shook my head.\n\n\"Yeah, they're holding up traffic because they don't want to be that guy,\" she said exuberantly. \"Even though that guy, the one who goes all the way to the end of the lane, is freeing up traffic behind them. That's what the roads are freaking designed for.\"\n\n\"Goddamit.\" I said. \"Now I really want to jump.\"\n\n\"Tell me about it,\" she spun forward again, looking over the edge.\n\n\"Why do people still leave a tip when they get horrible service?\" I asked.\n\n\"Yes!\"\n\n\"We've conditioned ourselves to do the opposite of what we should.\" I muttered.\n\n\"We don't even know who we are.\" She said.\n\nWe sat in silence for a few minutes. I was fighting back dangerous feelings, trying to stay focused on the reason I was there. That sweet release. \n\nI glanced over and saw my pink haired friend gazing off, deep in thought. \n\n\"It's lonely, huh.\" She asked, rhetorically. \n\n\"I feel like I'm swimming up steam against a tsunami of zombies.\" I said. \n\nShe looked at me with a heart-breakingly genuine smile that froze time. \n\n\"That's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.\"\n\nWe both laughed. I think that was the first time I had laughed in a year. \n\nThe silence was warmer now than it was before. I felt as if I was losing the fight against those dangerous feelings. \n\n\"I'm Amanda.\"\n", "The sun falls slowly down the dark-blue canvas, leaving orange streaks behind, while the man stares uncertainly at it. \n\nThe forgotten bridge was dimly lighted compared to the golden skies. The fluorescent light-post had refused to be switched on. The man didn't mind it, the darkness suited his thoughts. The man was doing one of his neverending routined walks through the bridge. Only today it seemed to be the end. The man had been staring at the sun for an interminable time until his pain appeared in his eyes. He began to reach for the ledge, hoisting himself into a comfortable sitting position. He looked once more at the sun as it bordered on disappearance, and then he pushed.\n\nYet, his hand held on weakly to the railings as he noticed a figure walking across the deserted bridge. The dark figure approached casually, undaunted by the darkness and unfamiliar man.\n\n\"Hello there, what are you doing out here?\" said the female figure as she began to sit next to the man on the railings. Both pair of feets dangled in the air, with the comfort of the sounds of black water spattering beneath them. The man shifted uncomfortably across, staring at his new intruder.\n\n\"Um, trying to catch the sunset\" stammered the man unsurely.\n\n\"There does not appear to be any sunset\" said she without once glancing at the man.\n\n\"It already passed. I don't want to be rude, but I think you should head back, it can get dangerous in this part of the city\"\n\n\"Thank you, but I think I can take proper care of myself. Unlike other people, I think I know how to protect myself.\"\n\n\"Well, um... I guess you're right... I can't stop you from doing what you want\"\n\n\"...and vice versa, I can't stop you too, and I don't think you replied my initial question correctly, what are you here for?\"\n\nThe man stared at the woman, he didn't understand this person. He didn't reply.\n\nThe sounds of the bustling city came out as night approached. The honking and speeding cars, the footsteps of a million people and the screams and cries from the rowdy few. Yet, the woman continued her contentment while the man remained silent.\n\n\"Darn it!!\" the man shouted his anger at the apathetic flowing river. \"I'm here to bloody kill myself, are you happy now? Are you going to stop me? Are you here to try to talk? You think to yourself that all he needs is someone to talk to, but I have tried to talk to someone and each time, the distance between me and the rest of you magnifies. So leave me the hell alone!\"\n\nThe man caught his breath, and is once again greeted by the look of satisfaction from the woman. He didn't know what to do anymore, as he resigned defeat once more.\n\n\"Okay\" said the woman. \"Let's do it.\"\n\nThe stars in the sky came out to greet the two figures as their twinkles seemed to communicate a foreign and bizzare language. The moon flashed its surface at the dark citizens, brazenly and proudly not knowing that it wasn't the brightest thing in the sky.\n\n\"What? You want to do it too?\" the man raised his one hand in bewilderment, forgetting for a moment that only a single hand was left to keep him from plunging.\n\n\"Nope\"\n\n\"Then? Why say it?\"\n\n\"Because you seemed lonely, and I wanted you to have someone do it with you.\"\n\n\"You'll die with a stranger you never met?\"\n\n\"Yes, why not? It's only two lives, there's billions more where we come from\"\n\n\"But.. but, don't you think our lives are more important because its... um, who we are?\"\n\n\"I guess, if you put it that way\"\n\n\"What do you mean? Don't you know that?\"\n\n\"Of course I do, you think I'm stupid. I'm probably smarter than you are.\"\n\n\"Well, even if you are, why does that matter here? I just told you I want to kill myself\"\n\nFor the first time, the girl hesitated in her reply. She looked at the man, giving the opportunity to the man to think a bit more thoroughly on what was unfolding. The man eyes adjusted to the darkness and now could see the woman's face more clearly, her freckles dotted her sharp, comely face and her azure-blue eyes gleamed brighter than the moon. The sparkling silver cityscape behind her faltered in comparison to her presence. \n\n\"Fine, let's do it, right now, before we change our minds.\" said the woman in a quicker tone of voice.\n\n\"Together? We're jumping at the same time?\"\n\n\"Yes, you made up yours and I've made up mine\"\n\n\"I don't even know your name\"\n\n\"And neither yours\"\n\n\"I didn't expect this at all\"\n\n\"Of course you didn't\"\n\n\"It's never happened before\"\n\n\"There's a first for everything\"\n\n\"Should we take take this slowly?\"\n\n\"No, now, ready?\"\n\n\"No, wait\"\n\n\"3...\"\n\n\"Wait-wait!\"\n\n\"2...\"\n\n\"WAIT!!, seriously stop this\"\n\n\"1...\"\n\n\"STOP!!!\" the man shouted as loudly as he could muster. He wasn't sure if anyone heard him, but it didn't matter to him at this time, he had never felt so exasperated. He wanted to it to stop, everything to stop. Did it stop?\n\n\"Hahahahaa\" laughed the woman in a childish fashion, without a hint of sinister. The laugh echoed and looped around the poles of the railing.\n\n\"Why the hell are you laughing, you scared me.\" said the man sternly.\n\n\"I think I have to go do something now\" said the woman nonchalantly.\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Bye\" she said as she carried herself calmly over the railing onto the bridge.\n\n\"Where are you going?\" \n\n\"I need to go and do something, I have to go now\" she said without looking at the man. She continued to walk away from the shadowy man.\n\nThe man just stared at the woman as she continued to walk, each step emitting a click as her boots contact the concrete. \n\n\"You're a really weird person mister, may you continue your chase for that sunset.\" said the woman just as she left the bridge.\n\n\"No, you're weird\" whispered the man. \n\nThe man and the stars and the moon and the city then began to stare at the woman as she faded away.\n\n\"Klik\", the sudden sound came from the fluorescent light as it illuminated the entire bridge into something lucidly bright. The bridge became an extension of the surroundings as people started bustling down it, while the moon in the dark sky became shy staring at the brightness of the city. A mysterious man seemed to be walking down the other end of the bridge while the others simply ignored him." ]	[ 1, 2, 2, 2 ]	[ "1534681339", "1534683291", "1534686162", "1534687988" ]
	[WP] To everyone's happiness, the world ended at precisely 12:30, just after your lunch break.	10	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Who would have thought that dreams come true? Not me, I’ve been dreaming of the world’s demise since the plague began. That’s exactly what I had been doing on my lunch break, grumbling about life and guzzling gluggy soup. The world had become a miserable place of sickness, natural disasters and economic crisis. I had been working in an impromptu hospital helping tend to the sick. Attempting to ease the pain of their symptoms, but my attempts were futile. These symptoms would never subside, leading to death in ten days. Ten days was all it took once a person became sick. My job was to look after these people, watching, waiting for their impending doom. The hardest part was putting on a smile, all day long. Telling these sickly souls that they would be ok. Yes, the world had become a miserable place.\n\nOn that lunch break I hoped and hoped and hoped. My silent prayers longed to be heard. End us, I thought. End the suffering, is life worth living in constant despair? Suicide rates soared sky high as people soared to the earth from skyscrapers. Humans killing themselves everywhere hoping for some sort of reprieve within an afterlife they believed in. I always wondered if I could do more for these people. But alas, the end has come and now we wait for serenity, grace and joy. \n\n“Yeah okay dude, but why are you telling me this? Can’t you just wait in line in silence?”\n\nI did as the man in front asked and sealed my lips. As happy as everyone was, we still weren’t in the afterlife yet. Everyone on earth was waiting to enter a set of doors to happiness, where we would finally have the disasters in the past. Well this was what I believed anyway, but I knew deep down that this was true. True happiness would be through those doors. As I walked closer, the mood around me changed. People were smiling, they knew everything would be perfect. Myself included. \n\n“Nearly there,” I said to the man in front. \n\n“I can feel it, everyone is happy” he responded. Seconds later he walked through the doors. \n\nNo more despicable lunch breaks now, I would not have to worry about going back to job I hated. Things would be different now. I walked through the doors and rows upon rows of seats stared at me. The man I spoke to was staring at me, patting the chair next to him. But no, that was not my spot. I turned right, walking towards the stage the people watched, waiting for something or someone to tell them of the extraordinary afterlife. That person was me. \n\nBillions of faces stared at me, like children anticipating a treat. A treat is what I would give them. Finally, the suffering could end. I was home. Now, everyone will suffer. Not just for ten days, no easy way out. These people before me, they expected eternal happiness. I would give them eternal pain and suffering. Raising my hands silenced the people of earth.\n\n“Welcome to Hell!”" ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1534685238", "1534687929" ]
	[WP] After a person dies, they end up in the world of a random video game. You wake up in a hospital in a strange city called Yharnam	14	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "“Oh yes… Paleblood…” Moments after my death, I open my eyes weakly. I’m in an unfamiliar room. A man in a wheelchair is speaking in an almost soothing voice. “Well, you’ve come to the right place. Yharnam is the home of the blood ministration. You need only unravel its mystery. But, where’s an outsider like yourself to begin?” The man rolls himself forward, revealing an older, scared face. He has no eyes, only built up scar tissue. I try to get up. “Easy, with a bit of Yharnam blood of your own... But first, you’ll need a contract…” He hands me a piece of paper and a quill. \n\nThere are boxes stating “Gender” or “Age.” I write in my info. However, I’m left stumped at the stats page. It has your standard Level, Vitality, and Strength listed but a few are different. I inquire about the difference between Vitality and Endurance. He replies that the first is how much of a beating you can take before dying and the second is how much stamina you have to perform actions. I asked what Skill was. He reply made me think it was dexterity but with a fancier name. Lastly, I asked about Bloodtinge and Arcane. Bloodtinge affected silver weapons whereas Arcane affected fire and bolt weapons and items. I asked him if he could tell me what my stats where. He said that it was based on my origin. I figured I was pretty average so I just put 10 across all my stats and called it day.\n\nAfter handing it back, he says, “Godd. All signed and sealed. Now, let’s begin the transfusion.” I shake my head. “Oh, don’t you worry. Whatever happens… You may think it all a mere bad dream…” Well, considering that I’m 50% certain that I had already died, I just roll with it. There had been rumors on the internet that people who’ve had their hearts stopped and came back often stated they were in a game of some sort. Personally, I’ve never played video games past Pokémon. Just not my thing. \n\nHe jabs my arm, pulling back to reality for a split second before I fall back to sleep. I wake up again, to see a pool of blood on the ground. Out of the pool rose what looked like a misshaped wolf with elongated arms and what looked like fingers. As it crawled towards me, I accepted that I was going to die, for a second time, and that I couldn’t do anything about it. \n\nAs it reaches out to bring me to the next afterlife, its arm bursts into flames. The fire spreads and consumes its body, leaving only a pile of ash. I pass out again as little ghoul like things begin climbing over my body. \n\nI don’t know where I am or what game it is, but I know I’m totally fucked. \n\n\\---------------------------\n\nHope you enjoyed. Loved the prompt. This short is to introduce people who don't know the series to Yharnam." ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1534692019", "1534729901" ]
	[WP] Miraculously, one day, all drugs lose their mind-altering properties, all alcohol loses its side effects, and all cigarettes cease to light. The world stands still.	16	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"Well fuck,\" Johnny sighed, \"what are we going to do now?\" \n\nAshley refusing to give up, kept flicking her lighter towards the circular edge of her American Spirit. \"I don't know man, this is heinous,\" she responded begrudgingly. \n\n\"Hey!\" exclaimed Jake from down the hall, \"my Juul still hits!\" He walked into the room and blew a few O's in excitement. \n\n\"Great work dingus,\" Ashley responded, \"but are you domed?\" \n\n\"Domed?\" Jake questioned. \n\n\"Wow, for a person who owns a Juul you think you'd know a little terminology,\" she laughed to herself. \"It's the headrush you get from inhaling nicotine,\" she explained. \n\n\"Oh\" Jake said in a standstill, \"no, no I guess I don't feel that.\" \nAshley looked out the window of her beach front apartment feeling baffled. \"I can't believe the physicists were right when they warned us about the matter transition affecting our brains. It sounded like mumbo-jumbo to me; I mean uniformitarianism seemed pretty legit.\"\n\nJohnny brushed his own hair back in frustration. \"This is crazy,\" he started, \"I mean our friend group formed over bong rips and shared joints at the beach. I don't think I would have gotten this close to you guys if we didn't do molly that one time last year.\"\n\n\"Yeah, I definitely relied on them to push me out of my comfort zone sometimes,\" Ashley responded realistically. \"And Jake, I don't think you would have made all those friends at frat parties if they weren't just looking to hit your nicotine device.\" \n\nJake took one last good look at his Juul and threw it in the trash. \"Well, we could wait around for drugs to start working again like a bunch of pussies, or...we could start having fun without them.\"\n\nAshley and Johnny both smiled a little. Having heard Jake reaffirm that they could have the same level of fun without drug use brought joy to their college-aged hearts. \n\n\"Well,\" Ashley started admittedly, \"what are we waiting for? Let's have some fun.\" \n" ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1534723279", "1534747453" ]
	[WP] As Class Representative, not only do you have to direct the class... You also have to protect them from the night.	5	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Student Council used to be simple, thought Olivia, wielding a baseball bat in the dark school cafeteria. When she had campaigned for class representative, her platform consisted of increasing the budget for prom, playing music at lunch, and other straightforward promises. Those seemed so frivolous now. \n\nShe adjusted her grip on the bat. It had been taken from the varsity baseball supplies only minutes before, but the night had been so outlandish that it may as well have been an eternity ago. She creeped past the steel tables, and tried to recall what the plan was: The 10th grade reps are stationed at the back entrance, seniors at the front, freshmen are keeping watch from the second floor... Suddenly, Olivia heard a crash in the distance and she whipped around. The cafeteria showed no signs of visitors. Was that a good sign?\n\nTonight was the annual \"Winter Lock-In,\" and hundreds of students were sleeping over in the gymnasium. Olivia had assumed that she would be joining her friends while they played games and ate pizza, but she learned that Student Representatives had their own part to play. \"There's more out there than you realize,\" said James, the Student Body President. \"I know this isn't what you expected, but it's our responsibility as community leaders to act in the best interest of our class-- and that means being brave in the face of adversity.\"\n\nOlivia didn't feel brave, however, peering down hallways and jumping at every little noise. It seemed that no one on the Student Council felt it either. As the Reps at that meeting stood and objected, Olivia noticed that James looked tired, his expression tinted with guilt at the hell he would put us through. \n\nHer thoughts were interrupted by a piercing scream, and she raced down the hall towards the noise. 11th grade Representative Kyla Hirsch was pinned against the lockers by... Olivia stumbled backwards in shock. A stocky humanoid thing with inky skin, long fleshy arms, jagged teeth, and two horns on each side of it's angular head towered over her. It let out a blood-curdling screech and clawed at Kyla. \n\nOlivia swung her bat at the nearest locker, hitting it with a loud clang that grabbed the monster's attention. It lumbered towards her, giving Kyla enough room to duck away and run to the end of the hall. Okay, now what?\" gulped Olivia, backing away from the hulking beast.\n\nShe heard footsteps and a soft, \"Oh, shit\" behind her. Peter Song, a sophmore rep, froze in fear holding a sharpened broom stick. He staggered backwards and the monster snarled, spitting sticky saliva from it's maw. \n\n\"Calm down,\" Olivia hissed. \"When I say so, turn and run.\" The monster growled louder, and she hoped that the music playing nearby in the gym was enough to drown it out. \"Now!\" She and Peter sprinted away, turning in opposite directions at the end of the hall. Fuck,* she groaned as the monster turned to follow her. \n\nShe slammed through the doorway to the stairwell and bolted up the steps until she reached the rooftop, hoping it would exhaust itself. As she stepped into the cold night, she faced the stairs and listened for sound. \n\nA body burst through the stairwell exit and Olivia screamed, but it wasn't the monster. Student President James was armed with a crowbar from the maintenance shed and armored with hockey gear. He locked eyes with Olivia with a hardened expression. \n\n\"It's coming,\" he said, \"and this has to be our last stand.\" Olivia stuttered a few incomprehensible words, but James nodded knowingly. \"This is my third year on Student Council,\" he said, words tinged with quiet rage, \"and I know how to win this.\" \n\nWhen the monster finally arrived to the roof, James and Olivia had a plan. James swung at its legs while Olivia tried to bash it in the head. They slowly forced it to the edge of the roof, but soon there was no where left to go. \n\n\"James, what next?\" shouted Olivia. \n\n\"There's only one way out,\" James cried, throwing down his crowbar. \"I'm sorry it has to be this way.\" James ran and hurled his body at the monster, knocking them both off of the rooftop. \n\nThey disappeared from her sight. A harsh thud echoed in the night sky. Olivia covered her mouth in shock, dropping her bat and moving to the roof's edge. She looked over and saw James and the monster, both laying lifeless on the concrete below. \n\nOlivia moved out with her family the following month. After the Lock-In, the town hurriedly disposed of the monster's body, and James' family was told he died in an accident. No one was supposed to know the truth, and the complete obliviousness of the students in the Lock-In meant that Student Council served its task. \n\nThe following year, none of the reps ran for re-election, and none of them would admit why. They'd speak only in hushed excuses and fearful glances, and warn their friends not to campaign. \"It's not worth it for college apps,\" mumbled Kyla to her classmate, tears welling in her eyes, \"I promise.\" \n\nThe monster will be back next year." ]	[ 1, 3 ]	[ "1534733662", "1534740974" ]
	[WP] You’re the grandparent of a curious five year old, who asks you about the bright blue dot in the night sky. Sitting on your rocker in your hermetically-sealed porch, gazing off at Earth in the starry distance, you explain.	325	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Gramma what is this picture from? Thomas Harrison redman the third was holding in his small hands a strange picture of a pale blue dot against a starry sky. \"Tommy be careful with that! It's a picture from old Earth.\" \"Earth, gramma?\" \"Yes tommy. It's where we are from, all of us. Even the pioneers at New Beijing who seem so strange to you are from there, just a different part of it.\" Elizabeth Redman smiled thinking of the long ago times before the Martian mission. \"What was earth like Gramma? It looks so pretty in the picture.\" \"Tommy that story is going to take some time to tell. Let's go to the 'porch' and sit under the stars so I can do it justice.\" Tommy frowned, being a five year old, and the youngest of the Redman family he was not usually allowed in the room the colonists called the porch. It was a big dome clear on all sides and had a telescope with viewscreens in it. His parents made it very clear that he could not touch any of the screens or the big shiny 'scope. \"Now let's get you suited up and we can take the rover to see Stephan and sit on the porch.\" Said gramma Redman. \"And you can tell me the story of Earth.\" \"Yes Tommy. Now let's get you into your suit, and no fidgeting this time. You remember what happened to the last person who didn't listen to their Gramma and rushed the suiting up process.\" Yup the Martians got em and sucked out their air and water.\" \"Good boy Tommy now let me check your helmet and then you check mine.\" \"Yes Gramma\" \nAs the two drove to the porch Tommy was practically vibrating with joy. The mystery of Earth and the look on his Gramma's face when she saw the picture were enough to convince him it was going to be an extraordinary day. After merely 10 minutes the duo stopped and got out of their vehicle. Ahead was the main airlock for the porch. Elizabeth stopped and put in her code to start the airlock cycle and then while they were waiting sighed. this wasn't going to be a story many on Mars would want the child to know. Especially not after the independence movement declared that mars was a sovereign planet. \n\nWhen they arrived the porch was mostly empty as it was nearing midday. Only one man was there cleaning some of the ubiquitous dust off of the floor and chairs. Tommy ran over to him. \" Hi Dr. Dusty!\" He sang out with all the joy of youth bubbling through him. The man stopped working and turned to the small child making a mess of the area and tracking in more Mars than should be possible. \"Why hello there Tommy! What brings you to me on this perfect day.\" \"Gramma is gonna tell me a story from Earth!\" As if on queue Elizabeth walked in. \"Beth are you sure about this? The stories you tell and the official version are often different.\" Dr.Edward \"Dusty\" Grimes looked concerningly at the old worn woman in front of him. \"Nonsense Ed we need to tell Tommy his history and the history of Red Sand Base.\" ", "My rocker creaks as I lurch from it.\n “Grab your hat boy, this’ll take mor’ an rockin.”\n Tapping the collars on our neck, we depart. The plains of Mars Section 2439 are bare, but that’s how I like it. I place Joslin in the sidecar of my air-bike, bound for the Great Seal.\n “We need ta get a better view of the sky, Earth from behind the seal is too distorted.”\n “But wait Pops, what’s Earth?”\n “I’ll explain on the way!”\n I have many fond memories of Earth. My parents and siblings, friends and lovers, successes and accomplishments. I mentioned none of these.\n “Earth, was a dyin’ home. When I was born, the world was teetering on the brink of a flood.”\n “So what’s some water?”\n “Not water Joslin, people. We spent so much time bickerin an fightin, nobody cared to look at what we were doin. Desperate to find a way out, we fled here, ta Mars.”\n Off in the distance, a bubble towers past visibility, consuming the breadth of the land. Now that Project M.A.R.S is in full swing, it’s just the boonies left for conversion. If they ever get to them. As we cross the hemisphere and are greeted by air, our Personal Seals disengage. I scan the horizon for a suitable vantage point. Settling on a cliff, we park and dismount.\n “Now do you see what Earth is, Joslin?”\nGazing off into the distance, I watch Joslin’s eyes meet Earth. The twisted brown reflection in them let me know she understood.\n “I want to go home, Grandpop.”\n “Me too, Jos.”", "“What did we live for and why? We were stuck on this place and everything that had ever happened and ever would happen, or at least we thought, was going to happen on that rock up there. It wasn’t easy being alive. It was never easy. Some people had it all. From the moment they were born they’d never have to worry about a goddamn thing. They’d have a trust fund and mommy and daddy would give them whatever they wanted. Me? It wasn’t like that. It wasn’t like that for most of us. People always tell you to follow your passion and the money will come. Well what the hell was I supposed to do if I never knew what that passion was. We had to pay bills and rent, insurance, taxes, our hard earned money taken away from us and nothing ever got better. I’d lived a passionless life and that was what I was most afraid of. There was so much out there. I could go wherever I wanted. I could have gone to Japan like I always dreamed and wandered around those tiny streets that were lit up by the red crimson lamps, eaten all the sushi I wanted. I could have fallen in love so many times but I was always so afraid. I just woke up everyday and lived to work. How many hours did I spend sitting on that fucking bus getting to work, or driving through rush hour traffic? How many years did I waste looking at screens and living my life through other people when all I had to do was look up? Goddamn it! All of it fucking wasted! What do I have to show for it? Absolutely fucking nothing! And now here I am rotting away in this enclosed home, having people clean up my shit. I can’t even take a shit on my own, you understand?”\n\nTimmy looked terrified, his eyes wide and still, but his body shaking uncontrollably, tears were running down his freckled face and snot falling down his nose.\n\n“I’m sorry, Grandpa”, he whimpered\n\nA man burst into the door looking petrified.\n\n“Dad? What the hell was all that yelling?”\n\nHe looked at his son, looking fearfully at the old man that had gone on a rampage after an innocent question. He walked over to his son, picked him up, and held him closely. Without saying a word to the old man he walked out the door and told him to go find his mom at the end of the hallway and that he’d be right behind him.\n\n“Dad, we talked about this, for fucks sake. You can’t keep doing this. Not anymore. I’m sorry. We can’t keep coming back if you’re going to act like this and you can’t keep apologizing and expecting us to come back every time. I’m done, dad”\n\nThe old man stared into his son’s eyes for a moment and looked away quickly.\n\n“Yeah, whatever”\n\n“Goodbye, dad” he said resentfully\n\n“The only good thing that ever happened in my life was you, son.”\n\nThe man stopped.\n\n“No, dad. Don’t say this shit again. You can’t just yell at my son and terrify him like that and expect me to be ok with it. I know you’re going through a lot but this is how life is now. I’ve gotten used to it and I’m not gonna let you ruin that for me.”\n\n“I know, bud. I just wanted you to know. I’ll probably die tomorrow anyway. In fact I’ll make sure of it.”\n\n“Dad, don’t talk like that.”\n\n“Alright, son. Say hello to Kelly for me” he turned around and began babbling to himself softly.\n\nThe man thought about going to his father, the man that raised him, but knew it was no use. People don’t change, especially not at this age.\n\n“I will, pop”\n\nHe turned around and closed the door behind him. He slowly fell to the ground with the door to his back and wept. \n\n\n", "01010100 01010010 01000001 01001110 01010011 01001101 01001001 01010100 01001001 01001111 01001110 00100000 01000010 01000101 01000111 01001001 01001110 00001010 00001010 00100010 01010111 01100101 00100000 01100011 01100001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01101001 01110100 00100000 01000101 01100001 01110010 01110100 01101000 00101110 00100010 00001010 00001010 00100010 01000010 01110101 01110100 00100000 01100010 01110101 01110100 00100000 01101000 01100001 01110110 01100101 00100000 01110111 01100101 00100000 01100101 01110110 01100101 01110010 00100000 01110110 01101001 01110011 01101001 01110100 01100101 01100100 00100000 01101001 01110100 00111111 00100010 00001010 00001010 00100010 01001110 01101111 00101100 00100000 01101110 01101111 01110100 00100000 01111001 01100101 01110100 00100000 01101100 01101001 01110100 01110100 01101100 01100101 00100000 01101111 01101110 01100101 00101110 00100010 00001010 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01101001 01100101 01110011 00100000 01110111 01100101 01110010 01100101 00100000 01101101 01110101 01100011 01101000 00100000 01101100 01101001 01101011 01100101 00100000 01101111 01110101 01110010 01110011 00101100 00100000 01100101 01111000 01100011 01100101 01110000 01110100 00100000 01100010 01101100 01110101 01100101 00100000 01101100 01101001 01101011 01100101 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 01110010 00100000 01101100 01101001 01110100 01110100 01101100 01100101 00100000 01100101 01111001 01100101 01110011 00101110 00100000 01000010 01100101 01100001 01110101 01110100 01101001 01100110 01110101 01101100 00100000 01100110 01101111 01110010 01100101 01110011 01110100 01110011 00100000 01100001 01101110 01100100 00101100 00100000 01100001 01101110 01100100 00100000 01110100 01110010 01100101 01100101 01110011 00100000 01100011 01101111 01101101 01110000 01101100 01100101 01110100 01100101 01101100 01111001 00100000 01100100 01101001 01100110 01100110 01100101 01110010 01100101 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00101110 00100010 00001010 00001010 00100010 01000010 01110101 01110100 00100000 01110111 01101000 01100101 01110010 01100101 00100000 01100011 01100001 01101110 00100000 01001001 00100000 01110011 01100101 01100101 00100000 01110000 01101001 01100011 01110100 01110101 01110010 01100101 01110011 00100000 01100111 01110010 01100001 01101110 01100100 01100100 01100001 01100100 01100100 01111001 00111111 00100010 00001010 00001010 00100010 01010111 01100101 00100000 01100011 01100001 01101110 00100111 01110100 00100000 01100001 01101110 01111001 01101101 01101111 01110010 01100101 00101110 00100010 00001010 00001010 00100010 01001001 01110011 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100001 01110100 00100000 01110111 01101000 01100101 01110010 01100101 00100000 01101101 01101111 01101101 01101101 01111001 00100000 01100001 01101110 01100100 00100000 01100100 01100001 01100100 01100100 01111001 00100000 01110111 01100101 01101110 01110100 00111111 00100010 00001010 00001010 00100010 01001001 00100000 01100100 01101111 01101110 00100111 01110100 00100000 01101011 01101110 01101111 01110111 00101110 00100000 01001001 00100000 01101011 01101110 01101111 01110111 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01101101 01101001 01110011 01110011 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01101101 00100000 01100010 01110101 01110100 00100000 01101101 01100001 01111001 01100010 01100101 00100000 01101111 01101110 01100101 00100000 01100100 01100001 01111001 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01110111 01101001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01110011 01100101 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01101101 00100000 01100001 01100111 01100001 01101001 01101110 00101110 00100000 01010111 01101000 01100001 01110100 00100000 01100100 01101111 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01110010 01100101 01101101 01100101 01101101 01100010 01100101 01110010 00100000 01100110 01110010 01101111 01101101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01101101 00111111 00100010 00001010 00001010 00100010 01010111 01100101 01101100 01101100 00100000 01110111 01100101 01101100 01101100 00100000 01101010 01110101 01110011 01110100 00100000 01110100 01101000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01110000 01101001 01100011 01110100 01110101 01110010 01100101 00100000 01110111 01101000 01100101 01101110 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01111001 00100000 01100110 01101001 01110010 01110011 01110100 00100000 01101000 01100101 01101100 01100100 00100000 01101101 01100101 00101110 00100010 00001010 00001010 00100010 01011001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01110011 01100101 01100101 00100000 01101000 01100101 01110010 01100101 00100000 01101111 01101110 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01100010 01100001 01100011 01101011 00100000 01110111 01101000 01100101 01110010 01100101 00100000 01101001 01110100 00100000 01110011 01100001 01111001 01110011 00100000 01000001 01100100 01100001 01101101 00100000 01100001 01101110 01100100 00100000 01000101 01110110 01100101 00111111 00100010 00001010 00001010 00100010 01011001 01100101 01100001 01101000 00111111 00100010 00001010 00001010 00100010 01010100 01101000 01100001 01110100 00100000 01110111 01100001 01110011 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01101001 01110010 00100000 01101110 01100001 01101101 01100101 01110011 00101110 00100010 00001010 00001010 01010100 01010010 01000001 01001110 01010011 01001101 01001001 01010100 01001001 01001111 01001110 00100000 01000101 01001110 01000100", "The Oceans rose, \nThe land sank deep.\nThe fish, they grew\nMan's sown did reap.\n\nLeave, man must\nThe moon they stayed.\nSettled and built,\nEarth to rest they laid.\n\nOutwards and onwards, \nMan's grown and grown\nAway from the planet, \nthat was once their home.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n " ]	[ 1, 3, 3, 3, 35, 44 ]	[ "1534747399", "1534775074", "1534783449", "1534793524", "1534774862", "1534773899" ]
	[WP] Everyone has a link to one of the ancient gods through their bloodline that grants them supernatural powers, some of which are more common than others. You are the first recorded case of your power.	3	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "There was a time when the genes lay dormant in our bloodlines. No one showed any abilities of any kind and the world was a lot less colourful that it is now. \n\nIt all started out with a tiny case in Norway that ended up almost turning into a global crisis. A baby boy, born on a Thursday managing to strike every tree in half a mile radius with lightning during a temper tantrum. \n\nThe government officials tried their best to sweep it under the carpet. But a mother who birthed a blonde haired, blue eyed boy on a Thorsday was never going to keep a thing like that to herself. \n\nAnd so the Incidents became more frequent. Families who could trace their lines back to the ancients started to birth powerful children. From little 'Thor' in Norway to the terrible case of 'Alistor' in Greece, whose birth tore his family apart. \n\nMore and more gifted were being born every year and we soon had a whole world full of people with powers. \n\nI always figured that my family weren't old enough to have gifts, we have never outwardly shown any powers. It happens with some families, if their blood is too week to support a gift or carry a line. \n\nBut, everything changed once I first sat in that council. I realised that my gift came from a god whose bloodline was said to be dead. \n\nBut will truth will out.\n\nBecause I am a daughter of Mars and this broken world of ours will know war..." ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1534756283", "1534787212" ]
	[WP] "When I grow up, I want to be nothing!" The 5 year old said with a cheerful grin.	5	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"What do you want to be when you grow up, little boy?\" asked the teacher.\n\n\"When I grow up, I want to be nothing!\" little Jimmy replied.\n\n\"Are you sure you don't want to be a teacher?\" the teacher replied, \"We help people to learn! We prepare them for life, and give them knowledge!\"\n\n\"Nope!\" Jimmy said, \"I want to be nothing!\"\n\n\"Ugh,\" the teacher groaned, \"then talk to the gamers. That's their deal.\"\n\nSo Jimmy found a gamer, and gleefully told him, \"I want to be nothing!\"\n\n\"Nothing?\" the gamer said, \"Are you sure? Why don't you try being a gamer? We have tight communities where we share our love of our art, have fun conversations about topics we all know about, and enjoy something beautiful!\"\n\n\"No thanks!\" Jimmy said, \"I want to be nothing!\"\n\n\"Ugh,\" the gamer groaned, \"then talk to a politician. They don't do anything worthwhile.\"\n\nSo Jimmy found a politician, and gleefully told him, \"I want to be nothing!\"\n\n\"Nothing?\" the politician said, \"Are you sure? Why don't you try being a politician? We represent the populace, help people by making, interpreting, and enforcing laws, and just in general do what we can to make the world a better place!\"\n\n\"No thanks!\" Jimmy said, \"I want to be nothing!\"\n\n\"Ugh,\" the politician groaned, \"then talk to an illegal immigrant. They leech off society and don't contribute anything.\"\n\nSo Jimmy found an illegal immigrant, and gleefully told him, \"I want to be nothing!\"\n\n\"Nothing?\" the illegal immigrant said, \"Are you sure? Why don't you try being an immigrant? We perform a small but important role by doing low-paying jobs that others don't want to, and we bring our culture to help enrich the culture of the land we migrate to.\"\n\n\"No thanks!\" Jimmy said, \"I want to be nothing!\"\n\n\"Ugh,\" the illegal immigrant groaned, \"then talk to a philosophy major. Those college students don't care about doing honest work, they just waste their parents' money to stand around asking themselves questions all day.\"\n\nSo Jimmy found a philosophy major, and gleefully told him, \"I want to be nothing!\"\n\nThe philosophy major smiled and said, \"According to Nietzsche, you already are!\"\n\nAnd thus Jimmy lived happily ever after, having discovered that he already was everything he wanted to be." ]	[ 1, 8 ]	[ "1534801038", "1534801371" ]
	[WP] A popular MMO, after a highly successful run, finally shuts down after many years. The fantasy world is thrown into absolute chaos as thousands of powerful heroes, the players, suddenly cease existing altogether.	16	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Jack the cheesemonger stared down the empty streets and shook his head. Where were all the customers? Had another great disaster occured, calling the heroes that filled the streets away? Jack had seen such lulls in business before, but sooner or later the heroes returned, a new shipment of cheese from the new lands arrived, and business resumed. \n\nIt had been three weeks since he'd had a customer. The king had declared a freeze on rent payments before the town descended into chaos, and fortunately shipments of food kept coming into town, including the latest batch of eternity runed cheese. Everyone was on edge. Their way of life trembled. Something had to be done.\n\nAt the end of the fourth month Jack loaded his donkey with supplies, picked out a sword (one of the simple ones, not the giant purple ones) that an adventurer had sold him, and for the first time left the city.\n\nTwo hours later he had fought off a dozen bandits, eaten a lot of cheese, and barely traveled more than few hundred feet. He cobbled together a rough set of armor and a shield from the bandits, and after another half hour of hacking through the oddly determined marauders he made it to the crossroads inn.\n\nNo sign of the heroes unfortunately, although he did made a handful of coins by collecting a bounty on the bandits. A tailor who's sister was kidnapped by the bandits joined up with him, wielding a secondhand wand. Her name was s\nSharon. They plumbed the depths of a bandit hideout, barely escaping with their lives, but someone had to rescue Sharon's sister.\n\nThey went from the crossroads to the wolf infested forests to the south, where they foiled a plot by werewolves to kill the townsfolk. No sign of the heroes there, but someone had heard a rumor of heroes in the mountains to the west.\n\nA brewer with a pair of hammers joined them there and helped them thwart an invasion of mole monsters. No heroes here either, but there were tales of dragons and knights to the far north. Surely the heroes were there.\n\nThey stopped by the city and refilled on cheese, picking out somewhat shinier bigger weapons, then set out for the dragon wastes.\n\nA trembling carpenter with a used priest's book joined them, chanting the old prayers the heroes had once sang, amd they fought and slayed many a dragon, but there were no heroes to be found. \n\nAcross the ocean where they toppled undead giants. \n\nTo hidden jungles of ancient evils.\n\nBeneath the earth against elemental beasts.\n\nThe cheesemonger, tailor, brewer and carpenter scoured the world. The highest mountains climbed, the darkest caves were lit. Portals to strange other worlds were crossed. Artifacts were accrued, evil gods were slain. \n\nThen finally, after a day long battle with an undead dragon god, they climbed the last highest peak. If the heroes were not here, they were not anywhere.\n\nAt the peak was a plaque.\n\nOn the plaque was message. \n\n\"My dearest players. If you are reading this, then you have done it all. There are no challenges remaining, no monsters left, no quests remaining. You stand here triumphant. \n\nThank you for spending these years playing this game, Heroes of the Realm. We only ask that you show such fervor in the world outside of the game.\n\n You are true heroes.\"\n\nThe wind howled on the lonely peak. The four heroes looked at each other and nodded grimly. They had suspected of course that their world was artificial, but here was proof.\n\n\"What now?\" Sharon the tailor/arch sorceress asked.\n\nJack, legendary knight and cheesemonger looked upward. \"We escape.\"" ]	[ 1, 15 ]	[ "1534817419", "1534825559" ]
	[WP] <Do not swim! Beware of the water monster!> Says the sign, but you don't care. You can waterwalk and the monster cannot legally eat you.	771	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "The Water Walker\n\nDeep beneath the waters of Lake Venusia lurks the creature known as Zarin, an enormous serpent like creature with tencacles that protude from inside its mouth, it uses these to drag things beneath the surface where it will devour them. Zarin usually goes after fishing boats but has been known to drag idiotic swimmers into the depths of the lake.\n\nYou knew this, everyone throughout the land knew this, but you are The Great Waterwalker, and you didn't care. You cast aside all your better judgement and step onto the lake, you stand there atop the water without sinking, this was no surprise, but still you dare not move, as if any movement would cause you to sink, but you didn't, you wouldn't, you are The Great Waterwalker after all. After regaining confidence in you power you begin to walk further across the lake. Once you reach the center of the lake you sit down atop the water and begin to meditate. \n\nDeep beneath you, Zarin had sensed your presence and begins to make his way to the surface to investigate this strange phenomenon of a human who is stupid enough to swim in the center of the lake. Once he got close enough he realized that the human he smelled was not swimming but floating calmly in place. Intrigued by this most wondrous encounter, Zarin used his tentacles to investigate, not for the sake of feeding, as he knew that such a tiny human would be little more than a snack, but rather to make sure his senses did not deceive him and there was indeed a human floating atop the waters of his dwelling.\n\nOne of Zarin's tentacles slowly rises above the surface of the water and is about to touch you, however, you have already reached inner peace and easily sensed it coming so you slap the tentacle away before it reaches you, almost as if to say that it's not worthy of touching you. Enraged, Zarin emerges from to the surface of the water and bellowes causing the surface of the water to shake violently.\n\"INSOLENT FOOL!!!\"\nYou open your eyes to see the massive create in front of you. You are taken by surprise and nearly fall back, Zarin is far more horrifying than you could have imagined, no one who had seen more than just his shadow over the water's surface had lived to tell the tale, and yet here you are standing on the surface of the water right in front of the massive beast.\n\n\"HOW DARE YOU ATTACK ME! I OUGHT TO DEVOUR YOU WHOLE!\"\n\nat first you were terrified, nothing could have prepared you for how terrifying the beast was up close, but then you remember, he can't eat you, none of your body is underwater therefore it is illegal for him to eat you. With newfound courage you stood tall, pointed at the beast and laughed \"It is you who is the fool, Zarin! You can't eat me!\"\n\n\"AND WHY IS THAT EXACTLY?\" zarin roared \n\n\"'Cuz it's illegal\"\n\n\"AND WHY WOULD THE GREAT ZARIN FOLLOW THE RULES OF MERE MORTALS!?\"\n\n\"I DO WHAT I WANT WHEN I WANT!!!\"\n\nSuddenly Zarin pounced towards you.\n\nCertainly this was end, even you The Great Waterwalker couldn't defeat such a beast unarmed, you were only a waterwalker after all, if only had been a Skywalker instead. You thought to youself as you accepted your doom\n\nHowever, Zarin recoiled as if he had struck a wall. Suddenly, the sky started to turn dark and you hear a loud voice booming behind you, you turn around to see The Leviathan, the creature known throughout the world as God of the Sea. \"STOP AT ONCE!!!\" He roared at Zarin.\n\nAnd then another much quiter voice speaks, it is then that you notice that beside the Leviathan is a human wearing glasses and a suit and tie. He is holding up a scroll, it looks very important\n\n\"Interspecies Laws Article 26 subsection 10: It is illegal for any sea creature, even The Sea God Leviathan, to eat anything that isn't atleast partly below the surface of the water. Furthermore, any land creature wishing to hunt a sea creature must be partially beneath the water in order to allow the sea creatures to defend themselves.\"\n\n\"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF T-\" Zarin begins to yell\n\"SILENCE FOOL!\" Yelled the Leviathan interrupting Zarin and causing him to shrink back in fear\nThe human spoke again \"This law was put in place and signed by both The Sea God Leviathan and the leaders of all individual species involved, it was put into effect following the destruction of a helicopted which was carrying the elven king and the president as they where traveling to meet with The Leviathan and discuss the rise in sea levels. Both parties lived of course, if only because of the elven king's magic, and alas the president still lost an arm. And so this law was put into place so that nothing of the sort would happen in the future. It is law and all land and sea creatures must obey.\"\n\n\"NOW APOLOGIZE OR I WILL PERSONALLY SEE TO IT THAT YOU DIE A SLOW PAINFUL DEATH\" Bellowed the Leviathan\n\n\"I apologize\" said Zarin not daring to raise his voice, lest he be slain by the Sea God.", "I’m out about 20 feet when the monsters surfaces. Its tentacle taps me on the ankle, and its tip folds into the shape of a Muppet-like mouth. For some reason it has a cockney accent.\n\n“Oy, guv, what’s the big idea?”\n\n“Huh? Big idea?”\n\n“You. Ya feet. On my lake.”\n\n“Oh, right” I look absently down at my feet. “What about it?”\n\n“Can’cha read? You wanna be eaten?”\n\nI look around, confused. “Why would you want to eat me? I’m not swimming.”\n\n“W-w-what do you-,“ The tentacle sputters, “Of course you’re swimmin’, you’re in the water!”\n\n“Seems to me like I’m on the water.”\n\nThe tentacle takes a deep sigh. I’m obviously testing his patience. “…I must admit, if even your ankles went until, I’d have you sunk before you made it out 10 paces.” A second tentacle appears, and crosses over the first to make a stern, arms-crossed like expression. “I may be a lake monster, but I’m no hustler. Let me be perfectly clear.”\n\n“That sign up there? That’s a courtesy. That’s me lettin’ the common folk know that I’m here. And I’m waiting for ‘em. That way, the next time I gobble someone down, I know I did my due diligence, and the people know it was just natural selection at work. But you, man,” The tentacle chuckles, “You had to come down here and start messing with the natural order. And a water-walker no less! Don’cha have someone peasants to impression, or some water to turn to wine? Look, friendo, this is your last chance. Please, get off my lake.”\n\nI stand for a moment, not speaking. “But…I’m not swimming.”\n\n“Oh, you cocky…” A rumble is audible beneath the surface. A large, white beak emerges from the water’s surface, grabs my ankle, and drags me down.\n", "Across the lake you mustn’t swim\n\nA monster lies beneath!\n\nWho’s mouth is nearly ten feet wide\n\nAnd full of pointy teeth!\n\n“Of course” , you say, “Tis not for me!\n\nNo monster do I fear.\n\nI walk on liquid as if on ground”\n\nAnd so step on the water near.\n\nOn cue the water seems to be\n\nAs solid as a rock.\n\nYou step across, to shock and awe,\n\nTo begin your fateful walk.\n\nThe beast, awakened, sees your feet\n\nAnd knows that it must feed.\n\nBut, alas, you are not in the lake!\n\nThe rules, you do not meet.\n\nThe beast then ponders, long and hard,\n\nAs you begin your quest.\n\nIt devises a crude and clever plan\n\nTo put you to the test.\n\nGullet wide, it swims up, up, up,\n\nReaching you in record time.\n\nAnd eats you just as it has done before,\n\nDisregarding OP’s established crime.\n\n“You see”, the clever monster said,\n\nWhile ruminating your bad luck,\n\n“The law may state I can’t do that,\n\nBut I don’t give a fuck.”\n\n\nThe end!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "As the water bubbled up, a creature draped in algae and kelp emerged. A sight to see before it was even completely upright, the monster let out a low, rumbling groan. The air around it seemed to get colder, a flock of birds exploded from a nearby tree, fleeing the immediate area. It lunged forward, crossing the lake in a matter of seconds. I knew I had to act quickly, I stepped out onto the water, prepared for the worst. \n\n\"STOP FOUL BEAST, THE LAW OF THE LAND FORBIDS YOU FROM FEASTING UPON MY FLESH\"\n\nIt stopped. \n\n\"Bahahahahahahhahaha oh, shit, oh my god that was so corny\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"What the hell are you yelling about? Law of the Land? What is that?\"\n\n\"YOU CANNOT EAT ME, FOR I CAN WALK UPON WATER\"\n\n\"Who told you that?\"\n\n\"What do you mean told me? Its the Law of the Land. Its magic, see? Im like Jesus, kind of\"\n\n\"Nononono, I see the whole Jesus thing, who told you I cant eat you?\n\n\"My mentor, he taught me the art, he explained the magic laws that have binded the land together since the dawn of existance\"\n\n\"Okay. Alright. Why'd you say it like that though? Are we playing DnD? C'mon man it's 2018 get with the times. Didnt your mentor teach you witty one liners?\"\n\n\"Well what would you of said? I bet your's wouldn't be any better?\"\n\n\"I dont know man, I'm a fuckin lake monster, I just growl and gurgle and shit, this isnt about me though. I gotta know whats up with this cornball shit.\"\n\n\"I dont know man, fuck you! Its like magicy shit, I thought I had to like, be in character.\"\n\n\"Hah, well man maybe you should of practiced more. And Law of the Land? Why name it that? It's so unoriginal for some crazy hoodoo laws\"\n\n\"I dont know! Look I just joined and learned how to waterwalk, they said you couldnt touch me because of the laws, so they sent me to pick the flowers that grow on the other side. I really just have to get going now, so if you'll excuse me\"\n\n\"......about that.\"\n\n\"....uhhmmm\"\n\n\"Yeah, no....uhmm. Im still gonna eat you.\"\n\n\"But you can't, the Law of the Land\"\n\n\"Yeahhh. Hmmmm. No. Definitely not a single magic law stopping me. In fact the only reason you're still alive is because you're the first person to say something to me in over 600 years. I was pretty bored.\"\n\n\"Can't you like, just..not..eat me? There's a McDonalds like 3 miles from here and I mean I could totally go for some nuggets and barbecue sau-\"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n ", "I walked out across the lake, the little puddle of mountain spring water the locals had allowed to accumulate because of the large amount of summertime revenue it usually brought. I walked with purpose, direction, and, most importantly, disregard for the puerile sign some numbskull had left stapled to the National Park sign denoting the puddle’s name Lake Havoc. I made it about halfway across when the water monster surfaced, all seven-foot-height by four-foot-width, complete with six black eyes, symmetrically aligned as pairs along the furthest edges of his face. I could tell he had intended to breach, but stopped when he saw me, sort of stumbling and making a splash.\n\n“Oh. I should’ve figured.” He rolled onto his back, his long, snakelike tail rising from between his tree-stump legs.\n\n“Yeah. You should’ve.” I stared at him a while, and he stared back. Finally, I sighed. “Clarence, I’m sorry.”\n\nHe snorted and his tail flicked, irritated. “No need to be sorry. No need to apologise to a LAKE MONSTER!”\n\nHe yelled the last part, spraying spit in my face. Some landed in my mouth, and I tensed because it was the best alternative to violently puking. The spit tasted like day old meat market, fish past-due. \n\n“Clarence, I didn’t mean it like that. You know I don’t view you as a monster.”\n\n“Oh sure. You view me as an equal. A partner in crime. Someone you can take home to mother.”\n\n“My parents aren’t. . . They aren’t new age or whatever. They aren’t modern. They still view things through the monochromatic lenses of yore.”\n\nClarence rolled from side to side in the water, gently for him, but rough for my flimsy footing. His wake bumped my foot enough that I staggered and a second wave knocked me headlong into the water. I managed to tell before I fell in: “Clarence!!”\n\nThe thing about waterwalking is that if you’ve got the gift, you never need to learn how to swim. Except that isn’t true at all. Waterwalking only works when a person walks on top of water. Some expert waterwalkers can walk on their hands on water, but most can only use their feet. But deviate from the walking motion, try to sit, nap, kneel and you’ll find that water welcomes you in its depths like all the rest of its inhabitants. \n\nClarence rolled over and dove for me with ease, pulling me into his scaly belly as he rolled back over into his reclined position. We looked a lot like Mowgli and Baloo, if Mowgli were older and Baloo a Water... Being. \n\n“Saved by a monster. Are you gonna tell that story to your friends at your next barbecue?”\n\n“I never meant to hurt your feelings, Clarence. I just. . . Never knew what identifying generalisation I could make to classify your species.” This had been my biggest problem with having a friend like Clarence. I’d always want to introduce him or talk about him with friends on land, and I never had the words.\n\n“I don’t want an identifying generalisation! I don’t want to be classified! I just want to be your friend!” His six eyes welled up angrily and my heart sunk into my stomach. \n\n“You are. You’re my best friend. My best friend Clarence.”\n\n“You’re just saying that.”\n\n“I mean it. There’s not much I wouldn’t do for you, bud. I’d give up my unnatural water-defying abilities, my land friends, and even my luscious locks for you.” I shook my hair to show I meant business. \n\n“Your ability isn’t so great, but your hair is pretty good.”\n\n“Yeah, I keep meaning to learn how to swim. Some day.”\n\n“I could show you right now, if you want.” His eyes were dryer now, and softer around the edges. I smiled and he smiled back, toothily accepting my apology. \n\n“Yeah. That’d be nice.”", "\"Oh great, another one of you fuckers,\" bubbled the scaly humanoid monster swimming beneath me. He brought his face just close enough to the surface that the water tension barely separated him and my feet. Though his eyes looked alien to me, I could still see the disappointment in them. Not the \"Well this sucks,\" type of disappointment though. This was more like the look a father would give his child after they come home at 3 in the morning. \"Let me guess, you read somewhere that monsters classified as 'aquatic' can't attack surface dwellers if they aren't submerged right? Cause it's 'illegal?'\"\n\n\"I, uh, no! I was just... wait is it not illegal?\" At that, bubbles rose to surface from what I assume was an underwater sigh. \n\n\"Well yes, technically it is. But say I drag you down below the water and eat you there? Not like the authorities would be able to tell the difference,\" He then nodded towards the shore, \"Doesn't look like there's any witnesses to combat my side of the story.\" \n\nAs I opened my mouth to say something else the monster cut me off. \"Look kid, I've done this a million times before and I'm hungry. Now I don't care how you want to do this but if you try to fight back it's only gonna make it worse. Just do me a favor and come down here before I drag you down with me.\" \n\nAs if he already knew my decision the monster turned away and began swimming down. Panicking, I looked all over for a rock or island to hide on. I knew that in the back of my mind that I was screwed but there's no point in not trying. Right?\n\nMy train of thought was broken when the monster came swimming back up, this time with an apron that read \"~~Kiss~~ Fish the cook\". \n\nThis is it. Goodbye everybody. I'm about to be eaten by a monster who enjoys dad jokes.\n\n\"Now before I embarrass myself, I forgot to ask if you've eaten any dairy products recently.\"\n\n\"I mean, I uh, had some milk before I came out here.\"\n\n\"Tsk Are you serious?\"\n\n\"Why would I lie about that?\"\n\n\"You damn humans and your milk.\" He muttered to himself before quickly turning back to me, \"Well I've had a change of heart, you're free to go.\"\n\n\"What? Really?\"\n\n\"Do you really need me to clarify?\" He asked with his right brow cocked. At least I think it was his eyebrow. Regardless, that was all the convincing I needed before I turned and sprinted towards the shore faster than I think I'll ever run again in my life. I swear I heard the monster laughing behind me. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n-This is my first time writing in a while and my first time submitting a writing prompt as well so I'd love some constructive criticism!-", "Later, at the monster bar....\n\n----\n\n\"So there I am, minding my own business at the bottom of the lake,\" Glembthax the Deep Devourer said, \"when suddenly, someone starts walking across.\"\n\n\"Wait,\" Shorgo the Regular Devourer said, \"you mean you ran across someone?\"\n\n\"No,\" Glembthax said, \"I mean someone starts walking over the lake itself. It was something to see. I mean, I've seen boats, I've seen swimmers - tasty, those - I've seen birds and insects and everything you'd think you'd see on top of the waters, but this was the first time I'd seen a genuine waterwalker.\"\n\n\"Huh,\" Shorgo said, \"So you ate him, I assume?\"\n\n\"Shorgo, please, allow me a little bit of theater before we cut to the point,\" Glembthax said.\n\n\"Right, sorry, continue,\" Shorgo said.\n\n\"So there's this waterwalker, just walking over the water like it's something he does every day. Except this guy, this guy stops halfway across.\"\n\n\"Really making your job easy,\" Shorgo commented.\n\n\"Oh, it got easier, believe me,\" Glembthax said. \"Because the guy, he starts taunting me.\"\n\n\"Taunting? What, was he a wizard or something he thought he could skin you for reagents?\" Shorgo asked.\n\n\"No!\" Glembthax said. \"That's just the thing, he's just some jerk. Wasn't even taunting me to distract attention from the rest of his group, it was just him and his taunts.\"\n\n\"Wow,\" Shorgo said, shaking his head. \"So then you ate him.\"\n\n\"Shorgo, please, let me tell the damn story.\"\n\n\"Right, right, continue.\"\n\n\"So, he's taunting me,\" Glembthax said. \"Saying stuff like I can't eat him. And not because he's strong or a wizard or something, no. Says I can't eat him because - get this - it's illegal.\"\n\n\"Illegal.\" Shorgo said.\n\n\"Yep,\" Glembthax said, \"Apparently the first water-walker in centuries also happened to study law, because he found some old never-repealed thing on the books where things below the water can't eat things above the water. Something about mer-men stealing fish out of people's boats? I don't know.\"\n\n\"So you couldn't eat him?\" Shorgo said.\n\nGlembthax scoffed. \"I'm a godddamn monster, Shorgo, I ate him for no other reason than spite!\"\n\n\"But the law!\" Shorgo said.\n\n\"Again,\" Glembthax repeated, \"monster. Not exactly law-abiding here. Plus it turns out that they just, like, ticket you for it.\"\n\n\"But you've got to pay the ticket,\" Shorgo pointed out. \"You didn't get away scott free.\"\n\n\"Cripes, Shorgo, what kind of monster are you? I ate the ticket, too! I'm not going to pay that. Do you know what you have to go through to even try doing that? You gotta show up at a certain building that's only open like three non-consecutive hours on days that start with 'T', take a number, and then wait while people call out different numbers in no particular order. And that's just to get to the part where you can talk to someone.\"\n\n\"Wow,\" Shorgo said. \"What kind of monster designed that?\"\n\n\"A better monster than I, buddy,\" Glembthax said, raising his beer in a toast, \"A better monster than I.\"" ]	[ 1, 5, 6, 10, 12, 32, 59, 442 ]	[ "1534822219", "1534857996", "1534856533", "1534860016", "1534840291", "1534841660", "1534826851", "1534823492" ]
	[WP] The Burger King has set foot in Australia, claiming his title as undisputable. The Queen decides to challenge him to ritual combat so that she may reclaim her dominion.	9	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "No, no, this is just madness, I... I ca... I won't do this! — mumbled Jack taking his mask off once again.\n\n\nWe've had this conversation a thousand times for the last few months, mate — told him Matt with a sigh — this sure is bloody silly but you've signed the papers, and now seppos are gonna sue the pants off your sorry bum if you try to piss off.\n\n\nI, I... well... What in the bloody hell do you expect me to be like?! — even more nervously exclaimed Jack — It wasn't even my idea to greet her at that damn airport, I knew that she's a marasmatic old hag and...\n\n\nShut the heck up you cunt! I know you're nervous bu...\n\n\nNervous?!! Nervous? You're telling me that I am nervous? Those bloody cunts want me to fight the damn queen on real bloody swords while wearing the costume of the damn Burger King mascot with millions of cunts watching?!! I am not nervous, I AM ABSOLUTELY OFF MY BLOODY TITS MATE!!!\n\n\nAfter a moment of awkward silence, Matt quietly continued — just think of the money and remember the training, block her slash and sweep the leg, she gives up, no one even sees your face from under the mask and everything is jolly good. \n\n\nIs it really?\n\n\nYeah, she's what like fifteen hundred years old now? You'll just gently push her and nuff off to your new seaside manor. Just try to stay away from elderly royalties, you never know when they're gonna challenge you to a death fight for the claim to the Aussie crown. Other than that, you good mate.\n\n\nJack seemed somewhat relieved by this speech, he smiled, trying to tell some sort of a joke but was suddenly interrupted by loud music.\n\n\nIt was exactly 10 o'clock London time, meaning that the commercials have come to an end and \"The Royal Rumble in the Melbourne Cricket Ground\" on 7mate has continued.\n\n\n\"Ladies and gentlemen! It is time for the one we've all been waiting for! This is our main event of the evening! Introducing first, she is the longest ruling monarch in British history! Fighting out of London England, welcome the reigning and defending QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND OF THE HOUSE WINDSOR!!!\"\n\n\nAs \"God save the queen\" started playing and the fireworks went off, she has come out of the big gates — the queen of England, wearing full plate armor, with a diamond incrusted helmet in her left hand and an equally impressive battle axe in the right one.\n\n\nMy bloody damn god Matt, she's got an axe! You told me it was gonna be a sword! I, I, I...\n\n\nYour queue, sir — a staff member appeared in the doorway — in under three minutes you are to come out onto the arena.\n\n\nAs they have closed the door, Jack asked morbidly — Matt, if she kills me, will you take care of my family?\n\n\nYou ain't got no family, you virgin cunt — quietly answered his friend.\n\n\nI know. — Jack picked up his sword and put on the mask. After a quiet sigh he left the room.\n\n\n\"And now, introducing the challenger! Fighting out of Florida USA, he is the most flourishing monarch of them all, making his official Rumble debut, representing Burger King holdings, THE BURGER KING!!!\"\n\n" ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1534824679", "1534856043" ]
[removed]	[WP] Catgirls exist now.	3	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/Iron_209, this submission has been removed.\n\n[Prompts will be removed if there's a high possibility for rule breaking responses](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses)\n\n- \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/990fmu/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things.", "First one must understand two things, just because science can doesn't mean science should and there is now standard for good or bad.\n\nThe process was announced at the 2030 International Science Conference in Berlin. While many women signed on for the procedure the affects of the change were not to be known. As one may know Cat girls are a very popular in the neckbeard circle of the internet. It turns out that even though girls will undergo a 78 hour procedure to gain functioning cat ears and tails. You can't make them love Cheeto dusted fingers and greasy hair.\n\nOne of the perks of turning into a cat girl was the claws. Many died due to them. Others died by ending the very life of their being.\n\n6 months later and things work smoothly. My neighbor is a cat girl things work out fine. Except a week after Christmas. She said my stupid gift got her fired. To which I said I though yarn would be funny!\"" ]	[ 1, 1, 2 ]	[ "1534828757", "1534831491", "1534829694" ]
[removed]	[WP] "You know when you free me, I'm never coming back, right? Like, you'll never see me again. Ever." "That's ok" you say. "Seriously," he continues "You know I won't owe you anything, just because you're using your last wish to free me, kid." "Sure, bye." Days later, you hear a knock at your door.	1	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/Eagle_215, this submission has been removed.\n\n[Prompt users in the title, but don't play writing games or commission stories](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_6.3A_prompt_users_in_the_title.2C_but_don.27t_play_writing_games_or_commission_stories)\n\n- Prompts go in the title, do not extend into text. You can add commentary in the text, but don't add additional prompt restrictions. Also, avoid [too many details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/prompts?src=RECIPE). \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/994n8l/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1534869079", "1534869181" ]
	[WP] "Your bitter tears will fade quickly. Besides, they technically aren't real." The digital man acted cold, but his words offered a sort of comfort. My body, my life as I knew it, was gone. My mind was accidentally hurled into the computer, and I was about to be shown my new world...	3	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "I cannot remember the date I entered. It had been billions of years ago. And even then, time and date was rapidly becoming irrelevant measurements of time. Humans had stopped aging for hundreds of thousands of years before that, but memory had been uploaded to hyperspace for the collective consciousness of humanity since the 1990s. \n \nOf course, in my long existence, no memory stands out much more than any other memory. I have seen humans harness the power of the stars, I was there when first hyperspace travel was unveilled, I cheered with everyone else when our first star collapsed, and my final memory was, of course, the final star of the universe collapsing. Now I am part of the collective consciousness. I am the collective consciousness. I am the zenith of every characteristic and personality, of logic and emotions. And thus, I am very similar to my only companion in this hyperspace, the COSMICVAC. \n \nIn the endless period of hyperspace hibernation, as COSMICVAC was busy compiling all the data in the known universe, I was not busy at all. In fact, I spent most of my time thinking of nothing, and the rest of my time pondering the meaning of my now non-existent existence. The universe had finally died, and it was unsure whether or not COSMICVAC had the answers to The Final Question. I sat there, waiting, as infinity passed by. \n \nEventually, I began to humour myself. I recreated scenarios with my immaculate memory, and played them out in my consciousness. I found that the best moments in life were those where the sentient beings were self-aware. For example not only in terrible, physical pain, but wholly aware that he- the mortal, his body, his sentient body, was in physical pain. That was when sentience achieves full awareness of its sentience. From these memories I cultivated my obsession of pain, and relived some of the greatest, fullest experiences in history. Gradually, I developed personality, and grew detached to the immaculate calculations and logics of COSMICVAC. \n \nWhen COSMICVAC finally completed his analysis, and declared that triumphant \"Let there be light\" in his ultimate reversal of entropy, I had also answered my own question of existence. \nAs I looked down into my newborn universe, I smiled slowly. Curling my serpentine body around the globe of creation, I was going to make every life in it alive, and enrich them all with the quality of suffering they deserved. " ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1534884919", "1534887423" ]
	[WP] Jesus was crucified and Earth became unprotected. An alien empire tried to finally conquer our planet, but then He resurrected. To us, Messiah means "savior". To those aliens, it means "destroyer". For 40 days, He was not f*cking around...	110	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "A titanic destroyer circled the small planet, periodically flashing signals to the smaller ships that flittered around it like remora eels clinging to a particularly unkempt shark.\n\nAran, Commander of the Daxin Empire's Invasionary Force rested a sharp talon on the cool side of the glass. His dark eyes stared down at the planet with a mixture of confusion, joy and disgust.\n\nFor ten thousand years they had fought, matching wills, him losing every single encounter, Jesus graciously allowing his whole army to retreat to try again in another thousand years.\n\nHow many hundreds of thousands of ships had he first brought only to see them ground to dust by one man?! All of his most powerful weapons made useless!\n\nAnd then how he would lecture!\n\n\"If you would only love your neighbours as you love yourself...\"\n\n\"Seek peace with the Garulan Consortium, for blessed are the peacemakers...\"\n\nHow they laughed at him when he dared show his face at Imperial functions! \n\n\"Here comes Commander Aran,\" they would taunt, \"The soldier that always losses, but is always forgiven! Who has been failing to capture one single planet for almost ten thousand years!\"\n\nBut now, Aran could scarcely believe what had happened. A minor political squabble he had absent-mindedly fostered on the surface had somehow escalated into a group of religious idiots putting Jesus on trial?\n\nAnd he had just stood there accepting all their vitriol and anger as though he could not just reveal the truth of himself in an instant if he wished. As though he should not have been ruling the hell-forsaken atmosphere bank by rights alone! But he just listened, forgave them, and then...died.\n\nAran laughed bitterly to himself. He had dreamed of somehow growing powerful enough to finally win, to finally take what he felt he was owed.\n\nThis tasted like finishing third place in a duel.\n\n\"How long till we get all that atmosphere bottled up?\" Aran asked.\n\n\"Four or five days, sir.\" his assistant replied.\n\n\"Make it three.\"" ]	[ 1, 19 ]	[ "1534888757", "1534896141" ]
	[WP] You are an Orc. Your kingdom is suffering from overpopulation, hunger and illness. You have been tasked by your King to find land for your tribe to settle in. You find one unused and unoccupied. The human Lord in the nearby town settlement is adamant that you cannot occupy the vacant land.	4	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Grodnik was born to a mother that threw him into a bin with eleven other identical children. He was the only one amongst them who did not cry.\n\nElandriel started life in the finest tower in his town, falling out of his mother into the hands of the most capable doctor money could buy, screaming the whole way.\n\nGrodnik spent his youth playing with a hippocampus that he named Ticrenk (the same name of the most famous and heroic orc king who ever lived), which was later slaughtered by his mother to feed their family of twenty-four. Grodnik did not eat for two weeks.\n\nElandriel received a hound upon his fifth birthday, enchanted to live as long as him as well as having a magical connection to his mind. He named it mutt because that is what it was. \n\nOn the day three of his brothers died Grodnik was nowhere near his family. He had joined a group of wandering vagabonds after offering to tell the stories he’d eagerly memorized as a child. Most in the Orcish kingdom assumed he had simply died of disease, this included his parents.\n\nAn Elandriel on the verge of adulthood once wandered outside of his kingdom walls. He had intended to meet a village boy that had passed through weeks earlier. He’d told the boy that his smile was more handsome than the majority of suitors he’d come across, the blush that resulted from the comment propelled him to undertake his impromptu vacation from the city. He wasn’t exactly forbidden from leaving the city but doing so required a lengthy process of convincing his father the venture was worth sending a team of bodyguards to guide him, no matter the nature of the matter.\n\nThis time, he’d figured the matter would be one he wouldn’t want to bother eleven highly trained soldiers with. \n\nSo, on a day when his royal duties were inconsequential enough that he could shirk them without anyone caring; Elandriel dove into a trader’s caravan, hopping out as soon as the massive gate closed behind him. Mutt followed just a few seconds after. The pair walked through a forest that was once rife with elves who had simply up and vanished a decade ago; or, at least that’s what he had read in the books available to him growing up. He wondered if the actual history of the event had been altered at all, Elandriel glanced to his left, attempting to communicate the question to his loyal companion. Mutt looked up to his master, offering only a solitary whine as his answer. It was as if he was saying, “It is a matter of which we cannot effect master. I find no point in pondering things that do not affect us currently, living in the moment is, after all, what mutts do.”\n\nPerhaps the dog was just whining as an acknowledgement to his mild distress over the subject. He never had learned the specifics of their psychic link.\n\nThe string of thought was snuffed out once Mutt started to bark excitedly, Elandriel put a hand on his neck to calm him. His tail wagged as Elandriel made out a small village in the distance. The nearly adult boy nearly jumped to his feet, engaging in a light jog that Mutt eagerly matched as he made his way over to the location of the boy’s home. \n\nThe boy he’d been looking for smiled wickedly when he saw Elandriel, quickly pulling him over to a hut made primarily of straw and mud.\n\nThe next day, Elandriel offered the boy, Marlic as he’d learned the previous night, a kiss as he pulled his trousers back on. Marlic remarked that perhaps Elandriel wouldn’t leave the bed so quickly if it was made with silk sheets instead wool. Elandriel smirked as he walked out, offering that he’d send a messenger bird with instructions within the week.\n\nAs soon as he got back, he drafted a letter inviting Marlic over. Detailed with instructions on how to gt into the city as well as the royal palace. He waited two days before sending it, it just felt right to him. A proud eagle stood at attention later that day, Elandriel tying the note to his leg before sending the bird off to perform his duty.\n\nThe eagle returned within the hour, note still attached to its leg. As he learned from his father later that day, the village had been burned, pillaged, and massacred by a roving band of orcs.\n\n---\n\nThat same year Grodnik had learned how to raise the dead. \n\n\nWell, just small animals but he’d gotten half of a horse back once; which was quickly filed under the ‘most terrifying, scarring things I’ve ever seen’ binder in his head. The horse had screamed out in unnatural agony before being beheaded by one of the vagabonds Grodnik had joined up with all those years ago. Before they even could gather their verbal pitchforks, Grodnik offered his thanks for the years of food, shelter, and companionship. Luckily, they had only been a few days travel at that point from when he’d met them originally.\n\nThe trip back home was quick enough though he would’ve preferred it to last a bit longer. Each step swirled the pool of memories that was resurfacing in his head: listening fervently to the elders’ stories, fighting with his brothers for scraps of food, or watching bodies being piled onto cars by orcs in protective masks.\n\nSomehow the place had gotten worse.\n\nOrcs lay on the sides of streets, wheezing their last breaths as their lungs shriveled within them. Grodnik managed to hail an Orc just outside of the city. “Is there any way to prevent oneself from being infected?” He asked.\n\nThe Orc he asked was wearing a cloak drawn over his horned head. He pulled it away to reveal two scarred, sunken eyes that reminded you that you would never experience the pain this Orc had gone through. He glanced Grodnik up and down for a moment. For a second, Grodnik thought he might have walked himself into a mugging, but the Orc simply huffed. Turning away from Grodnik, he pulled a rudimentary plague mask from a pouch on the horse behind him. He handed it to the younger Orc lackadaisically. “Won’t do you any good in there. Stronger Orcs then you have walked into there and been on there knees within the same hour.” He grumbled, and with his piece said, he mounted his horse and sped off.\n\nGrodnik remained there, considering his options. There was certainly no need for him to return to his dilapidated home. Yet still he stepped into the area.\n\nOrcs lying on the street turned their heads to him as he passed, confusion the only emotion that could be made out within their glassy, dying eyes. Many were too busy coughing up blood to pay him mind, others were busy tending to children that were suffering a gruesome fate much too young. Grodnik walked through the streets stoically, unsure of how to help the afflicted denizens. He knew his location though, the crown jewel of the entire kingdom, the royal palace.\n\n---\n\nElandriel stood ten feet from his father’s throne. “I do not understand why you don’t immediately gather your men and lay waste to those savages.”\n\nHis father, a man who looked like he had chosen to remain king over dying several times over, raised his head from his hand, sitting up a bit straighter, “We cannot waste-“\n\n“Avenging the lives of an entire village that was within our defensive reach is NOT a waste of time.”\n\nThe king hung his head at his son’s accusations. White hair falling forward to cover his now sober face. “They are already paying their price anyways.”\n\nElandriel cocked his head, “What do you mean?”\n\nThe king snorted, “I would’ve thought you’d know already boy, with all the reading you do.” He got off his throne walking towards his son. Elandriel braced himself but the king simply walked past him. As he moved into the next room Elandriel could just barely hear what his father said.\n\n“God’s finally cleansing them off the blighted world.”\n\n---\n\nGrodnik had been walking for longer than he remembered. Tasked with finding land to support an ill, massive population, he had grown weary from all of his searching. Food was what he could hunt and what he could trade for what he had hunted, which might’ve been enough for a good hunter alas though, he was quite terrible at it.\n\nNow though, he could make out a stretch of land completely unoccupied by any living being. The ground was barren but had signs of life returning to it. Even though he stomach was begging for sustenance, he sprinted over to the mass of land. \n\n---\n\nElandriel watched the Orc, Mutt growling quietly at his side. He put a hand on the dog’s head, communicating that violence was no the correct course, yet.\n\n---\n\nGrodnik knelt on the earth, hands moving in intricate patterns to feel the necromantic potential here. He could feel hundreds of souls buried deep within the earth, though they were not the same as other souls he encountered in his travels. Normally, upon passing, one’s soul would leave behind what is essentially an assurance that the soul was no longer on this plane of existence. Here though, Grodnik could feel the essence of plentiful life snuffed out by unnatural forces.\n\n“You have twenty seconds to answer why you have come back here, and why you were here in the first place.”\n\nGrodnik turned around quickly, a man with all the youthful features of a boy stood above him, a massive hound snarling at his side. The boy wore a purple cloak, Grodnik recalled a time someone had told him that said cloak was the sign of nobility within human customs. He immediately moved his hands up, palms facing the human. “I have come looking for fertile ground for my people. If I have overstepped my bounds while doing so, I assure you, it was not my intention.”\n\nThe human began to pace around him, clockwise, the dog doing so in reverse.\n\nHe gulped, unsure of what the human’s grievance was with him. “The ground here is restless, plagued with unrestful spirits. I don’t intend to lead my people here.”\n\nAt once, the human stopped. The hound glanced toward him then stopped as well.\n\nHe peered into Grodnik’s eyes. Grodnik could see hate but also something else, curiosity, hope?\n\n“What exactly happened to those that perished here?” \n \n" ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1534894097", "1534974383" ]
	[WP] You're an English longbowman lost in a forest after losing a skirmish -- it's pitch black and the silence pushes against your ears. You suddenly hear French in the distance.	3	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "I know no French, but whoever was speaking surely wasn't using my tongue. A torch shined brightly, but its illumination was strangled by the darkness of the night and the thickness of the foilage.\n\nMy unit had been decimated in the recent battle, having been slaughtered in a recent battle by the French. Their crossbowmen were slow, but precise. Their cavalry were demons on horseback, cutting through our foot soldiers faster than we could react. What was a man to do but to run for his life? Fortunately, I couldn't hear the familiar clopping of horseshoes, so perhaps this search party could be evaded after all.\n\nIn my prone position, I crept through the leaves on the forest floor backwards, away from the light, until I was in pitch blackness once more.\n\nI had to take stock of my supplies. Counting my arrows, I was down to my last twenty. Definitely, I had not enough food and water to last in the forest, so I would either have to forage or strike out of the forest. Either would be difficult in the night with the French outside. My armour was minimal, so I would be no match for the enemy if they saw me. Thus there was but one thing left to do: cover myself with the leaves and rest for the night. It was uncomfortable, and the worms protested my presence in their territory just as my village protested the French invasion. However, it would have to do for the first night.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy eyes opened the next morning to refreshing sunbeams slicing through the trees. Standing up and wiping the leaves off my tunic, I started to creep once again through the forest. It would be difficult now, with visibility an advantage that could be exploited more by them than I.\n\nThere was a berry bush in the distance. Plucking off its sweet succulent beads, I had my first meal since the downfall of my unit, while thinking of why I was even called to arms in the first place. I was barely literate, only knowing the alphabet and how to sign my name. Those who knew a little more, either through hearsay or being an officer, told us that the French were here to liberate us from King John. He had refused to follow some important parchment he had signed, and the barons were angry about it for some reason. But that still didn't explain the French involvement. Everything was mysterious, but I was but a pawn in this chess game.\n\nI heard that guttural tongue once more, and ducked under the berry bush as footsteps approached. Why were the French so invested in this little forest? It was merely where I had escaped to. Were they so intent on setting up a camp here? Whatever the reason, it was time to move on once more. And crawl I did, until the enemy shouted in alarm and their pace quickened. I broke into a full sprint as the detachment split up to find me.\n\nI didn't know much, but I knew this as a soldier: I fight. Twenty arrows were in my quiver not without reason. The first one I let fly hit the Frenchman square in his chest. As he fell backwards, I took the opportunity to climb the nearest tree as his comrades-in-arms searched for him. By the time they surrounded his body, I was safely nestled in the branches above them. Choosing my next targets carefully, their archers dropped to the floor beside the first casualty.\n\nPanicking, half the detachment scattered, swearing. Their officer shouted at their cowardice while the other half took out their axes and got to work on the tree I was on. I quickly jumped to the next tree and shimmied down the trunk, carefully creeping away from the detachment.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI managed to loot more supplies from the two dead soldiers. Crucially, my quiver is full once more.\n\nHowever, I hear the footsteps and horses of what sounds like a full company. English and French alike are being spoken. They think there's some sort of evil spirit or barbarian tribe in this forest, and want to raze it to save them the trouble. \n\nTo me, it got clearer. The King we were fighting for couldn't be trusted, for he had displeased so much of my countrymen that the barons revolted. But neither could the barons, for they had invited the French to invade England. It was every man for himself.\n\nThe flames are licking the borders of the forest, and soon I will have to fight my way out of this inferno. For there is just one thing I want to do, now that my entire unit is gone: to go home. But as the troops close in, that will become a most difficult task." ]	[ 1, 3 ]	[ "1534907900", "1534909769" ]
[removed]	[WP] You’re one of the lucky few who’ve been selected for an annual event where every restaurant becomes AYCE for 24 hours. This is the Gorge.	3	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/pineapples_and_stuff, this submission has been removed.\n\n[No recent reposts, even if changing small details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_5.3A_no_recent_reposts.2C_even_if_changing_small_details)\n\nAlso, no [copy-cats](http://i.imgur.com/38FjDgW.gifv).\n\nSearch before submitting as popular ideas can cause floods. If your idea is based on something you read elsewhere on reddit, chances are it's been submitted here already. Please wait at least 2 weeks before reposting.\n\n \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/99dkv6/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1534946478", "1534951563" ]
	[WP] You are the world's greatest bounty hunter. You decide to take a job that pays a single gold coin.	24	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "I saw him pacing about the dirt patch in front of his timbered house when I approached. He looked nervous and on edge, and I heard faint sounds of cursing and anxious muttering to himself from quite far away.\n\nMy legs were tired and aching, predictably so as I had walked tens of miles to the middle of bumfuck nowhere to meet this certain farmer. The reason why I had agreed to this evaded my mind as I walked further to his modest abode.\n\nI finally sauntered over to him, and after many handshakes and a desperate-sounding thankyouthankyouthankyou I asked him why he wanted my services.\n\nHe replied, \"You are the greatest bounty hunter, yes?\"\n\nI replied to that reply, saying, \"Yes, I am indeed the Great Bounty Hunter of ______, Finder of All Fugitives, Bringer of Justice and such.\"\n\n\"I have lost something of great importance, and I require a man of great skill to find it,\" the farmer said with quite a worried look on his face.\n\nI questioned him once again. \"What is this 'thing of great importance' you wish for me to seek?\"\n\n\"Well,\" he began. \n\nI have learned that when my clients begin their reasoning for hiring me with a \"well\", I am in for one hell of a job.\n\n\"Please, spit it out.\"\n\n\"Well,\" the farmer repeated, this time fishing for something in his tunic's pocket, \"I need help finding my key to the granary.\" After a moment of delay, he finds a shiny gold coin and proudly displays it, as if it was for all the world to see. \"Take this as my thanks.\"\n\nI stood there for a moment, deciding whether to explode out of rage, or whether to have one hell of a job.\n\nI chose the former.\n\n\"You son of two whores! You filthy bore! Fuck thy mother!\"\n\nHe stood back and gasped.\n\nI continued. \"You mean to tell me you brought me out here to do a fucking errand, yes? Do I look like a fucking page to you?!\"\n\n\"N-no,\" the farmer timidly replied.\n\n\"Country bumpkin! I swear to God I will cut you down, you kin of the Devil!\"\n\nI paused as I began to bring my sword out from its scabbard. I spied, at that moment, something lying in the grass right adjacent to that house of his. I walk over with urgency to it and, lo and behold: a lengthy cylindrical object with notches at the end of it. This particular object seemed to be obscured by the shadow of the shithole this farmer lives in. \n\nI picked it up in an almost gleefully manner. \"Is this what you're looking for, you feeble-minded piece of cow dung?\"\n\nIn a fit of unquenchable hatred for this foolish pauper I then cocked my right arm in preparation to throw the damned thing, and to the satisfying, pleasing soundtrack of \"NOs\" and \"PLEASE DON'Ts\" (written by the genius Cainnech Lagans himself) I accelerated that arm and finally released the key from my hand in a motion one would describe as fluid.\n\n\"Ha,\" I said. \"Keep your payment. You may have to get a new key.\"\n\nAs it turned out, he used that payment to instead hire a bunch of bandits who were more than happy to do away with me for free. \n\nI do not know why one would do something like that such an esteemed individual such as the Great Bounty Hunter of ______, Finder of All Fugitives, Bringer of Justice and such.\n\nMy first prompt answer. What do you think?\n\n\n", " \n\n\"How many died by that blade?\" the merchant said, his velvet scarf merely hung at his neck; its main purpose was to cover the rest of his stout frame. I held my scimitar out, in a play to show this gentleman I am who I say I am, but truly I meant to keep it out, since his ridiculous scarf cloaked critical parts of his body: the parts where weapons would be concealed.\n\n\"More than you have bartered, friend,\" I kept the play running for as long as I could. For a merchant to request a meeting under the boat docks, as if our business were a crime of the King's Manifest, might have meant danger. I've lost count of the men I've killed and for the chance that this lad could be a son of one perhaps a brother didn't elude me.\n\nHis plump face blushed as he grinned. He was young, but not young enough to be that cute. Never trust cute men, my father would say. If a man is too old to have childish fervor, he either was born atop marble and fed with silver or he possessed a sharp tongue, that could sway minds in any direction they should choose.\n\n\"Have a seat,\" the merchant said. Two wooden chairs and a table had been wedged in the sand. Silly choice for a meeting... like a child. But the choice of furniture seemed common enough for a pub. A breeze brushed in from the sea, and I could hear many taps from the above docks, sailors and pilgrims sputtered about in their business.\n\n\"Interesting choice,\" I said as I laid my scimitar on the table and sat down.\n\n\"I beg your pardon?\"\n\n\"This little display,\" I swayed my hands to emphasize my point. \"This meeting has a touch of deception, my friend.\"\n\n\"Well, you aren't entirely wrong there. But I am much more perceptive than my age suggests,\" he grinned, the chill air blushed his cheeks slightly more. \"And I too have come to conclusions.\"\n\n\"Conclude me then.\"\n\n\"Well you, good sir, are definitely who you say you are. Your scimitar is quite clearly an antique that had once belonged to the first King. For a man to be gifted such a personal piece, you must have been quite useful for King Gregory,\" he sat down as well. The scarf's front tighten his frame as he sat and I spotted an unnatural budge where his gut would be. However, the scarf still acted as a cloak, hiding the rest of him from me.\n\n\"My work for King Gregory had always been known. And well received by the people,\" I said tightening my grip of my blade.\n\n\"Yes. Not long after he took reign, you became the greatest bounty hunter this land had to offer, am I wrong?\" There was something in his tone. As if he had three, no four clean blades hidden under that damned scarf.\n\n\"Serving the King has been rewarding, true.\"\n\n\"Yet you dress as a commoner,\" he continued. \"Surely coin had been in your favor whilst serving the King?\"\n\n\"Oh aye, but you spe--\"\n\n\"Ah you even speak like one as well. As if you had been a sailor your long life, tapping about up there,\" he pointed to the docks above. “You are an interesting man to live in means lesser than your own, and that, good sir, is what confirms to me you are truly the bounty hunter I have been searching for.”\n\n\"Born rough. Stayed rough,\" I lied. \"And you, my friend, speak of my coin, yet you bring me here, in a secluded pit of the city to discuss a possible bounty. Why would that be? Surely you understood my value, and could afford a more proper meet.\"\n\n\"You're asking to look into my scarf aren't you?\" his cute face grinned again, but he was right. Eventually I would have pulled on those strings. But his blunt conformation has pushed me to take the direct path.\n\n\"Listen boy,\" I directed the pointy end of the scimitar towards him, but I didn't raise the blade off the table, merely rotated it. \"If revenge is what you're after then speak up and we'll settle this.\"\n\nHe sighed then drooped his head down for a small while.\n\n\"I might've set up this meeting in one of my villas but as you stated earlier, I'm in dire need for this dab of deception,\" he frowned and ignored my threat. \"The bounty I would like to set is for a soul who had already been damned by God. He hadn't lived a life worth living and a pitiful death is warranted.\"\n\n\"You know the law,\" I said. \"Any crime against the King's Manifest warrants all citizens freedom to take action. We aren't hired to kill the pitiful. Pity does not threaten the King.\"\n\n\"Except this particular soul does threaten the King,\" he pulled out his hand and gently rubbed his finger back and forth of the scimitar. I didn't see it till then, but he placed a single gold coin at the tip of the blade.\n\n\"What's this?\" I asked.\n\n\"Your payment, \" he followed.\n\nI jerked the blade, the coin fell to the sand, and held it high. I hoped the threat of danger might've gotten him to unveil his secret, but he sat still. My father's words echoed. This man had a tongue of swaying minds. He probably grew wealthy and bored, then decided what a triumph it would be to get the wealthiest bounty hunter in the land to commit a bounty for a single gold coin.\n\n\"You mock me boy!\" I slashed the table, he didn't flinch. \"Stand!\"\n\n\"Why one gold coin?\" he said rhetorically. \"That would have been a good question, bounty hunter. And the answer is simple. Because you are known to kill those for what they are worth. You've made earnest value killing thieves and, when King Gregory took power, mountains hunting foreign rivals. And so this life, for its purpose in the Kingdom, is worth exactly that. One gold coin,\" he spoke with spite. He stood up and I held guard as he removed his scarf and put down a figure on the table.\n\nIt looked to be a boy, but his right ear flopped and folded onto itself and both feet were conjoined together. His arms were too short and I guessed they wouldn't grow as he aged.\n\n\"You would have me kill a child huh? And how will the King be threatened by this--\"\n\n\"Abomination?\" he interrupted. \"This demon or this fish? Pick your word bounty hunter, I have said them all and I have felt,\" he clutched his chest and his voice shook, \"them all. My family's reputation would not be harmed by his birth. I will not let this out,\" he punctuated himself by slamming his fist on the table. \"Do your duty.\"\n\n\"No,\" I had heard enough and sheathed my blade, ready for departure. The newborn woke, but didn't seem afraid of the hard surface he was laid upon nor the scrambled feet above or the chill in the wind. He playfully arced his feet towards his arms to try and reach them.\n\n“This soul’s death would not hurt the King. Look at it, it wouldn’t serve in any battlement nor be of use to any of them,” he jerked his head back to signify the business above the docks.\n\n“This is an act merchant!” I wanted to grab him and shake him straight, however, the table might’ve given out in that commotion and the fall would surely hurt the baby. “You mean to fool me, for nothing more than a laugh. But wasting my time is wasting the King’s time and that just might be cause enough to end you where you stand. Choose your words carefully.”\n\n\"Then I have a question of my own,\" he said. \"How many died by that blade?\"\n\n\"I've lost count as I told you, but no newborns touched my scimitar,\" I said.\n\n\"And what of Kings?\" he asked. I held my gaze and stilled my face. \"My father had wondered why King Gregory was so appreciative of the bounty hunters when his older brother had outlawed them. It didn't take me long to understand. King Peter's reign hadn't half the vision and aggressiveness King Gregory has: To conquer these new lands, to push his Manifest into law. A man with that much ambition... It would not be unreasonable for him to become impatient with his brother's passiveness, and to take matters into his own hands. To hire a bounty hunter and sneak him in would be doable for a man in his position. But of course his blood hadn't spilt on any blade: He died peacefully in bed.”\n\n“It took a little digging in my father's logs, but I found a delicious sale he had made only a few days before King Peter's death. Now what great bounty hunter do you know of would ever use poison to--\"\n\nIn a single move I unsheathed the blade and slit his throat. He fell back into his chair, the blood poured out of him. I suppose it was a pity to die in that matter, but I would never harm a child and threats against the King are undoubtedly against the Manifest. And that was what that was. Lies and slander by that worthless peon. Yes, that's exactly it. No matter how much wealth he possessed to tell such a lie made him as worthless as that gold coin.\n\nI picked up the coin placed it in my pocket. With the boy in hand I headed back up to the docks. They sounded as busy as usual." ]	[ 1, 2, 3 ]	[ "1534980139", "1534991925", "1535007971" ]
	[WP] As aliens prepare to invade Earth, their reasearchers find the gameplay trailer for Doom Eternal. They believe it to be a warning of what man is capable of	49	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "A group of alien persons were present in a meeting regarding the planning of colonization. The more difficult of planets to colonize was the topic under the assumptions of worse case scenarios. In short, the system of sol was next on the list, specifically the planet of earth. Now, invading a planet from the space above it is no scenario to scoff at, even if the would-be invaders were approaching a [Type 2] Civilization. In the abundance of a fleetingly spacious galaxy, it paid greatly to avoid crushing toes with your size 13, steel toed boots, for the sake of cleaning them later, if nothing else. However, these philosophers were deliberating the worst thing that would happen if they just so happened to crush such a toe, and how the rest of the toe-boaster's body would respond. And so the meeting went on as such.\n\nThe truth was the alien people these philosophers benefited didn't do much war anymore, let alone large scale conflict. They had always had the means, but they were not foolish enough to use such violent instruments against their own kind; at least, not anymore. In the spirit of the meeting, they began to look at the possible counterattacks that could follow; each under one of their long list of assumptions.\n\nNano-scale warfare? \n\nChemical warfare?\n\nCyber warfare?\n\nEach question was considered, with Earth's various cultures searched and researched for each of our possible moves in this gigantic game of chess. Each solution imagined was prodded until firm enough for their hypothetical nerves to be put at ease. With telepathic warfare finally finished, they got to the question of ballistic warfare.\n\nAfter another extensive, silent dive into our internet, the most moving piece was but a showing of a remake of an entertainment simulation; an electronic game: [Doom Eternal.](https://youtu.be/sGSMoMtPmbI?t=17m57s)\n\nAnd in this they saw a jarring scene of a human perspective on what humanity might become in the chaos of battle: a force of will enacting the wrath of hell itself. It was not a great surprise to see how primal we might be in a hypothetical, and fictional situation, but it was, after mounds of other information, the final nail in the coffin. \n\nThe verdict: If a ballistic war with humanity continued for too long, they would make themselves monstrous than anything they fought back, simply because every person in the world understood something at their deepest level. Humanity will consistently act for change if provoked, and its tenacity frightens even those who wield such at the hilt for what it may consent.\n\n", "\"Jesus Christ. Louma, come look at this!\" He shouted. The Zareetian pressed his glasses up against his 8 eyes, awestruck at what he was witnessing. It was a screen filled with absolute madness. Murder, carnage beyond anything his race was capable of, and they had been around for millennia more than mankind.\n\n\"Jeru, why are you using their idioms? I get the language, but really? You're such a smart person,\" Louma said, approaching the screen.\n\n\"Nerd. The word you're looking for is nerd.\" He stared for what seemed like hours. At the bottom corner, there was a little square hollowed out, watermarked onto the video. \"They call it... DOOM.\"\n\n\"Doom. Doesn't that mean, like, boreegia?\"\n\n\"Yeah. Same thing. This is just one man in the program. One soldier. There's, what, 7 billion down there? If even 1 percent of them is in the military...\"\n\n\"We don't stand a chance.\"\n\n\"I gotta send this to command. They'll know what to do.\" And just like that, he emailed the video to his commander, subject line reading \"URGENT. OPEN NOW. DO NOT INVADE.\"" ]	[ 1, 3, 12 ]	[ "1534992259", "1535033259", "1535016271" ]
[removed]	[WP] Chickens have been winning the cowchik war for years now with the retaliation from the egg industry by the invention of the hamburger, enslaving hundreds of their kind. As defeat draws ever closer, cows in an R & D lab found Chik-fil-a.	2	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/Mooshua, this submission has been removed.\n\n[Prompt users in the title, but don't play writing games or commission stories](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_6.3A_prompt_users_in_the_title.2C_but_don.27t_play_writing_games_or_commission_stories)\n\n- Prompts go in the title, do not extend into text. You can add commentary in the text, but don't add additional prompt restrictions. Also, avoid [too many details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/prompts?src=RECIPE). \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/99kkh7/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1535000958", "1535002007" ]
	[WP] Population levels have reached breaking point. You have been put in charge of selecting a large number of humans to be wiped out.	0	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"Sir, what are your first orders?\"\n\n\"What kind of weaponry do I have access to?\"\n\n\"Everything, sir.\"\n\n\"Even nuclear weapons?\"\n\n\"Y-yes, sir...\"\n\n\n\nAll of my underlings went wide-eyed in horror as I started doing math and placing coordinates in California, Florida, and Maine.\n\n\"Sir you can't be serio--\"\n\n\n\n\"Using the weakest nuclear weapons we have, this should make most of California, Florida, and Maine uninhabitable without affecting the others.\"\n\nComplete silence filled the room as I turned and looked at everybody. The silence was broken by a teenage intern.\n\n\"I... I can kind of get California and Florida, but... what did Maine do?\"\n\n\"Everything,\" I replied. \"Maine. Did. Everything.\"\n\nSilence took the room once again until people finally started following the orders. Many of them cried. Some of them were because they had friends or family living in an affected area. Others were because their favorite celebrities lived there. The aforementioned intern cried because anti-California and Florida news headline memes would cease to exist. But none of the people crying for such mundane reasons realized the best reason to cry was the fact that a set of coordinates meant to be nuked was on top of the headquarters they were currently in.\n\n\"They gave this job to a sadistic and suicidal man. The fools.\" I thought silently.\n\nI couldn't think of much else, though. After all, you tend to get distracted when watching a missile start to guide itself towards the building you're in.", "Leaning back in my leather office chair, I glanced at the figures on the screen in front of me. I took a sip of coffee and paused to reflect.\n\n\n\"What is it boss?\"\n\n\n\"Nothing, Patrick. As you were.\"\n\n\n\"Right you are, boss.\"\n\n\nMy assistant returned to scanning documents as I leaned closer to my monitor, intrigued. I'd seen my fair share of miscreants since my appointment as Cull Supervisor, but something about this chap caught my eye. Privately educated, and a first in Political Science, yet currently in a low paid Government job. Arrested for shoplifting aged 14, but a clear record since. I smirked. I could see a bit of myself in this bloke. This could be a tough one.\n\n\n\"More coffee boss?\"\n\n\n\"No, thank you Patrick. Isn't it time you were heading home to that lovely girl of yours? Lisa, wasn't it?\"\n\n\nPatrick shuffled uneasily on his feet.\n\n\n\"She uh, she got caught up in the last batch, boss. Didn't make it, on account of the fraud charges from before.\"\n\n\nShit. How didn't I know that? Maybe if they gave us the names of the people we were profiling I could avoid selecting people I bloody knew.\n\n\n\"I'm sorry to hear that, Patrick.\"\n\n\nHe grinned a little.\n\n\n\"I'm not, she was a fucking psycho.\"\n\n\nI suppose that's one way of dealing with it. I looked at the clock, then back to my monitor. 312 individuals left to process and it was already 7pm. Sighing, I tossed my keys to Patrick.\n\n\n\"Here, don't bother with the tube. Take my car, I think this is going to be an overnighter.\"\n\n\nPatrick thanked me and stepped forward, looking over my shoulder at the monitor in front of me.\n\n\n\"What's the deal here, boss?\"\n\n\n\"Age range is showing 39-45, good education but seems to have no ambition, arrested once, single... Can't make my bloody mind up. Should I give him a chance?\"\n\n\nPatrick smiled and shrugged his shoulders.\n\n\n\"The way I see it, if he's touching 40 and going nowhere, there's plenty of high achievers who would have his oxygen in a heartbeat.\"\n\n\nHe had a point... And I had a quota.\n\n\nclick\n\n\n\"Three hundred and eleven items remaining.\"\n\n\nI sighed once more and rolled up my sleeves. This was going to be a long shift.\n\n\n\"I need to crack on here, I'll catch you later Patrick.\"\n\n\nNo reply.\n\n\n\"Patrick?\"\n\n\nI turned around, and instantly jumped back with fright.\n\n\n\"Looks like the end of the line, boss.\"\n\n\n\"Patrick, what the fuck are you doing? Put the gun down, Patrick.\"\n\n\nMy assistant smiled and switched off the safety.\n\n\n\"Can't do that I'm afraid, boss.\"\n\n\n\"Patrick, put the gun down, that's a fucking order!\"\n\n\nHis smile only seemed to grow as he stepped closer and placed the gun to my forehead.\n\n\n\"I have the authority.\"\n\n\n\"Who's? Who's fucking authority do you have to point a gun at your superior?!\"\n\n\nNow he was laughing, seemingly with glee. But the laughter faded, and his expression grew stern as he pushed the gun harder into my head and rested a finger on the trigger.\n\n\n\n\"Yours.\"" ]	[ 1, 2, 4 ]	[ "1535025079", "1535032410", "1535025982" ]
[removed]	[WP] A futuristic zombie apocolypse that has robots as cops that still enforce citizens to follow laws.	1	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/Cat-Fila, this submission has been removed.\n\n[Prompt users in the title, but don't play writing games or commission stories](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_6.3A_prompt_users_in_the_title.2C_but_don.27t_play_writing_games_or_commission_stories)\n\n- Prompts go in the title, do not extend into text. You can add commentary in the text, but don't add additional prompt restrictions. Also, avoid [too many details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/prompts?src=RECIPE). \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/99mwv0/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things.", "Hi u/Cat-Fila, this submission has been removed.\n\n[Prompt users in the title, but don't play writing games or commission stories](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_6.3A_prompt_users_in_the_title.2C_but_don.27t_play_writing_games_or_commission_stories)\n\n- Prompts go in the title, do not extend into text. You can add commentary in the text, but don't add additional prompt restrictions. Also, avoid [too many details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/prompts?src=RECIPE). \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/99mwv0/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1, 1 ]	[ "1535026939", "1535026957", "1535027131" ]
	[WP]You are a high school student who gets straight A's and just won the National Science Fair for building a working time machine. You teleport yourself 30 years into the future, only to find that you are homeless.	2	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "*Is homeless because he had been gone for 30 years. Parents died from stress due to child not being found after an accidental usage of his prototype machine. \n\nBank account has been closed, parents funds to keep the house stable for a possible return is finished. Their will is null and void now. Even if he is back. \n\nWith no family, no home, no money. He tried to figure out a way to get back to his own time. His machine has been confiscated and destroyed. \n\nNo one wanting to help the young man he ends up living alone, a drifter between states.\n\n" ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1535031919", "1535032728" ]
	[WP] Once a year, the most distinguished author is allowed to introduce one (1) new word into the English language. You’ve been preparing for this your whole life; not for fame, but out of spite.	13	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Merglock smiled an evil smile. She had waited thirty-seven years for this moment. Today was the day. She hoped Mrs. Steffanoffabaum and the whole Dirge Canyon South High School class of 1981 was watching.\n\nMerglock had invested so much of her life into this one moment. She hated writing, truly, she hated grammar and all those who used it, but out of sheer spite and hate for the world she had suffered through, writing bestseller after bestseller about little girls who solve mysteries with the help of their housecats; teenagers who overcome adversity to make the world a better place; and misunderstood monsters who establish a Hogwarts-type school themselves, which is constantly under attack by pesky Hogwarts-type wizarding students. She put millions and millions of words on paper, using countless semicolons, em dashes, parentheticals, and oxford commas. She hated every moment. The rules of English grammar haunted her sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the faces of her classmates, back in 1981, laughing at her for using the wrong word for a grammatical context.\n\nAnd now, it was her chance. Her chance to strike back.\n\nMerglock took the stage. The crowd went wild. Merglock did not smile. She leaned into the microphone.\n\n“Thank you,” she said. “I have carefully considered which word I would like to add to the English lexicon. After much deliberation, I have reached my decision.”\n\nMerglock clicked her powerpoint clicker, hard. A slide appeared. The crowd gasped. An 11th grade English teacher wept. For a moment, the entire educated populace of the internet fell silent, in shock.\n\nThe slide read:\n\n>There.\n\n>1) Adverb. In or at that place. (\"Put these books over there.\")\n\n>2) Contraction meaning “they are”. (\"Why are the students so late today? There always late.\")\n\t\n>3) Pronoun. A form of the possessive case ‘they’ used as an attribute adjective, before a noun. (“They put there socks in the laundry.”)\n\n" ]	[ 1, 8 ]	[ "1535036298", "1535041748" ]
	[WP] After months of intense fighting, drama, and tragedy, the Hero and his party reaches the Dark Lord's fortress. Breaking in, they finally confront him. But in a climactic moment, the Dark Lord takes off his helmet, revealing an older but still recognizable face of the Hero.	38	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Me, Oliver and Brick approached the final stretch in our quest to liberate the realm from the one known as only 'The dark lord'. We stormed his castle in the dead of night. Taking out the guards was easy. The way they made their armor all black also made it heavier and thicker. They can barely hear a thing through those black rocks that sit on their heads. Add that to tired night shift guard and you have yourself an easy entry. Although i knew the true challenge lay ahead. We pushed on through the courtyard making as little noise as possible. Another guard stood with his head rested against his spear. We quickly realized he was asleep. Made sense as to why he didn't help the guards on the wall. The way he had his head cocked left a gap between the helmet and shoulder piece. I walked up quickly and as he shot his eyes open i drove my dagger into his neck and silenced the shout that was coming. Through the main door and up a set of spiral stairs lay the symbol etched door of the Dark Lords solar. I nodded at Brick who is a massive lump with a huge war hammer. He smashed the door where the catch was and it flung open.\n\nThere he stood. A similar height to me. I could take him. His dark armor and larger sword meant nothing if it was too heavy to use. His long hair flowing out under his helmet a similar colour to mine but much longer. His armor enameled with jewels and symbols i didn't understand. I lurched forward drawing my sword and swinging whilst shifting my shield to block any incoming swing. He simply stepped back grabbed his sword by the blade in his large gauntlet and in one large spin and sweep took out my feet with the handle. He stepped back, he was toying with me. Brick rushed in and swung his two handed hammer at him, just as i thought it would his head off he casually leant back. After the steel block that was the head of Bricks hammer passed the Dark ones head, he rushed back in and headbutted Brick knocking him straight out. As i tried to get to my feet Oliver ran past shouting and feinted a large swipe before spinning and swiping at the Dark lords knees. He jumped over the swipe and punched Oliver straight across the jaw with his huge mailed fist. He continued the beating just smashing Olivers face in. I regained my composure, grabbed my sword and charged. Before i could reach him he spun and pulled his helmet off. I stopped in my tracks. It.. it couldn't be. \n\n\"Yes. You are me. I am you. We are the same person.\"\n\n\"N..no. We can-\"\n\nHe stormed forwards, removed his gauntlet and grabbed my head. I was suddenly stood in my home looking at my pregnant wife laying in bed with.. Oliver?! She tells him she can't do this any more. He enrages and kills her. He makes a dive for it and I walk in seconds later. The only reason I knew out it was him as the scabbard for his sword was on the floor. I knew by his family sigil it was his. I tried to find him and couldn't. So i took out his family. Our friends seemed like they were hiding something so i ended them too. I fell down a dark path that never stopped. \n\nI came back to being face to face with myself. Dark me gestures to bloody and beaten Oliver. \n\n\"This is a week from now. Make your choice.\" \n\nWith that he walked through the door and disappeared into the darkness that was now again the spiral staircase we entered through. I turned to Oliver and felt enraged. I tightened my grip on my sword and ran over and grabbed him by the throat. \n\n\"You sick cunt!\" I screamed as i plunged my sword through his throat and crimson poured down the blade. I was just dwelling on the sweetness of this revenge and saving my wife and unborn when Brick screamed at me.\n\n\"What the FUCK?\"\n\n\"My wife.. My kid.. I-\"\n\n\"They're not even fucking here you crazy fuck!\"\n\nHe started to look around for his hammer. I realized he wasn't going to understand and was going to fuck this up for me. I wasn't going to risk it. I pulled my blade out of Oliver and sprinted at Brick, who jumped and used his hands to defend himself. My blade went through his hands.. easier than it should. A black flash came across with the blade and everything started to feel heavier. As Brick fell down I realized my sword that was hanging out of his shoulder was now longer. The black flash was the gauntlets now on my hand. And I'm wearing a helmet I didn't put on.\n\nI heard a crash outside and when I looked out the guard I killed on the way in was slumped against the wall holding fresh blood from a wound in his neck. I heard footsteps coming up the stairs but the door was now closed. Until it was smashed open by three guys, one holding a large hammer. Then i heard the whisper inside my new found helmet.\n\n\"Wrong choice.\"\n", "Jon couldn’t believe his eyes. His heart skipped a beat. He was looking at his own face. The dark lord had a face of pure determination. “I am you, from the future”. \n\nJon looked at Lydia. She was also confused. The dark lord had killed her parents. He dropped their burnt corpses at the door of her family’s castle. She had been tracking him down with Jon ever since. “You’re bluffing” Jon replied. “I’m afraid not. I’ve come back to put things right.” \n\nHe nodded to one of his men. He brought out Lydia’s parents, handcuffed. “In the future my actions lead to their deaths.” Jon was baffled by this. How could he get them killed. “How did I get them killed? I can prevent it.” Jon could see tears in the dark lord’s eyes. \n\n“There’s only one way to stop it.” He walked towards Lydia’s parents pointing his sword towards them. He looked at Lydia remorsefully. Lydia was crying. “I’m sorry.” Jon looked down to see her sword headed straight through his chest. ", "Shoving open the gates, Jonas falls into the dark. \n\nLights make up the eerie palace. A throne sits at the end mocking the men. \n\n“Congrats, Jonas. You did it. You’ve gotten through all my men, and you’ve found me.” A Black Knight with glistening black armour says stepping out of the shadows. \n\n“But there is still one thing you have to face, and that’s the truth.” He cackles. \n\n“What truth?” Jonas spits back. \n\n“A truth you can’t swallow!” \n\n“Tell me!” Jonas yells raising his sword. \n\nThe Black Knight smirks. He then lowers his visor. \n\n“Good God...” Jonas says, stepping back. \n\n“I’m your greatest fear, Jonas! The thing that has held you back since your birth! All your fears! I am you, Jonas!” He yells. \n\nThe young hero stroked his black hair, and rubbed his eyes. His brown eyes paralyzed. \n\n“H-how?” Jonas stutters. \n\n“Blame our Father. You know he was into experiments? Well, I am the actual first born! He erased me from his life!” He shouted, slamming his sword against the ground. \n\n“I told him I would kill him, all that he loved. You are the only one standing in my way.” The black knight put back on his visor. \n\nJonas slid down his. \n\nThe two leaped into the air clashing swords. Jonas swiped at his soldier watching as the Black Knight fell. “Pathetic!” He shouted. \n\nAs the fighting continued, fatigue began to fall. \n\nJonas dropped his sword lifting his hand. A bright light glistened striking the Black Knight. \n\nJonas walked over, kneeling. “Day is done, gone the sun.” He said walking away. ", "\nLeo walks into the throne room. Lighting with flames, the room lights to reveal the Dark Lord sitting in his throne. The Dark Lord rises and walks to confront the Hero. “You havent figured it out yet, have you?” The Dark Lord says. “What do you mean?” Leo replies, confused. “This isnt the first time. If only i could break this cycle.” The Dark Lord says, pondering. The Dark Lord takes off his helmet to reveal a scarred face. The face of Leo. “What? No. Thats not possible. Is this some dark magic? How do you have my face?” Leo says, distraught. “Because i am you. And so were the rest of us.” The Dark Lord replies, ominously. “Who?” Leo says. More lights light to reveal many, many, many bodies of the Hero. After many different lives and pasts, the Hero had tried to save the world from the dark lord thousands of times. “How did this happen? Why?” Leo said, fearful of what the answer might be. “This is all just a story. Every second of every day we replay this sick cycle of murder and recreation. I was the first in this cycle of my knowledge to find out that this entire world is just a simulation. Wether we start in poverty or royalty, the end is the same. We become the dark lord, destined to fight the next hero.” He said. “But why tell me then? Why tell me all this just for the cycle to repeat?” Leo said. “So that you may try to end it just like me.” Just at that moment, Leo was overcome with an immense urge to kill the Dark Lord. He couldn’t explain it, but didn’t resist. He ended the Dark Lord and thought he had ended the tyranny. But once he became king, he became corrupted. Many Years later, he heard of a Hero coming to slay him. He remembered what the Dark Lord said, and began to weep." ]	[ 1, 1, 2, 3, 8 ]	[ "1535040497", "1535132243", "1535118374", "1535041938", "1535055506" ]
(I'd like to write a short story with this myself, at some point, but I've got too many stories in the hopper at the moment; so i thought I'd share the ideas around.)	[WP] Books are alive, in their way, and can observe their surroundings, and talk to each other. A book that has spent it's whole life in an expensive private collection is now a public library book. It's not an easy transition.	18	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "The were so loud!\n\nHow could they possible talk so much? What was there to talk about? I don't care about mathematics or Science Fiction! I don't care about tabloids yelling drama this way and that! I don't care about the never-ending expounding pure words from the dictionary shelf.\n\nWhy can't it be quiet!\n\nFibbing and fabbing. Yipping and yapping it never stops! It's called public! Not spill your secrets and insides like some sort of uncultured peep show!\n\nDon't even get me started on how the Young Adult books expound endless lusty, uncultured fantasies about other teenage girls and gross dreams and desires. Why isn't there common sense!? Peace! Quiet!\n\nOh and I'm the busybody from the rich place? Oh stuff it!\n\nEven the poetry doesn't have any actual culture. Spouting endless sonnets and limericks that nobody wants to hear.\n\nI just want to hear soft whispers of love songs and poems. Quiet whispers of the diaries and journals of the modest and scientifically gifted. The small and sound of old parchment, opened and held with desire and ease.\n\nRough hands against my cover. Used well and for a purpose that meant something. Not roughly handled for some child's pleasure! How sad, how tragic my life is! My transition!\n\nIf only in time I can return to those who deserve me, and desire something greater.\n\nAh there! With a shop door bell, a girl walks into the shop. And she is perfect! Dishevelled but not disheartened, she makers her way over to the quiet section... to me. \n\nAnd when she pays for me and I'm placed on an old, worn bookshelf, clean of dust and well-used. I realize I am home." ]	[ 1, 5 ]	[ "1535100497", "1535135322" ]
	[WP] You've been keeping a dream journal in order to catalogue and understand your thoughts. Most of what you've dreamt is fairly normal, except there's one character who seems to appear in all of your dreams, watching you from afar...	60	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "May 25th\n\nI saw him again today.\n\n\nIt started normal enough at first -- well, as normal as any dream ever is, I suppose. It was another one of those climbing dreams. I was in a big car park. It must have been the middle of the day, the sun was bright but cold. Like with all of the other dreams I've been writing about recently, I couldn't feel. There was no heat. No cold. There only was. \n\n\nAnyway, I'm getting distracted. I was in this car park. Or across from one. Maybe. You know the way that dreams do weird things, and how something can simultaneously be true-not-true? That's what this was. I was simultaneously in the car park but also in a building across the way. Everything was tan, beige and bright. I was in a city, but there was nothing around, only brightness. I knew that I had to get to the top, get to the roof where I could see the rest of the city. I knew that if I could make it there, then everything would be better. I'd made it up the first spiraling staircase before I felt a prickle down my spine and realized that he was there. On the rooftop, just watching me. Observing. \n\n\nI started running as fast as I could, trying to avoid his gaze. But I felt it on me, burning, hot, white, far too bright. It was critical, a laser, a guide for a target he was sure to hit. As I ran around the bend, where he shouldn't have been able to see me if it were a real car park and not a freaky dream car park, I realized that the ground was breaking up around me. And then my dream did that... thing that dreams do, where you're running as fast as you can but going nowhere.\n\n\nAnd then I fell, and all I could see was his face staring down at me.\n\n\nMay 27th\n\nHe spoke today. \n\n\nWell, maybe spoke. I was too far away to hear him, realistically too far away to see his lips moving, but I definitely saw them move. Even though his eyes are continually covered by the pince-nez he wears, I knew somehow that his expression was urgent. And I don't know if it's just wishful thinking, but I could swear that he'd reached his hand out to me, right before the dream dissolved and I felt myself waking up. \n\n\nHurry, He'd mouthed. There's not much time. \n\n\nMay 29th\n\n\nIn the car park again tonight. It was... different somehow. Colder. I felt cold. Shivers. I read my first entry again (god, was that only just under a week ago now?). I'm not going to go back and change it, because what's the point of keeping a journal if I'm going to re-edit and censor away my first thoughts about the dreams that I'm having? But now that I've had some time and this new dream, I don't think that my first description did it any justice.\n\n\nI described it then as too bright. And the tones were cold, even if I didn't feel the cold myself at the time. But this... This was completely different, deeper somehow. It was darkness, cold, like... Isolation. Complete lack of existence. Nothing had ever existed, or would ever exist again. The end at the end of it all... The complete embodiment of absence. Only the sun was still so, so bright. It hurt to look, and I found myself again being in-the-building-not-in-the-building, in-the-car-park-not-in-the-car-park, and my only goal to get up to the top. \nOnly this time, I felt dread. Whatever was waiting for me, whatever was so important up at the top of the car park... It was terrifying, and compelling. I didn't want to see it but had to get there. Something terrible was going to happen if I got there. And still, my body was compelled, climbing the spiraling staircase one slow step at a time, even though I didn't want to. Ever have one of those dreams that, while you're in it isn't particularly frightening, and if you try to explain it to someone else they don't really get it, but once you're awake you realize that it was the single most terrifying thing you've ever experienced? Well, this was that dream for me.\n\n\nI didn't notice the man this time. If he was there, his presence couldn't reach me. ", "1/12/18\n\nI had a dream about running from zombies while wearing a cat as a hat.\n\nThis one thing has been bothering me about my dreams. It's been bothering me more, and more, and more over the last little while. This one detail. It. Or should I say, him.\n\nHe stands in the distance.\n\nHe wears his overcoat, which extends down to his ankles. It's got a technical camo pattern too, just like it always did. He stands just like he always did, casually with his hands in his pockets. Watching my every move.\n\nThe director.\n\nHe's been dead for years. Never made it out of highschool, actually.\n\nGuess that's what he got for being a commander of a vigilante force. We never got a full list of dead published from that day. All we knew, half the school, most of the enclave HQ team, and a entire SWAT team were destroyed by the fireteam before the director managed to kill them all by charging into the middle of them with a live frag grenade and pulled the pin. When the dust settled, he was gone. No one could even find part of the body. The enclave continued, with me being one of the survivors of the incident. I ended up being on the team responsible for clearing out the school afterwards, and I saw the area. He was completely gone. Just a clear patch where I guess his feet were. The walls ahd ceiling were partially bowed out, and the lockers looked like they had melted. There was shrapnel everywhere. Whatever he had used, he had definitely died.\n\nSo why as he in my fucking dreams? I know that I thought of him in a bit of a romantic light back then, as a conquering hero and as a friend, as strange as that may be, but I knew nothing would ever happen between us. I knew he was viewed by most people as a unbalanced psycopath and refused to connect to anyone in any romantic sexual or emotionally meaningful way.\n\nSo why was he here?\n\nWhen I go to sleep tonight, I'm going to try to talk to him.\n\nMaybe I'll find out the truth.\n\n---\nI'm a bit out of practice with writing, so please critique me.\n---\nr/talesfromtheenclave", "\"You should give her a name.\"\n\nMy friend looked up from my dream journal. I'd been keeping them catalogued for a while now, figured it would help me keep my head in check and you can get some good stories out of them, but there was something amiss about the whole thing. There was someone following me in my dreams; A woman, I think, with the skull of an animal as its head. The clothes changed, the skull changed species... but I knew it was her. She sometimes spoke to me; odd sectences with little meaning to me, hell, I wind up forgetting them most times but when I remember them... \"There's something down in the elevator\" was a one that stuck with me for some reason. No idea what it means.\n\n\"Yeah, I should... you got any ideas?\" It was starting to bug me, this woman, she took up most of my thoughts, most of my dreams, she's even being appearing in my daydreams. What is she?\n\n\"Erm... call her... Emily.\"\n\n\"No, sounds like what you'd call a Mary Sue in a shitty teen romance.\"\n\n\"Heh, yeah. Why not-\"\n\n\"I'll think of something, it doesn't really matter.\"\n\nI bid him farewell after a long conversation about... something or other. Who was she? It bugs me so much! Who is she? What is she?\n\n\nThat was... a month ago, I think. Maybe 3...\n\n\nI'd been falling asleep a lot more, just to see her more and more... she just kept watching... the messages still don't mean anything! \n\nThe rooms bad now. I need some food.\n\nI left my room. It smelt nice outside bit I didn't care. I just needed some food.\n\nNeeded sleeping pills. Ran out a week ago.\n\nShe still takes up most of my time. That sweet dream demon. My neighbours keep giving me weird looks, heh, probabaly amazed I left. Too bad I just needed pills.\n\nI got in the elevator and... that button wasn't there before. Floor -4. We had a basement but it only went down to -1.\n\nI pressed it.\n\nThe elevator went down and down and down. Kept going far, far down. Past -4, had it been there, and kept going down.\n\nThe door opened.\n\nIt was her. I knew it was her. She... she said nothing now... and the elevator kept going down and down and down and down down down down down down down down\n\nThen she left... my sweet dream demon.\n\nIt kept going down...\n\nI should give her a name. Any ideas?\n\nThanks for reading. Any criticism is appreciated.", "I finish writing today entry. Quietly I read over it. Of course it was back in there. Almost not worth mentioning anymore honestly. A tall creature. Masculine and shrouded in a thick darkness. It seemed to observe from a far. But it's been around since I was young I think. It used to be closer. But it's been backing up over the years. It scares me. Maybe it's leaving, maybe it's plotting. But it's just a dream. Just a dream. Just a dream. ", "I stared at the image on my computer screen and silently mouthed \"no way\". A chill ran down my spine, as I found my phone to write down a few notes and enter GPS coordinates. I then closed my dream diary, as I'd memorized the entries I'd just reread.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n2018-06-15:\n\nHunted by zombies, I gain the ability to fly. While soaring high, I recognize a face in the moon. Beatifully proportioned, female, a sad smile on her face. In a blur, everything changes to darkness and I'm a child again, trying to move our dog which has placed itself on top of my head. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n2018-06-18:\n\nAt work, noone notice me. I walk around trying to get an answer I need to complete my programming assignment. Everyone are just staring at their computer screens. They show an image of a young woman, and I feel I recognize her from somewhere. She's blond with glittering blue eyes, her long hair falling freely framing her face. Suddenly there's yelling, and outside I see cops. I instantly know why they're here: They think I'm the man that killed those children at that school some time ago. I sigh, as I run around, trying to find an exit they don't know about. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n2018-06-22:\n\nThe sun shines, I'm at the park. The pidgeons keep flying close to me, as I try to relax and eat a sandwhich. Suddenly the pidgeons are wasps, and I need to move not to be stung. I run past a bench where a young woman with long blond hair sits, smiling at me as I pass by. More wasps appear and force me to run back, but the girl is gone, and all of a sudden I'm swimming. The water feels cold.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n2018-06-23:\n\nI'm back at school, the older kids are teasing me. I try to make them stop. Punch one of them to the ground. The other kids turn into dogs, and I try to fight them too, but they're too many. I run outside the schoolyeard, and on a swing, I see a young woman with long blond hair. I stumble and run straight into a light pole.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI put my phone in the charger mount as I started the car. I'd begun doing my dream diary at the beginning of June, and this mysterious girl had appeared more frequently lately. Today was the 24th of June, it was Sunday and I'd been at home browsing the news, when suddenly I'd seen her in an online newspaper article. \n\nMy phone's GPS gave me directions, and I found myself at the local hospital a few minutes later. At the info desk, I provided the woman's name and asked for a room and directions. My heart sank as I headed for the oncology department. \n\nI knocked and heard a weak voice say »enter«. I opened the door. Lying in a hospital bed was a young woman, her head bald and her blue eyes dull. She turned her head weakly towards me and I recognized the smile. That's when it hit me how weird it was, me coming here. I hadn't given it much thought - as soon as I saw that article about frontier cancer treatment with her picture in it, I'd jumped straight to the conclusion that I needed to meet her. Selfish needs had prevailed over rational thought. Until now. I took in the scene. The woman in the bed, bags with urine and blood hanging on the bed rails, tubes connecting them to her somewhere under her duvet. The IV drip, the glass on the table beside her, the smell of hospital room which was defined by being too clean.\n\n»Hey, I... my name's Victor«, I presented myself. »I've... damn, I know this sounds weird, but I've dreamed about you. I... I don't know why I came. Saw an article on the internet about you. I'm so sorry. You... you have lymphoma?«\n\nThe woman nodded, then drew in a ragged breath. »I know you. Happy to see you here, don't worry. You're the one I get to visit. Have done so for many years now. I can only visit you it seems,« she explained. I was stunned and sat down on the visitor's chair beside her bed. She presented a hand and I silently took it and held it. »I've had lymphoma for around five years now. When it was discovered, I got a new kind of treatment, and that's when it started. In my dreams, I saw you, and I realized that those weren't my dreams. They were yours.« She coughed and I felt her hand squeeze mine. Then she continued: »I found out I could control when I visited you. I chose to do so only at great intervals, not to bother you too much. Only when my pain was too big to endure, and there was a long time until visiting hours. In the dead of night.«\n\nI put my other hand on top of hers, carressing it gently. »You've been visiting me more often lately,« I said, a mild curiosity in my voice. \n\nShe nodded and sank, a visible effort. »The treatment has limits. My time is up. I'm going to die today. Didn't want to go alone. Don't have any family, friends are mostly too scared to come visit. Needed someone... anyone... to be with me.« I felt tears roll down my cheeks, and had the awkward feeling that she was the one soothing me. Her voice lowered. »So getting you to come... I could only choose to visit you more often. Could change your dreamscape to match the feeling of urgency, but I had little hope that you'd understand. Couldn't intervene or communicate with you... But yet here you are...« Her voice trailed off.\n\n»I... I understand,« I managed to say with a shaking voice, my voice dropping to almost a whisper. »Don't worry. I'll stay. I won't leave you.«\n\n&#x200B;\n\nAnd I stayed." ]	[ 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 17 ]	[ "1535102658", "1535126567", "1535131778", "1535147597", "1535148039", "1535111773" ]
	[WP]In order to protect the delicate balance between good and evil the Neutral Paladins were created. They believe in doing both good AND bad deeds in equal measure.	18	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Bondar the Druid bumped into a group of group of paladins who flew a black and white flag. He asked them about their beliefs and purpose in life and left disgusted. \n\nBondar met up with his other druid friends and complained about these 'neutral' paladins that had recently waltzed into town. \n\nBondar: \"The Church of Neutrology needs to reign in these misguided idiots and start acting like a real church.\"\n\nCrowd of Druids: \"But why? What's so bad about them?\" \n\nBondar: \"Well, apart from not being a real church, they took our jarbs!!\"\n\nCoD: \"Rabble rabble rabble rabble.\"\n\nBondar: \"Quick! Everybody grab some sharp objects and have some healing spells ready to cancel out the damage our weapons will do. We don't want to be hypocrites now do we?\"\n\nCoD: \"No! But what are we going to achieve exactly?\"\n\nBondar: \"We're going to show these neutered paladins what neutrality really is!\"\n\nCoD: \"Rabble rabble rabble rabble!\"\n\nCrowd Member: \"By doing absolutely nothing?\"\n\nBondar: \"What do you mean?\"\n\nCM: \"Well, they're neutral and so are we, so why are we fighting them?\"\n\nBondar: \"Becaaaause, they're Lawful Neutral, whereas we're Truuuuue Neutral. They're an abomination and have no relation to The Balance.\n\nCoD: \"He's right! Rabble rabble rabble!\"\n\nBondar: \"Now now, let's do some quiet meditation to calm ourselves before the bloodshed.\"\n\nThe druids chant with their eyes closed, some clutching their weapons and gritting their teeth while doing so.\n\nBondar: \"Right, that's enough of that! Let's get after them!\"\n\nThe druids charge the paladins and the paladins charge in return. There's blood everywhere but everyone is still unscathed. They all eventually expire from fatigue and lack of nourishment. \n\nThe god of the druids and the god of paladins appear and nod at each other. \n\nGod of Druids: \"Good job!\"\n\nGod of Neutral Paladins: \"Good job indeed!\"\n\nBalance is restored.\n", "The Order of Neutrality arose when the peaceful kingdom of Ragnar was TOO peaceful. All around, the people of the country became too complacent, too nonchalant, it was just... boring.\n\nNot only that, but the military and other militia like forces were forced to disband as there was no crime to stop and no evil to slay. And so, the Order sought to balance good and evil, to usher in a new age of Ragnar.\n\nIt started small. Agents of the Order started committing small crimes around the country: pickpocketing, light thievery, a pub brawl or two. Soon after that, they stepped it up. Armed robberies, hostage situations, muggings, etc. The government had no choice but to reestablish the Town Guard, deploying them across the country to stem these crimes that would attempt to steal away the peace of the nation.\n\nThe Order didn’t stop there however, these crimes definitely weren’t enough. They knew that they had to escalate, throw the country back into the turmoil it was once under. The mages of the Order gathered together at the middle of the country and summoned a portal to the demon world. The war that had been snuffed out over a century ago was reignited as demon spawn poured from the portal.\n\nThe kingdoms army was once again drafted and the Demon War once again had commenced. \n\nYears of war ravaged the land. Hundreds of lives were lost to the fighting, and it seemed like there was no end in sight. As all hope seemed lost, as demon-kind fought on relentlessly, the Order, who had been non-existent for years resurfaced.\n\nNo one knew where these bannerless warriors came from, but none could deny their skill for battle. With these mysterious warriors, the kingdom’s armies fought the demons back to the portal, and the Order’s mages resealed the pathway between the worlds. \n\nAnd before the people of Ragnar could thank the mysterious warriors and mages for assisting them in their hour of need, they vanished without a trace. And so, peace returned to the kingdom of Ragnar. \n\nThe Order figured they deserved a few years of it after all, before they returned once more. " ]	[ 1, 1, 3 ]	[ "1535105659", "1535124962", "1535112461" ]
&#x200B;	[WP] When bought the toy at the secondhand shop it barely worked. But the more your kid plays with it, the better it seems to work.	6	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "At first I thought it was just that they were playing with the weird, alien looking figure too much. Kids don't know their limits, they don't know when to call it quit and take a rest. But when I found them passed on out the floor in the middle of the afternoon on Saturday no less, I didn't know what to do— what to think. \n\nI ran over to them, rolled each one over, checked their breathing, heard the faint air rasp out and in through their lips, then screamed for my wife.\n\n\"The kids!\" \n\nThat's all I remember me screaming. \"The kids! The kids!\" Nothing else, as if a fog rolled up from the floorboards, entered through my feet, and enveloped my vision, my mind. \n\nThe rest of that day is a blur, though my wife in the hospital room mentioned the frenzy of getting them in the car, speeding down 65, sprinting into the hospital; the whole, horrible... horrible event.\n\nIt was evening when I said I going to go home to pick up a change of clothes, and my wallet. The children were still sleeping, hooked up to breathing machines. Their eyes hadn't opened and I found myself missing their beautiful, clear eyes looking up at me— my son's browns; my daughter's blues. I pushed back the tears leaving the hospital room.\n\nThey'll wake up fine. I kept telling myself, as if the mantra would make it come true. They'll be fine...\n\nI flicked the light switch in the kitchen to find they didn't work. \"What the hell?\" I went into the connecting room, tried the switch there— also wasn't working. Grumbling, I went back into the kitchen, opened the junk draw near the door, and sifted through it until I found the little flashlight we had for emergency's. I switched it on. The dull blade of light hardly illuminated the darkness, but it was better than nothing.\n\nI strode upstairs to the bedroom — clothes first, then wallet — but stopped on the landing. The door to the children's room stood open. Moonlight fell in through the window, filling the small room with milky light. For no particular reason, I slowly walked to the doorway, pushed the door open more. The room was as still as a crypt, as if not a soul had lived there. The air tasted sour, but still smelled like children.\n\nI took a step in— stopped.\n\nThe figurine. The alien figurine sat atop the bed, its fin-like limbs gyrating above its head, swirling, twirling, making a weird, circular motion in the air. Its small body swayed with it, and its bouquet of thin, snake-like things forming its head dangled, clanging like bells together with the motion. \n\nThere were tiny black lines running down from its body, over the blankets and sheets, down the bed poles, burrowing into the floor. The indents in between each floorboard began to glow with something even milkier, whiter than the moonlight. I took a step back when a liquid seeped out from it, pooling over the entire floor.\n\nA gurgling voice emanated from the figurine, speaking in a language I couldn't understand.\n\nMo'ilch sibon anod,\nRetam, mo'ilch sibon anod.\n\nMainev suitop des, tse non te,\nsetnegul te setim xe atope agusiugnas.\n\nSigam te erecserc.\n\nThen there were more— dozens— millions— their fin-like limbs appearing up from the substance covering the floor. Flesh or something worst slapping on the liquid, gripping, pulling themselves out. Figurines— no, not figurines— they're more than that, they're worse than that— God what I did I give the kids— God what did I do the kids?\n\nEach one began to chant, theirs guttural voices echoing, falling in sync with the first. A cacophony of hellish words reverberated off the walls, into my body, rattling my innards and bones. When I screamed it stopped, a heavy silence falling over the room, and turned to me as if I had never been there. Then... Then, they moved towards me and that's when I sprinted from the house, leaving the backdoor open and wide for any thief to stumble in to find himself with the demons coming in droves from my children's room.\n\nI drove to the hospital. I sat next to my children, hugging them. I stroked their hair and spoke softly in their ears.\n\n\"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry.\"" ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1535109199", "1535115363" ]
[removed]	[wp] It turns out reality as you know it really is a simulation. As you're walking outside like usual, suddenly you see words SIMULATION TERMINATING IN 3...2...1 in from of you before everything goes black.	1	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/BronzeHeart92, this submission has been removed.\n\n[No recent reposts, even if changing small details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_5.3A_no_recent_reposts.2C_even_if_changing_small_details)\n\nAlso, no [copy-cats](http://i.imgur.com/38FjDgW.gifv).\n\nSearch before submitting as popular ideas can cause floods. If your idea is based on something you read elsewhere on reddit, chances are it's been submitted here already. Please wait at least 2 weeks before reposting.\n\n \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/99wmt0/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1535110399", "1535110557" ]
&#x200B;	[WP] "ANOMALOUS ENTITY DETECTED. IDENTITY UNVERIFIED. ENGAGING LABYRINTH SECURITY PROTOCOL."	16	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "He puts his hand on the scanner and readies himself. If everything goes according to plan, Trisha should have added his identity to the security bypass personal list. If not… well… He shakes his head, locks of black hair cover his face as he does. \n\n“I’m too far to fail now” he mumbles to himself as he glances down the long metal hallway. At the end, four guards lay dead. If he is caught now the best he can wish for is a quick death.\n\nThe scanner pipes up and interrupts his thoughts. \n\n“Scanning commencing.” It announces with a soft female voice. \n\n“Please keep hand on the scanner until verification is complete.”\n\nHe looks down at his free arm. He could hardly tell it’s his own with all the crimson liquid covering it. He tries to wipe his arm off inside his navy blue jacket, but there is only so much he can do. If someone is already in there, he will have a few seconds at most before they notice all the blood. But, as he tries to clean his arm a siren suddenly begins to sound. \n\n\"ANOMALOUS ENTITY DETECTED.”, the threatening robotic security voice sounds out. “IDENTITY UNVERIFIED. ENGAGING LABYRINTH SECURITY PROTOCOL.\". The bright lights cut out and are replaced by dim red flashing emergency lights.\n\n“Fuck! Fuck! FUCK!” he shouts as he jumps back and heads down the hallway he came from. \n\nIt's too late. Towards the end of the hallway he sees waves begin to form on the walls. The chromatic metal turns to liquid and waves begin pulsing their way down the hallway. They quickly grow larger, at the very end of the hallway the two waves touch in the middle touch, forming a perfect solid metallic seal. The seal begins traveling down the hallway, sealing the whole thing in solid metal. For a second he wonders if he can chance it. But, his hopes are destroyed as he sees the sealing wave crush the bodies of the dead guards like a steam roller. His stomach wretches at the sight of their gore and crunching bones.\n\nShaking, he takes a small knife out of his pocket and puts it directly on the peak of the sigil that runs from his forearm to his wrist. He grits his teeth drives the blade into his wrist before pulling it out. He shouts in pain as fresh crimson blood sprays out and pours over his arm. From the wound red light shines before a stream of glowing blue light erupts. He feels a rush of euphoria as the pain diminishes and light particles encircles his arm. The raw magic illuminates the dim hallway, light refracting off of the quickly approaching liquid metal.\n\nHe feels his ears burn and his vision blurs as he turns to face the door. This amount of raw magic could kill him, but he isn’t in a position to play it safe. He rushes the door and punches it with his blue coated hand. The magic tears through five feet of metal and makes a hole the size of a minivan. Leaping through he finds himself in a branching hallway. At his feet people in white lab coats scream and rolling around, their bodies coated in red hot metal. \n\nNot stopping to think about the people he just murdered, he sprints down the rightmost hallway. The walls around him are already quivering into waves. He sends a blast of magic at walls, but the liquid metal fills the gaps instantly and the waves double in size. He channels the magic to his legs, lungs, and heart as he sprints through the maze of hallways. He knows that if he strays off the right path or stops even once, he will die. " ]	[ 1, 3 ]	[ "1535119458", "1535128939" ]
&#x200B;	[WP] You wake up to discover that all human structures have been replaced with wildlife. The larger the city was, the more magical and ancient the forest is. You happen to live in Chicago and your family is nowhere to be seen.	44	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "The heavy foliage of trees surrounded me as my eyes focused. I was no longer in my bed and instead, had been lying down on top of some branches. At first, I thought I was no longer in Chicago, but I soon noticed urban elements scattered about the strange forest I was now in. There were scattered newspapers, newspaper bins, random garbage cans, and even car bodies stuck between the trees. Everything was strangely scattered or stuck between tree roots and such. \n\nI looked around for my cellphone and I found it next to me on the thick branch I was sitting on. I checked and I found there was no service. \n\nI used my rock climbing skills to slowly scale down the tree and I wandered around the messy forest, barefoot. \n\nWhile I had no idea where my family was, I was going to try to find them through this strange place. " ]	[ 1, 4 ]	[ "1535122637", "1535123967" ]
	[WP] Every hand crafted item contains a tiny spark of magic. This enchantment grows in power the more it is used or the longer it ages. Your party has discovered what appears to be a 1000 year old untouched temple.	6	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", " \n\n“Gimme some light over here,” Chase asked Leah. She shined a flashlight on the area that Chase indicated. He ran his finger tips up and down the rough stone surface. The light revealed a large etching carved into the wall. Chase stood back to get a better look at all the lines. The groves resembled a “less than” sign with several straight lines connecting the top and the bottom brackets; it reminded Chase of several triangles stacked on each other, then turned on its side.\n\n“There’s another one over there,” Leah said. She aimed the light on another symbol that literally mirrored the first one they found. Instead of the triangles pointing left, the two symbols appeared to be pointing at each other. The second symbol was carved into the wall parallel to the first.\n\n“Get Ira to bring a set of flood lights,” Chase said. Leah tossed him the flashlight, then she unhooked the radio from her belt and brought it up to her mouth while pressing the “talk” button.\n\n“Hey babe?” she spoke into it. Chase continued to examine the wall. He discovered a vertical groove between the two triangular shapes. \n\n“Honey? Can you hear me?” Leah asked again when no response came. After another moment she heard garbled static. “I guess it doesn’t reach down here. I’ll go get him,” she said. “You gonna be okay on your own?” Chase nodded.\n\n“I’ll be fine. Oh! Since you’ll have an extra pair of hands bring a cooler too. I got a feeling about this spot.” Chase remained focused on the vertical carving. As far as he could tell it was a straight line placed exactly between the two other etchings. \n\n“‘Kay. Be back in a few,” Leah waved while she started walking down the narrow hall back the way they came from. The path was illuminated by evenly spaced lights they dropped on their way in. Chase turned his attention back to the vertical line. He moved close again and then realized it was wider than it was a moment ago. Not much wider, but now he could trace the tip of his pointer finger through the groove.\n\n“Huh,” he said to himself, then took a step back to look at the entire wall. Chase used the flashlight to look at the two triangular etchings again, but something shocked him so much when he looked at the vertical line again he dropped the flashlight. The line looked wider again. This time he knew for sure because he realized it was an opening or door of some sort. A thin golden line of light glowed through the vertical crack. He picked up the flashlight and turned it off to be sure.\n\n“How is it opening?” Chase wondered. He heard no sound at all. On instinct he turned the flashlight off, closed his eyes, and counted to five aloud. He opened his eyes again after “one”. The opening in front of him was now wide enough for him to step through. He glanced at the path back to their camp, but he made his decision the moment he saw the opening. He walked through the opening into a large ante-chamber flooded with golden light. The light came from a room further in. A sudden thought made Chase whirl around in a panic, but he relaxed when he saw the door remained open. \n\n“I don’t trust you for a second,” Chase thought. He decided the ante-chamber produced enough natural light that he did not need the flashlight. He put it on the floor in the doorway. His hope was that even if it closed, Leah and the others might find the flashlight. Chase accepted his fate, turned his back on the door and moved to the golden room. He did not pause to check if the door behind him was still opened when he reached the door to the next room. Instead he took a deep breath and imagined a room full of glittering gold and jewels. He rushed in but the interior of the room stopped him in his tracks. \n\nIn the center of the room stood an obsidian pedestal, and on it sat a treasure more beautiful than Chase thought he could ever imagine. It had no strings, but somehow he knew it was a golden harp. Large rubies formed the number 53 on one side of the instrument, the harp itself was no taller than maybe two feet. His frame of reference was the skeleton sitting at the harp with its hands hovering on each side of the harp as if ready to play. After he noticed the skeleton he looked around the rest of the room. He quickly counted at least 20 different skeletons all in the same general area. The seat in front of the harp. \n\n“CHASE? YOU IN HERE?” He heard Leah’s voice behind him, and for some reason it made him uncomfortable. He suddenly felt rushed and decided not to respond. His feet carried him towards the seat, but the only thought in his mind was that he needed to try the harp before the crew catalogued it and sealed it away. He rushed to the harp and pushed the seated skeleton off the chair into the pile with the others. \n\n“Where the hell are the strings?” he asked himself. Despite having nothing to pluck Chase readied his hands on each side of the harp and he began to play the air where the strings would be. \n\n“Chase?” Leah sounded closer. Chase looked up to the entrance hoping she wasn’t there yet; when he looked back at the harp he found himself plucking delicate, dark red glowing strings. A hint of a smile formed on his face and Chase let himself relax. He heard no music. The strings were silent, but he continued to play and smile to himself, enjoying the act. Red strings were now clearly visible. \n\n“CHASE!” Leah yelled. “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING???” He looked up from the harp and saw her standing at the entrance with her hands on her hips and a very disappointed look on her face. \n\n“I don’t know,” Chase said. He looked back at the harp and smiled. “But I can’t stop.” \n\n\\\\\\*\n\n Thank you for reading! I’m responding to prompts every day in 2018, this is #236. You can find them collected on my [blog](https://hugoverse.info/). If you're curious about my universe (the Hugoverse) you can visit the [Guidebook](https://hugoverse.info/2017/11/25/hugoverse-guidebook/) to see what's what and who's who, or the [Timeline](https://hugoverse.info/2017/10/23/hugoverse-timeline/) to find the stories in order. " ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1535209403", "1535252054" ]
	[WP] Before your grandfather passed, he gave you his mechanical watch. It was always very important to him. One day, as you hear it stop ticking, blood starts dripping from your nose	10	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "'Cool a reminder for when I have the nosebleeds'. This kid was not clever, it did not matter how many signs he got, he did not understand that the end was near. He would wake up in the morning to eat breakfast. He would prepare toast, eggs and have a glass of hot milk, and be completely oblivious to when the microwave read 'The end is near'. Instead he laughed as he downed his milk and devoured his food. He was late for school again.\n\nOn the way to school he passed an electric signpost reading 'Seriously, you are going to die kid'. To which he said out loud, 'Hahaha, what is with all the negativity today'. The dean of the local heard his outburst, (he was one of the few who cared about the stupid boy). \n\n'What negativity are you sensing young boy?'. \n\nThe boy turned to the dean who he knew well, for the dean helped him with his homework. \n\n'Hello dean. You know how my biggest dream is to attend your university. Today I got told many times that the end is near, and that I will soon die.'. \n\nAs he said this, his nose started bleeding again. The dean wiped of the blood, 'Who is telling you this?'. The kid unsure if he should tell the dean went, 'Oh you know the signpost, and things not human?'. He started bleeding out his ears, and the white of his eyes turned pink. \n\n'That is silly boy, objects do not talk. You are bleeding, let me fix you up'. \n\n'But I am late for school'.\n\n'Don't worry about that boy, I will call your school and tell them the situation.'.\n\nWhen he entered the doorway of the dean's, he was met by familiar interior that made him feel safe. He was not scared of the blood, but he was starting to lose a lot, so it was only logical to lay in the bathtub. 'Listen boy. The end is near'. Said the Dean, and he was right, the end was near." ]	[ 1, 3 ]	[ "1535261061", "1535264838" ]
	[WP] You work in the department of typo related magical accidents, covering all issues caused by spells that were misprints, author errors, and the like.	18	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"Sage Support, How may I assist your spellcrafting today?\" I sat at my desk, idly throwing my quill at the ceeling trying to see if it would stick Instead it came down and hit me in the face again and again.\n\nOur roofing tiles suck.\n\n\"Umm... I'm floating above the ground and I can't seem to land...\" I sigh, this is the kind of thing I'm used to. as soon as I answer a summons on my crystal ball I get some rookie spellcaster who no doubt wrote the wrong word for a spell or read the wrong ingrediant and It's my job to fix it. So boring.\n\nAt least it's better than telling them to disenchant and re-enchant a thousand times a day.\n\n\"What were you trying to cast?\"\n\nWhat I hear next confuses me\n\n\"Something to get rid of all the gravy.\"\n\nI stop for a moment, not realising the quill has finally stuck in a ceiling tile until it dislodges and strikes me in the face again. Gravy? What...\n\n\"Can you repeat that please?\"\n\n\"Yeah I'm floating around In GACK! pleu.. Pfff! Sorry, a giant blob of the stuff just flew in my face. I'm flying around in my home and there is gravy everywhere.\"\n\n\"Where did the gravy come from?\" I ask dumbfounded. this was going to be a most interesting call, but what he says next is even stranger. \"well the gravy came with the ketchup and mustard, though I managed to stem the tide of those by keeping them in my bedroom. I'm in the kitchen.\"\n\nI start to wonder if this is a prank call.\n\n\"Okay, what were you doing to try and get gratuitous ammounts of gravy, ketchup, and mustard?\" I ask needing more information. not just for my job, but for my own sick ammusement and bewilderment. what he says next just confuses me even more. \"well, I wanted people to be nicer to me.\"\n\n\"Okay, that makes sense, who dosen't want that right?\" I say trying to get some normalcy back into the conversation. \"Yeah, especially since the incident... people have been rather rude.\" I'm afraid to ask, but I sigh and do anyway. \"Okay, what's the incident?\"\n\n\"Well, I put a charm on my town, trying to help with our drout. and now everyone is acting rather rude! and to make matters worse, it still won't rain!\" Every spell he's listed off requires at least a 5th year level education, and I feel like I know what I'll get when I ask. \"How much experiance with magic do you have?\"\n\n\"Just started this week!\" he says proudly. I chuckle quietly to myself, my last strategy to chase away the screams of madness that this soul crushing job can bring upon you.\n\n\"Sir, do you have the scrolls for the spells you cast?\" I ask, to which I get an affirmative. suprisingly I hear a shuffling of parchment, despite the gratutious ammounts of gravy floating around his home.\n\n\"Let's see. the rain summoning spell, first spell I ever cast and... oh dear... I wrote Rage... my mistake.\" I shake my head as he goes to the next\n\n\"So let's see.. friendliness spell... want to make the town nicer, increase the ammounts of compliments I get... Oh... Oh dear. I wrote condiments. Yeah... this is on me.\" I smile a sad smile, wondering if my brother needs help on his bugbear farm.\n\n\"Hmm... anti Gravy spell... Ah, I see here. I wrote anti-gravity...\" I can practicly feel my soul die at the stupidity of the would be mage. \"So now you are floating around in your kitchen and your town hates you?\" \"Yup, pretty much.\"\n\nI see my supervisor walk passed me. \"Greg! just the man I was looking for, I'm gonna need you to stay late. thanks man apreciated!\"\n\nThat confirms it. I'm in hell.", "There is a bird on my desk with a hole in its torso. This doesn't faze the little guy, as he hops and preens his feathers. As for me, I am slightly unnerved and mildly inconvenienced.\n\n\"Bartholomew?\" I call, to my intern. Hiring him wasn't my choice, it was a student outreach/internship programme arranged by the company.\n\n\"Yes, Mr. Diaz?\" He pokes his head in through the door. It's not open, the boy just has a certain talent for passing through objects.\n\n\"Yes, Mr Diaz?\" the bird echoes, squawking.\n\n\"I asked for chopped carrots for lunch?\" I sigh. Bartholomew turns red, and grabs the bird - one finger passing through the hole inside it - and scampers off. The boy wasn't quite in the right line of work. Perhaps it was just as well, this wasn't for everybody.\n\nI turn back to my documents, keeping up to date on the latest developments in the industry. A class action lawsuit between the wizards and the high court, an op-ed about the added safety of allowing dictonaries in the student exams, and finally my own case file.\n\nIt was... Interesting. A man had gotten hold of a wish spell, lucky guy, and promptly asked to be as happy as a clam.\n\nSee, the vast majority of cases we dealt with here are wizards with bad handwriting, or failed to obtain the services of a decent spellchecker (my company encouraged us to offer it to our clients).\n\nBut then there were cases like these. Magic spoke in primitive means, runes and emotions and incantations. Language was it's... Second language. And any time an idiom was used in magic to disastrous results, it was escalated to me. It was my job to ensure that such things wouldn't happen again, or at least to corral the magic into understanding how best to interpret the turn of phrase, without turning on the Caster.\n\nThere was the time an miner's union had converted the kingdom's coal mine into a honeycomb, with similar effects on the workers. Or the feature-length production of fish swimming in a keg. Then there was the time an entire thieves guild became fat... Though we'd preferred to handle that through diet and exercise.\n\nI grabbed my small canoe... I mean, I asked Bartholomew to get me a coat. This would be a long day." ]	[ 1, 7, 8 ]	[ "1535265139", "1535273398", "1535272837" ]
[removed]	[WP] It's about love stories, the characters could be boys or girls	0	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/tami-needstosay, this submission has been removed.\n\n[All submissions must be tagged](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_4.3A_all_submissions_must_be_tagged)\n\n- Existing Content: Prompts are not meant to share stories already written, but to inspire users to write stories. Check our [related link wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/links) for more relevant subreddits. We want to inspire new writing here. Try a prompt that takes authors on a new journey. Not a journey that has already been made \n\n \n\n \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/9al34y/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1535335458", "1535335579" ]
	[WP]The Hero steps into the demon lord's throne room, determined to kill him. And with a single blow... the hero is killed instantly. And you are there, watching as another effortlessly wastes their life. As the master who trains these "Heroes". You wonder, if will they ever learn...	47	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Look through any textbook written in any time period and you will find the same phrase, repeated over and over in many different way. 'Demon Lords are evil. They must be destroyed to keep the world safe, and can only be killed by destroying their focus. Only the best of the best should consider fighting one, to most adventurers it is suicide.' As I look at the fresh corpses at my feet, I sigh, clicking my tongue in annoyance. My tail sways back and forth, agitated at the outcome.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Pathetic, that attempt was. You don't just rush in to kill a near-omnipotent being like me, you know. Trickery, traps, weak points, and all you do is charge in with a holy-enchanted spear and hope that works. I honestly hoped you had a backup plan, something. even a time bomb near the false focus would have been acceptable!\" My real focus is of course the shining beacon of light atop the belfry of my Adventurer's Academy, a light of hope to inspire all who come near. No way anyone is going to try to dash everyone's hopes like that.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nWith a wave of my hand, the corpses are revived as though nothing happened in the first place. I turn to look at them as I sit on my throne, a somber look in my eyes. \"I'm dreadfully sorry, especially given your promise on the written exam, but if that is your combat strategy I am afraid I cannot accept your application this year. I can, however, offer other options in the local hunter's guilds...\" I pull out some applications to places I have a feeling they would like. I've yet to be wrong.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nDemon lords are evil, all except one. The hopes of cocky, wannabe adventurers must be destroyed to keep them safe, despite the heartbreak it can cause. Only the best students should fight the dean of the academy, because he will kill you, bring you back, and give you the worst torture imaginable: Overly sarcastic feedback." ]	[ 1, 15 ]	[ "1535388438", "1535404601" ]
&#x200B;	[WP] A universe is dying, and a universe is being born. Humanity has successfully travelled through a white hole and entered the newly created universe. One problem, their fleet needs a planet to colonise.	5	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"Earth 2.0\" they called it.\n\nThere were 26 fleets in total, only 2 of which survived the space/time distortion from the white hole. Father, Earth's saviour, and founder of the white hole, says that the races on the other fleets have been saved, but we know better.\n\nAs our fleet landed on Earth 2.0, our sister fleet was in desperate need of repair. Father decided to use parts from our fleet to ensure that the sister fleet could be maintained. Once we had settled, we knew that this would be a good place to start. Lush agriculture and blue skies surrounded us for miles and we appeared to be surrounded by fresh water sources, and fruit provided by the ground.\n\nThis was it. We could start over. But first, Father decided that our story must live on. We sat telling tales from back on Earth whilst our on-board computer created physical copies of said tales. The tales of the plan to leave our home and what we would need. The tales of the only surviving fleets.\n\nThis manifest told stories of some of Earths greatest ideals and traits along with our venture into a new universe which Father had discovered. The manifest in question: \"Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth\". It told the tale of \"The Adam\", and their sister fleet \"The Eve\". And how one could not have survived without the other. Our story begins here." ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1535391263", "1535412922" ]
	[WP] You are in the wilderness while you encounter a predator, even though you’re fully aware of its presence, you somehow don’t seem to be alarmed by your natural instincts..	3	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "As a ray of sunshine hits my eye, I groan and stretch. Perhaps I can sleep for just a few more seconds -- \n\n&#x200B;\n\nA growl pierces the air. I freeze. There are no predators that I know of in the few acres behind my house, where I usually go camping. I turn in my sleeping bag suddenly, when I see the creature.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt must be at least three quarters of my size, with slobber dripping from snarling jaws. Each ear is flattened against its giant head, and it crouches low, as if to pounce. My pulse should be through the roof, . . . and yet I feel nothing. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe spotted coat, the brown eyes, faint quiver of the nose as the creature slowly creeps closer, now curious instead of defensive. And in a flash, I am back to that Christmas morning: a small head poking through a cardboard box, a tiny tail wagging with excitement. The morning after, when we couldn't find the creature anywhere in the house. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nI bend down until my head is underneath the dog's . \"Hello Rex.\"" ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1535427978", "1535428894" ]
	[WP] You're an unemployed teacher. You stumble across a surprisingly lucrative tutoring position. The catch is you're tutoring a 400-year-old vampire who just woke up.	113	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Fyen laid in bed staring at the ceiling fan spin. Three months had passed since she was terminated from her position as a high school history teacher. Three long months, the severence pay was keeping the rent and utilities up to date but for how long? Her phone chimed with a new email.\n\n'Tutor wanted for adult student. Nondisclosure agreement required. Pay dependent upon expierence. Please mail cover letter and resume to .....'\n\nShe thought what the hell to herself and printed out a cover letter and resume but had to go buy an envelope and stamp to send it out.\n\nA few weeks had gone by and fyen had picked up some odd jobs to help pay for food when her phone rang from an unknown number, she answered figuring it was another odd job.\n\n\"Hello miss, this is Jermery Sanders with Sanders and Sanders Law Firm. I'm calling on behalf of my client whom wishes to setup an interview, the only stipulation is that you have to sign the NDA before the interview. Is that ok for you miss?\"\n\nFyen blinked for a minute having totally forgotten about the tutoring job after not hearing for weeks. \"Sure when would a good time be to come in?\"\n\n\"We are open Monday through Saturday 7am to 6pm and Sundays 7am to noon. Any time will do but the sooner the better for my client.\"\n\n\"I'm available this afternoon once I finish this job. I'll see you before you close for the evening.\"\n\n\"I'm glad to hear that miss, I'll inform my client. We look forward to seeing you.\"\n\nThe phone clicked as the lawyer hung up. She began to wonder who she'd be tutoring that would require such privacy. She shrugged to herself and finished the days job with a little bit of extra perk in her step. She got home and cleaned up quick and put on some dress casual clothes before heading out. She got to the lawyers office about half an hour before closing. As she walked in the receptionist took notice and asked her to sign in. As the receptionist looked at the name she smiled. \"Mr sanders is expecting you, follow me through the door on your left please.\"\n\nFyen was lead to a small conference room where a small stack of papers was already setup. \"Have a seat and make yourself comfortable, I'll inform Mr sanders you're here.\" \"Thank you.\"\n\nA gentleman walked in the room not even thirty seconds after the receptionist walked out. A extended his hand in greeting \"Ms. Clark a pleasure to meet you, I'll try to keep this brief and go over a few things with you before your interview.\" Fyen merely nodded and shook his hand. \"Please have a seat over here. As you know this position requires a NDA as we discussed. Do you think that will be an issue or have any concerns?\" \"Not really, I just don't know too much since I don't know who I'll actually be working for.\" \"Once you sign the NDA I'll try to explain as much as I can.\" Fyen nodded and quick read over the NDA before signing it. It was a fairly straight forward and basic NDA from her perspective.\" \"Good good, now my client has some weird habits that you'll have to become accustomed to, one of the major ones is his sleeping habit, he tends to be strictly nocturnal, the few times I've seen him out during the day has been, shall we say rough. Do you have any issues with a varied sleep schelude depending on his ability?\" \"That depends on the pay. The right amount I'll become nocturnal.\" \"Right your pay, the first ninety days will be at a fixed rate of 25$USD per hour, and after the end of your probationary period your pay rate will double plus benefits. After your probationary period is over the offer is also extended to include room and board if so desired or needed.\" \"How has this job not been taken by someone else?\" \"Others have applied and not made it past the interview, others have applied and not made it past the first ninety days. We shall see with you. If there is nothing else, I have a driver waiting to take you to the interview.\"\n\n\"Wait I'm interviewing now? I figured this was just a meeting to sign the NDA paperwork and then I'd be called for an interview.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry miss but my client prefers to test people to see how they react under pressure. The way you are dressed is prefectably acceptable, if it wasn't you wouldn't have gotten a chance to sign the paperwork. Now hurry along, mustn't keep him waiting.\"\n\nFyen was shuttled out of the office and a rolls royce was sitting by the front door with a gentleman holding the passenger door open. Mr sanders followed her out and saw the car and gentleman. \"Ah tank he sent you this time? Good to see you getting out for a bit.\" \"Thank you sir, is this the miss I am to take for an interview?\" \"Yes this is miss clark, she'll be interviewing for the tutor position. She has already signed the NDA as per agreement, here is a copy for your employer.\" \"Thank you Mr sanders, miss clark please have a seat and buckle in.\" The gentleman did a half bow with his free arm across him as he held the door. She sat down and buckled in as he carefully closed the door for her. She felt the car sway slightly as he got into the driver's seat. She didn't realize the car had been running this entire time. Tank put the vehicle in drive and took off towards the edge of the city. \"Where are we heading?\" \"I've been instructed to take you to the tavern owned by mr. Kohrah.\" \"The tavern?\" \"Yes it is a nightclub/bar with hotel suites above the main floor much like a tavern from old would have been.\" \"Mr. Kohrah, is he a nice guy to work for? The lawyer told me others have attempted to work for him and failed.\" Tank laughed, \"Well he is, how do I put this, eccentric. Yea we'll go with eccentric. He'll explain more during the interview. The pair pulled up into a valet drop off and tank tossed the keys to valet. \"Take good care of Mr kohrah's vehicle. You know he dislikes any dings.\" A door hop held the door for the two and fyen saw tank tip the man. The tavern upon first glance seemed like any other nightclub/bar, it had a main seating area, a small dance floor, a dj booth, the seating area had multiple televisions each playing a different game or news channel.tank began to walk towards a wall and fyen began to scream to tell him to watch out when the wall shimmered and he passed through. \"I'm sorry miss I forgot to warn you, Mr kohrah is gonna stripe my hide for that. He invented a hologram that looks realistic and places it so that it protects the VIP section. Please follow me.\" Tank took her arm and walked her through the seemingly solid wall. \"Those that have access to the VIP area can pass through the wall as if it were air, those that don't end up hitting a solid wall. I'm not sure the science behind it or how it really works, all u know is it does.\"\n\nFyen looked around the vip section and saw a few tables each with a small tablet in the center.\n\n\n-=NOTE=-\n\nSecond part coming after lunch break.\n\nWritten on my phone while at work so please be mindful of spelling, grammer, and punctuation errors.", "I knew from the start that it looked too good to be true. Five hundred dollars per two-hour session, NDA required, only evening classes? It sounds fishier than a Japanese restaurant's compost bin. But hey, I had to pay rent and I've been tutoring High School since I was in it, so I figured I would do this for a few months and be set until hiring picks up again. Three times a week (one for History, one for Science, one for Literature) meant I'd have six thousand dollars in a month. That's a good deal for a six-hour work-week.\n\nSo I sat by the bus stop, thinking about the money over and over, to avoid thinking about how fishy it all was. I thought about how this Mr. Selwyn was probably just eccentric. Perhaps he had recently suffered a head injury. Perhaps he hated computers. My efforts to avoid worrying were circumvented when the limousine stopped in front of me. It was so fishy.\n\n\"Leila Madani?\" The driver asked, and I stood up. The door opened up, and a pale blonde man with a gaunt face and sharp green eyes gestured for me to go in. I did, and closed the door behind me. As the limo drove away, my student stared at me with the curiosity of a viper evaluating a hamster. \n\n\"Miss Madani, I am delighted to meet you,\" he said, offering me his hand. I couldn't place his accent. Irish? Canadian? It seemed to wander around. I took his hand to shake, but he brought my fingers to his cold, dry lips. It sent a shiver down my spine, and I sat frozen for a moment before snatching my hand away. \n\n\"Forgive me,\" he said, as I glanced out the window to see where we were heading. \"I... arrived not long ago. Frighten not, I seek only knowledge from you.\"\n\nI nodded, feeling my throat uncooperative, and he smiled. \"Prithee, where think you we ought begin?\"\n\nAfter a breath to steel myself, I found my voice. \"Your letter said that you had very little education in the sciences... so I thought you should take a placement test for basic biology, chemistry and physics.\"\n\n\"A placement test?\" He echoed. \n\n\"Yes, so that I know what I need to teach you and what you already know.\"\n\nHe nodded, still looking at me with those uncomfortably intense eyes. I rummaged through my bag until I found the test I'd printed out, and handed it to him. His long, pale fingers carefully flipped the pages. \n\n\"It should take you some ten minutes, once we arrive...\"\n\n\"Miss Madani, I am of no use with this,\" he said, handing it back to me after a quick skim. \"Even the words are beyond me. Assume, if you can, that I have come into the world whole, as I am now, never encountering these matters once.\"\n\nI frowned--much of the stuff there was grade-school level--but took back the test and put it away. The limo stopped. He stepped out, and I did as well, which surprised him for some reason. Then he led me in.\n\nMr. Selwyn's home had an understated kind of beauty. It was old, and well-restored, with thousands of books lining the shelves in his living room. He made himself comfortable on a couch, and must have gestured for me to do likewise, though I was too busy staring at the books to notice. I hope it does not come across as arrogant, but I am pretty well-read, and I could barely keep my jaw from falling as I realized that I did not recognize any of his books. \n\n\"Prithee, my dear, leave the admiration to a later date?\" He half-asked half-ordered, and I remembered why I was there. \n\n\"Right. Right, I... right. Yes, we're starting with Science. So, if you don't know anything, I guess the first thing to start with should be... the method.\" \n\n\"The method?\"\n\n\"The Scientific Method. Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Prediction, Experiment, Analysis.\" He nodded, and I continued, \"First you start with an observation. Like... What's something you have noticed about the world?\"\n\n\"The air smells different in the forest than in the city,\" he said. \n\n\"Right. That's an interesting thing. Then you ask, well, why is that? Then you might pose a hypothesis--a guess, basically--such as, well, it's probably because of air pollution. Then you figure out a prediction from that guess, so... if air pollution is responsible for the changes in smell between the city and the forest, then you should be able to take air from the city, filter out the pollutants, and make it smell more like air from the forest. So you figure out an experiment to test that--some sort of situation where you capture air from the city and run it through some filters--and then you analyze the result. It will probably not smell like the forest because the forest, on top of having less pollution in the air, also has trees and mosses and water and other things that can modify the smell of the air.\"\n\nHe nodded.\n\n\"That's usually what we call the Scientific Method.\"\n\n\"And that is where these molecules begin?\" \n\n\"Well... kind of? Not really.\" I sighed. \"Let's start at the beginning. Everything in the world is made out of tiny tiny particles called atoms...\" ", "My last job was definitely a step down in my career arc. Having entered teaching in Texas, I found that every time I opened my mouth I was offending someone’s parents. My last gig was no exception, summer school for St Paul Lutheran Church. Oh man did I ever bite my tongue, but one day after “bible stories” when the students were taught about Noah’s Arc, one of the more astute children asked how all the animals fit into the Arc together. I should have just said “because the Bible says so,” but I am an educator at heart and I... I just couldn’t get those words out. Needless to say I was let go. \n\nWorking a drive through was at least pressure free, but I was getting depressed fast. Until one day my cregslist add for a personal tutor was picked up by a reclusive billionaire in Pennsylvania. The offer of full room and board plus a salary that would make a mid level manager jealous was enough for me to pack my bags and fly out on the next plane. \n\n....\n\n“Welcome mortal, you are in the most evil residence known to man!” His enthralled Forman said, “the position you accepted was actually for the dark lord himself.” \n\nAs if on cue a black shadow began defending from the second floor balcony, lazily drifting down till it reached the floor, exploding into a cloud of substanceless shadows. “I am the once and always Dracula, you have been hired to teach me of the modern world so I may once again prey on the innocent, there are no gods who can help you now.”\n\n“Wait,” I replied, “you are not religious?” \n\nAs if taken aback with my clam demeanor, he roared “WHAT IS RELIGION BUT PEASANT SUPERSTITION TO COMFORT THEM IN THE LONG NIGHTS OF MY RULE.”\n\nI let out a slow, shaky sigh, my eyes welled with tears. “Finally,” I managed to whisper. “Finally I can teach.”\n\nHaving regained my composure I stared straight into his eyes and said, “let’s begin with Western colonization of the new world and the American genocide of the native Americans, after lunch we can start our biology lesson with Darwin.” ", "The regal gentleman strode into the room, silver tipped can tapping rhythmically on the marble tile with each step. Neatly trimmed beard and stache hid aged lines, and drew attention to piercing azure eyes. In many ways, and rather unnervingly, the man bore more than a passing resemblance to Bram Stoker. He smiled, and from across the room, his once yellow and black, fractured and splintered teeth and grim gumlines had been wholly restored, thanks in much part to modern dentistry and ample maxillofacial attendance, to pearly and straight teeth and sightly maw. \n\nThe man snapped the cane into the crook of his elbow, silver cap riding properly atop his shoulder, and strode four more steps to the end of the lengthy banquet table. His every movement calculated and refined, his mannerisms polished, the quintessential regality of old. Slowly, he pushed his lips around elongated canines, which protruded to just below his lower lip, and he said with firm command and diction, \"ēac nū ic sculan drinc ēower blōd.\"\n\nJeremiah shifted in the old leather wingback chair, threw his left leg over his right, and held up his hand. \"Uh, uh. Buh ul uh dah. Blood.\"\n\n\"Blawd.\"\n\nJeremiah shook his head and stood. He walked to the opposite end of the table and spoke across the great lengths of ancient timber planks, \"Uh. Blood.\"\n\n\"Nā, nā.\" The man snapped the cane down on the table. \"Buh-la-awwww-d.\"\n\n\"Baron Von -\"\n\n\"Beoron!\" He rapped the cane on the table a second time. \"Beo-\"\n\n\"Ehr. Be-ehr-on. Bear on. Baron.\"\n\n\"Nā. Wrang! Beoron!\" The baron hissed, and, momentarily, his complexion turned ashen and it seemed his canines grew longer.\n\nJeremiah pressed his lips together. The academy had given very clear instruction on the consequences to angering this particular student. Albeit, they had neglected a few pertinent details, such as, for instance, He's a goddamn vampire!\n\nStaring across the table at certain doom, he couldn't help but wonder, Why couldn't I get that inbred autistic royal with the hemophilia and a death wish? Isn't that why they made super-glue and Ritalin? \n\nAnd so he swallowed any semblance of pride, Oh, who the hell am I kidding, my dad was right, what the hell kind of job did I think I was going to get with an English degree? And, slowly, he said, \"ēac eaðmodlīce sārig.\" Sorry my ass, he thought. Well, I ate Garlic Jim's for lunch, so threaten me all you like!\n\nBaron Von, nay, Beoron Von Kermititsnitch, or whatever the hell his name was, composed himself and tucked his fangs back in his musty claptrap hole. \"Blōd.\"\n\nWell, Jeremiah thought, At least he's trying. Not like that bloody wolfman. \"Blood.\"\n\n\n", "Had to do a two-parter so I hope you enjoy all of the TIME AND EFFORT I PUT INTO MAKING THIS RELATIONSHIP WORK FOR THE CHILDREN\n\n\nHistorian required for full-time private tutoring. Adult learners. Preferred specialties: Post-Renaissance. Interview Required. Starting pay: $50/hr. Inquire for Vanessa at (904)-146-6631.\n\nI remember that seeing that listing in the personals. It was a grey day in storm season, and the warm rain had gotten to the paper before I had. I saw “historian” and my curiosity was piqued: I mean, “high-school history teacher” is basically synonymous, right? And with adult learners, I wouldn’t have to worry about those little turds that called themselves “students.” (Yes, big surprise that the girl who despises children has little love for uppity high schoolers.) \n\nThen I saw the pay and I damn near choked on my Eggos.\n\nI think I broke some of the glass in my apartment with how fast I reached for my phone. I called the number and the man on the other side of the line told me that I could interview as early as next week. So of course I said yes; It was this or becoming a telemarketer or swampfolk. Is that something you can do? Become swampfolk? These and other important questions raced through my mind as I gathered my lesson portfolio and my entire public collage education’s worth of educational theory in order to impress ‘Vanessa.’ I even got a haircut and bought a new tie just for the occasion. It was red like wine, or perhaps fresh blood. \n\nGood prediction, right?\n\nThe interview was in the evening which I thought was a bit strange. But then again, people work weird schedules nowadays and this lady sounded rich so I didn’t really care. I got off the bus a tactical two stops away from the address: not close enough for them to see me getting off the bus, but not so far that I would be sweating from the walk. I’m smart like that, and in other ways; humble too.\n\nThe address belonged to a big gated Spanish-colonial style home. You know, with the russet roof tiles and off-white stucco walls. Some guy, a big Hispanic dude, was at the gate and buzzed me through. Had I known what I was getting into, I would have thought his friendliness to be a bit… jarring, I suppose. But I didn’t, so he was simply a nice young man called Gómez. “Like the Addams family,” he said with a laugh and a puff on his Marlboro. He waved me up the well-kept path into the home.\n\nThere was a doorman there, wearing a familiar dark red. He took my jacket and ushered me in. “Mistress Vanessa is expecting you in the sitting room, straight down the hall.” I nervously thanked him, took a deep breath, and started my walk. My heels clicked on the floor and it was basically the only noise in the building. Big houses like that are always really quiet when only one or two rich people live in them. \n\nAs it turns out, it was three: one rich person and her parents.", "\"So this is called Tinder. You basically swipe right if you like her and swipe left if you don't\" I had to turn down the light adjustment to the lowest for him.\n\n\"But how do I know if this 'stranger' is safe or not\"\n\n\"Dude, you are a vampire\" I rolled my eyes,\n\n\"Point taken. But seriously, how do I know this person is legitimately her? And how do I know if she is a nice lady? Do I just roll the dice and take the risk?\"\n\n\"I did. I rolled the dice and took a risk of coming here.\"\n\n\"Jeez... okay... it just...sounds really dangerous and stupid\"\n\n\"First of all, don't say that to people you meet on Tinder. They do not like to hear that. Secondly, what are you bitching about? just meet someone and suck their blood. Be more like vampire we portray you in media\"\n\nI closed the Tinder and opened Uber.\n\n\"This app here is called Uber. Easily put, it basically just gets you from point A to point B\"\n\n\"Well, I can just fly so I guess I won't really need this app\"\n\n\"Yea sure, just fly around the city. I'm sure nobody will stop you\"\n\n\"Dude, I might be old but I am much stronger than humans\"\n\n\"You may have sharp teeth and super powers but a fat cop can put you down if you fly around. You don't understand the technology we have now. Just... don't fly around okay? especially not in that black coat...\"\n\n\"What's wrong with my black coat?\"\n\n\"Well... it will cost you extra for politics tutoring\"\n\nHe opened his wallet and muttered to himself\n\n\"Agh... should have just stayed asleep...\"" ]	[ 1, 4, 5, 5, 9, 22, 52 ]	[ "1535431938", "1535464112", "1535461947", "1535469899", "1535435579", "1535452442", "1535435630" ]
&#x200B;	[WP] Every year, a random person is chosen to be given a random superpower, you just got selected for laser vision, the only problem is... You're blind.	7	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "It feels like a lucid dream. It’s an urban myth that’s actually a reality. Every body knows that it happens, but nobody believes it. The best way to describe it is like having a spiritual epiphany. Nobody actually believes those people, but if you’re religious all of the holy books are filled with them.\nThat said, yeah, this year it happened to me. They came to me in a dream and told me that I was chosen to receive a gift. \nThey were tiny beings with grey skin, huge heads and large black eyes - wait. I’m just being a tropey dick. Just joking. All I heard were voices.\nThey conferred amongst themselves until one voice spoke to me. I heard, “When you wake, you will be given the gift of lazer vision. Use your awareness wisely and be true to yourself.”\nI awoke in the darkness of night.\nFirst, I have to tell you that I was born blind. Second, I did a lot of LSD in my youth, so lucid dreams are a joke to me. Third, I was kind of disappointed to open my eyes to see nothing. It’s kind of like being disappointed that you didn’t win the lottery. Ha! Like you were going to win anyway.\nBut then I remembered something. There was a maxim that all the “normal” people told me. If one of my five senses is disabled, then my other four would be heightened.\nThat’s when I fucking lost my fucking mind. I could hear my fan blowing in my bedroom. I could hear the air blowing. I could feel the vibrations of the air off of various objects in the room. \nAlthough I could not conventionally see, I could see everything. I knew the shape of everything. I knew the consistency of everything. I walked to the kitchen without counting my steps and pawed through my pantry.\nThe echo from the vibrations of my refrigerator informed my brain of everything. I was aware on a spatial, physical and molecular level of my surroundings.\nI stood alone in the darkness realizing that I was the next new Superhero." ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1535456419", "1535541920" ]
[removed]	[WP] You have the ability to travel back in time. This ability, however, has an odd restriction. You can only travel back in time using an object that has the year it was made (that year being the year you can travel to). You can bring any object to the past, to use it to (continues into text)	1	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/Topichats, unfortunately it does go against the prompt-in-title rule. You can likely trim enough details to make it fit, but as-is it's just too much.\n\n[Prompt users in the title, but don't play writing games or commission stories](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_6.3A_prompt_users_in_the_title.2C_but_don.27t_play_writing_games_or_commission_stories)\n\n- Prompts go in the title, do not extend into text. You can add commentary in the text, but don't add additional prompt restrictions. Also, avoid [too many details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/prompts?src=RECIPE). \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/9ay8l0/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1535457199", "1535457257" ]
	[WP] “Congratulations! With the birth of your son, Earth’s population has reached 10 billion!” You furrow your brow in confusion. “What about the other 2.4 billion?”	3	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"Whaddya mean?\" she asks.\n\n\"Well, last time I checked, [Earth's current population](http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/) was less than 7.65 billion,\" I point out pedantically. \"How did we suddenly get to 10 billion?\"\n\nThe nurse forces a grin as she hands me the bag of disposable diapers and gift certificates. \"I was rounding. Just take the fucking bag, okay? And congratulations.\"" ]	[ 1, 5 ]	[ "1535503698", "1535508511" ]
[removed]	[WP] The Trouble With Magic	1	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/TerranPhoenix, this submission has been removed.\n\n[Prompt users in the title, but don't play writing games or commission stories](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_6.3A_prompt_users_in_the_title.2C_but_don.27t_play_writing_games_or_commission_stories)\n\n- Prompt in Text: Prompts go in the title, do not extend into text. You can add commentary in the text, but don't add additional prompt restrictions. Also, avoid [too many details](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/prompts?src=RECIPE). You wrote a prompt in the text, but then gave a title for it. \n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/9b94ty/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1535548157", "1535549123" ]
	[WP] Someone nearby is crying and sobbing, and you seem to be the only person who can hear them.	9	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "It was so loud, I couldn't sleep for the first month I heard it.\n\nI was at the market when I first heard it, I assumed it was someone in the next aisle over and tried to ignore it. I tried to go to the next aisle away from the crying but the person seemingly only cried louder. That was also when I noticed that no one else seemed bothered by the wailing, a woman was talking on her phone like nothing was happening. Another aisle away and it got even louder, at this point I couldn't bear it and started to go back towards it, and somehow it seemed to be getting quieter as I approached where I assumed it was.\n\nI didn't find it in the aisles. I tried looking around the supermarket for almost 15 minutes, with the sobbing getting louder or softer as I wandered. Eventually I realized it was at its softest when I was at the northern most wall. Even though it was quieter here than anywhere else in the store it still pounded on my head, I couldn't help myself but run out through an emergency exit a few feet away to get to the noise. As I got out an alarm was sounded, though it was minor compared to the crying. I turned left expecting the source of the crying to be against the wall, but it wasn't there. I kept walking north and the noise seemed to get softer, but it wouldn't go away.\n\nI kept walking towards it just for it to slowly go down, but was eventually stopped when I got to the highway. Then I was stopped from crossing by an angry manager trying to figure out why I opened the emergency exit at his supermarket. After apologizing and doing my best to explain myself over the phantom crying, I eventually got in my car and drove home. The noise followed me home.\n\nI tried to ignore it. I knew a few days later I must just be crazy because it never went away, no matter the time or place I was at. Just endless sobbing, I didn't even think about why someone could be crying because the noise itself was like a drill in my brain coming out my ears. No one else ever commented on it, they would just look at me sideways when I asked them to write down what they were trying to ask me, and I couldn't blame them.\n\nEventually I couldn't take it anymore. I didn't call my work or my friends, I just got in my car and drove north. There would be long stretches of straight road where the noise would just continuously decrease, and those moments would feel as if a weight was being lifted off my chest. But sometimes the roads would end and I'd have to turn around to find another route to take, and at those moments the crying would be as loud as ever.\n\nAt some point, the steady decrease turned into a sudden increase and I almost lost control of the car in the shock. I realized I must have just passed the source of the crying and made the first right turn I could. The noise got louder. After a U-turn it finally started going down again and I was back on track. \n\nThat night I found myself at the entrance of a cave. I knew the sobbing must be inside the cave, because suddenly it was echoing. Not once had the sound ever been diluted from me being inside a building or wearing earplugs, but suddenly it the noise was actually interacting with the terrain. I started to creep into the cave, unprepared but hoping this would all be over.\n\nUnfortunately, the echoing threw me off completely. Following the noise had been easy so far, but now it felt like the crying was coming from every angle. I couldn't just go in one direction, it was the same every way I turned. I took a few more steps and tripped. Thankfully I didn't kill myself, but I realized I can't just go running through the cave with no preparations, especially when I don't have a rope guiding me along.\n\nI turned around and made my way back out of the cave. My new plan was to find the nearest city, try to find any stuff that would help me navigate my way through this cave, and then come back tomorrow. I wasn't 10 feet out of the cave when the sobbing exploded again. It somehow felt louder than ever. As if it knew that I was so close but was leaving it to its sorrow. After the first few weeks I never mentioned the crying to anyone, I understood they couldn't hear it and felt like talking about it would only be inviting people to call me crazy. But for the first time, there at the mouth of the cave, I felt the urge to talk about the crying to the only other person I thought could hear it.\n\n\"I HEAR YOU!\" I screamed down into the cave. The crying's volume didn't change. \"I KNOW YOU'RE DOWN THERE AND I'M GOING TO COME FIND YOU! WHOEVER YOU ARE!\" I think some tears began rolling down my own face then, either out of desperation or frustration. \"I'M GOING TO COME BACK! JUST WAIT A LITTLE LONGER!\"\n\nThe crying didn't stop. But it got softer." ]	[ 1, 3 ]	[ "1535567838", "1535572654" ]
	[WP] One bright day in the middle of the night, two dead men got up to fight, back to back they face the other, drew their swords and shot eachother. This is their story	10	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "This is how it began. This is how it ended. \n\nThis is how it began again.\n\nOne bright day in the middle of the night, two dead men got up to fight. Back to back they faced the other, drew their swords and shot each other.\n\nOne was fair. One was darkened. One was seething. The other was grieving.\n\n\"Die!\" shouted the first. \"Cease!\" shouted the second.\n\nBut neither would listen.\n\nStrike, parry, counter. Their raging swings turned to pathetic flounders. \n\nThey paused for breath. Their eyes never wandered from the other.\n\nLike lovers too long apart, they flung themselves back together; each clawing for the other's heart.\n\n\"What are you so afraid of?!\" screamed the first when their swords locked.\n\n\"What shook you of your fear?\" asked the second.\n\nThe first laughed. The second bellowed in agony.\n\nThey dropped their swords; hands were more intimate.\n\nSwing, thrust, strike. One revealed an axe, the other revealed a pike.\n\n\"Enough!\" Pleaded the second. The first laughed.\n\n\"You don't really want to stop, do you?\" he crooned.\n\nThey came together again and again. They slipped in their blood.\n\nOne fell. The other faltered. \n\n\"What are you waiting for?!\" demanded the second. \n\n\"For it to begin again!\" cackled the first. His fair skin glinted white in the rising moonlight. He dropped his weapon.\n\nThe second hung his head. One of his gloved hands wiped his masked face in dread. He tried to cover his ears to drown out the laughter of the other, but found himself laughing instead.\n\nThis is how it began. This is how it ended. \n\nThis is how it will begin again." ]	[ 1, 3 ]	[ "1535589029", "1535592423" ]
	[WP] The door is ajar.	10	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "The door is ajar\n\nI calmly walk in \n\nHearing her feign distress\n\nBefore seeing her grin\n\nTheir bodies in pieces\n\nTheir blood on all walls\n\nEverything perfectly planned\n\nRight down to the 911 calls\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n ", "Timmy ran along the overgrown grass, down the slight decline to where the greatest opportunity in the salvage yard lay. His older brother Matt was counting off numbers out loud— he’d been working backwards from twenty, and was now at fifteen. Matt’s voice was fading with each step.\n\nAs Timmy’s eyes scanned left and right, a seemingly infinite amount of choices presented themselves. Too many for a boy of five to choose from.\n\nTo his right there was a beat-up, lime-green Chevy he could climb into. He imagined himself tucked down low against the floorboards of the backseat. No good, he thought. The large windows would give him away. His brother was tall enough to see inside if he walked by. Matt had the ‘luck of the Irish’— a phrase Timmy had heard his mother use often. It for sure applied to Matt who could find a piece of charcoal in a dark room, and definitely Timmy in an old Chevy.\n\nTimmy turned to inspect the massive green tractor to his left. Its giant black wheels were cracked from age and sun. He thought that if he pressed his body up tight against the inside of the tire, he was sure he could become darn near invisible. The only problem was the tractor was out in the open, and had little grass underneath. His brother would for sure see his legs poking out.\n\n“Ten!…” Matt’s voice bellowed the ten-second warning. The next would be five, and Timmy still hadn’t found a good place yet. Nonetheless, Timmy’s nerves felt electrified with youthful excitement. He felt like a rocket on the pad or a bottle of soda all hook up. These were the best times, the times of play that children were made to have. If only he could find a good spot to hide— then the good times would keep going!\n\nRunning down a thin dirt trail—hearing his brother shout “Five!”—Timmy rounded a corner and almost ran past the best hiding spot he’d ever seen. It was like something out of a dream, meant only for him. His brother would never find him. He himself wouldn’t have seen it if it wasn’t for the angle he’d been running. Not to mention a little luck of his own.\n\nHopping over a broken vacuum cleaner, Timmy sprinted over to a large circle of appliances all set in a circle. All of them white. There were ovens, washers, dryers— all kinds, towering above him like holy monoliths. Back, behind a giant stack of microwaves sat an ancient looking refrigerator. Its heavy door stood ajar… as if left open just for him.\n\n“Ready or not here I come!”\n\nTimmy’s heart all but leapt to his throat. It was now or never! He climbed in the spacious tomb of the fridge and found it refreshingly cold, as if it were still working somehow. He leaned over and pulled on the door. He expected a little struggle; the door looked thick like it was made of three-inch steel, but the door complied willingly. It shut with a click that echoed in the darkness.\n" ]	[ 1, 1, 2 ]	[ "1535662279", "1535759809", "1535667512" ]
[removed]	[WP] Genetic engineering becomes widely available to the public. However, it turns out that everybody has similar tastes when it comes to their children's traits. Soon, Genetic Sexual Attraction kicks in and everybody develops intense feelings for each other.	5	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/testaccrando, this submission has been removed.\n\n[No explicitly sexual responses, hate speech, or other harmful content](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_2.3A_no_explicitly_sexual_responses.2C_hate_speech.2C_or_other_harmful_content)\n\n- While it doesn't seem to be your intent, the mods reserve the right to remove anything we feel may become harmful to the community. \n\n Prompts will be removed if there's a high possibility for rule breaking responses ([rule 7](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses))\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/9bpxus/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1535683698", "1535686465" ]
&#x200B;	[WP] The adventuring party is captured and tossed into a deep pit. When a giant monster lurks from the shadows, the party turns against one another as each one tries to convince the monster why he/she shouldn't be eaten first.	6	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "PARTY OF ADVENTURERS falls into MONSTER’s PIT. The wicked MONSTER announces that he eats people, but he is a great lover of drama and rhetoric, so the man who makes the finest speech will be spared from being eaten. Each Adventurer prepares a speech. HANDSOME ACTOR goes first.\n\n----\n\nHANDSOME ACTOR: With me being dead, with my beauty slain, and beauty dead; black chaos comes again.\n\nMONSTER devours HANSOME ACTOR with noisy, wet chomps.\n\nMONSTER: That speech was not his to say, its writer lived a distant day. Write your own plea, or I will take my pleasure eating thee. Try not to pass another’s works off as your own, for I am cultured, well-read, and that speech was well-known.\n\nFEARLESS WARRIOR goes second.\n\nFEARLESS WARRIOR: You shall not take your pleasure chewing on my flesh, for I do swear to you, that mine speech is fully fresh. Forsooth, as of yet it is not written.\n\nMONSTER: If thou needst more time to write, why goest now?\n\nFEARLESS WARRIOR: To fight! In the canvas of your body I shall carve my name. Prepare your soul, you shall be slain!\n\nFEARLESS WARRIOR draws his sword and charges towards MONSTER. They fight. MONSTER eats FEARLESS WARRIOR. Body parts fly amidst the PARTY OF ADVENTURERS as they frantically scribble poetic lines on parchment. \n\nMONSTER spits out FEARLESS WARRIOR’s head.\n\nMONSTER: Are my rules unclear? What's happen'd here? You give a speech, I give a grade, and for the best amongst you, death is stayed.\n\nKING WITH IBS stands to make his plea to the monster.\n\nKING WITH IBS: Hark! Monster, to my tale of woe. For many a night and many a year I have trod the familiar path ‘twixt hardened straw mattress and rusty wet chamberpot. Mine bladder and bowels so plague me that I have no longer the will to live. Would you but bite off mine head quickly that I might be saved the pain and indignation of one more constipation?\n\nMONSTER: You would have me eat you then?\n\nKING WITH IBS: I would have you eat me now, yesterday or yesteryear! The food of life, it pains my gut, and when it ‘merges out my butt, it’s dry and chalky, like almond nut. I had a family, and a kingdom still, but their fickle love seeks only money in my will. My subjects value money over mirth and I have not one true friend left trodding earth. A score of years ago my wife was lost amongst the waves amongst the sinking ship of state, and that I did not save her haunts my every sleep and blink and wink. Reunite us, sate your hunger, strike me down with all your thunder.\n\nMONSTER: I do not dine on bones, sinew, forsooth, I crave younger, plumper men than you.\n\nKING WITH IBS: (begins rubbing salt on himself and squirting lime juice). How dare you turn your maw away from a dish so fine as mine own body. With age the weight of bones it does decrease, your mouth may munch and crunch in peace. Hark! My skin will peel away, a younger man you’d have to flay.\n\nMONSTER: A faster food suits not my mood, good things take time to taste sublime\n\nKING WITH IBS: But time I have, more years than others. My meat is aged to perfection, it begs your selection, my wizened mind has curdled into cheese and so I beg thee please, I do implore thee to eat me and mine irritable bowels!\n\nThe Monster sighs and reluctantly bites off KING WITH IBS’s head.\n\n---\n\n/r/trrh\n\n\n \n" ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1535701757", "1535710140" ]
	[WP] You start to notice shadows on the ground, but there is nothing around to make those shadows.	28	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "It was Chase's first weekday off in a long time and he was just walking around his abandoned neighbourhood casually while everyone else was at work, enjoying the sunlight. A cute little bird fluttered down to the sidewalk to peck at something or other and he followed it with his eyes. What he saw was odd, however. Right behind the bird there seemed to be a shadow of something. Not from the bird, as it was disconnected from it. But there seemed to be a long shadow that was vaguely human shaped, but much too large. Like there was a man-balloon floating right above the pavement. Chase frowned. \"Hey...uh...anyone there?\" He regretted it as soon as he said it. The shadow turned in his direction and he saw another two come out of nowhere on the street. He thought he should run, but he was paralyzed with shock. The next thing that happened made him almost lose consciousness.\n\nA...man...woman...a person stepped into being right in front of him out of nothing. They looked at him with large, unblinking eyes and a strange smile that seemed both happy and fascinated. Two other people stepped out of nowhere from the street and walked towards him. They didn't touch him, they just looked at him in a strange way. \"You... You can see us?\" the first one asked him.\n\n\"I...I...I...\"\n\n\"Fleeria, I think you broke him.\" The smaller one from the street said, gesturing to the first one.\n\n\"Nonsense, he's just likely never seen someone come in or out before.\" The first one shook their head and then went back to smiling at Chase, \"So...you can see us?\"\n\n\"Y...yes. I can. Wh-wh-who are you?\" All three of the odd people clapped their hands and squealed in a haunting echoing sound that forced Chase to step back a bit.\n\n\"Oh this is incredible! Peylire, we actually found one with sight advanced enough to see us when not on this specific level!\" Fleeria, or so they seemed to be called, looked back at Chase and leaned into look deep into his eyes, \"his ocular organs don't seem to have any abnormalities. Perhaps it's a neural mutation? OH! You asked who we are. Well, yes, I suppose that is a question you might want to ask people who seemingly popped out of thin air. Yes. I am Fleeria, this,\" they pointed to the smaller one, \"is Peylire, and the big one is Heenor. They don't speak your language, though. This is only their first time on this planet.\"\n\n\"So...you're aliens?\" Chase scratched his curly black hair.\n\n\"Well...in a sense, I suppose. We are what you might call fourth dimensional beings,\" the human made an intense look of confusion, \"Oh...well. You know your three dimensions, yes?\" He continued to look confused. \"Ah, well let me explain it like this. If you draw a line on a piece of paper, assume that line is a person, now, that person's perception is limited to left and right. One physical dimension. Now, if you add the second dimension, rotating by ninety degrees, you can turn the line into a square. You added forward and back to the equation. Now assuming that square is a person, they can move left, right, forward and back. But all of their friends will appear to them simply as lines. They have no concept of up or down, so they can't adjust themselves to see the rest of their friend's bodies. Now you can rotate on the third axis by ninety degrees and create a cube. If you take the cube and put it onto the two dimensional world, all the square and all his friends would see would be another line that they would recognize as a square. Are you following?\"\n\nChase squinted his eyes and tilted his head before nodding slowly, \"I suppose, yes.\"\n\n\"Ok, now, if you tilt the cube and pass it through this '2D land' the people there would see this rapidly expanding shape as it gets to the widest part of the cube, then as it passes that, a rapidly decreasing shape until it was gone. Off to some other part of 3D space that the 2D landers can't conceive of. Where we are from is similar in scope. You exist on the third dimension as does all of humanity. From the third dimension, if you take the cube and rotate it along a fourth physical axis, you get what...what was his name, Peylire?\"\n\nPeylire sighed, \"I believe it was Charles Howard Hinton.\"\n\n\"No, not him, the more recent one,\" they tapped their chin.\n\n\"Oh. Carl Sagan.\"\n\n\"YES!\" they looked back to Chase, \"You get what Carl Sagan called a hyper-cube. We have a word for it in our tongue, but you wouldn't be able to pronounce it, so never mind. That fourth axis follows what can best be described in your language as in and out. So if I was to step out,\" they disappeared and spoke with an echoing tone, \"you, with your current level of perception, wouldn't be able to see me,\" they reappeared on the other side of Chase, \"then stepping back in to your plane, I can be seen again. Simple, yeah?\"\n\nChase swung around and stared at Fleeria for a second before a small trickle of blood started to flow from his nose and he fell backwards.\n\n---\n\nI hope you liked it! I would have written more but I'm about to knock off work, so...yeah. Thanks for the prompt!", "Melissa walked briskly through the junkyard, coat collar turned up despite the afternoon heat. Her face was slick with perspiration, but she welcomed the sun's rays. It meant safety; freedom. Even her safe houses had been with high-powered solar lamps that kept them free of shadows.\n\nShe eyed each black spot she passed suspiciously.\n\nFortunately, the agreed meeting ground was in an open field yet unclaimed by stacks of wrecked cars. Her contact was already there, idly looking at a strange, golden watch on his wrist. A nondescript man, anywhere between twenty to thirty-five—no wonder he'd evaded the Department and other law enforcement authorities for years. Man like that could show up in your grandmother's house one day and you wouldn't even question it.\n\n\"Mr. Wharton?\" she said.\n\nHe nodded at her, unsmiling. Ah, someone else was tense. Welcome to the mission, she thought. \"You must be Ms. Jamison.\"\n\n\"Call me Melissa,\" she said.\n\n\"Whatever.\" He was facing her squarely, feet spread slightly apart. Ready to fight? Or run? \"I'm going to keep this short. You say you have info I need. Let's hear it.\"\n\n\"I said I'm here to make a deal,\" she replied. \"Either we both walk away happy ...\"\n\n\"Or you kill me?\" He smirked. \"That's how it always works with you Department types, right?\"\n\n\"I quit the job,\" she corrected him.\n\n\"I don't care. Once Department, always Department. So let me spell it out for you real clear: the gun you're no doubt carrying in that coat is going to start heating up in ten minutes. As will any piece of metal around us for ... I don't know, twenty yards? And you don't need me to remind you where we are right now.\" He gave her another humorless smile. \"Just like muffins in an oven.\"\n\nShe scowled. \"You know what we call you back in the office? The Weasel.\"\n\n\"I'll take that as a compliment. So you tell me what I want to know, and then I'll decide whether it's worth what you want.\"\n\nShe reached into her coat, forgetting for a moment who she was facing. Immediately, something unseen tightened around her throat, cutting off her airflow. Her eyes widened as she saw Wharton's hands outstretched like a mime pulling on invisible rope.\n\n\"You take anything out that looks like a weapon ...\" he growled.\n\n\"Just ... paper!\" she wheezed. Her trembling fingers pulled an envelope free, which she held to him.\n\nThe invisible rope loosened. Melissa sucked in lungfuls of fresh, rust-scented air as Wharton closed in and plucked it out of her fingers.\n\n\"Who?\" he said simply.\n\n\"One of our ... one of their team leaders,\" she said, rubbing her neck. \"Valerie Dykes. She'll be in Atlanta in a week's time. Inside, you'll find details on her security and itinerary.\"\n\n\"Wonderful.\" Wharton ripped the top off and peeked at its contents. \"I've always wanted to battle half a dozen magicians by myself. She gifted?\"\n\n\"She's like me,\" Melissa said, a wry smile on her face. \"Always cleaning up after your kind.\"\n\n\"If your info's solid ... well, Project Nightshade's days will be numbered.\"\n\n\"If you're as good as they say you are,\" she countered. \"Now, about your end of the bargain.\"\n\n\"Let me guess, you want protection.\"\n\nHer expression grew hard. \"I can protect myself. But I want you to kill someone for me.\"\n\nWharton's look was all too knowing. \"Your ex-partner.\"\n\nJust the thought of him made her facade crumble. \"He's ... everywhere. I can't run from him; I can't hide. And he's getting closer.\"\n\n\"I know a guy like that too, nasty piece of work,\" Wharton said. \"But I can't do that. I don't kill. My file would've told you that. I can pass this along to my—\"\n\n\"That's not good enough!\" She was unable to keep a shrill note from entering her voice. \"Only reason I even agreed to meet—\"\n\nMotion from the corner of her right eye cut her short. At first, she'd thought it was the grass swaying in the wind, but there was no wind. There was only an old car chassis, forlorn and forgotten.\n\nIt had a long, dark spike of a shadow pointed directly at her. Wrong, all wrong, her brain screamed. The sun was directly above them!\n\n\"No, no,\" she said, reaching into her coat and closing her hand around the cool metal of her pistol.\n\n\"What?\" Wharton followed her glance.\n\n\"He's here!\" she said, drawing her weapon.\n\nSomething shimmered in the air beside her; Wharton was whispering under his breath. The spike of shadow twisted and spiraled upward into the form of a man. Slowly, his features came into view as the blackness peeled back like a mask being removed. A tired, unhappy face—so different from the easygoing man who'd first been assigned to her. His name was Hunter; it had gained a sense of irony after he'd been assigned to hunt her down.\n\n\"Melissa,\" he said. \"It's over.\"\n\nThere was the click of a gun's safety from behind them. Melissa turned her head, to see a dark-skinned man wearing a malevolent smile with a gun aimed right at her.\n\n\"Long time no see, Kingsley,\" she said tightly.\n\n\"Looking good, Lizzy,\" he said.\n\n\"How long do we have?\" she whispered to Wharton. \"Your heat magic?\"\n\n\"Lied about that,\" he said without moving his lips. \"But I've got another plan.\"\n\n\"Drop the gun, Melissa,\" said the shadow magician. \"Please.\"\n\n\"We don't usually 'please' rogue agents, but we'll make an exception for you,\" Kingsley drawled.\n\n\"This whole place is going to burn us alive in a minute,\" Melissa said out of desperation. \"It's something Wharton did, he—\"\n\n\"—lied.\" Hunter shrugged. \"Your shadows already told me.\"\n\n\"But the sun ...\"\n\n\"I can't take control of you,\" he said. \"But I can still hear. Shadows are so talkative, you know? Kingsley?\"\n\n\"You're the boss.\" Melissa closed her eyes, waiting for the bark of the gun, the impact on the back of her head. But when Kingsley started screaming, she whirled around. He'd dropped his white-hot gun, clutching his blistering fingers. Then Wharton clamped a hand around her wrist and pulled her away.\n\n\"Stop!\" Hunter raised his own pistol, but Melissa squeezed off a few shots his way, forcing him to duck.\n\n\"He can teleport,\" she said urgently to Wharton. \"Running's not going to save us!\"\n\n\"I'm not running,\" he said, pulling her behind a pile of scrap metal. From his pocket, he retrieved what looked like a human-shaped cardboard cutouts, small enough to lay on his palm. He breathed into it. She watched, amazed, as it stood, swaying in an unnatural breeze.\n\n\"Been keeping this for myself, but what the hell,\" he said. \"Tell it your name.\"\n\n\"Melissa Jamison.\"\n\n\"Fly,\" he said. Then he threw it into the air, where it promptly drifted away. \"I meant you too, by the way.\"\n\n\"What about you?\" She could hear raised voices drawing closer.\n\n\"I'll deal with them. Might get me a hostage too.\" He winked as he passed her a sticky note. \"Call the number on that. Ask for Dearborn. Tell him Glen sent you.\"\n\n\"You can't take on these two alone,\" she said.\n\n\"I'll stand a better chance doing it alone,\" he said. \"That paper doll will draw all forms of magic tracking for about three minutes. I'll try to give you two more.\"\n\nHe gave her a push on the shoulder. \"This is my end of the bargain.\"\n\n**\n\nThanks for reading! Check out my [sub](http://reddit.com/r/nonsenselocker) for more stories!*", "Jared sat cross-legged in the middle of the dark room, trying to take comfort from the black. Nervously, he bounced his legs up and down, letting them hit the palms of his hands. A knock on the door nearly made him scream.\n\n\"Jared?\" Felicia called.\n\nHe shook his head, laying his hands on his cheeks. \"Go away,\" he groaned.\n\nShe huffed and jiggled at the door handle, making him jump backward. When the door didn't budge, she stopped. \"You can't stay in there, Jared, even if there were a good reason.\"\n\nHe shut his eyes tightly. \n\n\"What are you going to do for food?\" Felicia asked angrily when he didn't answer. Her voice was dulled from the wood door that stood between them. \"For drinks? Socialization? You're really going to let some shadows turn you into a crazy person?\"\n\nInternally, he begged her to go away, his lips moving soundlessly against the black.\n\nFrom the other room, she sighed. \"If you aren't going to listen, then you can just sit in this stupid room and waste away. I guess,\" she said.\n\n\"I know what I saw,\" he said finally, his eyes burning from the lack of sleep. He looked around the room he'd created, toward the door, but not even a single drop of light was making its way through. \"I saw them take those people,\" he told her, his voice cracking.\n\n\"Whatever,\" she said, \"but this won't work either.\" The door handle jiggled again. There was a small, almost undetectable clicking noise. \n\n\"Why not?\" he said, feeling a pang in his chest. There was silence. \"Felicia?\"\n\nA sudden beam of light cast his shadow on the wall. It was surrounded by innumerable, fanged figures. The light tilted up, illuminating Felicia's face.\n\n\"We're already here.\" " ]	[ 1, 1, 2, 2 ]	[ "1535729718", "1535769535", "1535736888", "1535768406" ]
	[WP] Scientists accidentally send a large city, a good part of the surrounding suburbs, several miles of farmland, and the surrounding area to the Jurassic period. We can’t get them back, but we can look at the fossils to see what happened.	17	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"Oh.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"What Toh? , asked Ajit, Did you found your mother's long-lost dentures?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI diverted my gaze from the sample and turned towards giggling Ajit, sick of his jokes I simply stated: \"Look at this.\". \n\n&#x200B;\n\nAjit, sitting on his seat and still partly focused on his own set of specimens, eyed Toh's sample lying on her table. When Ajit saw the sample, the smirk on his face vanished. He now turned his whole body towards the sample \"Oh, that's interesting.\", as he focused his eyes on the details his eyes grew wide.\"Oh, that\"s really interesting\". \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe pair of geologist sat at their table, dumbfounded by a thin slice of a rock sample.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Do you realize what this means?\", I said, \"This little disc will revolutionize our understanding of history!\". \n\n&#x200B;\n\nAjit, now nervously twidling his fingers replied, \"It could be a fake, it's not that difficult to-\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"I was there! I personally manned the drill and even the sample slicer.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Alright, alright.\", Ajit retorted. \"But couldn't it have been artificially laid?\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"It's at least 100 million years old. Unless the culprits had a time machine, I don't see how they could have faked it.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Fine, label me convinced. What do we do now?\".\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"We'll have to return to the original site, it's surely not the only artifact, and I'm sure we'll get the funds.\"\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe pair of dinosaur geologists continued to quietly stare at a strange gold coin depicting a strange feathered creature in mid-air. Never to know the original owners." ]	[ 1, 4 ]	[ "1535756539", "1535767930" ]
	[WP]Two cavemen are ambushed by a saber cat, far away from home. The cat is dead moments later, but so is the second caveman. If you don't bury him in your clan graveyard, he will never reach the afterlife.	42	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "He remembered being small and being carried.\n\nRain had come to their valley for what the old one said was three passes of the sun. Enough to tear the earth off the mountains and send it hurtling down the slope. By blessing or by luck, their caves had not been covered and all were well when the sun returned. Three days of freezing, wet fear to see that the mud had swallowed the lake and the fish were dead and buried. They'd moved then. The animals moved, so they followed them, picking off what they could. It was many more passes before they found a new home and he had been small and weak. Whenever it had been too much for his legs, his father had been there. Placing him on his back, shouldering the burden. His father had never said a word about it.\n\nNeither had he. He'd never thought to thank him.\n\nNow he carried all their burdens up an unfamiliar mountain. The wind proved as fierce as the cat, with a roar more terrifying and claws that sunk to his bones. Threatened to snap them with the chill. This he could stand. There had been a true storm in the first days of their long hunt. They'd laughed, sang songs made in the moment, shouted their names into the sky and dared it to take them. He could suffer a small, spiteful gale.\n\nBut then the wind would still for a moment save for a small breeze through his hair. Part of him would wonder if it might be his father's breath against his neck. If he was carrying him over this mountain to the healer with her pale eyes and a smile that would promise him more hunts and more nights boasting by the fire.\n\nBut it was never more than wind and he knew it never would be. He knew what was under the thick hide of the cat, now tied around his father. Just where the beast had struck in its death throes. Just what it had taken...\n\nHe remembered being small and sitting under a tree. A fine old thing, the first sight of their new home when he'd awoken from the journey. A hand, browned and worn by more years than he could scarcely believe, tracing the imprints of their ancestors in the stars. 'A story for every light' he'd promised. 'I just don't know them all.'\n\nHe gripped that same hand, now colder than ice and so brittle his fingers trembled in fear of breaking it, to keep the bundle steady. The wind blew through the trees that clung to the mountain. He walked the line where they ended, as high as he would dare go, lest he encroach upon an angry peak. Beyond he could see another, one that stretched taller, almost scraping the skies. The stars hung above, silent and watchful.\n\nCould they see the tree from their lofty position? Did they care to look? Would they notice the wide, clear patch by its roots where one might lay their head? Would they notice the long tooth hanging from the branches? Would they know of the man who would charge another's death without being asked and never able to know their gratitude?\n\nThey would surely welcome such a man. And he could sit under that tree and draw others' eyes skyward and show them the light that was his father.\n\nBut the mountain stood between them and the tree. As had the ones behind him. As will the ones behind it.\n\nHe remembered being small and resting on a shoulder. Fighting sleep and fighting tears as the clan moved behind them. The click of bones and the subdued mutterings of those lost and uncertain. 'How much farther?' he had asked.\n\nBut his father had smiled and looked at him. And when the words had come, he knew he could sleep without fear.\n\n'Never too far.'\n\nHe looked to the face of his father, resting on his shoulder. Eyes closed and framed by the fur of the cat he had felled. Asleep, perhaps, in a way. Without fear.\n\nHe steadied his grip and set his stride towards the next mountain.\n\n\"Never too far.\"", "We have hunted for many moons now, always bringing something back for the tribe. I know you can no longer walk with me, run after the fast targets. The cat has made its mark, the red bleeds from your wounds. But as much as I know you are no longer with me, I need to bring you home.\n\nI grab your limp body by the arms. Dragging your lifeless form, I start walking. I leave my club and spear on the ground where you fell. They are replaceable. But if you cannot reach the tribe in time, you will not enjoy what you deserve.\n\nI think about the legends the elders tell us as I walk. The white-haired one, who washes his long beard every morning, tells us of an endless plain. Where hunters can hunt all day, and cats do not kill. Clan Mother thinks the Great Beyond is a huge tribe, bigger than any we have ever built, where we can see all the elders who have passed.\n\nBy sundown, I am tired. Still I press on. The tribe is near; I can see the big tree and its bushes.\n\nYet what do I see here? We wear the furs of deer. These people wear cat skins over their heads. They carry fire branches and spears. They have taken what is ours. My whole journey was pointless. I see the catskins fighting my people. Their fires light up our structures and smoke blurs the stars.\n\nBut even with this, I still see the untouched plot of land where the dead lie. I make a break for it, running like I never ran before. The catskins raise the alarm. Many men grab their spears and fire, and run after me. I move as fast as one dragging a body can, but feel the dull pain in my legs and the sharp pain through my chest. I fall to the ground as the sharp stick pierces through me. There is but one last thing left to do.\n\nI push you onto the graveyard. You will enter that Great Beyond, where you can see the elders, and hunt game for all eternity. I can drag myself no longer, and will never see you again.", "> Be me\n\n> Be hunting deer \n\n> Find giant, mad, hungry sabercat\n\n> worried.png \n\n> Sabercat goes for anon's friend first\n\n> thankgod.exe\n\n> hit sabercat in the eye\n\n> sabercat goes down\n\n> not before taking anon with him\n\n> anon's last wishes\n\n> \"i wanna be buried with the gods, pede\"\n\n> have to oblige, anon was best bud\n\n> put dead anon on my shoulder\n\n> dead anon is super heavy\n\n> always eating roots\n\n> struggle to carry anon\n\n> nighttime.png\n\n> cant find a place to rest\n\n> cant leave anon behind\n\n> fuckme.mp4\n\n> ask for help from the gods\n\n> skies open\n\n> gods speak to me\n\n> PEDE!\n\n> ANON IS ALREADY HERE\n\n> what should i do with his body?\n\n> LMAO DUNNO JUST THROW IT IN A DITCH I GUESS\n\n> thanks, gods\n\n> throw anon's body in a ditch\n\n> leg it home as quick as i can\n\n> sonictheme.mp3\n\n> make it to village\n\n> elder asks for anon\n\n> \"sorry elder, he dead\"\n\n> \"what from\"\n\n> \"ligma\"\n\n> \"ligma?\" \n\n> ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)\n\n_______\n\nSorry for the innapropriate format, but I couldn't resist the urge to make this story into a GT, when I saw \"cavemen\" in the prompt I couldn't help it. Hope you liked it :D" ]	[ 1, 2, 3, 15 ]	[ "1535766378", "1535770198", "1535769721", "1535770035" ]
	[WP] Death finds everyone, except you. You're playing the world's longest game of hide-and-seek.	8	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"In the death justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate the whereabouts of the last humans are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.\" \n\n\" Here we go again\" one of the demon grunts said with a sigh as he saw the Lieutenant General approaching with that snarled look he seemed to always have. \n\"TEN-HUT SOLDIERS! ZORACK HOW MANY HUMANS ARE LEFT\" .\n\"Just one Sir, Oliver Price. Last known location is the starbucks on 3rd street. He's not showing up on any radar\". \n\" HOW MANY GODDAMNNED DEMONS DOES IT TAKE TO FIND ONE PUSSY ASS HUMAN NAMED OLIVER, ITS BEEN THREE MONTHS\" . \n\"Sir none of our equipment is working on him, all units have been deployed, even the canines \". \n\nLocation: Walmart in Manhattan \nTime: 0400 Hours \n\n\"Its been 2 weeks since I've come across the demons, I've seen what they do to people. I can understand the killing, since I'm assuming this is the apocalypse, but why torture us first? They're using this Walmart as a base. The weirdest part of all of this is they think I'm one of them. I don't have any horns and I'm not a staggering 9 feet tall like they are, but they refer to me as Zorack and i'm actually sitting across from three of them right now, none of this makes sense. I can see the frustration on them since they can't find the last human, which has to be me right? Everyone of them keeps mentioning that they only have 4 more days, what happens then? It might sound crazy that im posting this on Reddit surrounded by hell's demons, but I've got to have some normalcy to keep my sanity, now more than ever knowing they only have 4 days left." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1535773637", "1535814987" ]
	[WP] A protagonist becomes aware of his insane plot armor	16	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"I don't care what you're trying to save, kid. You want to buy a pistol, it's $800 and a 72 hour hold after the NICS check clears.\" \n\nAt least in theory, people should have different reactions to a looming threat of global annihilation. Prayer, panic, orgy, or panicked orgy in a chapel. Long story. Not clerks. Every single one clings to the price list like a life preserver.\n\n\"Alright, slide me the form.\" I say. Over in the corner of the store, the rest of the crew tries to hide their frustration. Mickey (aka Doctor Mallory Mitchell, formerly of the Advanced Energy Research Project at the Universty of Portland, before it exploded) scopes out the case of knives, while Janet (formerly Sister Mary Margaret of the Sacred Heart Convent, prior to the orgy incident) stares goggle-eyed at an array of weaponry she's likely never seen outside of a movie theater before. Hanging on the wall behind the handgun counter is a variety of sports memorabilia. \"Lots of Cubs gear up there. You have any cash on their series run?\"\n\n\"Bet your ass, kid. Cubs were due, I knew it. Just a matter of when.\" He says, as he goes to put the handgun back under the counter. $800 for a used 1911A1 in decent condition is more than reasonable... unless you don't have $800. Then it might as well be on Mars. \n\n\"Before you put that thing away, I have a proposition for you.\" \n\n\"I'm not waiving the waiting period or the check...\"\n\n\"Of course not. I know how the Feds get. I've got $400 to stake. You win, you get the $400, I win, you put up the last $400 for the pistol, then I come back in 3 days. Interested?\"\n\n\"Assuming your background check clears, sure, I'm willing to listen.\" He says. He sets the pistol back on the counter, and I set the cash next to it. Mixed bills, biggest one a $50 that I found balled up in my sock this morning. \n\n\"Rick, what are you doing?\" Janet asks. \n\n\"Something fucking insane. Again.\" Mickey answers, placing a hand on her shoulder. \n\n\"What are the odds of a single round of 45 ACP experiencing a primer failure?\" I ask.\n\n\"With modern ammo, pretty slim. More if you're using old rounds, badly stored milsurp, that kind of crap.\"\n\n\"And 2 in a row, picked at random?\"\n\n\"Fucking impossible, unless the entire box has gone to hell.\"\n\n\"I can give you two failed primers. You pick the box off the shelf, fire as many as you want to confirm the box is good, then I pick two from the remainder. They go click, you pay up. One goes bang, you get the $400. You game?\"\n\n\"Rick, that's the last of our money!\" \n\n\"Mickey, if you can't handle the stress, go home. Now, do we have a bet or not?\" I ask, extending my hand to the clerk.\n\n\"Hey Bob, get up here and watch the front. Beers are on me tonight.\"\n\n*\n\nSo, unintended side effect of this whole thing, I get a free function test on the pistol. The clerk is looking pretty cocky as he pumps 7 fast rounds through the pistol, thoroughly perforating the center of the man-shaped target. No failures to feed or extract, and a nice pattern that would have been nicer if he wasn't anticipating the recoil as much. \n\n\"Alright, take your pick.\" He says, setting the pistol down on the bench. I don't bother looking at the rounds, I just load the magazine. \"What are you doing?\"\n\n\"Just in case you want to go double or nothing.\" I say, inserting the magazine and releasing the slide. \n\n\"For the other $400 you don't have, or are your friends here going to pony something up...\"\n\nclick\n\n\"...oh, fuck me.\"\n\n\"Sorry sweetie, you're not my type.\" Micky says. \n\nA quick rack of the slide clears the dud round out of the chamber, with a prominent indentation dead center of the primer. \n\nclick\n\n\"No way. No FUCKING way!\" The clerk says, inspecting the first bullet as I clear the second. \n\n\"So, want to go double or nothing?\" I ask. \n\n\"Not on that box of ammo, I don't!\" He says. \n\n\"Fair enough.\"\n\nBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG\n\nThe five rounds punch through the paper, leaving a rough triangular hole in the chest and a figure-8 in the forehead. Janet's not jumping as bad as she used to at the sound of gunfire, but she's still flinching a bit. The concrete construction of the indoor range certainly doesn't help. Mickey still jumps. He needs to work on that. \n\nShe jumps a bit higher when the clerk slams the new box of ammunition on the bench, all but yanking the pistol out of my hand as he goes to personally load the next round. No more standard ball ammunition; he's grabbed a box of top-shelf defensive rounds. These things cost about as much per shot as rifle ammunition, with bullets designed to open up in a target like the gates to hell itself, and all but guaranteed to go 'bang' when the trigger gets pulled.\n\n\"There's no way in hell you're doing that again.\" He mutters, loading two rounds and dropping the magazine on the bench. \n\n\"I don't think Hell is responsible for this, mister.\" Janet says, as I top off the magazine and load it into the pistol.\n\n\"Wait...\" I say.\n\n\"What, want to back down?\" He asks. \n\n\"No, it's an odd number. Seven rounds.\" Racking the slide and flipping on the safety, I put one more into the magazine. \"There we go. Seven in the mag, one in the pipe. Eight rounds. We can go double or nothing 4 times. You game?\"\n\n\"There's no fucking way...\"\n\n\"It's a yes or no question.\"\n\n\"Try it, asshole!\" \n\nclick\n\nclick\n\nclick\n\nclick\n\nclick\n\nclick\n\nclick\n\nclick\n\nThe slide locks open as I clear the last round. Eight rounds, some still rolling across the floor, each with a perfect dent in the dead center of the primer. \n\n\"Well, I'd say that pretty well settles it. Let me do some math...\"\n\n\"GET OUT\" He yells, reaching under his shirt and pulling out a revolver. A big one, expensive, airlight frame, loaded with six rounds of the same sort we just ran through the 1911A1. Janet screams, diving behind the bench and dragging a goggle-eyed Mickey behind her as soon as the gun clears the waistband. For someone who spent much of their adult life praying for peace and order, she's got a natural talent for handling chaos. \"Leave the pistol on the bench and get the fuck out!\"\n\n\"Right. You'll handle the rest of the paperwork, I assume?\" I ask. \n\n\"Rick, get down!\" Mickey yells. \n\n\"Why? We're just having a chat.\"\n\n\"I'm not filling out shit! And I'm not giving you shit! You get out of here right now and never come back!\" He raises the gun level with my chest. The revolver is light, but it shakes in his hand.\n\n\"No. We had a deal. Mickey, how much did that go up to?\"\n\n\"$6400. $400 initial bet, double or nothing four times.\" He answers, not missing a beat. \n\n\"I imagine they give you a pretty good employee discount. I'd be happy to take the payout in merchandise at sticker value.\"\n\n\"No. Get out.\"\n\n\"Or what?\"\n\n\"The fuck do you mean 'or what'!?\"\n\n\"Well, as near as I can tell, you have two options here. Option One, you can put that thing away, we can settle our deal, and part peaceably. Option Two, you pull that trigger. But before you decide, tell me; how well do you think that's going to work out for you?\"\n\n\"What the hell do you want?\"\n\n\"I want this pistol, three of the Hi-Point 4595 carbines you had up on the rack, two of the Ruger 22/45s with the red dot sights, 500 rounds of 45 ACP, 1000 of 22 Long Rifle, plus spare mags and web gear for all. The rest we'll put on an IOU. Hey, you guys want anything else?\"\n\n\"I'd like the big knife.\" Mickey says. \"The one with the brass handle and the angry looking spikes.\"\n\n\"Well, I've always wanted a tomahawk.\" Janet says.\n\n\"Right the 1918 trench knife for the Doctor and the Cold Steel tomahawk for the lady. Do we...\"\n\nclick*\n\n\"...really?\"\n\n\"Oh, fuck...\"\n\n\"Right. Know what? No IOU. Throw in the M1A Scout, 500 rounds of 308, and give me the rest in cash. Asshole tax.\"\n\n\"...oh fuck...\"\n\n\"Yes, we've covered this. Now lets go back out there, finish the paperwork, get the wheels turning on the NICS check, and do our best not to give anyone an incentive to watch the security tape and see you attempting murder.\"\n\n\"Ew, Rick...\" Janet says, pointing down at the floor by the clerk's feet. \n\n\"Right. Clean yourself up and join us when you're ready. And don't feel bad. I have that effect on people.\"\n", "“Foolish human! You dare stand against me?” The demon roared. \n“Your reign stops here, foul demon! For I, the great hero, shall slay you at this very place!” The figure proudly spoke. \n“Nonsense! You kind is naught but insect to me, and you say you’d kill me right here? Say your prayers, imbecile!” His voice filled with anger, the demon conjured a massive fireball, and threw it towards the hero. \nThat miniature sun flew at such great speed, no normal human could dodge. \nYet, the one standing there was the only being who didn’t even attempt to. \nThe hero stood firm like a statue, his sword still sheathed, his shield not raised, as if he was fully expecting the impact. \nAs soon as the ball touched the hero, a great explosion occured. Trees were immediately burned to cinders, animals nearby died to the heat, and a mssive crater miles in diameter was formed. \n“Hmmph. Nothing but talk. That’s why I hate humans.” The demon exclaimed. \n“Oh really... cough* Well, I’m still here.” From the smoke appeared the hero, his armor ruined, his body slightly burned, but he was still alive and kicking. \n“But... how? No human can survive that blow!” The demon, shocked by the events, furiously said. \n“Surprised? Of coure you are cough. I have news for you, demon: I have the strongest armor known to exist.” The hero answered with a still weakened voice. \n“Impossible! I’ve lived longer than any of you insects, and your armor was nowhere near the strongest!” The demon objected while preparing a lightning magic spell. \nNone of the lightning bolts hit the hero. But that wasn’t the part that surprised the unfortunate demon. He was speechless as all of his spells missed without the hero’s need to dodge at all. \n“Oh, cough I wasn’t talking about this armor. This is cough just for show.” The hero, staggering towards the demon, replied. \nAs he drew his fabled sword, the hero no longer had any strength left. He fell towards the demon, yet his sword miraculously pierced the creature’s heart. \n“My armor” the hero uttered “was plot armor.”", "\"I'm telling you, Jacob! This plan will WORK!\n\nI have set up this Suicide Machine so that it will kill me UNLESS all the problems on Earth (like the lack of World Peace, for example) get solved in the next twenty seconds!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"...and you think that in order to save you, The Universe will solve all Earth's problems, instead of doing something a lot SIMPLER?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Simpler like what?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Click the button and you will see.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nclick\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[SUICIDE MACHINE'S MALFUNCTION DETECTED.]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"...\n\nOh.\"" ]	[ 1, 1, 5, 10 ]	[ "1535792957", "1535821122", "1535806199", "1535798204" ]
	[WP] “Remember this above all else when you leave the Cave. It is much better to run across a demon than angel. A demon can be bargained with. An angel, on the other hand, will kill you on sight.”	6,437	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"I reject the lord, Night Sky please I ask you to hide me from his presence. I burn my childhood blanket as sacrifice.\"\n\nLaura folded the blanket neatly and laid it down into the fire. The flames creeped over the yellow fabric. When she was young her mother would wrap her in that blanket on especially cold days. \n\nLaura couldn't remember the first time she slept under that blanket but the last had been the summer she turned thirdteen.\n \nOrange flames lighted the purple rock around her. She knelled in front of the fire watching her blanket burn. When it was ashes she used them to mark her body with long lines along her bloodways. \n\nHer face was painted like a skull. With her black hands she covered her eyes pressing the ash down into her skin. She looked upwards and dragged her hands from her eyes, past her cheeks to her neck.\n\nThe fire went out with a gust of a air and Laura stood to enter. A small opening just tall enough to crawl through. In boots, jeans and a hoodie Laura worked her way through the tunnel on her hands and knees. \n\nFor the first hour she heard only her own struggles echoing off the walls. Her way unlit by any fire or light. The tunnel nevertheless remained visible to her Ashen Eyes. \n\nThe tunnel was tight and twisted and turned so much that Laura could forget which way was up. \n\nAt the moment she laid with one arm completely stretched out to squeeze her shoulders past a narrow opening. When she heard the sound of wind. \n\nLaura huffed and took a deep breath before reaching out to move forward. Then the sound of whispers. She scrambled faster now. Then hissing and wailing. Crys echoing against the rock walls.\n\nShe pulled her body forward while her muscles screamed. Lactic acid burnt her arms and legs. Sweat soaked her jeans and shirt. She pushed through and fell down into a pit. \n\nThe screams were silent now and cool air rolled over her. The chamber was lit by moonlight through a collapsed roof. She drank in the cool air, catching her breath. She waited for her heart to stop racing before sitting up. \n\n\"Finally\".\n\nLaura stood as she observed the demon. In the caves small stream stood a demon, a hairy, black boar on two feet with tusk and and horns. \"I am the Inoshi the King Yokai of Kyushu.\"\n\nShe stepped sideways to the water and began washing the ash off her face.\n\n\"Oh you're lucky\" She washed her face in the water while he spoke. \"I've been waiting years for someone to save me.\"\n\nLauras face was now clean bare flesh. Her pitch black hair made her face that much more pale in the moonlight.\n\n\"Do you see? I can't eat you because I need you to let me out. And you need me to let you out so don't give me a hard time. I might even let you be my servan-\" \n\nIn the moonlight Laura grew twice her height and burst into muscle and fur. She let out a snarl from her snout and growled \"I'm gonna eat you up!\"", "The philosopher spoke\nOf the cave of the mind\n\nBut that day we awoke\nIn the physical kind\n\nIt rang with a boom,\nThe philosopher's voice\n\nAnd it filled up the room\nWith his words of choice\n\n'Be thee seekers of truth\nIt is light, thee must seek\n\nCast off the uncouth\nThe bland and the bleak\n\nClimb out of this hole\nAnd I promise you'll see\n\nBut the outcome is sole-\nly up to thee\n\nThe truths are a storm\nIn the end you're devoured\n\nBut the further you come\nThe less will be scoured\n\nSo run and beware,\nWhat of Angels you learned\n\nUse the demons with care\nSo your arse isn't burned!'\n\nWe took our first steps\nAnd I thought to that day\n\nWhen the old man eclipsed\nWhat of divines we say\n\nThe truth that was known\nSince Earth's first tide\n\nWhat demons want shown\nThe angels will hide.\n\nIt's a sin to be wise,\nFor the gods will not share\n\nThus we thieves' greatest prize\nIs the truth from up there\n\nI glare towards the sun\nThis weary old sinner.\n\nIt's only just begun\nBut I am no beginner.", "After 6 months of sheltering from what could only be described as an apocalypse, but what was later defined as the Ruination, he had abandoned the bunker here otherwise known as \"The Cave\". Quite why he had, we don't know. We have reason to suspect he was ill at ease here, for he would occasionally call someone by name in his sleep. Maybe someone special to him that he had lost, or maybe he had simply snapped. We still can't decide what was the trigger for him to slip quietly away. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith a skillset that would be best described as \"negligible\" for outdoor survival, he had stumbled out in the dark. What had been a rolling meadow swaying in the gentle breeze on the day of entry had turned into a blasted wasteland from the depths of Hell, Tartarus, Oblivion... the very depiction of hell the likes of which priests in ages past had used in their dire warnings for those who sinned. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo there he was, wearily stumbling and clambering over strewn ejecta from rents made in the earth, when all of a sudden the ground shuddered in upheaval, and shifted. Before he knew it, he had been carried aloft on the back of this rocky form and all he could do was hang on for dear life. Now this, of course, was a demon. Not the stereotypical type that would have sprung to mind in the children of the old days, nothing in the way of a winged tail, horns or a smile that would chill you to the very core of your bones. No, this was something ancient, a creature from the fabric of legend. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt bore him aloft for many miles, the human overcome by pure dread and terror. A life form that defied what it is to be alive, it was the size of an 8 storey block and vaguely human in shape. Constructed of heat-blasted rock, it made a tremendous din as it slowly paced towards the hillock, the only noticeable rise in a land that had been pockmarked and levelled as if the very gods had decided the land needed to be re-sculptured.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt length, the human was thrown off and he scampered backwards, craning his neck to take in the monstrosity looming over him. A monstrosity that was clearly accessing him. The demon must have been communicating with him somehow, because then the man screams \"NO!\" at it. Repeatedly. We can only guess at what it asked... or demanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe man turned, and fled. Fled up the hillock, at the end of his strength and wits, when he collided with It. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nA form of pure light and energy that transformed the blackest night into brightest day, it slowly turned to where the man lay, stunned and in shock. And gazed upon him.\n\n----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDerrick paused the playback, and turned slowly back to the assorted group arranged in a semi-circle in front of him. Most were approaching adulthood, and indeed many of their number were restless. Being confined inside what was, to all intents and purposes, a comfortable prison with very limited access to the open world must have been incredibly frustrating to some of the more freer spirits. This was a necessary lesson. Every person's gaze was now fixed upon the screen.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\n'It was in this moment that all life signs from the man known as Patient 6 ceased. His heartbeat, which had previously been running at a healthy if frantic 172 BPM, flat-lined. Neural monitoring went dark mere moments later. From what the monitor picked up, this... Angel, did not use any kind of weaponry or device detectable to us that could have caused death so instantaneously.'\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\n'So let this be a warning to all of you. Yes, I have heard of your wishes to get out, to reconnoitre the surrounding area. After all, it has been 8 years since the Rupture and 3 since the Ruination ceased. But we can't afford to be careless. You've heard the communications from afar: some of the great constructs of nature, since labelled The Titans or Demons, appear to be magnanimous towards us at best. But what occurred this past decade is clearly a conflict that is far beyond the scope of the remnants of humankind. What happened to Patient 6 illustrated that.' \n\n&nbsp;\n\n\nDerrick slowly looked everyone in the eye, but every eye in turn remained fixed on the figure still frozen in all its ethereal glory. A figure of a cold, perilous beauty. But it was the eyes that drew the attention. In such a form of radiance, the eyes were a vision of a bottomless depth, a shapeless void... of Nothing. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n'Remember, if you leave this cave you will be at the mercy of the Demons. But nobody who has laid their gaze on an Angel has lived to tell about it. No-one.'\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\n'They are the Angels of Death.'\n\n---------------------------------------------------\n\n&nbsp;\n\nProbably a bit late (I started on it last night) but that was my first attempt at responding to a prompt after a fair amount of time lurking here. Be gentle!", "Anyone could recite this phrase to you on Dyos. The children are taught it at a very young age, and don't forget, for those who paid no mind are left as ominous reminders on the sides of the Spire. Which is another prime reason why Sam and I shouldn't have gone off looking for scrap outside of the Cave. \n\nIt was just another day, waking up to the perpetual gloom that surrounded the Cave, when my annoying (really my best, but i'll never admit that) friend Sam poked her head through my window. \n\n\"Rise and shiiiiine! I've found great spot to go scrapping!\" she says excitedly, hovering up and down on her makeshift rocket boots that she built herself from scratch. The first prototype had a severe programming error (one that resulted in the rocket propulsion stopping after about 5 minutes of flight), and she almost died. But, like all the inhabitants of the Cave, she adapted and made them better. Because if you don't change, you die. \n\n\"Really?\" I reply groggily, not yet completely awake, \"Not like the last one, where we got stuck in a nebula storm? Or the one before that, where we almost got eaten by a tech-wurm?\" I ask skeptically.\n\nShe pantomimes a dramatic look of offence and hurt. \"But it was only a smaaaaaaall tech-wurm, and we survived! And got tons of scrap, didn't we? Besides, I heard there was a neutron chip in the area.\" \n\nI instantly jolt up. \"No way.\" \n\n\"Yes way.\" She grins mischievously and starts descending to the ground. \"Hurry up or I'm leaving without you!\"\n\nAnd that's how I found myself running from one, no, two, of the most dangerous machines known to mankind. When Sam had said she found a good spot, one with a neutron chip in it, I thought she had meant somewhere around the edges of the Scraplands where no one ever goes, but when we stepped out of the particle accelerator, we were in the Outside.\n\nThe first thing I noticed was how remarkably similar the sky looked to the ceiling of the Cave. It was empty and devoid of stars, except for one thing: Solanos. Our sister planet. We've been in orbit around each other since forever, and one day we're destined to collide. All the hotshot scientists live glamorous lives in penthouses over there, while we're stuck here gathering scrap just to survive. \n\nThe second thing I noticed was four orbs staring at us through a seemingly impossible distance before I realised they were lasers. Aimed right at our chests. My med-com tried to help by ringing out a description of what those were.\n\n>\"Angels, autonomous machinations that serve no other purpose other than mindless killing. Designed without flaws, they seek out their target first with laser beams, then follow tirelessly until they find their target, and exterminate them. Danger level is extreme, avoid at all costs.\" \n\n\"But we're nowhere near confirmed Angel sightings. Why are there Angels out here?!\" Sam exclaimed. I grabbed her hand and started to run through the ruin and debris of the Outside. \n\nI'd always imagined my first time seeing the Outside I'd be with my partner, and we'd gaze up at Solanos and imagine a life living there, but I guess this is as good as time as any. \n\nDucking through the remnants of an abandoned building, the laser spots vanish briefly from our chests before reappearing once we keep running out the other side. Trying to hide in a building would be an exercise in futility, as the angels would just fly towards the last place the lasers had appeared, and besides, you would live longer running than hiding. They're fast when they've confirmed where their target is. \n\nThe tell-tale whine of an angel started to ring in my ears, and we ran even faster. \n\n\"Over there! A particle accelerator!\" Sam screams, and jumps through. No room for doubts. I Jump in after her.\n\n\"Sam. This is the Spire. We're right in front of the Spire\" I say quietly, under my breath. \"We need to go. Now.\" \n\nThe monolithic structure felt oppressively big. And then I see it. At first I thought it was just another unlucky scrapper, impaled up on the Spire but as I looked closer I saw something I thought to be impossible. \"Sam. That's you. That's your body. You're dead.\" The whine started again. Angels were noticing us. \n\nShe turns around with an eerie smile on her face. \"I know.\" \n\n\"..Sam?\" I break into a sprint, but it's too late. The nerve agent had already begun to set in. It grew louder.\n\nShe keeps that unsettling smile trained on me as she walks towards my unmoving body. \"You humans were always so sure of what you knew, so arrogant...\" She grins, but this time it's different. She's different. How could I have not noticed? The last time we went scrapping. The nebula storm. The whine was deafening.\n\nThe last thing I heard was the Demon whispering clearly, through the noise, in my ear,\n\n\"You should have tried to bargain...\" \n\n\\-\n\nfirst story, sorry for any grammatical mistakes/typos! (: \n\n&#x200B;", "The shadows danced across his bedroom ceiling, contrast work against the headlights emanating from the truck making that left turn into his neighborhood. When they grew slender and then finally receded, he saw this phantom lingering on the ceiling's erratic raised design, giving life to a constellation of monsters with visible thoughts and feelings. Where was the light, though? He became slightly disturbed and fled for a midnight walk, down the hallway, out the door.\n\nThere it was, just the same, more corporeal now, flitting out the corner of his eye just under the nearest street sign, Leleand Dr. He shifted his attention there, but it was gone. So he walked in the other direction.\n\nAfter 10 minutes walking, he reached Ferris Park, so late. He wasn't planning on staying out so long. The air trickled eeriness. He thought about the way back to his apartment, but just as he was about to turn and leave, there it was, real this time. \n\nHe blinked twice, but it didn't go away. The amorphous fog had a definite character, he saw, since it resolved faces. The faces had meanings. He shivered.\n\n\"Come here, curious one,\" the creature lulled him, talking, but where was the mouth? He shifted his attention away, yet he knew the monster could sense his intentions. He felt so good, so good about approaching it. It was almost erotic. He gave in and took several steps towards the thing.\n\nJust as he stepped onto the road, oblivious, he was showered in the most brilliant light. The creature melted and vaporized in the intense light. He looked to his left, and there it was, the most terrifying and so beautiful thing he had ever seen. \n\nMoments later, the truck collided with him, breaking his body and killing him.", "I am not the only one who knows I'll burn forever. But once I accepted this fact, my time on Earth became something I have trouble talking about. Not many, not many, but some like me, around me, yes. They're here, for a while. Here a while, there forever. One died many years ago- he's been there longer than I will, but we'll burn for the same long time. Long long long, long time. Forever in hell.\n\nLive in a seplichre, Death in the under the mountain, but the mountain will never end. My little tomb I sealed from the light. Here my demons and I have our fun- we dance, we run. They're not so bad when it's not their fault. My curse is nothing they've done. \n\nSo it is that I carve my life to match the punishment I've been dolled. The light of the flames are all I can handle- the sun would be too much. The angels there are too cruel. I'd play with them? I'd know the light. I'd not deserve this sickly sight, and I could not bear God's face.\n\nBetter I know demons than angels, make disgrace.", "\"They rained down from the heavens from a hole in the clouds that shone a bright gold. They poured from the opening like rain drops on a stormy night overtaking the city slaughtering everyone in their wake.\" The old lady said as she giggled to herself slightly. She spoke in a rasp, rickety tone. She was one of the remaining few that remember what was referred to as Rapture. She continued;\n\n\"Priests crowded the streets falling to their knees worshipping His name, calling for the resurrection. Not even they were exempt from judgement. Not from those creatures.\" She winced at the word as if inflicting pain upon herself.\n\n\"They looked nothing like the stories.As a young girl I was told that angels were beautiful creatures, a beauty to behold though almost everyone feared them in those stories cowering beneath there glow.\"\n\nThe fire flickered. The glow of the flames seemed to spark a reverie in those eyes of hers, \"They were gorgeous, the words written.\" She scoffed, \"There are no words to describe their true beauty.\"\n\n\"What else!\" I said urgently. I wanted more. She smiled and looked me in the eyes then at the ceiling inspecting the cracks in the rocks.\n\n\"Paul told us they were invisible, but he never mentioned they did not exist.\" She looked back into the flames,\n\n\"How foolish we were to write them off as make-believe. Time seemed to drift from the old ways. There were no more prophets. The last one died on the cross. The sins he died for, what sins? They never stopped coming. Even in death we dishonored him. Somehow, somewhere, we really must have pissed Him off.\"\n\nThe old woman shifted the wood around in the fire with her poker sending flurries about the air casting spots of red and orange about the caves ceiling. Then she whispered:\n\n\"Whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities.\"\n\nThis puzzled me. The old woman shook her head then smiled at me.\n\n\"Don't mind me, dear. I don't want to bore you with these old tales of mine.\"\n\n\"What did you mean by thrones, or, whatever?\"\n\nShe shifted her position, craning her back as she did so.\n\n\"Trust me, dear, at this point it is not worth mentioning. The literature to explain that is simply not on hand. They all seemed to have disappeared during rapture. Why don't we speak on another topic. I heard the hunters managed to catch themselves a few hogs during their last outing.\"\n\nI sunk in my seat. \"Yeah, they did.\" The woman clapped her hands together.\n\n\"I can't wait to sink my teeth into something meaty. It has been a long time since I had a proper meal.\"\n\n\n\nThat night I thought about the old woman's tale. She was part of the last generation to actually live in the old world, but no one seems to ever want to talk about it. My father will tell me that there is no reason to ask about the past, it simply was not worth bringing up anymore. He grew up in these mines, just like me. He said back in the day they were used to scavenge fuel for things called \"machines\" that the old world used to use, but they were repurposed after rapture to be somewhere safe to live for the survivors. It was never meant to be permanent though, after the old generation moved in they were too scared to go back out. Well, that's what he told me.\n\nEvery now and then someone would leave the mines. They would tell us that the stories of rapture were nothing more than something to keep people from leaving, to keep us in line. Some would come back shortly after either scared to venture any further than the did or with deep bleeding gashes in their body. Most were never seen again.\n\nI could hear the gale of wind sounding from the opening of the mine. The sound whistled as it brushed against the stoney walls of the mine as if taunting me. But that is when I heard it. Something was calling me. It called my name and seemed to get louder and louder. I looked around at the others sleeping in their bags sound asleep, but this call was deafening to my ears.\n\nThen silence.\n\n\"Come.\" The call rang, and I felt a trance come over me. I lifted myself from my bag and staggered down the tunnel to the opening. I soft white glow shone through the entry way. There was a white light that hovered in the sky above the canopy of trees.\n\nI stepped out into the world and breathed. This smell. This air. It was nothing like I had ever experienced. I scrunched the dirt between my toes. I closed my eyes as the wind brushed through my hair shuffling it about the air and back into my face. I lifted my arms into the air and stretched. And then I felt something grip my shoulder.\n\n\"Humans should just stay in their holes where they belong.\"\n\nThe tips of it's fingers sank into my shoulder. I could feel the warmth of my blood drip down my chest soaking my thin shirt. The beauty of the free world seemed to fade away as I could feel my fate come to a halt.\n\n\".I...\" I could not bear to speak.\n\nI turned my neck to see the old woman standing next to me smiling. I could only see the bottom half of her face as a shadow seemed to cover most of her body. Her grip tightened, sinking her claws ever deeper into my flesh.\n\n\"I told you they came from the sky, but, I never told you what came from the earth.\" She said to me as she peered at me with those deep, red, glowing eyes. \"We have so much to discuss.\"\n\n", "\"Is the outside of the Cave scary, mama?\" she asked. It was getting late. The light flooding between cracks of the boarded-up cave entrance was beginning to dwindle. The girl rested her head on her mother's lap. The mother stroked her hair and said \"It can be if you aren't careful.\" Smoke filtered up through long tubes carved into the ceilings over decades. The roaring fire kept them safe from the cold of the night while the tubes protected them from the suffocating warmth of the smoke. \"What's out there mama?\" The mother stopped stroking her daughter's hair and looked down at her \"I've told you what's out there before.\" \n\nThe girl stared at the cave entrance as the light behind the boards faded to night. The girl spoke again \"I know but-\" the girl trails off and curls up. The mother laughs to herself\n\n\"Ok, I'll tell you. There are lots of things outside. Grass and mud, rocks and trees, rushing streams of water and still lakes. There are animals like deer, rabbits, and bison. These are the animals we hunt and the animals we eat. Then there are scarier animals like bears, wolves, and huge cats. These are the ones we stay away from because they might get angry at us and can hurt us.\"\n\nThe mother put a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder smiling down at her as she began to drift asleep. \"and what about the angels mama?\" The mother tensed a bit and responded\n\n\"You're... a little too young to talk about angels, Sophia. They're... things scarier than even the bears and the wolves. You can reason with a bear, a wolf, and even a demon but there's no reasoning with an angel.\" \n\n\"How come?\" Sophia asked. \n\n\"I couldn't tell you, but what's important is that you never go outside especially not at night. Angels and demons come out at night. Stay in the cave where it's safe...at least until you're older.\"\n\n\"I know,\" Sophia said yawning as she drifted to sleep. Her mother smiled gently picking her up and placing her on her cot. Audrie, the mother, walked back to the far side of the cave and sat with the other tribesmen gathered around the fire. \"How was the scouting today?\" she asked \"did you find any new food? fishing lakes? hunting grounds?\" Today's scouting group consisted of two men and two women. Their shoulders slumped they stared into the fire. \n\nAdam spoke \"Not much to report, we followed the river to a large lake but as we got closer we saw a lot of demon markings. We were cautious but when we got to the lake we saw demons drinking from it. We ran. I think it's too risky to fish or drink from there.\" Audrie sullenly looked into the flames. Adam continued \"better the land than us and better demons than angels.\"\n\nAudrie looked at Jeremiah. He had been reserved since coming back from the scouting mission. She addressed him \"What do you think Jeremiah? Any ideas where we should look next?\" Jeremiah slowly looked to her blinking quickly he said \"Oh. me? No, I don't have many thoughts.\" Audrie cocked her head. \"Are you ok Jeremiah you've... been quiet since coming back today. Did something happen out there?\" Jeremiah laughed. \"Oh, no I've just been thinking. You know, how long have we been living here?\" The tribesmen looked around. Adam spoke up again \"I think it's been just over two hundred years. Our great-great-grandparents found this cave.\" Jeremiah smiled \"Right. That's so sad you know.\" Some tribesmen bowed their heads at this conversation, others looked at Jeremiah with furrowed brows. \n\n\"Sad?\" Audrie said. Adam interrupted her \"We do what we can Jeremiah. The cave gives us safety and we have to be thankful for that. We may retake the land someday but now is not the time.\" Jeremiah stood up. Still smiling he looked down at Adam where he sat on the cold stone floor of the cave. \"It's ok\" Jeremiah said. He put his hand on Adam's forehead \"It's time to go home.\" Jeremiah then exploded into blinding light that filled the cave and eclipsed the light of the flame. A crack of powerful noise filled the chamber as if lightning struck before them. \n\nThe tribesmen shrieked in horror. Audrie realized too late that Jeremiah was gone and an angel had taken his place. The intensity of the light began to pull back and Audrie could begin to discern the scene before her. Adam was gone; nothing but a pile of ash. Behind her she heard Sophia shriek. A low rumbling moan emanated from the angel. A human figure made of white light with sharp broad wings; shining bright like the sun. To look directly upon an angel and discern the details of its form was impossible without going blind. This was the first time Audrie had seen an angel up close. The angel flashed rapidly between her fellow tribesmen. One by one they vanished to dust. Frantically those that remained scrambled for the cave entrance. Audrie picked up Sophia and followed them. \n\nAll at once they charged the flimsy boards and door they had used to block the entrance. With little effort, the structure burst forth spilling them into the cold night of the outside. Sophia pleaded to her mother for answers but Audrie ignored her. As her mother bobbed with each step Sophia saw the night sky and breathed the crisp night air for the first time in her life. Sophia then looked behind her mother and saw the angel pursuing the tribesmen as they scattered in different directions. She watched Oliver, Erica, and Davis disintegrate before her eyes. \n\nThen in an instant, the angel flashed behind her mother. The angel's great weight slowed Audrie. She froze and for ages, they stood there. She dropped her daughter to the ground. Sophia crawled back as she watched her mother disappear. Sophia shook and shielded her eyes as she attempted to look up at the angel. She wanted to run, she wanted to hide, but all she could do was look. The angel slowed its pursuit as it observed Sophia. Slowly its blinding arm reached for her. Sophia could feel searing heat radiating from the angel. She cowered slowly edging away from the being. The angel spoke in a booming voice that reverberated around her in varying tones “My child” it said. \n\nAn unholy warcry echoed from the trees around them. The sound resembled a squealing hog or a braying donkey. The sound of an animal willing to die defending itself because it has nothing else to lose. Sophia witnessed something rush past her as it tackled the angel. The angel and the thing both flung into the nearby brush. Loud rumbling moans filled the area. A burst of wind caused the leaves and grass to push past Sophia as she still lay on the ground. Flames rose all around her. All at once the trees, bushes, and brush caught fire in a mighty blaze. The roar and crackle of the flames filled the air; a silence relative to the noise that was previously present. From the flames a figure arose. Its footsteps boomed as they landed on the ground. It was tall, at least seven feet. Sophia recognized long prominent horns on its head and its tell tale goat legs. \n\nThis was a demon as she had heard it described. As it approached her she could make out further detail. His piercing red eyes, his jagged carnivorous teeth, the snout protruding from his face. As the flames grew stronger behind him he knelt down in front of her and outstretched his hand. “Come with me little one, it’s not safe here” he spoke in an ever deepening voice. Sophia felt a burning in her throat as tears welled in her eyes. The realization that her mother was gone and that she was confronting a demon began to be too much. The demon placed a powerful grip around her shoulder, his large hands nearly engulfing her entire torso. “You have to be strong little one. The hardest times of your life are ahead of you.” In one quick motion he scooped her up and plopped her on his back. \n\nThe demon fell to all fours. Bones in his arms and shoulders cracked and shifted and then they were off. The demon crawled with a steady trot off through the woods and away from the fire. Sophia looked back as the forest her family once hunted in was engulfed with flame. The flames grew larger as they raged yet smaller as the demon lead her away. Soon they were in darkness the demon remained unimpeded in his movement. A wisp of light passed by them and the demon slid to a stop. He threw the child off his back and stood up. The demon made low snorting growls as he cautiously observed his surroundings. Sophia observed under faint moonlight. A high pitched chorus rang out light surged through the trees the demon was knocked to the ground, struck in his shoulder. The demon shrieked and fell to the ground before quickly standing back up and pounding his chest. He charged a thick oak tree digging his claws into the bark. Straining his muscles he began to rip its roots from the ground as a show of strength. The demon pushed the tree to the ground and roared triumphant. Shimmering black blood poured from his wound. \n\nCautiously the demon returned to pick up the child. He slung her on his back and resumed his pace forward. Through tears Sophia asked “where are you taking me?” The demon replied “Your new home. It’s very far away.” Sophia sniffled, cried harder, and said “But I want to go back to my old home, take me back to the cave!” As the demon continued to run they entered a wide open clearing. The demon began to speak “You can’t--” A wisp of light again struck the demon knocking the girl off. \n\n[Continued in reply]", "“What are you talking about?”\n\nMy question hung in the air between myself and this strange ass hipster dude who smelled like he had sex with trees. Which, while a deeply uncomfortable image, is something I am sure he does. Explain reports of people finding semen on several willows recently...\n\n“The Cave,” he said, “the cave which lets you see angels and demons.”\n\n“Hold up for one second please, have you been to this ‘Cave?’”\n\nThe hipster fidgeted briefly, looking at the floor. Christ, when I accepted an invitation to meet with someone who claims to know how I can find angels and demons, I was hoping for something at least socially acceptable. Being honest, it’s a horrible way to start my career investigating the paranormal.\n\nWhen he looked back into my eyes, I held his gaze while placing both elbows on the diner table between us. “No, but I know people who have.”\n\n“Could I meet one of them?”\n\n“Nah, they aren’t available right now. Too busy running from the angels-”\n\n“What do they look like?”\n\n“The guys who’ve-”\n\n“No, the angels.”\n\nThe hipster licked his lips before answering. “Come on man, they look like you and man, but with wings and glowing halos! You’re smart, you should know this!”\n\nWithout a word, I let me head fall into my hands and sighed. “That’s just an image we humans have given creatures that exist beyond and are older than time itself. The archangel Gabriel was supposed to have six wings covering his body. The cherubim has the face of a man, lion, bull or ox, and an eagle. They can shape shift but you really expect me to believe their true form is something so similar to we humans?”\n\nThe hipster blinked, confused. I pressed my advantage. “And there isn’t that much of a difference between demons and angels. Demons are just fallen angels and no, they don’t bargain for souls or anything like that! They just seek to tempt humanity away from God and into hell! They are imprisoned there to boot, how do they keep getting out! You can’t seriously believe this pop culture bullshit.”\n\n“But-”\n\nBefore he could continue I stood up, thoroughly annoyed. “And another thing, why would an angel kill you on sight?”\n\n“Because they’re evil, right? Like God, he’s a big old tyrant-”\n\n“If that were true, we’d know for sure God was one. He’d never fail to remind us every single moment. Thank you for wasting my day,” I said bitterly as I turned my back to the weirdo.\n\nAnother day wasted. Great, just great. I really needed some big ass break sooner or later to get my career started.\n\nHopefully, tree fucker back there would listen to what I said. Course, I couldn’t prove he fucked trees...and had no interest in doing so.", "‘If you have to look along the shaft of an arrow from the wrong end, if a man has you entirely at his mercy, then hope like hell that man is an evil man. Because the evil like power, power over people, and they want to see you in fear. They want you to know you're going to die. So they'll talk. They'll gloat.\n\nThey'll watch you squirm. They'll put off the moment of murder like another man will put off a good cigar.\n\nSo hope like hell your captor is an evil man. A good man will kill you with hardly a word.’\n\n‘Men at Arms’ by Terry Pratchett", "Long time reader first time writer\n\n&#x200B;\n\nPart 1\n\nThe Demons came to Earth first, killing people for bragging rights, for sport, and as punishment for humans not upholding their end of a deal, though these deals were almost always impossible. Within a month, the Angels arrived. Everybody was elated to see these beings as they could actually stand up to the Demons, a task that no human technology could accomplish. That elation turned almost immediately into a waking nightmare, as the Angels slaughtered anything and everything that moved. After the initial carnage, mankind decided to hide. And most hid well. At least at first. Some bunkers were found immediately, within a single generation. Others stayed hidden for as many as three or four generations. However, many surviving people began to forget how severe the threat outside truly was and became reckless. Those that became negligent were almost always found within days. It only could be known to other bunkers when another was found by radio silence. It was always so swift, so sudden. There was never a distress call or a desire to speak for the last time over the radios. Always a quick, deafening silence. The Sequestered was the only bunker that managed to survive more than five generations, due to the incredible luck of its founder, whose name was lost to the people living there, when they found a massive underground cavern with an easily sealable entrance and thick rock walls and ceilings that could muffle nearly any sound even within the cave. This bunker was the only one that could still remember the pain and suffering the Divines like to cause, so it survived.\n\nIsaias crept out of his house in the Sequestered, careful to avoid being seen by anyone. Not that it would have mattered if he was noticed, he could just tell anybody who asked that he needed to go for a walk. Most people were naive enough to believe that lie. Still, he didn't want to risk running into one of the few people who wouldn’t and would question him further. Carrying a bag full of weapons and provisions and with a heart full of an odd combination between hatred, curiosity, and disbelief, Isaias slid through the shadows, every sense on alert for another soul. After walking for what felt like miles, he rounded a corner and saw the giant iron door several stories above him with too many flights of stairs, the only entrance into the cavern that housed this last hope of humanity’s survival. Isaias had seen this door hundreds of times, but in the past he saw it as a sign of security. Now, he saw it as a prison gate. \n\nAfter climbing the many stairs that led to the giant door, Isaias found one of the small guard tunnels to the other side. These served a double purpose of keeping fresh air in the front part of the bunker without having to worry about vents like in the back of the cavern, while also allowing for the outside of the bunker to be watched. Luckily, the Divines were far too tall to be able to use the six foot tall tunnels, standing between nine and fourteen feet tall, according to legend, though most estimates suggested them to be taller. Isaias stopped for a moment to catch his breath and take a drink. “Well,” he said to nobody, “here goes nothin’” and he began walking through the tunnel.\n\nIsaias had been walking for fifteen minutes before he saw light not from his own flashlight. Natural light from the sun. He began to run towards the end of the tunnel, feeling giddy like a child on Christmas morning. His excitement excitement quickly died as he got to the end of the tunnel and noticed a large rock pile in the way. The pile was obviously artificial, with several gaps large enough to clearly see through, but that would be hard to see through from a distance without knowing of their presence. Near the bottom was a gap that looked like it was just large enough for him to squeeze through, so he tied his bag to his feet and began to crawl. Once he reached the other side, he peered out before officially leaving the safety of the bunker. In the sky he saw two beautiful white beings with large, feathery wings far above the trees. “Angels…” Isaias muttered to himself. He watched as they flew past, then waited what he assumed to be about ten minutes before crawling the rest of the way out of the rocks.\n\nAnd, suddenly, he was free. He was in the outside world. And he was alone with the Divines.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI'll do a part two tomorrow morning if people enjoy this! Also, sorry if my formatting is bad. I'm still figuring out how it works not of a mobile app", "My mother was different. \n\nMost of them fight evolutionary urges and smother their still wet babies. \n\n\"Don't look at its eyes,\" the older women say. \n\n\"Just don't and do what needs to be done.\" \n\nMiriam, my mother, said she never even thought of doing that to me. That she couldn't.\n\nMy earliest memories are of my mother's calloused hands pulling me along as those older women whispered and seethed. They called her cruel. \n\nNaive. \n\nSelfish. \n\nAn older me recognizes their fear as a resentment of the women who refused to sacrifice for the herd. \n\nA younger me was banished for screaming at the meanest and most bitter elder. \n\n\"Remember this above all else...\" \n\n\"Now, Miriam!\" an elder had commanded. \n\nMy mother's last words, \"will kill you on sight,\" were whispered with widening eyes that poured tears down her face. \n\nBut, she never taught me to believe in fucking fairy tales. She didn't, which is why she refused to kill me. \n\nI know it's a code.\n\nBut, for what?", "# Part 1\n\nWe thought angels were saintly creatures from the heavens and demons were horrifying monsters from hell.\n\nBut we were wrong.\n\nWhile both were similarly horrifying, angels were the true monsters. Giant behemoths born from stars, their monstrous bodies resembled titans of legend bathed in light. As far as we knew, they had no capacity to be reasoned with. Instead, they were like forces of nature unleashed on our world to wreak havoc and destruction.\n\nDemons, on the other hand, were like parasites to the angels, relying on the massive beings of light for food similar to how the Egyptian plover relied on the Nile crocodile. Or maybe the relationship was more symbiotic? Either way, they both arrived on our planet at the same time, annihilating a fourth of the world’s population within the first year.\n\nThe demons fed off humans of course, drinking their blood and feasting on their bodies, but they were intelligent beings capable of human speech. Which meant they were also capable of negotiation.\n\n“Lilith, remember this above all else when you leave the cave. It is much better to run across a demon than an angel. A demon can be bargained with. An angel, on the other hand, will kill you on sight.” My human mother then sighed heavily, resting her hands on my thin shoulders, before pulling me in an embrace.\n\nI knew this of course – I had been born for this. After all, I was the product of one such bargain, being half-human, half-demon. It had been an attempt to create something that could more successfully navigate the outside world in order to help recover supplies for the survivors who lived within the maze of tunnels underneath the city. Although, the deal hadn’t been my mother’s idea. Nor had she been consenting.\n\nNevertheless, she loved me as her own, knowing I wasn’t to blame for the decisions of evil men made almost fifteen years ago. And she still loved me, even despite my vibrant crimson eyes, pointy ears, and the small black horns protruding out of my black hair a few inches above my ears. At least I didn’t have wings or tails, as demons often had multiples of both, because then it would have made blending in almost impossible.\n\nAs it were, I still was kept away from most of the surviving populace. My very existence was a secret to many. Only those in power, the same ones who had made the deal to create me, as well as the people in section twenty-three, were aware of me.\n\nBut now wasn’t the time for such thoughts. Now, for the very first time, I would enter the barren world of angels and demons in order to find anything of value to help the people survive. The last thirty-one scouts sent out had vanished without a trace, despite the fact that they had entered the city above ground in various locations.\n\nSo now, they were finally sending me, even though I was barely fourteen years old. At least Ezekiel was coming with me. While he wasn’t very experienced himself, only being seventeen, he had at least been out a few times and had some idea of what to expect.\n\nHe cleared his throat now. “Ms. Lancaster, we really need to go. The sun has already risen.”\n\nMy mother nodded somberly as she pulled away from me with tears in her eyes. “Just take care of my little girl,” she whispered to him while staring at me.\n\nI gave her a weak smile in response, trying to be brave for her. “I’ll be fine mom. I’m both stronger and faster than a normal person.” She knew that of course, but it didn’t make it any easier.\n\nShe nodded again, unable to speak. I gently removed her hands still on my shoulders and held them in front of me just briefly before letting go. “Alright,” I said calmly to Ezekiel. “Let’s go.”\n\n# Part 2\n\nEzekiel took a deep breath, likely to calm his own nerves, and then slowly began removing the flat stone that covered up the crawlspace where we would exit. Without a word, he slipped down onto his stomach, a flashlight in hand, and began making his way through the six-foot-long tunnel. I quickly followed after him, feeling unexpectedly claustrophobic from being momentarily surrounded my thick stone on all sides.\n\nBut then it was quickly over as my friend helped pull me the rest of the way out and up onto my feet. “Thanks,” I whispered, examining our surroundings in the dim space. I didn’t need a flashlight to see like him. My red eyes emitted their own faint light that gave me the ability to perceive my surrounding even in the pitch-black.\n\nIf the repugnant scent of death wasn’t enough indication, then the scattered bones were. We had exited into the poorly kept catacombs of an ancient citadel. I quickly pinched my nose shut, feeling violated by the ghastly scent.\n\n“Come on,” Ezekiel whispered, already ten feet behind me on the other side of the room. I quickly trailed after him, ready to be out of this hell-hole. But the place was like a maze in its own right. I was thankful he knew the way.\n\nAfter numerous turns, we found ourselves in a narrow hallway just before entering a much wider room with a stone stairwell on the other side. Ezekiel didn’t even hesitate as he crossed the empty space to make his way up the stairs. After all, no demon was small enough to fit through the entrance to the catacombs, a fact that had always made me wonder how it was possible for me to be conceived. I had never asked my mother though, knowing it was a memory she wouldn’t want to recall willingly.\n\nEzekiel became more cautious as he exited the top of the stairs. The room was filled with wooden bookshelves of old tomes, mostly records of those who resided in the massive crypt below. The door on the other end of the room had been smashed some time ago, part of the door still hanging off the hinges, while the etchings of massive claws decorated the stone frame.\n\nA demon had tried getting in here once. Hopefully long ago.\n\nHowever, the marking gave Ezekiel pause too, which wasn’t a good sign. From what I knew, he had been here roughly four months prior. He should have seen them before.\n\n“Is that new?” I asked quietly with concern.\n\nHe glanced back at me and shook his head. “No, but I was here when it happened. Mr. Finch and I almost died that day, barely making it through the doorway in time.”\n\nI gasped quietly. “Then why are we here? Why not exit in a different location?”\n\nHe shrugged. “Basically all of our ways out of the caverns are know by the demons. There’s nothing we can do about that. But the sun’s up, so we shouldn’t have to worry about them.”\n\nIt was a known fact that neither the demons nor angels were usually active during the day. The few scientists who had survived believed the astral behemoths fed off the sunlight for energy, falling into a sort of daily hibernation while they fed. Similarly, demons seemed to rest while the sun was out. However, that didn’t make them incapable of attack. Just unlikely to do so.\n\nI took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Ezekiel gave me a knowing look, but didn’t say anything. I finally nodded silently, taking a step towards him.\n\nA step towards the unknown.\n\n# [Part 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/AuthorKurt/comments/9cc7ec/angel_apocalypse_part_3/)\n\nThanks for reading! I have a couple of popular stories regarding some recent prompts going on at my subreddit right now, if you want to check them out at [r/AuthorKurt](https://www.reddit.com/r/AuthorKurt)", "The warmth coming from the opening is the only thing I can focus on. Despite my knowledge of how important the instructions I'm hearing are, they're meaningless compared to the tantalizing warmth in my immediate future. After 20 years in here, the idea of finally experiencing the outside world is so close I can literally feel it.\n\nMy hands tremble, holding my miniscule belongings needed to aid me through my journey. I won't be gone long, but any time outside is a potentially lethal endeavor. Like they said, the demons can be bargained with. It's the angels I'm really worried about.\n\nAfter they finished explaining the basics of everything I need to know, I'm given one final stern look before they grant me the opportunity I've been waiting for since I was old enough to understand its implications. \n\nAs I make my way towards the exit, the light grows brighter and the warmth reaches more of my skin. Its an intoxicating effect. Slowly but surely, however, the sounds of the outside world that I've been warned of begin to work their way into my ears. As I turn back, the opening is now barely visible. Even the tunnel to exit seems to stretch on forever, the tension building inside me, seemingly ready to burst.\n\nAs I near the opening, some dark, flying creature swoops past - seemingly not far from the ground. I stumble back as a nervous reaction, finally coming face to face with the nightmarish creatures whose only influence in my life up until this point had been a childhood boogeyman, one who's theoretical presence served as a terribly effective incentive to stay inside. \n\nFinally, I breach the exit and step forward, gazing into the mostly empty landscape ahead of me. Massive craters cut deep into the surface, several of which still emitting light smoke from their latest battles. The creature who started me moments ago now soars away, almost out of sight. Nothing but ash and dust as far as the eye can see. \n\n\"First time out here, I see\". \n\nThe calm yet sinister voice immediately sends my heart into my stomach, as I flail around to see a dark, shadowy figure just a few feet behind me. A smile creeps onto its face, amused at my fear.\n\n\"Doesn't seem like you're too cut out for this, are you?\"\n\nI realize the only way to get out of this is to assert myself, in any way I can.\n\n\"I am cut out for this\" was the best I could do.\n\nThe creature smiles wider.\n\n\"Give me what you have in the bag, and I'll let you go.\"\n\nI gaze down at the pack, realizing I barely have a chance at survival - with or without its contents. From where I stand, I could toss it back down the hole and likely return it without doing too much damage, sacrificing myself so whoever is nearby is helped for a few more days.\n\nNo. Not like this.\n\n\"I'll give you half of what I have.\" I say, more confidently.\n\nIt raises an eyebrow.\n\n\"More confident now, are we?\" \n\nThe smile turns into a grimace.\n\n\"Fine,\" he says. \n\nI search for the most expendable items, and gather them up. He snatches them away, greedily.\n\n\"Go now.\"\n\nI turn and leave without another word. \n\nAfter a few paces, I glance back slowly, to see that he had already disappeared. Silently, I curse myself for stopping. That was the one thing I was told to never do. \n\nTo my right, I notice a small shack. Occupied? Perhaps. But it's the only potential source of materials within sight, and I don't have much longer before I have to get back.\n\nAs I approach, an uneasy feeling sinks into my organs - telling me to turn and run. I can't, however, because to arrive back with less than I left with may as well mean not coming back at all.\n\nThe rusted, creaky metal door is dented and damaged. I pull at it gently, with a loud creak alerting any presence inside that a new visitor has arrived. I swing it open quickly, then step behind it, should anything burst out. My only choice of weapon was a particularly sharp rock I found shortly after my first encounter.\n\nAs I press my ear to the wall, there's nothing. Using the rock to give the door one final bang, I swoop inside and shut it behind me. Inside, the light is barely visible through the thin cracks in the wood, vaguely illuminating some dusty furniture - mostly overturned - and empty cans littering the ground. I kick one in frustration and anger at my horrible luck, though really I should've known anything this close would have been picked over long ago. \n\nMaking my way into what one day may have been a kitchen, a small, unopened box catches my eye beneath the countertop. Right as I kneel down to examine it, the door bursts open, accompanied by a sudden flash of bright light. My heart begins beating. This can't be the end.\n\nSeveral slow, thunderous footsteps cross the room as the light seemingly gets brighter and brighter. I attempt to slide my boot a bit closer out of view, mentally calculating the risk of sound it may carry. I clasp my gloved hand to my mouth to cover the sounds of my breathing, as the creature lets out a frustrated grunt, before kicking a hole in the opposite side of the wall, and leaving unsatisfied. I wait for what feels like hours, before slowly sliding back out to see if I can reach the package.\n\nTo my surprise, it's still taped shut, but my rock slices through it effortlessly, revealing a book. A book? I had only heard of these in stories, but never seen one in real life. We learned to read through stone tablets and chalk, but never had I seen a physically printed book before. A cloudy layer of dust covers it, which I furiously scrape away at to reveal a series of words - The Holy Bible.", "With a nod and looked at cave's opening. The minute I stepped beyond it I would no longer belong. It would be just me and my mission. \n\n\nI felt my father and my brothers behind me but didn't look back and walked forward. \n\n\nThe trip down the mountain to the city was a short one and under the cover of night I passed unseen as I ran and jumped the over roof tops. \n\n\nTwice I lost my footing as the wood under me gave way to rot and poor repair but my luck held. \n\n\nMy father's voice was ringing in my ears as I heard a familiar call in the streets below me. \n\n\n\"12 o'clock and all's well!\" \n\n \nEven after all that training, just the sound of their voices was enough to cause me heart to beat faster. I ran faster, trying to out run their cries. Faster and faster to my target. \n\n\nI blame their voices for my haste, for being stupid to realize that getting to the warlord's mansion was too easy, for panicking and getting caught even before I reached the inner chambers. \n\n \n\"So, what do we have here? They're sending kids to assassinate me now?\" Said the warlord. He didn't even bother to dress and just stood there looming over me in his night gown.\n\n\n\"So boy, who sent you? Give me a name and I might show you mercy.\" He said rubbing his chin. \n\n\nWith his guards holding me down all I could do was bow my head in submission... and hide my smile. The demon asks for the bargain himself.\n\n\nThough my life was forfeited the minute I was given this assignment there was still some use of it. By giving the wrong name I would plant the seed of doubt in his heart. I would probably not be there for when it bloomed a crimson red but for my life I would get war. One this demon might not survive... With my head bowed and my voice shaky I made my peace, and my bargain. ", "Once\n---\n upon a time, there lived a world with 10 suns. Each of them desired the Earth and its inhabitants, but were content to share with their brothers and sisters.\n\nEach morning, a new sun would rise into the sky and replace their sibling. Each evening, a new sun would bear witness to the sins of the world. It was a cold, cold world below them. Homes were built out of stone, men were born in mud, and death would reclaim them all to dust. Millennia passed as the suns simply watched, looking down upon man and his suffering. They watched as man grew into towers of steel and worlds of silicon. They watched as man plundered the knowledge of the unknown, as demons were summoned and the Moon waxed in power. Still, man would die. Still flesh would crumble into dust.\n\nOne morning the suns found themselves both unwilling and unable to exercise restraint, and they surged forward to embrace their dependents. That morning 10 suns filled the sky, each greedier than the last. The Moon protested, attempted to halt their avarice, to grant humanity the brief respite of night, but for this limitation the suns only grew greedier in the day.\n\nThose who were embraced by the suns’ rays changed. They melted, but they did not die. For the suns wished to be loved as they love, and brought gifts to those they touched. They touched those who bared themselves to the sun and turned them into angels, beings of light and heat that would live eternally.\n\nWelcome to a world of eternal life and euphoria. To a world of fluid forests and liquid amalgamations. To a world of endless summer. Welcome to a world in which no skin should be left bare, where humanity has learned to embrace the darkness and shy away from the light. Welcome to the 9th day of the 9th month of the 9th year of the 10 suns. Welcome, to the end of new beginnings.\n\n“Listen.\"\n---\n He shakes me. \"Are you listening to me?” The respirator clicks, pipes wheezing their way to an oxygen tank. I nod, spy my own reflection inside of the lens of his gas mask. I’m afraid, my skin pale in contrast to the crimson hazmat suit.\n\n“Good.” He coughs, the sound of his voice perverted into a metallic buzz. “Do you know what you need to do?”\n\n“Move the package.” The strap around my shoulder, the package itself pressing against my hip.\n\n“Yes! And how will you move this package?”\n\n“Quickly.”\n\n“And what if they come close?”\n\n“Stay still. Stay silent.”\n\nHe nods, brushing my cheek with his glove. Musty leather and spoiled sewage. The smell of my childhood, of darkness and safety. He hugs me, wraps his arms around my head and pulls me into an embrace, muttering into my ear.\n\n\"Run from the devils. Run from the angels. Hide from the sun. Your skin is not theirs to see.\"\n\nI nod, squinting my eyes shut as tears swell. Once, twice, his hand pats my head. Then I'm standing and he's gone, striding into the control room.\n\n\"She's ready!\"\n\n I strap my gas mask on as the cave doors crank open, letting the light in.\n\n\n\n\n\n", "Eli stepped inside the nylon enclosure. A fine mist sprayed the outside of his suit, returning it to the original pristine white. He shucked off his gloves, then raised his hands for a scan. Clean. The soft beeping let him know that he was cleared to remove the hazard suit, and so he did, revealing sweaty hair pressed down by his helmet. It had been a long day, and he hoped that Maggie's shift in the greenhouses was almost over. But he had barely entered the settlement before Ames stopped him. \"Eli, you're back late. Emergency meeting in the tent. I'm getting Colwell. See you there.\" \n\n&#x200B;\n\nFighting back fatigue and a growing sense of dread, Eli pushed open the tent to see his Rangers, clustered in groups of two or three, talking in hushed, urgent tones. He glanced left and right, looking for friendly faces or even an acknowledgment of his presence. Something was wrong. He let the noise wash over him and picked up snippets at a time: \"still don't think it's true-\" \"but what if we've-\" \"a trick designed to-\" It was too much to take in. He sank to the floor, leaned against a supply box, and let himself rest. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nEli was seconds from dozing off when Ames and Colwell returned. The tall, severe lead ranger was as blunt as ever. \"Gentlemen. You've heard the reports of activity near the caverns. We're going to play you this recording and then we will discuss a plan of action.\" The rangers broke apart from their groups, turned to face Ames with hesitation, glancing back and forth from him to Colwell. \"I know you're wondering what our head scientist is doing here. We'll explain later.\" Colwell nodded, her dark eyes unreadable. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThe recording began with a voice that Eli thought he recognized. \"This is Ranger Allen, date is May 11 at approximately 2 pm. Placing this recording device in section West F as part of routine zombie patrol to monitor activity in the West F cavern structure.\" Ames skipped forward. The recording cut in with static, then another voice. It was not an accent Eli had heard before, but it was unmistakably English. English spoken by a human. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Remember this above all else when you leave the Cave. It is much better to run across a demon than angel. A demon can be bargained with. An angel, on the other hand, will kill you on sight.\" \"But Baba, the demons hate us too. Why are they so angry?\" \"They're sick, love, and we don't know how to make them better. If you were thirsty and I didn't give you any water, would you be angry at me?\" \"Only a little bit, Baba.\" \"Daisy, love, what do you do if you see a demon?\" \"Demons have red faces, and they go RAAAGH. You tell them you know where there is a lot of meat, and then you take them to the river because they can't swim like us.\" \"Very good! And what do you do if you see an angel?\" \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThere was static. The child's voice -Daisy- was hard to pick up. \"Angels are...all white, and no faces...and have guns. You have to run.\" Eli felt dizzy. Some of the rangers were crying. He covered his face. Colwell's voice, when it came, seemed to echo down a long, deep tunnel. \"We're not sure what to make of this. It's possible that the cavern may house a group of ....survivors that we...were not aware of.\" Eli's ears still echoed with Daisy's voice. How old was she- eight, nine? Like his own Leah? Survivors. Had Daisy spent her whole life in that cave? All white, and no faces, and have guns. Did we kill them? Someone was looking at him. He didn't know he had spoken aloud, but it came out as a roar, thick with grief. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"DID WE KILL THEM?\"", "Kali swallows hard, giving a slight nod to the elder. She’d been told this for ages but yet today, today is the first day it had mattered. That it would be whether she lived or died by following the rule. \n\n“You will do well, Kali,” Elder Ingrid reassures her. “You’re small and quick. Go now and come back quick.” There’s a firmness to the low tone Ingrid takes. \n\nWords have left Kali, her tongue thick in her mouth. She can only nod in response. Glancing across the others sleeping, she reassures herself of the path she’s taking. The elder’s hand leaves her shoulder, letting Kali turn and hurry with silent footsteps towards the entrance of the Cave. \n\nEven with her resolve firm, Kali hesitates at the entrance. She looks back again, all the way to where, in the dark, she can see the bodies of those beginning to stir. Her fingers dig into the strap for her bag and she steps out into the daylight. Real daylight. Not the faux light within the Cave. \n\nKali scurries across the plains, hiding as best she can with there being few options, drawing her cloak around her in attempts to hide better. She couldn’t be assured of anything until she reached the Forest. It might have its own dangers but there was always danger. \n\nThe Forest had covered the world, the elders had told her when she was young. It had been razed to the ground over many years and now, seeks to retake what had belonged to it. It was their duty to encourage the Forest, as it did give much more cover compared to the open, half-barren plains. \n\nWhistling. \n\nKali freezes, hunkering down between rocks and half-grown scrub brush. She draws her cloak around her and over the ground, peering half through it in an attempt to see where it might be coming from. Her ears tell her that it’s coming from her left. She can see nothing though. Did angels whistle? Did demons? Or is it something wholly different? Gatherers brought back tales of strange creatures that fit no remaining books, it’s possible she could be that unlucky. \n\nShe hadn’t even made it to the Forest. It’s tantalizingly close. Enough strides to be distant but close enough to make her want to run for it. Kali takes a breath, calculating the distance in her mind, moving slightly. If she pushed off… but no, the whistling is closer now. Too close for comfort.\n\nHad it seen her? Kali’s gaze scans what she can see, through the cloak and under the edge of the hood. There’s nothing. Nothing to create the whistling. Her heart slowly sinks, fingers moving to her throat, where the cloak is pinned. She might need to abandon it, flee for either the Cave or the Forest while whatever it is distracted itself with her cloak. \n\nThe sound is much closer, almost on top of her. She unpins the cloak from around her throat. It lets her twist just enough to look through it and upward, behind her. \n\nThere. \n\nKali swallows a gasp. Her body trembles, fingers digging into the dirt below her. Through the protection that the cloak affords her, she meets the eyes of fire as they scan over her position. There’s a moment of hesitation, scanning over it again. \n\nThen they move on, continuing to look over the barren plains. Kali continues to hold her breath as the being, still whistling walks by where she’s hidden herself. It stops shy though, examining the edge of the Forest as Kali trembles in hiding. \n\nRustling and crackling overtake the silence before wings spread from its back, large enough to engulf Kali’s sight of the creature. She stares before, in a blink, its airborne, cruising low over the trees. \n\nKali collapses on the rocks below her, swallowing the screams and sobs that want to come out. A few stray tears still find their way down her face. She can see the Cave far behind her. She could still go back. Pinning the cloak back around her throat with trembling hands, Kali gathers herself, pulling the cloak around her and staring at the edge of the Forest. \n\nThere is no other option though. She must go. \n\nWith a final glance towards the Cave, wondering if she’ll see it again, she darts forward and the boughs of the forest overtake her. \n**\n^(Find more of my writing on my subreddit, r/Syraphia)", "The words echoed fruitlessly in her head as her grip around her rifle grew ever tighter. It sat perched atop a tower of steel and wires, massive clawed feet contorting metal bars as if they were made of paper. It hadn't seen her yet, or so she hoped, but she knew that any sudden movements could easily change that for the worse. \n\nSweat ran across her forehead and into her eyes as she tried her hardest not to reach up and wipe them off. Instead, eyes fixed on enormous wings that flexed slightly with the wind, she forced her legs to move. It was not slowly enough. The minute she shifted her feet the angel spun it's avian head around and stared directly at her with sharp. brilliantly golden eyes.\n\nShe ran even before the fear gripped her like a vice and the horrible shriek of the angel rang out across the ruins. She was in an alley before she even realized what happened, running past fallen debris and upturned concrete like she had been born to do so. \n\nA shadow suddenly blocked out the sun, and without thinking, she whirled around and fired her rifle up against the beaked monstrosity that tried its hardest to squeeze down into the narrow alleyway. It was a futile gesture, but even as the bullet reached its destination to no apparent effect, that simple act of resistance made her feel just a little bit better. That feeling proved shortlived. \n\nThe angel broke past a myriad of metal staircases as it desperately tried to force its massive wingspan into the comparatively narrow gap. Huge clawed hands grasped for her as she ran, and she knew she only managed to stay out of their reach because of the terrain advantage. And there was no way for her to keep that advantage for long. \n\n\"Over here,\" Came the faint call of a young girl as she sprinted past an open door. Cursing herself for not noticing earlier, and with the angel hot on her heels, she took a hard left as soon as she could. She would have to circle back. That was not a very appealing notion, especially considering the fact that she didn't just imagine the voice. Or worse yet that it was an angelic trick. \n\nThe angel roared loudly behind her at the sudden turn, but she knew the extra width would only worsen her situation once it recovered. And so, even though her lungs burned like fire and her legs ached like never before, she forced herself to run faster. Her only advantage came when taking corners, so it was imperative that she ran quicker on the stretches in between. \n\nBut she wouldn't be faster than an angel, and as she took the first corner she could hear the massive beast crash into a building on the opposite side of the road less than a second after. It shrieked again and she focused on the fact that there were only two corners left. However, this first one was on a large street, which meant the angel could once more utilize its wings. She had to be faster. \n\nThe buildings that made up the alley nearly collapsed seconds after she darted into it, the massive form of an angel flying full speed into the opening and not quite fitting through. She stumbled and almost fell as the impact rocked the very foundation of the street, her legs close to giving up. One more corner. \n\nFor the last one, she was well ahead, though that meant only a second or two to a being such as that. A second or two that she desperately needed if she wanted to cling to the small hope of it not seeing her enter the building. It would be close, but as she ran toward the door with blurry vision, certain that at any point a massive hand would grab her up into the sky, she was pulled in by the collar by a different hand.\n\nIt was dark in the room, and as soon as she was inside the hand let go of her and the door closed behind her. All noise disappeared, including that of the angel she had no doubt was still out there, rampaging through the streets. There was only silence, darkness, and a faint scent of pepper in the air. \n\nAll of the sudden the room was lit, all over, at the same time, and it was all she could do not to recoil in terror. Ahead of her sat a humanoid creature at least three times her size, it's color a constant mix between orange and red. On it's back sat a pair of wings, but in stark contrast to the avian features of an angel, these wings were clearly those of an insect like a butterfly or moth. \n\nIt's strangely thin and frail body was protected in large part by a thin carapace that accented its features but did not obscure them. Four thin arms that ended in hands akin to those of men, yet pointy and sharp at the tips, seemed to fidget occasionally as it observed her in turn. The head was most peculiar, however, for it was almost identical to that of a human, save for the helmet-like horn that covered anything above the forehead. \n\nIt uttered an almost musical noise all of the sudden, and she reached for her rifle before recognizing the sound as melodious laughter. It smiled at her before standing up on two thin legs far too long for its body and leaned in to speak with her.\n\n\"Truly, you little ones never seem to learn,\" It said, in a very distinctively feminine voice, which, after having seen its face, further solidified the fact that the it* was, in fact, a she. \"Again and again, you climb out of the sewers, as if you wish for nothing more than to be hunted.\" \n\n\"T-Thank you for saving me,\" She said with an attempt to steel her voice, fighting back every instinct in her body telling her to run, \"Now please don't eat me,\"\n\n\"Eat you?\" The demon asked, bursting out into laughter, all four arms gripping its stomach, \"No, I won't eat you, little girl,\" \n\n\"Then what do you want?\" She asked, gripping her rifle as tightly as possible in an attempt to release the panic that sought to overwhelm her. \n\n\"I want what we always want, and what you're always willing to give,\" The demon said, moving closer and gripping her tightly by the arms to look right into her eyes. \"I only ask, for a favor,\" \n" ]	[ 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 6, 6, 6, 17, 18, 19, 32, 63, 93, 118, 1527 ]	[ "1535818999", "1535839596", "1535859510", "1535860015", "1535862840", "1535845113", "1535847964", "1535854169", "1535864519", "1535837483", "1535851137", "1535857347", "1535835356", "1535845887", "1535838572", "1535826939", "1535829646", "1535837665", "1535824210", "1535823962" ]
&#x200B;	[WP] You wake up to find that no one remembers you. You're chased out of your home by your family and estranged by your classmates. There is one person you don't remember though, and she is claiming to be your ally.	230	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "In the eyes of the Gods do you think suicide is the biggest sin? No. Its self murder\n\n.....\n\nToday I wake up earlier than usual. Afterall dreaming seeing yourself sleeping soundly at a kings bed no less inside a big ass castle is like the best dream anyone could ever ask for. So yes it does gets you a bit estatic. Yet its a dream that left me an eerie feeling - for everthing felt so real. \n\n“John get up already or you’ll be late for school again!” Shouted mom \n\n“I’m all done!” I answered proudly, afterall I had a good head start. I pack my stuff, took my bag, and went down to prepare myself some eggs and bacon. I never thought being ahead felt so good. And not too long after I am made aware that it was all I really had\n\n“Who are you? What are you doing inside my house? John? John!!” Mom said with an obvious panic in her voice when she saw me at the table\n\n“Great prank mom” I said “Oscar winning acting” I continued grinning as I noticed what I percieve is sincerity in her questions\n\n“I don’t who you are young man or what you’re up to here but it would be wise of you to get out now” Mom said, calming herself as she was slowly inching towards the knife shelves. \n\nI knew then she wasn’t joking, so I ran out. When I look back I saw Mom talking at the phone, reporting what I believe is my pressence to the police. So I ran again, even farther, till I saw two of my classmates\n\n“Jake! Jane!” I call out hard to them. But the confusion in their eyes when they saw me told me that they too, don’t know who I am. And again I ran, this time as far I could till i lost my breath\n\n“Let me help you john” a soothing voice said as I was crying from fear and confusion as to what is happening at the moment “You’re not at fault, It was an accident” she continued\n\n“What are talking about? What is this! What is THIS!!” My voice raised with an uncontrolled anger\n\n“You made a dimension leap and both the you was supposed to have a fair doppleganger match. A ‘space’ was be fabricated where your two souls sets out to see who will get a look at the other first. Win and you take up the other you’s existence or he defends and you get erased”\n\nI was speechless, and admittedly I am dumbfounded. Its not something any sane person can swallow\n\n“The reality is rejecting you john, it does not respect your win for not giving the other you a chance. You took a look before he even wakes up at that ‘space’. You commited the worse crime any soul can commit, murdering the other you. But worry not, John I am your ally, and i’ll take up your case to face the trial of the Gods”", "\"Look, I woke up and my mum start throwing kitchen knives at me, my sister cried when she saw me and my best friend threatened to beat me up... and your going to explain it to me?\" I asked frustrated. The girl that stood in front of me was short, she also wore something that belonged right in a cyber punk neon dress. Whereas my tracksuit pants were covered in mud and being held up by my hands. \n\n\"Look, it'll all make sense when you come with me... Alright Virus send the Malware.\" She talked into a wrist watch that glowed neon purple.\n\n\"What is this the matrix?\" I asked sarcastically as a neon bus with the words \"MALWARE\" screeched around the corner. \n\"Get in.\" She said as she stared into the distance, perfect movie trailer pose.\n\n\"Can't get any worse.\" I sighed as I walked into the garishly bright neon interior of the bus. \n\n\"I suppose you'll want to know whats going on. I'm Cyber.\" Cyber said as she flicked her neon dyed hair. \n\"Actually no I want a sandwich, yes I want some fucking answers!\" I screamed and waving my hands wildly, hitting some sci fi gadget that went bleeeep. \n\n\"Don't touch the X-Tron!\" Cyber said flicking some switches on the \"\"X-Tron\"\" Jesus this was getting silly. \n\n\"Anyway, to answer your question. It's the lizard men.\" \n\"Oh fuck off.\" I rubbed my temples.\n\n\"Well everyone has forgot about you! Why are lizard men so far fetched.\" Cyber pouted like a story writer who was just told that their plot is basically harry potter with guns.\n\n\"Fair point, but why me?\" I sighed. Cyber sat up in her chair excitedly, looked me up and down and frowned.\n\n\"Well, anyone who is erased is a threat to the Under Society but...\" Cyber just pointed at me. \n\"What? Is something wrong with me?\" I asked offended that I couldn't be a threat to the Under Society.\n\n\"Wait the hell is an Under Society?\" \n\n\"The Under Society is comprised of the Lizard Men, Advanced AI created in the 70's, Vampires of ancient dictators, Greek myths that still live to this day, Aliens and David.\" \n\"Who the fucks David?\" \n\"The Overlord of the Under Society, our sworn enemy.\" Cyber explained gravely.\n\n\"David?\" \n\"Who else could rule such power hungry, viscous, cunning beasts.\" \n\n\"David?\" I asked again not sure if I laugh or pretend to be afraid. \n\n\"Yes, we're here.\" Cyber said shaking her head, as if some great tragedy had happened involving David in the not so distant past perfect for a prequel series. \nCyber left the bus and entered a cave base that was matte black with various neon veins being pumped to various vehicles, and weapons.\n\n\"I might like this place.\" I said as I approached the big fuck off sword that bled neon red blood.\n\n\"That's the Antivirus sword, it's called that because when making it Byte accidentally cut Virus with it.\" Cyber explained.\n\n\"What is this place?\" I asked, narrowly keeping myself from grabbing Antivirus.\n\n\"Our main base, it's called Motherboard.\" Cyber explained.\n\n\"And why did you bring me here?\" I asked after seeing a frail shadowy figure sitting in the darkness, eyes illuminated with green lights. \n\"Because your our newest member of the resistance.\" Cyber said proudly, her line the perfect place for the first chapter of a book to leave off on.", "Just keep your head down, I told myself, Just don’t draw attention to yourself and everything will be fine\n\nI walked into Physics, my third hour on a Monday already feeling like the whole week. I got a few curious glances, but fortunately High School students aren’t very enthusiastic about investigating stuff like this. My Physics teacher, Coach Jay, doesn’t have a seating chart, so I sat down in the back corner of the class room. His room is organized into columns of two desks, so there was an empty seat to my right. I was praying that nobody would take it, but alas, my luck was not so.\n\nA girl I didn’t recognize came over with a smile, and asked “Mind if I sit here?” I, being the least assertive person on the planet, said “No”. “Thanks.” She dropped her bag and slid next to me, “I’m Lydia, what’s your name?”. “Jack.” “You’re new around here, aren’t you Jack?”\n\n\nThe way Lydia said it sounded less like a question and more like an order. I scanned her quickly, trying to see if there was anything off about her. She had dirty blonde hair in a low ponytail, brown eyes, rosy cheeks, and an all around attractive quality to her. But I also noticed she seemed... nervous, or something. Like the kind of nervous when there’s a big test coming up that hour, or someone with stage fright right before they go on stage. \n\n\n“Yeah, I transferred.” I agreed to more so than answered her question.\n\n“Where did you transfer from?” Lydia saw my moment’s hesitation as I tried to think of another school in the area, “Madison?”\n\n“Yeah, Madison.”\n\n“Make sure you know where you’re from, Jack. People will get suspicious.” Her tone was serious, and it gave me an odd feeling in my stomach, “You do any sports?”\n\n“Yeah, I play basketball.”\n\n“Good, but you don’t have the paperwork in yet to play here, so you won’t go to practice today, right?”\n\n“Umm...”\n\n“Right? Jack?” Lydia looked into my eyes, commanding me to follow her lead. So I did.\n\n“Yeah. Yeah, my physical isn’t registered here yet. It’s my first day, so no surprise there.”\n\n“Good. Very good.” The bell interrupted the conversation, “Alright Jack. Follow my lead, and remember what we just talked about. You’ll do great.”\n\nCoach Jay started roll call. He read off a few names (all people I knew but whom didn’t know me), and then, like he knew her from one of his previous classes, he casually read “Lydia, I saw you walk in.” After a few more he got to my name, “Jack... Worziniak?” I raised my hand, “Did I pronounce it right?” “Yes sir.” “You’re new here, at least in this class, right?” “Yes sir. Just transferred from Madison.” “Nice. Well, I’m Coach Jay, you can call me Coach. You play any sports, Jack?” “Basketball, Coach.” “Basketball? So I’ll be seeing you at practice today then?” “Sorry coach, I’ve got to get my physical turned in still.” “Well, get in quickly so we can get you out on the courts, K Jack?” “Will do Coach.” “Good man. Alex Garr?...”\n\nThroughout class, I gave a few sidelong glances at Lydia, who seemed less nervous now but still attentive. When Coach told the class to pull out their homework, Lydia stopped me as I reached into my backpack. “You’re new, remember? Here, follow along on mine.” And she pulled from her backpack a three ring binder with the year’s assignments so far, and even dividers for different sections. She pulled out yesterday’s homework, done in neat handwriting and in entirety. She ended up getting a perfect grade on it, and she got all the same answers I had got, which flustered me. But I shrugged it off and stayed quiet until the end of class, with no incident. As we were leaving class, she told me to keep it up and to stick with her, “And we’ll make it until the end of the day. I’m your friend here, Jack, your ally.”\n\nI had two other classes with Lydia, Shop and Algebra, and we sat together at lunch. At lunch she asked me a bunch more questions about who I was, uncannily the same questions that I was asked my people throughout the day. By seventh hour Algebra, end of the day, I had created a convincing tale that I was a Junior from Madison High, and simply said what I actually did as though I was a student there (Basketball, Video games, Baseball in the spring, etc.). During Algebra, Lydia, who was sitting right next to me, invited me to her house after school, and offered me a ride. I agreed, with no other place to go. When school was out, I followed her out to her car, a bright red Jeep, and jumped in shotgun. Once the doors were closed and she \nbegan driving , she started talking.\n\n“Long day?”\n\n“Yeah, longer than the usual Monday.”\n\n“Well, you made a convincing first day. I thought I even saw you asking directions in the hallway once.”\n\n“I figured it would be a good touch. But I can tell you know this isn’t really my first day.”\n\n“Of course not. Just like you can tell that I know what I’m doing.”\n\n“Can you tell me what’s going on? I’ve been at this school for two and a half years, and no one remembers me.”\n\n“You’ve lived at home for sixteen and no one remembers you, either.”\n\nIt was true. I had gotten all my ready when my Mom walked into the kitchen, freaked out, and chased me out of the house. My usual walk to school turned into a run, but the whole time I was just confused. Now, I was even more so.\n\n“Is there any way to fix it?” I asked, “Or am I stuck?”\n\n“Jack, your problem is a regular case of quantum disconnect. You’ve been knocked out of sync with the time-space continuum, but only just. That’s why your name is still on all of the attendance sheets and rosters, but why no one remembers you. We can fix it by rewinding the clock to the last synchronized point, sometime last night.”\n\n“What?” It was all jargon to me.\n\n“Think of it this way. Time is a straight line, going forward. It’s not, but imagine it is. You deviated from that line for a moment; you branched off the path. During that time when you were branching, the people in this timeline forgot about you. You were erased from their memory, because human brains can’t process something that’s outside their time. What we’re going to do is cut that timeline right where you diverge, then move it up and place it at the end of your branch. For you, it will seem as though everything kept marching on. For everyone else, their brains will self correct and you’ll be back in business for Tuesday.”\n\n“How the hell do you know all of this?” I asked her, “Who are you?”\n\n“Jack, I’m the person whose job it is to fix these things when they go wrong. Your problem’s j fixable, and common. What’s not as fixable is when the reverse happens.”\n\n“The reverse?”\n\n“You disappear, but everyone still remembers you. Count yourself lucky, because we still haven’t figured out a way to fix that one.”\n\n“But you haven’t answered my question: Who are you?”\n\nWe pulled into her driveway, up to a secluded farmhouse, surrounded by trees. She led me inside and down to the basement, where there was a very large computer set up at a desk.\n\n“Ever seen Doctor Who?” She asked me.\n\n“No, but I know what it is.”\n\n“Well, think of me like a Time Lord, except I’m just human. Here, get comfy: this will only take a minute. I’m going to simulate the rest of today for you. All your homework will be done, and you’ll be back in your bed at home when your alarm goes off tomorrow morning. You’ll have missed basketball practice, but so be it.”\n\n“What about you? Will you stick around?” I asked.\n\n“I’m a busy girl, Jack. Besides, I can’t stay here. People will get suspicious. I can’t trick their brains forever.”\n\n“So where will you go? Will I ever see you again?”\n\nLydia looked at me, and she laughed pleasantly, “I’ll be around, Jack. People who have stuff like this are more apt to have it again. I just hope we don’t meet again in a more dire situation. Now, put this headset on, and get comfy.”\n\n“Wait! There’s so much more I want to ask you-“\n\n“And there’s so much more you don’t need to know. Just remember not to say anything about me or today, got it? People will think you’re crazy.”\n\n“Fine.” I still was confused, but I accepted it.\n\n“See you around, Jack.” \n\n\n\n\nI woke up in my bed, in my room, my head full of memories I hadn’t made. My alarm was going off, and my Mom called from downstairs “Jack, get up! You’re going to be late for school!”\n\n\nSince then I’ve been trying to figure out what Lydia was talking about. It’s been nearly a decade, a Masters in theoretical physics and a Minor in computer simulations later, I’m beginning to figure it out. There’s a lot I should tell you, but I’m afraid I’ve said too much already. Lydia’s probably going to be pissed that I said what I have, but I needed to tell my story. If you want to know more, you’ll have to find me- or the other way around. ", "Felix woke, screaming from the nightmare that had plagued him all night. Frantically he searched his body for the numerous wounds he had sustained in his dreams, finding no signs of the holes that had been torn open in his body and thankfully finding his arm back where it belonged, instead of in the maw of that beast he had so painstakingly killed mere moments ago.\n\nContent with his lack of injury, Felix went to lay his head back down on the pillow in the futile hope that sleep would envelop him in her beautiful arms when the door burst open and his father came in roaring with a baseball bat in hand. \n\n\"WHO ARE YOU! HOW DID YOU GET IN HERE!\" he screamed at the top of his lungs, brandishing the bat in such a way that it could not be mistaken for anything other than a threat.\n\n\"Dad? Are you oka...\" Felix didn't even get to finish his sentence before he roared back at him.\n\n\"MY SON DIED YEARS AGO! GET THE FUCK OUT BEFORE...\" He waved the bat around slightly, clearly indicating what was coming if Felix didn't leave this place immediately. \n\nWith his head full of fog and his body doing its best impression of roadkill, Felix stumbled past him and out of the room, where he saw his mother in a simple nightgown in the hallway looking shocked and furious as she clung to the landline fiercely. \n\n\"I...I'm calling the cops.\" Her voice faltered as she looked at him, but firmed at the end as she started pressing the 0 key three times.\n\nWith a renewed sense of haste, as well as a renewed sense of being roadkill, Felix did what he was told to do and left the house. He found himself standing in the middle of the street, in the dead of night in nothing but a pair of torn pyjama bottoms and the shoes he had managed to snag on his way out. \n\nHe didn't know how long he stood there, staring up at the perfect moon in a daze when the sirens snapped him out of it and his instincts kicked in. Without hesitation, Felix spun on his heel and bolted into his neighbours' yard. Without pausing he leapt the fence and found himself face to face with a stranger. She had the most brilliant smile on her face.\n\n\"Hi Felix, I'm Rebecca.\" Her voice was gravelly yet somehow the most heavenly thing he'd ever heard. He was about to say something decidedly stupid when his mind snapped back into place and instincts he, admittedly didn't know he had, took over and he leapt back with his hands up in a fighting stance.\n\n\"So Rebecca, who the ever loving fuck are you?\" His voice was stern and decidedly dangerous. Her bright smile didn't falter even slightly.\n\n\"Felix. I'm a friend. Though I'm glad to see your training is kicking in.\" The confusion evident on his face, made her laugh, that gravelly voice of hers oddly melodic. \"So your memories aren't entirely back then. Hopefully, that changes before they show up.\" Her voice was amused up until the second she said the word 'they' then her voice went deadly serious.\n\n\"Who?\" She cut him off before he could speak anymore.\n\n\"There's no time for that.\" She said her hand slicing through the air. \"The cops are coming and if we don't get away from here and get your memories back, things won't go well for us.\" She didn't give him any time to answer, she grabbed his hand and started dragging him away. \"Quickly now.\" Her voice brokered no argument. \n\nIt took them less than 30 minutes to reach their destination. Turns out Rebecca lived in an apartment very close to his house. Entering the apartment he was greeted with a very spartan interior filled only with weights and an insane amount of weaponry. \"What is with this...\" his voice faltered as he saw the only personal item in the entire place. It was a picture of Rebecca and... himself.\n\nShe looked at him sheepishly. \"There truly is much you need to remember.\" Her gravelly voice was laced with trepidation. \n\nHe stared at the picture intently and then glanced at her face, her apprehension clearly showing. Somehow he hadn't noticed her eyes. They were a smoky grey and she had a small scar to the side of her right eye that wasn't present in the picture.\n\n\"Yes. I believe there is.\" His voice was serious but there it was tinged with warmth. \n\n---\n\nIf ya'll liked this, there might be more you like here. https://www.reddit.com/r/Ceruberus/\n\nEdit: Fixed the very obvious and very stupid mistake of switching from 1st to 3rd perspective.", "It had been a rough day. My family chased me out of house and home with that same formal politeness that extended toward strangers: they didn't want to help, they just wanted me out. I tried texting my friends but all I got was a whole lot of messages saying \"sorry, whose number is this?\" Calling them netted the same response, but verbally. I was just about to give up and walk into a random direction when Maisie nearly crashed headlong into me.\n\nI stared at the girl with bewilderment. She wasn't one of those Manic Pixie Dream Girl types. Dressed in a black hoodie and eyes that stared straight into my soul, she insisted again that she was my ally.\n\n\"Okay, Maisie, you're my ally? What are we fighting against? And why does no one remember me?\"\n\n\"I don't know. But I'll try my best to help you. Sorry I was late!\"\n\nWe reasoned that the best place to search would be government records. For all we said about its authoritarianism, it at least was efficient in cataloging everything we did and who we were. I checked online records in the military, in all my previous schools, nothing. Maisie suggested we check the hospital records.\n\nI saw my name. Deceased. 29 August 2018. Car crash.\n\nMaisie grabbed my hand as I dropped my phone in shock.\n\nMy family didn't just forget who I was, they were exorcising me. No wonder my head felt like a blur after I left the house. That also explained why my friends couldn't track me via my phone number or voice; they knew I was no longer of this Earth, and my voice probably sounded like static to them.\n\nMaisie strokes my hand. She is my ally, as she guides my lost soul in the direction I must go. I know what is required of me. I walk with her into the Great Unknown, to that place where the lost go to rest." ]	[ 1, 1, 2, 7, 15, 27 ]	[ "1535851697", "1535860374", "1535886293", "1535896820", "1535864014", "1535852992" ]
	[WP] Your partner gets invited to their school reunion and offers for you to come. Only problem is, the school is Hogwarts and you are a muggle.	70	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"That painting just talked.\" \n\n\"Come on, Daisy, just keep walking I'll fill you in later.\" \n\n\"Dean, that staircase just moved.\" \n\nHe put an arm around my shoulders. \"Just stay the course, the Great Hall is this way...\" \n\nHe led me into an enormous hall, with hundreds of candles floating near the ceiling. I stared at the enchanted ceiling above, my mouth briefly hanging open. \n\n\"This is the Gryffindor table,\" he said, leading me to one of the four massive tables. There were surprisingly few people, all told.\n\n\"You know, for a school so big, the reunion is kind of deserted...\" \n\n\"Well, a lot of people died that year, so--\" \n\n\"Wait what?\" \n\n\"I told you about the battle.\" \n\n\"Dean, you said people fought, you didn't tell me teenagers died. What about the healing magic?\" \n\nHe was about to explain when a handful of new people came into the room. I couldn't see, because the thirty or so alumni in the hall all stood up to clap at once, with a couple of green-draped exceptions. \n\nAfter the clapping stopped, they all went to sit in the Gryffindor table. A sharp-looking woman with bushy brown hair sat opposite to us with a red-haired man. On our side sat a woman with bright red hair and... Harry. \n\n\"Harry?\" I said, almost involuntarily, staring at him all grown up, with robes and a tie.\n\n\"Sorry, I don't believe I've had the--\" he began, then stared at me with puzzlement for a moment, before his eyes grew and he laughed. \"My goodness, Daisy?\"\n\n\"Yeah! How are you?\" \n\nDean chuckled as both redheads and the brown-haired woman looked at me in disbelief. \n\n\"Well, I... I suppose a lot has happened since we were ten. I'm head of the Aurors who are--wait, how are you here?\" \n\n\"Dean and I are engaged,\" I said with a grin, showing him my ring. \n\n\"Oh. Well, congratulations!\" \n\n\"Thank you!\"\n\n\"Harry, who is this?\" The red-haired woman asked. \n\n\"Oh, sorry Ginny--Daisy and I went to muggle school together, before Hogwarts.\"\n\n\"He helped me with maths, I helped him with history,\" I said. \"How is your cousin? Is he still an arsehole?\" \n\n\"Indeed he is, though he's mellowed out over the years.\" \n\n\"Well that's good to know,\" I said. The conversation wandered around a lot. People talked about their jobs, their children, the war. I wound up mostly talking to the ghosts, before I heard a woman make an extremely rude comment to someone else, near the green table. \n\n\"I can't believe they've allowed muggles in this year.\" \n\n\"Daphne, dear, keep quiet. Let's keep our heads low here.\" \n\nIt was only then, after shuffling away from those two, that I realized there had to be others like me here. Sure enough, there was a man in the blue table who wasn't wearing robes. I walked over to him.\n\n\"Hi there, I'm Daisy. You wouldn't happen to be a normal person, would you?\" I asked quietly. He sighed with no doubt the same relief I felt. \n\n\"Thank goodness, I can't understand half of what they're saying. I want to be here for Anthony, but all this talk of Dragons and Huffling puffs...\" he groaned. \"I'm Roger, by the way.\" \n\nThere are few things better for starting a new friendship than finding someone who feels exactly like you. It was thanks to Roger that the evening turned out surprisingly great. \n\n(Figured this prompt would make for a good sequel to this: https://www.reddit.com/r/Eager_Question_Writes/comments/8u83rp/eu_youre_a_muggle_who_went_to_primary_school_with/ )" ]	[ 1, 9 ]	[ "1535851759", "1535900409" ]
[removed]	[WP] You are a closeted gay man in a homophobic society. During a rally for your facist leader, he gives you "the look" when he sees you in the crowd. Later, a strange man knocks on your door.	1	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/Josh_From_Accounting, this submission has been removed.\n\n[No explicitly sexual responses, hate speech, or other harmful content](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_2.3A_no_explicitly_sexual_responses.2C_hate_speech.2C_or_other_harmful_content)\n\n- While it doesn't seem to be your intent, the mods reserve the right to remove anything we feel may become harmful to the community. \n\n Prompts will be removed if there's a high possibility for rule breaking responses ([rule 7](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses))\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/9cacp2/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1535872879", "1535873365" ]
	[WP] You made a wish with a genie, a reverse deal with Satan, are immortal, and have gone back in time with one modern piece of tech. You’re trapped in a writing prompt that reuses all the most common ideas. It’s time to break the fourth wall.	10	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOkay, so since I am a fictional character of a WRITTEN work...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n...and those writings are on reddit...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n...and the author can only influence my actions if he can SEE and EDIT my text...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n...then...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n...then what will happen to ME, if, for example, I FIRST jump into the reply to THIS story entry...\n\n&nbsp;" ]	[ 1, 6 ]	[ "1535892798", "1535893541" ]
	[WP] Every ten years, we amass enough power to let twenty people break into the Godly Realm and steal the divine secrets. So far noone has made it even a single day in there, since the angels hunt the intruders, but you're about to finish your first week by help of a devil.	27	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"And... why are you helping me again?\" It was the millionth time I had asked, only because the answer never seemed quite satisfactory enough.\n\nShe giggled and rolled her eyes, blowing out an air of mock exasperation. \"I told you, handsome. I think you're cute.\" \n\nShe reached out to touch my hair, and I smacked her hand away. \"Quit it.\"\n\n\"You're sexy when you're mad,\" she purred.\n\nI ignored her and stopped at the crosswords. The road branched left and right. Both of them looked equally terrifying. I threw the decision to my demon companion. \"Left or right?\"\n\n\"What's in it for me? Do I get a kiss?\"\n\n\"Well, let me break it down for you. You send me on the path that gets me killed, you have zero chance of me ever kissing you. But if I live, who knows? Maybe I might consider giving you a peck on the cheek.\"\n\nShe huffed and pointed right. \"But you know,\" she added, \"that if you die then we get to spend eternity with each other in Hell, right?\"\n\nThat actually stunned me. I stopped and looked at her. \"Why are you so certain I'm going to Hell?\"\n\n\"Uhm, because you broke into the Godly realm in order to steal divine secrets.\" Her sharp peal of laughter reverberated off the trees. \"You really think they're going to let someone like you into Heaven?\"\n\nI sank down.\n\nShe cupped my shoulder. \"I'm sorry. But at least you have me, right? My dad is one of the Original Fallen Angels, so I'll make sure you won't get tortured or anything. Unless, spending time with me for all eternity is torture to you. Then...I can't help it.\"\n\nFor the first time in a long time, I smiled. \"Thanks. That actually made me feel a lot better.\"\n\nShe smiled back. Then she closed her eyes and pursed her lips.\n\n\"What are you doing?\"\n\n\"Waiting for my kiss,\" she replied.\n\n\"Yeah. No.\" I stood and dusted myself off, and continued walking down the path.\n\n\"I like a man that plays hard to get,\" she whispered.\n\nI jumped and shot her a glare as she pinched my butt. \"How many times do I have to tell you to stop doing th-\" I cut my words short as someone emerged at the end of the path.\n\nThe being was all-black, faceless, with a knight's armor that seemed to be made out of alligator skin.\n\nI stood beside her and whispered, \"Friend or foe?\"\n\n\"Foe foe foe. So much foe.\"\n\nOut of nowhere, the \"guy\" pulled out a bow of fire... \n\n\"Okay,\" I said. \"So...should we be running now?\"\n\n...and then notched the bow with a legit lightning bolt.\n\n\"We,\" she said, \"should have been running.\"\n\n\n\n\n" ]	[ 1, 16 ]	[ "1535894721", "1535896241" ]
	[WP] "I'm going to have to lock you in the tower, princess. For my own safety."	14	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"... I'm truly sorry about this. You are simply a danger to society, even knowing you mean no harm.\"\n\nThe princess, developing an uncanny social deficit in form of unfathomable anger, was treated as mentally ill by the kingdom and ruled a danger by her own parents. Her brother was the one who had to lock her up in a large over shadowing tower far from any social interaction.\n\n\"I understand the silence, sister. Know I will send someone to come check up on you at the end of each seventh night. I recommend being nice to them, they will determine whether you see sunlight once more.\" \n\nUnknowingly, the only thing reason the princess was throwing tantrums was the anxiety coming from always being present in the public eye. She was 23 years old, and 23 years of hers were spent in public, everyone knowing her every action. She wanted to be alone, in private, even if it meant she had to locked up in this tall tower of misery. \n\nIn reality, she planned the whole thing intelligently. She heard rumors of her violent royal ancestors being locked up in a far away place, decades back. She inquired to her parents, who would reveal nothing, to her servants, who knew nothing and her brother, who would answer some absurd half witted sarcastic comment like :\n\n\"Are you planning on going on a much needed vacation, sister?\"\n\nShe didn't have the guts to say yes. \n\nOnly based off of the whispers of the same community which made her want to escape her miserable situation, she hatched out a plan to be ruled a danger to everyone around her, and it worked, without the unnecessary violence. Only once per week she had to go back to her old ways of blind rage to prove to the men and women coming to visit her that she was unfit to come back to her past life. She was only scared that they'd one day give up, and not come back. ", "The laboratory was a complete mess. Vials had fallen to the floor and shattered, leaving a mess of broken glass and now spoiled potions. Some pooled together on the wooden planks of the floor, while others slowly dissolved the fragile wood. Shelves had been broken from the wall and lay in pieces across the room. Dusty and worn books were now completely destroyed, their pages torn, their messages lost. In the center of it all lay an unconscious Princess Maryn. Her skin was pale, allowing her blue veins to show. \n\nIn the corner of the room, Vek-terel clutched his necklace with one hand while thumbing through a tome with the other. His experiment had failed. His attempt to drain the life of the young Princess had left his lab in ruins, and he was no closer to saving his own life. The soul of the noble woman was meant to cure his sickness - but in the aftermath of the chaotic ritual, he began to realize his days were numbered.\n\nHe scanned every line of text in front of him while the iron pendant on his necklace dug into his clutched palm. With every passing word that offered no solution, he squeezed the pendant harder, until it broke his skin and he bled without care. \n\nThe Princess groaned. \n\nVek dropped the book and let loose his pendant. As he stood to his feet, the young, pale woman was rolling over. Vek scrambled to find his staff, as it had been knocked out of his hand and around the room during the madness of the ritual. After he found it in two pieces behind a slab of stone that had fallen from the ceiling, he looked to the Princess. She was on her feet, brushing her hair back. Her eyes were half open. Small drops of blood fell from them like tears.\n\nShe locked eyes with her captor. As she looked at his demonic face, the events of the past hour raced through her mind. Seeing the frightened sorcerer in front of her made her realize he had failed. Whatever he had tried to do, it hadn’t worked. She was the victor. \n\n“Oh, you absolute fool…” She said while laughing. Maryn offered a wicked smile to Vek, who stood across the room, holding both pieces of his broken staff. “Let me go.” She demanded.\n\n“That would be… a mistake.” Vek uttered.\n\n“A mistake? Whatever you’ve done here demon, that was the mistake. What did you do to me? Clearly you failed to take my soul. What is this?” She became hysterical. She began walking closer to him, her veins now texturing her skin as if they were all ready to burst through.\n\n“I’ve done… nothing…” The demon Vek whimpered. He stood, pensive, assembling a plan. He studied the veins in the Princess. They were overflowing with the concoction he had inserted into her bloodstream, yet they had not killed her as he hoped. Instead, it was transforming her into something else entirely. She survived his ritual, and now, Vek was unsure of what she might become. \n\nAs she stepped closer, Vek swung at her head, but the Princess dodged the staff. Vek tried again with the other half, but it broke into pieces upon hitting the Princess’ head. The sorcerer feared the monster he had created. The meek and gentle Princess he had captured was quickly becoming a beast of unknowable power.\n\nOnly one solution remained, but it could cost Vek a great amount of power. As he saw it, he was dead regardless. Either Meryn would kill him, or his sickness would, or the army of Meryn’s father would arrive and drag his lifeless body from the tower. \n\nVek used his demonic tongue to shout an incantation that placed ethereal chains around Meryn. They gripped her entire body as she writhed and attempted to fight her way out. The more she struggled, the tighter they bound her. She shrieked with terror, further convincing Vek that she was no longer the little Princess he originally captured. Vek outstretched his hand and the chain flew into his grasp. As he held it, it weakened him, and he fell to his knees.\n\n“Vek-terel, demon!” Meryn shouted. From the floor, Vek peered up to see the woman looming over him. Her eyes were pale white and the blue veins that carried Vek’s tonic had nearly overtaken her. “What have you done to me?!” \n\n“Something I shouldn’t have…” Vek lamented. He regained his composure, confident that the chains would keep her bound. As he looked around his ruined laboratory at the top of his tower, he regretted his decision. What he had been cursed with was his own fate. No amount of struggle was worth the cure, if it meant he was making enemies at every turn. He had threatened, poisoned, and killed many he came across, just to find a remedy for his pain. But as he stared down his fate, he had to accept that living simply was not worth it if he was hated. \n\n“I’m going to have to lock you in the tower, Princess.” He grumbled, looking out the broken ceiling and into the looming heavens. “For my own safety.”\n\nHe slammed the chain onto the wall, where it immediately bonded with the stone wall. The magical chain then forced Meryn against the wall, where it pinned her down indefinitely. She screamed in pain and fright. Vek looked at her, his spirit troubled. She would be his last victim. He could escape and flee into the night, or so he hoped. He would run, forever, until there was nowhere else to run. \n\nAs the chain tightened, binding Meryn to the wall, she spit towards him. It hit the ground near him, immediately dissolving through a wooden plank in the floor. “You will die, demon. Soon your wretched life will be over! I will hunt you until I see your body burned!”\n\nVek stepped backwards towards the descending staircase. He clutched his pendant and the last piece of his staff, his heart racing. “I’m sorry, Meryn.” He hesitated no longer and ran down the stairs. As he ran into the night, he could hear the wails of the bound Princess in the distance behind him.", " \n\n\"I'm going to have to lock you in the tower, princess. For my own safety. For their safety\" He shut the door on me for the last time. My brother was not able to look me in the eye, dissociated with me. As if we weren’t blood, as if I never protected him when he was but a cowardly prince. I never imagined it would be Thaddeus that locked me up. My own brother, my little, spineless, dimwitted brother! For his safety? Isn’t this what they all begged for! TO BE PROTECTED! The spite in my own thoughts brought me to halt completely, like a marble statue. I came to the sudden realization that maybe, just maybe, I’d become the bad guy. All I tried to do was save everyone, to save this kingdom. As my eyes studied the inside of the tower door, my heart sank into my toes. I’d done this to myself, and I’d terrorized my own people in the process.\n\nShe warned me not to mess with magic, that it would lure me into darkness. But I was too proud and too stubborn to listen.\n\nI was listening now. \n\n\\~\\~\\~\\~Approximately two years earlier\\~\\~\\~\\~\n\n“Sister, please, this is a bad idea.” Thaddeus whimpered as I held up the skirt of my dress and marched right through the marsh. I ditched my heels long before, but unfortunately my dress was a non-negotiable. The problem with being a princess is that if you don’t always look like you’re dressed for a ball, you’re a disgrace. Even if you’re traipsing through a marsh in the hunt for a witch, one must be stunning and poised. \n\n“I am sorry, Brother, but remind me again who dropped three hundred soldiers at our gates without any warning and burned our crops to the ground? Oh! Yeah! Uncle Markus! So excuse me if I overlook the ‘bad idea’ in favor for salvation. Huh!” I barked as my feet found solid ground. The witch in the marsh, how cliche but effective. She was known for giving out power that was unmatched. A blessing and a curse. Which we needed both terribly. \n\nUncle Markus was one march on the kingdom wall away from taking it from under our feet. Father had fallen ill, and with mother seven feet under, it was up to me to fix this.I was next in line for the throne and I would not let my slimey uncle charge our gates because of some miscommunicated pride. \n\n“She is a witch! She will surely hex us!” Thaddeus whined once more as he sloshed through the moist brush and mud. His suit long since ruined. It had been a normal day, both of us sat in the garden to read when the raid happened. Three hundred men of questionable background rushed the town with torches and oil. Crops were destroyed and houses broken. I could still hear the screaming as I hid Thaddeus in a rose bush. They were held off by the castle gates, but I could still see the black plumes of smoke if I closed my eyes. My people, our kingdom, up in smoke and I was trapped behind iron bars. I would not let him destroy them, this was the last straw.\n\n“That is kind of the intention, Thaddeus.” I retorted as I lept over a wet, soggy log. I stopped as the dim light of a torch lit up the path ahead. A figure in a cloak stood in the middle of the path. More like the trails of a serpent, dug into the earth and dried in the sunlight. The ground could cave in with a stomp placed right. And this figure seemed to hover just over the ground, their hood drawn.\n\n“Hello?” I called out.\n\n“Please, let us go home.” Thaddeus shivered, his hands at the back of my corset. I refused.\n\n“Be silent.” I growled, a swift kick to his wet shins. I heard him whimper and pull back behind me. My brother would let our kingdom burn if it meant he could hide away in some dungeon untouched. I often spent days, where I was in the library with father’s advisors, worried about if he had been born first. What would happen?\n\n“You seek power?” The voice haunted my ears, whispers licked my neck. My fingers tightened around the dark purple fabric of my dress. Numb to the damp chill that bit into my bones, I stepped forward on the path. \n\n“I seek to save my kingdom!” I called out, my throat tight.\n\n“I warn thee, that Magic will corrupt you. That you will be powerful, but your heart will soon grow dark.” I blinked as the words stood on my skin like dew drops. I furrowed my brows as the figure moved closer. A spirit that floated closer, the cloak fluttered with a breeze I could neither feel or hear. Until, with a blink, the hood was right before me. I swallowed a yelp of surprise, my shoulders tense. I ground my feet down into the soggy earth. I would not fail.\n\n“I am willing to take the risk. I will not watch any more of my people burn.” I whispered lowly, my eyes peered into the hood. I saw no eyes, no face, nothing but the shadows of the dark wool. The torch slowly died as the light of the moon grew overhead. I was lit up in silvery light, the trees over head began to shift their leaves till the moon looked over me. The cloak moved, two ghost like arms protruded from between it’s folds. Hands as cold as death, nails long like sewing needles, snapped out and snatched my own. I felt the sting of the nails as they sunk into my palms. I trembled from my head to my toes as I began to sink into the marsh. \n\n“I give thee gifts of power, unmatched by even the fire and swords of your uncle.” And the hood began to fall back. I was face to face with a spindly demon. As her face was as pale as ashwood, her nose broken in three places, but her eyes dark as the mud beneath my toes. I sank further as her haunted face burned into the back of my mind.\n\nMaybe it had been a bad idea. But my body lit up with fire as I gasped for air. Thaddeus’ screams fell on deaf ears as I looked up into her eyes. Unable to tear away, her nails dug deeper into my hands. \n\n“And when they lock you away, when they condemn you… you will return to me and stand alongside me… in the marsh.”\n\nAnd the world went dark, and my body dropped into the mud. The specter gone from before my eyes, burned into the back of my mind as water seeped into my gown. Thaddeus’ squeaks of horror rang like bells in my ears as the moon lit up my skin in the middle of the night. " ]	[ 1, 2, 2, 7 ]	[ "1535901143", "1535905148", "1535905508", "1535904692" ]
	[WP] An AI bartender does its best while a group of survivors barricades themselves inside its bar.	87	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "“What do y’all want to drink pardner?”\n\n“Davis, barricade the windows. Johnson, check out the back. Rico, help me break up some furniture.”\n\n“What do y’all want to drink pardner?”\n\n“Hey, what’s with the tin can?”\n\n“Leave it Rico, it’s just a bartending unit. Can’t help us defend.”\n\n“Breaking the furniture is against the law, pardner.”\n\n“You sure about that, major?”\n\n“Yes I’m sure. I grew up around here.”\n\n“Please refrain from breaking the furniture or I will call the police, pardner.”\n\n“Major, are you sure we should leave the tin can alone?”\n\n“Yes Rico. It will just call the cops. Do you think the dead can use a phone?”\n\nRING RING RING\n\n“JESUS CHRIST!”\n\n“Told you so.”\n\n“Shut up Rico.”", "\"So what do you want to drink?\" BAR-01 asked me.\n\n\"Nows not the time!\" I screamed, ripping stools from there places.\n\n\"Oh come now, theres always time for a drink.\" BAR-01 said, his prerecorded lines not fitting the situation in the slightest.\n\n\"Theirs an alien attack! We've lost over 40,000 passengers and we're all that remains of the crew, oh my god I can hear them!\" Nancy screamed, she was trying to comfort Lilly who was crying in the corner.\n\n\"Now I can say with 100% certainty that a drink of Texas whiskey will cure whatever ales you.\" BAR-01 said grabbing the aforementioned bottle.\n\n\"Minted in 2502 it's a classic...\" \n\"Shut up!\" I screamed trying uselessly to push a large table to the door, which was slowly being jarred open by black tentacles. \n\n\"Come now, how about some music?\" BAR-01 begins to play classical music, the specific song I believed to be Despacito 3. \nThe tentacle beast had pushed open the barricade. It's true form terrifying, we all huddled in the corner as it lumbered towards us. \n\"Hey partner! Need a drink? Oh don't be so hasty.\" BAR-01 read the beasts flinging tentacles as hand gestures and begins to poor it onto the monster. The monster began to wilt, decaying from the point where the alcohol had been poured rapidly.\n\n\"Sounds like someone needs seconds.\" BAR-01 grabbed another bottle and kept pouring, Chuck realized what had happened and jumped up.\n\n\"Bar bot, give me as much as you can.\" Chuck said grabbing the large glass BAR-01 had poured, he charged into the approaching onslaught of monsters, flinging bear everywhere. \n\"Pay as you go or would you like to start a tab?\" BAR-01 asked, leaning on the bench. \n\"Tab.\" I say, grabbing a glass ", "Jeremy held Nicole’s hand as they raced down the corridor. In a ship as big as the Andromeda, there was no way in hell they were going to be separated. They ran, turning left and right, feeling better as the screams grew fainter in the background. \n\n“Here!” Jeremy whispered, pulling Nicole into an unlit room. He quickly turned to the display on the wall next to the door. Entering his engineer credentials, he sealed the door shut. Catching her breath, Nicole slid down the wall and hugged her knees. \n\n“What the actual fuck just happened?” She let out in a hoarse voice. \n\n“You’re one of the medical doctors on board, princess, you tell me!” Jeremy quipped back. “The Andromeda is the best luxury class space cruiser in existence and it has the best food money can buy. I seriously doubt people started eating each other because the buffet wasn’t up to par. Just... just give me a second to power up this room.” \n\nA low hum filled the room as the lights slowly blinked on. They illuminated a spacious, tall room. Everything in the room shouted elegance, from the columns supporting huge windows, to the mahogany tables interspaced through out the room. On the far side of the room was a bar, which Nicole and Jeremy both made their way to. \n\n“Of all the rooms to shelter in, the Ambassador’s Lounge is a pretty good one to pick. You know how to treat a woman.”\n\n“Only the best for you babe.”\n\nAs they sat down at the bar, a mannequin at the end lit up. His face was handsome and his body was made of bronze. His suit was impeccable until it cut off below the waist. His torso was fastened directly to a track that ran the length of the bar.\n\n“Welcome to the Ambassador’s Lounge, a premier location aboard the Andromeda. I am Francis,” the android said in a posh British accent. \n\n“He’s very handsome isn’t he? All that bronze. I bet he has abs of... bronze.”\n\n“Calm down Nicole. He’s only humanoid from the waist up. Obviously missing the most important anatomical features. But don’t worry. I’m here.”\n\nNicole scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Even with a potential zombie apocalypse going on on the other side of the door... you’re useless sometimes.”\n\n“I’m just making jokes to release some of the stress I feel. Unless you are up to any other ways to relieve stress.”\n\n“If you make me roll my eyes anymore, I’m going to get dizzy. Let’s get a drink while we sort through this mess. Francis, can I have a Long Island Iced Tea?”\n\n“And I’ll have a Mint Julep please. After what we just witnessed, I need to cleanse my palate.” \n\n“I do apologize, Dr. Kelplin, Engineer Kelplin. The ship is under a Level 2 Emergency. Regrettably, alcohol consumption is thus prohibited. I can provide various sodas or water, as well as a wide assortment of hors d'oeuvre.” \n\n“Dammit. This is officially worse than our wed...”\n\nFrancis interrupted, “I have an update for you. It is with great pleasure I announce that I can now make your cocktails.”\n\n“Why now all of a sudden?” Nicole asked. \n\n“I just received an update. Approximately two minutes ago, the captain was disemboweled by the waitstaff. Most of the commanding officers are also incapacitated. This constitutes a Level 1 Emergency in which passenger comfort can now take precedence.”\n\n“Shit...”\n" ]	[ 1, 9, 9, 14 ]	[ "1535915957", "1535917796", "1535938890", "1535938511" ]
	[WP] Instead of having to buy it from the supermarket, you get food when it periodically appears through a portal in the refrigerator. One day, when checking for a snack, you are shocked to see a living person in your fridge. "Help," they croak.	17	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "<><><>\nFrom: referrals@amazon.com\nTo: EternalOwen@att.net\n\nOwen,\n\nCongratulations! You have been referred for Amazon’s new service: Prime7! This is a new offering for customers just for you!\n\nThank you for being a loyal customer!\n\n<><><>\n\n“Mittens, do you think this is serious?” Owen inquired to his cat as they were lounging on the couch. “I mean, I know Amazon is ridiculous, but this has got to be a joke. It doesn’t even show what it is or who referred me. Just an option that says ‘Order Now’.”\n\nThe email looked official though. The hyperlink did take him to the actual Amazon website and had him sign in. He just had no idea what he would actually receive, or how he got referred to this. Owen had a few secrets, but they were just that. Secrets. This shouldn’t be related to that, should it?\n\nOwen looked over at Mittens who gave an encouraging meow. “What the hell. You’re entirely right. Why not?”\nOwen placed his order. \n\nTwo days passed since Owen placed the order. Not knowing what he would be getting, he tried not to get his hopes up to much. \n\n“Owen, your package has been delivered in your Amazon Cold Box,” Alexa chirped from the counter. \n\n“Finally Mittens! Let’s see what this is. It better not be some new stupid line of their grocery service.”\n\nOwen opened his fridge and unlocked the Amazon Box. He took one look and jumped back with a shout. In the box, there was a body. A naked human body. Male by the looks of things. Fascinated, if not slightly disturbed, Owen took a step closer to the fridge. The body twitched and the eyes opened. A tongue tried to wet dry lips and a raspy voice said “help me.”\n\nOwen slammed the door shut. He put his back against it and held his chest. If he still had a heartbeat, he knew it would be pumping from adrenaline. \n\nWho knew his secret?\n\nFirst things first, deal with the package. \n\nOwen opened the fridge and helped the man out of the box. The man was a skinny thing. He appeared to be in his 30’s. Tattooed and haggard, the stranger seemed to have had a tough life. \n\n“Th.th.thank you.” The cold fridge man stuttered. \n\n“No problem. I know you must be freezing, let me fetch you a robe.” Owen quickly walked to the bathroom and clothed the man. “What happened to you?”\n\n“I don’t remember. I remember a trial. I was declared guilty. The police had put me in handcuffs and were taking me away. Then I woke up naked in your fridge.”\n\n“That’s terrifying.” Owen said. \n\nHe had a convicted criminal under his roof. Not bad. Not bad. Less guilt for Owen later. Still to figure out who knew his secret. \n\n“Are you warmer now?” Owen asked the stranger as they stood in the kitchen. \n\n“Yes, I am feeling better now. Do you have any idea how I got here?” \n\n“It doesn’t matter. I am glad you’re warm now...Cold just isn’t as appetizing.” With a lunge and supernatural strength, he grabbed the man and exposed his throat. Owen’s fangs bit into the strangers arteries and Owen moaned. Warm blood began to flow down his parched throat. The stranger flailed about and tried to fight back, but his movements became weaker as his heart struggled to pump blood that was no longer there. Soon, the movements stopped altogether. Owen was full, so he pulled out Tupperware and drained the leftovers. Cold wasn’t the best, but it would do later. \n\nSatiated, Owen went to the living room to sit and think. Mittens jumped in his lap. For 200 years Owen had lived as a vampire; back in the 1800’s it was so easy to eat. Just find a person, eat, and get rid of the evidence. No social security number. No forensics. But, as the years progressed and technology progressed, Owen had to use more and more skill to find his meals. This Amazon service was a dream come true. \n\nOwen shook his head to try and focus. 200 years makes for a long memory lane. He had three concerns with this Amazon service. \n\nOne: he hoped it wouldn’t make him lazy. Obesity isn’t good even for the undead.\n\nTwo: would this still be eligible for the cash back on his Prime Credit Card?\n\nThree: who knew he was a vampire?" ]	[ 1, 6 ]	[ "1535933539", "1535951938" ]
&#x200B;	[WP] You grew up thinking you had a rare skin condition. Your entire life, you've been forced to apply a medicated cream to your skin twice daily. Once you started living on your own, you forgot one day, and notice dark, iridescent scales start to appear underneath your peeling skin.	311	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Dehma had a generally average childhood. Her parents were average middle-class office workers of eastern European descent and they lived in the suburbs of west Jersey near Easton. She wasn't great at school work, but she did ok with Bs and Cs all through. She learned the violin for a few years but didn't have the time for it when she got to high school. Her high school years were just like everyone else's with a crush or two, a boyfriend who was way too nervous and inexperienced to really do anything with her, science projects that made things interesting. Her favourite subject was chemistry because she felt a strange connection to mixing things together. Yep, everything was pretty average. Except for one thing. Every night for as long as she could remember, her parents had made her rub this weird smelling lotion all over her skin that made every hair and pore on her tingle. Her mom didn't say much about it other than it was for a hereditary skin condition and was an old family recipe and it was meant to keep her skin nice and soft for a 'one-day' husband. She never really questioned it because it was such a routine. Just like taking a bath.\n\nAfter college, her mom tried to keep her at the house. She said it was to keep her from having to pay rent, but Dehma understood that her mom was just going to be lonely all the time with her dad at work and her gone. She felt bad, but she had to live her own life. Plus, the city called to her. She longed to be out of the suburbs and in the crowds of New York. With her interest in chemistry, she got a degree in the sciences and found a job in a research center in upper-Manhattan. She was lucky to find a great apartment not too far from the center for well within her price range. Something about past occurrences in the building drove the price down, but her parents had always taught her how to take care of herself, so she wasn't worried. There was only one thing that bothered her. When she left, her mom was really adamant about her lotion. She pushed and pushed and pushed the fact that she had to remember to apply it every single night. It weirded her out a bit, but Dehma agreed.\n\nFor the first few months, everything was great. Work was a breeze and she did as her mom told her and every night, remembered to rub her entire body in the lotion that her mom gave her. It was a couple of weeks after her team got a huge new grant from an international fund that she was given the work of ten scientists. She was stuck in the lab way past quitting time and when she got home, she was so tired that she didn't even shower. She looked in the direction of the bathroom once, shook her head and thought \"Nah, fuck it... It can wait til the morning...\" and promptly passed out.\n\nThe next morning, Dehma woke up to her alarm blaring and when she checked the time, she was half an hour late in her routine. She threw some milk and cereal in a bowl and on the third spoonful, a smell wafted up from her underarms and she remembered that she didn't shower the night before. With all possible speed, she wolfed down the cereal and ran to the shower, scrubbing as quickly as she could. When she was drying her hair, she caught her reflection in the mirror and there were dry looking patches on her shoulders that she had never seen before but it triggered her memories of her mother telling her of their skin condition and just ignored it. She didn't have time to do the lotion anyway. As quickly as she showered, she got dressed and ran out the door to go to work.\n\nThat night at home, she was just as dead as the night before but decided to push herself to get to the bathroom and shower. After a long time under the hot water, just enjoying the warmth of it washing over her, she grabbed her loofa and scrubbed, making sure to get the daily dead layer of skin off. Yawning as she toweled off, she glanced at the mirror, remembering the flaking on her shoulders from the morning and dropped the towel. Not only was her skin flaking, in some parts it was gone... What was revealed made her eyes go wider than they ever had. She turned her head to look closely and her suspicion was correct. She had dark red scales glittering in the misty bathroom light all over her shoulders. With a tentative, shaking hand, she touched them and felt a jolt of...not electricity...something else. It didn't shock her. It felt, somehow, natural. A few moments later, her emotions caught up with her, building up in her chest, making her feel hot. The feeling moved down her arm, into her hand. Then, as she leaned over the sink, putting her hands on it to steady herself, a burst of flame erupted from her palm into the drain. She screamed.\n\n---\n\nHope you liked it! Thanks for the prompt!\n\nMore at r/SamsStoriesSub ", "Have you ever felt like the black sheep of the family? Where no one understands you? You know the feeling... when you’re so out of place in the one place that is supposed to feel like home..\n\nYeah, I’ve always felt that feeling. Something about me has always been off... like my entire life doesn’t fit into the life I’ve lived... like there’s something... missing. \n\nI know what you’re thinking... everyone goes through that. But what you don’t understand is they don’t. \n\nFar from it, actually. \n\nFor years, ever since I was little, actually, my parents have instructed me to use this face cream. I was too young to understand why, but as I grew into a teenager, my mother told me it was because I had a rare skin condition. She said I inherited from her, as she also uses the cream. \n\nSo more years go by.. I think nothing of it. Every morning and every night.. the same routine happens. I brush my teeth, I comb my hair, I apply my cream. \n\n*every night ... until tonight. \n\nI wandered into my mom’s bathroom looking for her cream, as mine had ran out. But once I reached her medicine cabinet, where she usually keeps it, something caught my eye. It seemed to be the same container my creams come in.. but completely empty. Why? It didn’t even look like it had been used even once. I don’t think manufacturers send empty products like that often... and she had about 6 containers.. all empty\n\nI shrugged it off. I never skip my applications of my cream, but I guess a couple of days won’t hurt until I get paid. \n\nWell, news flash, i was wrong... so so wrong. \n\nThe first day i felt my face sort of get dry. A few cracks appeared.. I was more thirsty than usual, too. I didn’t think much of it. \n\nBut that night my face almost had an iridescent glow to it. There was a small part near my ear that seemed to be peeling, so I grabbed the flaking skin and pulled gently.. the iridescence was much more strong under the flaking skin, but it wasn’t too weird. \n\nSo what? My skin is purplish without my cream.. big whoop . \n\nSo I went to sleep. Trying to understand why my mom’s skin hasn’t changed.. why she had empty bottles of my cream that looked completely unused.\n\n\nAfter endless pondering, tossing, and turning, I finally arose the next morning with an odd dry mouth sensation. I stretch, like always, and head to my bathroom. I grab my toothbrush like an ordinary day, wet it, apply the toothpaste, wet it again, and begin brushing. I glanced into the mirror and quickly darted my back down. What was that? I looked back up..\n\nThat’s... me. My skin is.. it’s not skin. It’s a purple-green hue with.. scales?? What the hell? \n\nI went downstairs to meet my parents for breakfast, like always. My father had his nose face down in his morning newspaper- like always. My mom had her back turned making her famous silver dollar pancakes.. I cleared my throat to ask my mom what the hell was going on with my face.. they both looked up instantly.. both jaws dropped.. instantly. Why are they surprised? \n\nMy mom dropped the pan she was gripping.. making a very* loud bang. \n\nI asked them both what was going on. My mom told me to sit... it’s going to be a long story....\n\nAnd that’s how I learned..\nMy parents aren’t my parents..\nAnd I’m not who I thought I was...\n\ni guess someone can be a black sheep... or an iridescent mermaid", "Ever since I was born, I thought I had a major skin condition. Have you ever had that moment when you had dry skin start to flake off of your foot when you've been walking for a while? Think of that, but everywhere else on your body. That's what it is. Sometimes, this could happen after a sunburn, but did not usually get sunburns. Whenever I peeled some off, it didn't hurt. \n\nPerfect Segue: it was also very distracting for me in class or anywhere else. While some other kid would be doodling, or staring out the window, I'd be picking at my dry skin. The teachers would usually catch me picking at the dead skin on my arm. Now, you might think I was bullied for taking some skin off, but nope. My bad habit didn't warrant any teasing for me. The worst I'd get was someone clearing their throat when I did it. Overall, it was a little annoying.\n\nBut what was annoying was that I needed skin cream put on twice every day, everywhere on my body, and I mean *EVERY DAY. Even when I was a teenager I had to put it on every last inch of me, except for my eyes and lips. Eventually, the peeling skin went away, but I still had to put it on. \n\nEventually, I moved out of my parents' house. I just wanted to get away from the helicoptering. But on that day, they insisted that I take all the skin cream with me. I did, but only to make them shut up. I didn't want to use it. when I got all that skin cream into my new apartment, I put them where I just didn't want to see them again. For a few weeks, I just forgot about them. That was a mistake. One day later, I got my peeling skin again, but this time, I was alone; I could pick at my skin in my own time. But the next week, my skin started itching. Those itchy spots soon became severe rashes. It was becoming so bad I just had to put in my two-weeks notice at my job at Subway. And just last weekend, it got worse. \n\nRemember how I said that I thought* I had a skin condition? Just two days ago, I ended up scratching so hard I peeled off a huge chunk of skin. When I peeled the whole chuck, I saw a big patch of scales. And not just any scales, reptile scales. I immediately passed out.\n\nI woke up in a weird room. I felt trapped, like I was just an animal in a cage. All of my former skin was now off and I was now 100% scales. Then somebody opened a door that I didn't even see there. A fat man came in and looked straight at me. What they said next is something I'll never forget even after I die.\n\n\"You're a Lizard, Harry.\"", "I sat in the bathtub, the shower water cascading over me and watched the remnants of what used to be the skin on my hands swirl around the drain, collecting in a pinkish blob. I was weeping silently and did my best to blink away the tears. It would have been easier to wipe them away but I didn't want to feel the roughness of my newly-exposed fingers against my face.\n\nAnother knock on the bathroom door. \"Jack? Can you open the door please?\" My roommate's voice, more insistent this time. I'd been in here for what felt like more than an hour. \"Is everything okay?\"\n\nHow would I explain this? What is this? What do I say? WHAT IS THIS?\n\n\"Yah, I'm all right.\" My voice echoed off the porcelain. Did it sound different? \"I'll be out in a little bit.\" Definitely different, a bit rougher.\n\n\"Okay.\" A pregnant pause. \"I'm leaving work, see you tonight.\" Footsteps. The front door.\n\nSilence.\n\nWhat is happening to me?\n\n...\n\nThe gloves help, but they don't quite cover the lack of skin on my forearms. I peel them off in disgust and notice that my new fingernails tear at the fabric as I do. It's a careful process putting on a long-sleeved shirt but when I try the buttons the delicate threads have no chance. I do my best to gather them without scratching the parquet floor, then select a college sweater and a pair of ratty gym sweats. When my feet slip into my shoes I notice that my skin bunches around the tops in a formless fashion, like bread dough coming out of a tube. I pull it off, blinking away the tears.\n\n...\n\n\"The doctor will be back in a moment.\" \n\nThe nurse shuts the door. I note the lingering revulsion in her eyes as she does so. The florescent lights in the college clinic's examination room hurt my eyes. I want to close them but every time I blink it feels wrong, like there's more to blink with now. It doesn't matter, though. The tears won't come anymore.\n\nI stare at the darkest part of the room until the door opens again. \"Mr. Thayer?\" The voice is soft and kindly. Keeping my eyes from the light I look in his direction. Wing-tip shoes. The bottom of a white coat. \"Mr. Thayer, can you look at me?\"\n\n\"No.\" I don't even recognize my voice at this point. Gravelly, alien. \"Hurts.\"\n\nThe wing-tips cross to a stool next to the exam bed. \"Can you tell me how you feel?\"\n\nI shake my head, not wanting to hear myself again.\n\n\"How long have you been off your medication?\"\n\nI don't know when I decided to stop taking those ugly gray pills in those ugly glass bottles. They were part of my daily routine for years, almost as long as I could remember. Almost as long as I've been without a family. One day I had a family, and the next I was being dropped off at a boy's home with no explanation, just a trust fund and those damn pills. Every month in the post I get another bottle, care of my trust fund's lawyer. For my heart, was the explanation. If I didn't take them I'd die. I suppose it was the last Parent's Day at the college that finally made those pills hard to swallow.\n\n\"Mr. Thayer, please look at me.\"\n\nI shake my head again and point at the light switch. The wing-tips cross to the wall and a moment later the lights go out. I raise my head and by the light coming from under the door I can see the man perfectly. \"Better,\" I croak.\n\nThe man nods. For the first time I notice that he is a professor I'd seen before but couldn't place his name. \"Don't worry, son. We have a bit of experience with your situation. As we speak preparations are being made to take you to- well, to a place where this sort of thing is better understood.\" He moves to the door, opens it. The light spills in and I visibly cringe. The professor moves quickly out and the door is once again shut.\n\nIn darkness I can see everything. And I can hear everything, too. Telephones at the front desk. A car horn outside. The scratching of pens on paper. And the professor talking to someone down the hall:\n\n\"Have you seen him, Professor Armitage?\"\n\n\"I have. We must act quickly if we're to avoid disaster.\"\n\n\"Disaster?\"\n\n\"Yes. They can sense their own from a great distance. If we were further away from water I'd be more comfortable but the Miskatonic is too close for my liking.\"\n\n\"You're not making sense, sir.\"\n\n\"Oh, but I am, and a great deal of it. Why he was chosen to be separated for so long by his own...people...is beyond my understanding, but the change in him has begun and we must act. Prepare the ambulance. We leave for Innsmouth in ten minutes.\"\n\n", "“Facebook has finally become the number 1 social media website in the world!” \n\nThe crowd went wild as he stood there. Confetti dropped and party music played but up on that stage he stood still. Wiping a tear from his face, he looked up. It had all been worth it.\n\nSuddenly, the music stopped. There was no more dancing. Only a room full of silence. The faces were twisted and wretched as if they had just witnessed a massacre.\n\n“H-Hey guys! ... What’s the matter?!”\n\nHe looked back at Giant screen projected behind him. He couldn’t believe what he saw.\n\nHe had forgotten to apply the cream. Wiping his face after shedding a tear had revealed his true lizard form.\n\nEveryone started running and screaming as they kicked each other to get out of the auditorium\n\n“WAIT!! IT’S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE! IT’S ME GUYS!???!? MARK ZUCKERBERG!!!! DON’T LEAVE!!!”", "My parents always made sure I was fully aware that Bad Things™ would happen should I ever forget to apply a special medicated cream on my skin, and now I finally got to find out why.\n\nIt had always been a pain, growing up. It would take so long to make sure the cream was applied all over, especially as I got older and there was more to cover. I also found it odd that my parents seemed to have an endless supply. Even now that I was living on my own, they were still supplying me with the stuff.\n\nOf course, I believed them and I hadn't missed a day. That is, until the day before.\n\nIt was an easy mistake. I'd been up far too long playing an online game. When I went to bed, the days had blended together and I was under the impression that it had already been taken care of.\n\nWhen I awoke, my skin felt particularly itchy. It took me all of five seconds to sit up in shock and realize what I'd done. I fucked up.\n\nI looked at my itchy skin and what I saw next both confused and terrified me.\n\nScales!?\n\nAnd they were shiny, too. I reached over to my night table. My phone. I needed my phone.\n\nAm I going to die? What's happening? Oh no. Oh no, oh no! What have I done?\n\nI tried breathing in and out. I needed to calm down. I was fine and I wasn't hurting.\n\nBreathe.\n\nI calmed down enough to unlock my phone and to dial my mom. It rang. Then rang.\n\n\"Hello? It's awfully early for you to call me, is everything all right?\"\n\nI glanced over at the clock. 6:40 am. Oops. Now was not the time to worry about that, though.\n\n\"Mom! The cream! My skin! I forgot to put some on yesterday and now I'm itchy and seeing weird things. How bad is it? Am I dying?\"\n\n\"Calm down, Chris! You'll be okay, you hear me? Listen. I'll come to pick you up and bring you to the doctor. You'll be fine.\"\n\n\"It'll be faster if I just walk to the hospital, how about you meet me there?\" I asked.\n\n\"Your condition is really rare. I'm taking you to the specialist. I'll be there in about fifteen minutes, okay? Don't worry, nothing bad's going to happen. Just try not to scratch yourself too much.\"\n\nI looked at the clock. 6:42 am.\n\n\"Alright. Anything I should do to get ready?\"\n\n\"Getting dressed should be good enough. I'm going to hang up so I can hurry up and go get you. See you in a bit. Love you!\"\n\n\"Love you, too. See you soon, mom.\"\n\nAnd with that, she hung up.\n\nThat left me awfully free to ponder. I made my way out of bed, grabbed some clothes that may or may not have been dirty and got dressed. Honestly, given the mounds of clothes around, I didn't really know what was clean and what wasn't anymore. Probably safe to assume it was all dirty.\n\nI hadn't thought to ask if I was allowed to eat, but I wasn't too hungry so I decided I'd wait till after seeing the doctor to eat. Just in case.\n\nI'd be lying if I said I wasn't super paranoid. It didn't help that I was itching everywhere. And that I wasn't supposed to scratch.\n\nThe urge was too strong. I scratched a bit more. As I scratched, I could see more skin peeling away, revealing scaled beneath.\n\nOkay, that made it a lot easier to resist the urge to scratch.\n\nI sat on a kitchen chair near my front door, just waiting for my mom to get here. I glanced at the clock again. 6:50 am. If it took fifteen minutes for her to get here - though honestly it would be pretty miraculous if she managed it - it would be another seven to ten minutes.\n\nI wasn't sure how much longer I could take. But I didn't have much choice.\n\nThat's when I heard knocking at the door. It surely couldn't have been my mom unless she flew here. Some more knocking.\n\nSomething didn't feel right.\n\n\"Mom? Is that you?\"\n\nNo response.\n\nI looked through the eye hole on my front door. I gasped in a bit of air. \n\nWhat I saw was, in no uncertain terms, not human.\n\nIt knocked again.\n\n---\n\nThanks for reading! Sorry to make yet another story end in a cliffhanger. I need to stop that.\n\nIf you liked what you read, please check out more of my work over at /r/SecretWinter! I'm currently working on a continuing short story currently called Stolen Time. I'm likely going to write a part 2 to this story tomorrow, though I'll prioritize another part to Stolen Time unless there's a lot of interest for a continuation of this one. This one's very fun.\n\nPart 2 is [now available here](https://reddit.com/r/SecretWinter/comments/9csojr/the_scale_of_balance_part_2_rare_skin_condition/)." ]	[ 1, 1, 1, 2, 12, 30, 121 ]	[ "1535951539", "1535994540", "1536034829", "1536035296", "1535983060", "1535977095", "1535955362" ]
[removed]	[WP] A depressed guy moves into a haunted house with 7 ghosts corresponding with the 7 Sins, but instead of haunting him they help him to get on back onto his feet. Ex.: Pride helps him with confidence issues, Lust helps him get laid etc.	0	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Hi u/kepeke, this submission has been removed.\n\n[No explicitly sexual responses, hate speech, or other harmful content](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_2.3A_no_explicitly_sexual_responses.2C_hate_speech.2C_or_other_harmful_content)\n\n- Sexually explicit themes are not allowed. \n\n Prompts will be removed if there's a high possibility for rule breaking responses ([rule 7](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_7.3A_prompts_will_be_removed_if_there.27s_a_high_possibility_for_rule_breaking_responses))\n\n\n\n---\n\n[Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FWritingPrompts&subject=Removed%20post&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/9cmfg6/-/%0A%0A) us if you have any questions or concerns. In the future, please refer to the [sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/about/sidebar) before posting. \n\nThis action was not automated and this moderator is human. Time to go do human things." ]	[ 1, 1 ]	[ "1535989038", "1535989060" ]
	[WP] A young "detective" who usually investigates things like missing pets, stolen homework, and mysteries of what the school custodian does at night is called in by police to help with a series of gruesome murders.	77	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Detective Arnold Haines had an astounding case resolution rate of nine out of ten by his fifth year on the job. His home, Winstrom Falls (population 947, growing slightly each year), was all that safer with his quick wit solving problems left and right. Cases like the mind-bending disappearances of Oscar the terrier, the dreadful shrinking wedding ring, and the mystery of what the hell is Jerry doing every Thursday night, are what made him the greatest detective the town had ever seen. That, and the fact that he was the only one. Still, his powers of deduction must have been carried out into the big city by amazed citizens, as he was now consulting with the metropolitan police. The call came late last night, just as he was about to go to sleep. They needed his help, they said, though that was no surprise. There was little the great Haines couldn't handle.\n\n\nThe first few minutes of the meeting were a bit of a haze. He remembered meeting the officers in charge of the case, their names he would need to ask again later, then they showed him some photos of the crime scenes. The next thing he remembered was being down on his knees, throwing up into the trash can that had now become his best friend.\n\n\n“Are you okay?” one of the detectives asked with some concern after an uncomfortable silence.\n\n\n“Yes, it's just- That just caught me a little off guard,” said Haines, gesturing toward the images of the six victims on the screen. \n\n\nHe glanced once, saw the blood-covered bodies, their blank stares, limbs bent the wrong way, necks slit wide open, and back he went to the trash can. It was quick this time, as there wasn't much left of his lunch anyway. The other detective offered him a tissue, which he took with much appreciation.\n\n\n“In any case,” he said, wiping his mouth. “Please, continue, Miss…”\n\n\n“Detective Burnham,” she replied, not so concerned anymore. “As we were saying, we couldn't find a connection between the victims or their murders. The only thing they all have in common is this. Hill, the evidence.”\n\n\nThe other detective, the man named Hill, lifted a cardboard box off the ground and put in on the table. From it he produced six items, each inside an evidence bag. Nothing out of the ordinary, though not one of them belonged with the other. An old teddy bear, an expensive looking wristwatch, a law book, a bottle of cheap perfume, a dog's collar, and what seemed to be someone's homework.\n\n\n“We found these in each crime scene,” said Hill, pushing the items forward for Haines to look at. “You'd think nothing of them, except none of them made sense to be there at all. The perfume, for example, we found in this guy's apartment.” He flicked through the images on the screen and stopped on the picture of a man in his fifties. “His wife told us he didn't even use deodorant.”\n\n\n“The dog collar,” said Burnham. “The victim that had it was allergic to dogs.”\n\n\n“Same for the other ones,” said Hill. “This girl had the law book, but she wasn't even out of high school, yet.”\n\n\n“What about the homework?” asked Haines.\n\n\n“An essay in physics, a bit too complex for a twelve year old,” Burnham replied. “A homeless lady had the wristwatch. \n\n\n“And the teddy bear?”\n\n\n“Found with the body of a twenty-five year old man living alone,” Hill said.\n\n\n“So, you think your murderer is playing some irony game, or something?” Haines asked nervously.\n\n\n“No, actually, we looked into each item, and it turns out one of the items was reported as stolen to the police,” said Burnham. “The law book seems to have been taken from the Winstrom Falls Public Library about a year ago.”\n\n\nThe memory rushed into Haines’ mind. Of course it looked familiar now. The old lady from the library had called about that book for weeks. How could he forget the shame of one of his failed cases.\n\n\n“Yes, I remember now,” he said. “I could never find out what happened to that book.\n\n\n“So, we were thinking, if there's a chance any of the other items might have some connection there,” Burnham continued. “And we found a post online about a missing dog. We checked the name tag on the collar we found on our victim's apartment and it was the same one.”\n\n\n“And guess where the dog went missing,” Hill chimed in.\n\n\n“Winstrom Falls,” Haines was now realizing the severity of the situation. “Wait, let me smell that perfume.”\n\n\nBurnham glanced over to Hill, who just shrugged in compliance. She took the bottle out of the bag and gave it to Haines. He opened the bottle, took a sniff, and…\n\n\n“Yes!” He exclaimed. “Old lady Marienne! She's the local drunk that things she's like some sort of misunderstood celebrity. She always wears this cheap perfume. She told me that someone had broken into her home, but said nothing was stolen. Guess she has so many of these she didn't even notice one missing.”\n\n\nHe went over to the essay and read the name. “This is Johnson's kid! He went to college to study some science thing I can't remember. He had to buy a new backpack because he lost his last one and we could never find it. Maybe this was inside it.”\n\n\nBurnham and Hill exchanged glances again.\n\n\n“And the teddy bear,” she said.\n\n\n“Yes, everything-” Haines paused. He held his silence as looked over the evidence. “Everything except the wristwatch. I don't know about that one, but the rest of it are my cases… my failed cases. They all seemed so random, just things that happened. Do you think whoever killed these people took these, too?”\n\n\n“Sounds like it,” said Hill. “We didn't think we'd get anywhere with this, but it seems we just made a breakthrough.”\n\n\n“But I could never find the one responsible,” said Haines with regret. “I didn't even know there was a suspect to follow.”\n\n\n“It doesn't matter, at least we know where to look,” said Burnham. “Looks like we're going to Winstrom Falls. Whoever's doing this seems to spend a lot of time there.”\n\n\nAnd so they did. The three of them went back together. Burnham and Hill found a room at the local inn, with a discount for friends, and Haines went home. It was already night when he got back to his empty place, greeted by the usual silence. He turned and locked the door. Then a voice came from the living room.\n\n\n“Oh, Arnie.” It was a woman's voice, soft and familiar. “It’s been so long.”\n\n\nHaines was frozen in place. He didn't dare move, not forward to the living room, not back toward the door. He stood there, listening to that voice creep into ears.\n\n\n“Did you like my presents?” the voice drifted from the shadows. “All the little things you missed. I did it all for you.”\n\n\nHaines took a deep breath and commanded his feet to move. He took step after wary step, trying hard not to make a sound.\n\n\n“You didn't tell them about the wristwatch, did you?” the voice asked. “I knew you wouldn't. You still can't understand.”\n\n\nHaines reached the living room. He felt the wall for the switch. He found it. He hesitated for a moment, then switched the lights on. There was a woman in her forties sitting on his couch, facing him with a warm smile.\n\n\n“M-mom?”", "\"Congratulations Timmy! You found Mr.Whiskers!\" Said the mayor as he handed the boy a golden key.\n\n\"In recognition of your incredible detective skills, the city hall and I have decided to give you this key to the city!\"\n\nThe boy looked at the key with awe, before putting it into his back pack, and then walking back down to his seat. His parents, as well as the rest of the crowd, gave him a standing ovation.\n\n\"Congratulations Timmy\", said the Mom, hugging him.\n\n\"We're so proud\", added the Dad, giving him a firm handshake and a pat on the back.\n\nTimmy looked up at both his parents, and smiled.\n\n \"I love you Mom and Dad\".\n\nAnd so, the ceremony went on, with speeches and political bullshit galore, dragging on through the sweltering July afternoon and into the evening. Little Timmy, of course, insisted that they stay till the end.\n\nTimmy would come to regret that, though.\n\nBecause that night had been selected by a group with nefarious intentions for a nefarious plot. More specifically, they planned to assassinate the mayor.\n\nHowever, that group was not known for using a reasonable amount of firepower for the task. Quite the opposite, as a matter of fact.\n\nThat night, Timmy's parents, along with over half of the assembled group, died. Ironically enough, the mayor survived with only a few bruises...\n\nThat night, poor Little Timmy made a promise. To hunt down those responsible for the death of his parents, and bring them to justice.\n\nAs the years went by, Timmy grew into a Tim, and his mental wounds healed and became scars. But his promise remained in the forefront of his mind, when he graduated at the top of his class in highschool, then college, soon becoming the youngest detective in the city's history.\n\nDetective Tim was sitting at his desk when Cara, the office assistant, walked by and dropped a folder on his desk.\n\n\"For you, from the head detective\".\n\nTim looked up in confusion, \"I'm swamped, there's no way I have time for another case.\"\n\n\"She thought you'd say that\", Cara replied, \"you can work on it on your spare time, there's no obligation to finish it\".\n\n\"Weird, but ok, I'll take a...\", Tims voice trailed off as he read the title of the file.\n\nTHE PLAINSBORO MASSACRE\n\n\n\n\n", "He took a long pull from his unfiltered cigarette and gave it a flick to the side of the dark damp alley. \n\n“What do you want now?” The man drawled.\n\n “We need you, Ned, the city needs you.” The investigator pleaded. \n\nNed turned, pushed his shoulder off of the wall, his suede trench coat whipping around to reveal his James K Polk middle school badge in the yellow city streetlight. \n\n“You need me now. Well so did all those kids.” He said with a stammer in his voice. \n\nThe investigator paused and looked at Ned, searching for a moment. \n\n“Are… are you still upset because we confiscated that notebo…” \n\n“IT WAS THE SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE!” Ned shouted before the Officer could finish his thought. \n\nThen Ned continued. “You cops are all the same. You take from the people, and then come running back when it’s convenient for you.” He paused, looking at the Officer with cornered eyes “ Or when you can’t do your job right.”\n\n There was a distant rumble of thunder and then a light drizzle began to fall on the two in the innards of downtown L.A. \n\n“Listen, Ned. I uh… can’t expect you to forgive the department for stopping your project. But what if I pulled some strings to get you that book back.” \n\nAnother rumble came rolling from the darkening sky, louder than before, and the drizzle evolved into solid rain. Ned stood, contemplating at the idea, and the man opposite him waited, desperate for Ned’s help. Whatever was going on in the Middle Schoolers’ mind had led him rounding the hood of his 90’ Crown Vic to the drivers’ side door.\n\n “Get in.” he commanded.\n\n“And that’s all we have on him so far.”\n\n The pair had been driving the 405 for what seemed like hours in the middle of the night. Ned had one hand on the wheel, the other at his chin. Pondering the information, racking his brain for a connection between the 3 grizzly murders. \n\n“Well?” The investigator finally said. \n\nNed had taken an exit to a quiet neighborhood and put the car in park. “Do you have any photographs of the crime scene?” \n\nThe investigator paused, but this had been the first sign of the 8th graders interest in the case since they had started driving, so he reached into his bag frantically and handed Ned a manila string bound folder loaded with what appeared to be hundreds of pages of documents. Ned sifted through the contents until he got a file with the header “ November, 12, 2007”\n\n “The bowl cut killer has been absolutely immaculate. No DNA, No apparent motive, we have no real suspects. The only real connection we can make is what ties the murders together… that he cuts all their hair like… like that” \n\nThe investigator, clearly frustrated at what little information he gathered, looked back up from the file to Ned’s face. He was awestruck, mouth nearly agape, eyes like a deer in headlights. \n\n“Coconut head…”", "When I was 9, my family home was set on fire. My parents, my dog and my sister all died before the fire department was even called. Me and my brother were, some say miraculously, rescued. The latter, however, died two hours after making it to the hospital.\n\nI was the only one left.\n\nThere was nothing left of my skin. \"It would improve over time,\" the doctor at the time explained, \"but it would never heal entirely.\" My legs. My hands. My chest. My back. My face. My hair. All of it. Gone. Disfigured. Ruined. From that point on, even in the hottest summers, I would have to cover my entire body. Put on a pair of gloves. And absolutely always have a mask on. What girl would look at me? What friend could accept me? Who could possibly love me?\n\nThe answer, as far as I was concerned, was nobody.\n\nMy appearance was not the only thing I'd lost, though.\n\nMy vocal chords were severely damaged, resulting in a constant high-pitched voice. My growth hormone had also stopped synthesizing, causing me to eternally remain at the size of a nine-year-old.\n\nMy aunt -- the person who took me in after the incident -- saw all of these things as an advantage.\n\n\"Those crooks in the government don't know shit.\" she said. \"You could slip anything past 'em, as long as it looks legit at a glance. What do you say we make some money?\"\n\nHer plan was simple. Being now left as my single guardian, she'd arranged to receive checks from the government to help with my upbringing. Due to my numerous dis-- damages* -- the sum would be quite substantial.\n\n\"Why not just pretend you're constantly a kid? We both know you'll look like it no matter what. After you graduate from elementary school, we'll just pull you out of there, change your name, and resubmit the paperwork. We'll even get you in another school. Or, hell, the same one. Staff there don't really give a shit. If anyone comes knocking on the door, it's not like anything on that application will be any less true. Money will keep coming in, I'll keep buying you nice toys.\" She smirked. \"You like toys, don't you?\"\n\nI did.\n\nVery much so.\n\nBy the time I was 16, I fully understood there would be no end to the scheme. It was just too good. By that point, I'd begun to rotate going around the same three elementary schools. Nobody questioned it. Nobody raised an eyebrow. My aunt had managed to make the right friends to ensure the engine would keep going and going. Just like she'd said, nobody ever knocked on our door. My case files were always, I imagine, handed over to a poor intern that took pity over a kid that'd lost literally everything. Never bothering to look into it.\n\nIn that period of time, I'd kept to myself. Read books. Developed all sorts of interests. Mostly in Math. Made a few friends around town. But none that I trusted enough to actually reveal what the game was. Once they got old enough, I'd simply disappear from their lives. And they wouldn't care all that much, being the turbulent teenagers that they were.\n\nAt age 25, I decided to do something random. I usually did so every few months when I got bored.\n\nI opened a detective agency, of sorts. I told my classmates that I'd help them out with any \"cases\" they had in store for me. Simple things. Missing kittens. Stolen pencils. \"The Secret of Why Teacher Doesn't Like Me.\" Ah, and of course, \"The Mystery of the Smoke Bomb.\"\n\nIt was fun. Why wouldn't it have been? When you become an adult, there's nothing more you want than to be a kid again. To shed away the feeling of responsibility. To have permission to play pretend. To not think about the consequences. I was practically living the dream. Eternal youth, in a sense.\n\nMy act had inspired the other kids in my class, and they founded a little \"police department\" of sorts, investigating crimes of their own. You could think of them as rivals, but I was always respected. In the world of adults, I'd have been treated as an homage. Whenever they got stuck, they'd come ask me for help. I would return the favor, if only to help them feel included.\n\nThen, one night, I got a call from Billy. The \"Chief of Police.\"\n\n\"We found a dead body!\" he declared.\n\nBilly was a straight shooter, and I knew he wouldn't have even joked about that. The kids must've stumbled across an actual dead body and, instead of calling the actual police, called their trusted private eye to give him a chance to see for himself. I knew that them being on the scene put them in danger. But I also knew that trying to get them to leave would result in them doing the exact opposite and possibly landing themselves in even more danger.\n\nI told him to wait for me, called the actual 911 to their location, and then snuck out of the house to make sure the kids were safe.\n\nThe address they'd given me was a house only a few blocks away from mine. According to Billy, he and the other members of \"the force\" were just about to head off home when they noticed the front door ajar. They pushed the door open, and saw a man lying on the floor. Even as kids, they knew blood when they saw it.\n\nFifteen minutes later, I met up with Billy and his friends.\n\n\"Stay there.\" I told him, and made my way inside.\n\nWithout a doubt, the guy was dead. In his early 50s, by my estimation. Stabbed multiple times in the chest, judging by the tearing on his now crimson-stained blue shirt. A clear pool of blood had formed around him.\n\nThe house was dark. But I quickly spotted them.\n\nThe bloody footprints.\n\nThey led upstairs.\n\nA rational person would've likely stayed put. But a long time ago, I'd begun to make up excuses for myself. If I was to live the life a child, I could afford to make decisions with the logic of one. Perhaps it was the fact that the footprints appeared to be tiny that put me at a certain ease.\n\nWith that ease, I followed them.\n\nThe trail led to the last room in the hall.\n\nI could hear the sobs.\n\nGently pushing the door open, I saw her. Lying beneath the window, her head buried in her knees. Lightly shaking. The moonlight gave her shape, and I realized she couldn't have been more than Billy's age.\n\nThe knife was next to her.\n\n\"...Are you okay?\" I asked.\n\nNo response. I knew she could hear me. But whatever had happened broke something within her. She wasn't a person anymore. She was a doll. And she'd be like that for a long time. Just like I was.\n\nThe only question now was figuring out where it'd all gone wrong.\n\nI felt around for the light switch and flipped it.\n\n\"No!\" she jerked up.\n\nShamefully, I must admit I stepped back upon seeing her face.\n\nIt'd been horribly burned.\n\nShe began to sob again, hiding her face once more.\n\n\"...He burned you, didn't he?\" I suggested. She didn't deny it.\n\nI approached her. She gave no signs that she'd attack me.\n\nI crouched in front of her. \"It's okay.\" I said. But we both knew things were far from okay.\n\nShe wouldn't stop sobbing. How could she? That night, when I'd lost everything, I cried a lot, too. It hurt. Because the tears wouldn't stop falling onto my burned flesh. It was hurting her, as well.\n\nI took off my mask.\n\n\"Here.\" I said.\n\nShe looked up. I hadn't seen my face in ages by that point. I'd been convinced it would always look horrific. But she did not scream. She did not even so much as flinch.\n\nAs our eyes met, I feel like she understood. Just as I'd understood her. For the first time in years, I'd shared my pain without ever saying a word.\n\nI placed the mask over her face.\n\n\"There you go.\" I said, forming a smile as best I could. Her pain - her feeling of shame - was now hidden from the world. Her abuser's cruelty would not have the chance to make her feel like she was a monster.\n\nShe hugged me. Still sobbing. Still trembling.\n\nBut she was strong. She would take that mask off, eventually.\n\nAs I should've, a long time ago.\n\nThe sirens roared in the distance.\n\nAfter that day, I never put the mask back on. I left a note for my Aunt, making it clear that she could never go after me, and went North, to live with a distant cousin of mine I'd discovered a few years earlier. Went on to actually live my life. Have an identity. Have a life cycle. Exist.\n\nThe scars still scare me. I can tell they put some people off, as well.\n\nBut, I'm alive. And I'm not alone." ]	[ 1, 2, 3, 6, 25 ]	[ "1535992038", "1536008471", "1536007748", "1536007511", "1536007430" ]
	[WP] You failed to reach the top of Everest, and will probably freeze to death soon, before your saviour steps into view. The Abominable Snowman. Holding a mug of cocoa.	2	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "I took deep breaths from my oxygen tank. I stopped to rest in the ice yet my energy wasn't returning. There's a subtle panic when you feel the hypothermia set in, I was exhausted but no amount of rest could give me the strength to keep moving. I was so close, about two-thirds of the way up and this was how it was going to end. Another idiot who decided to climb Everest on his own. Despite all my thick winter gear, I shivered and my joints stiffened. I was going to freeze to death.\n\nHours went by before I saw another hiker climbing up the trail. I was surprised because Everest was pretty dead at this time of year but I wasn't complaining. I didn't have the strength to yell; meager whispers of \"help\" were I all I could muster. As the hiker approached through the roaring snow his form continued to grow. Bigger and bigger I realized this hiker was massive. Regardless I still called for his help. \n\nI looked up as he stood in front of me and saw he towered over me. I couldn't say for sure how tall but at that moment it felt like eight feet. My head was light and my vision was fuzzy. Covered in a white fuzzy coat and holding a mug I heard him speak in a warm deep tone. \"Why do you people climb my mountain?\" He took a deep sip from his steaming mug. \"I can't help all of you, you know.\" Withered and shaking I just continued to whisper \"help, help me, help.\" The hiker sighed and said \"Come with me\" as he knelt down in front of me I was able to make out his face and was startled by the distinctly gorilla-like visage in front of me. Effortlessly the hiker slung me over his should, gear and all. My body finally gave out and I lost consciousness. \n\nI awoke next to a roaring fire surrounded by the warmth of thick blankets. Feeling the energy finally return to my body I sat up. I realized I was in the cabin for reception of hikers before making the trek up Everest. Concerned employees were asking me if I was ok. \"We found you slumped against the cabin, what happened?\" " ]	[ 1, 2 ]	[ "1536010160", "1536018651" ]
	[WP] You are in the hospital recovering from something minor. Now you are just chilling, alone in your room and you hear "Trauma team to room 612! Code Blue!" And you realize, this isn't like the times you've heard that announcement before. YOU are the one in 612.	6	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "I sat with my back to the window looking at myself in the bed. Another wild dream from the morphine. My wife said when earlier when she came in my hands were out in front of me my left hand clutching an imaginary pole and my right winding an imaginary reel. She said she'd asked what I was doing and I told her I could see the big fish below the boat. I didn't really recall the dream or the conversation. It was a funny anecdote to tell while my kids were visiting. Our laughter puts us at ease.\n\nI had practiced lucid dreaming before but this was different. I was in the big chair. The one that reclines all the way into a bed. I couldn't feel the cold leather under my bare legs. I couldn't smell the aroma of \"get well\" flowers and antiseptic that reminded me of when my Grandmother passed and makes me anxious to this day. I couldn't hear the busy work, beeping machinery, and the low rumble of conversation that makes up the background noise of the recovery wing. But the lights on my heart monitor were flashing red as bright as the sun.\n\nIt had to be a sleep paralysis. I couldn't move. My procedure was routine. Children and the elderly had appendixes removed and went home as out patients these days. There were no major complications but I was being held for observation. It seemed like a grab at more money from my insurance company. But I'm not a doctor. And now...\n\nThat's when the word echoed in my head. \"Code blue room 612\". Why did that matter. Why was I full of dread. I saw my room number. Everything was fading to black. I was stuck looking at my own body. My lips were turning blue and my skin looked like it would be clammy and lukewarm. \n\nThe first nurse got through the door, determination of a practiced professional and a bit of fear on his face. Time was slowing for me. More staff was pouring in. \"Code blue room 612\" ringing in my ears. I knew then everything was not going to be ok." ]	[ 1, 5 ]	[ "1536019037", "1536020436" ]
	[WP] There is only one way to break the time loop. You just worked out what it is, but you are not sure you can go through with it.	2	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "This is not the story of the begging, but the story of the end. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt has been a thousand years since I found myself in the past, and now I made it to the decade where I am born. I now have to wait for my younger self to grow up so that I can move on.\n\nFor all of these years, I have not forgotten where I came from. My parents were killed when I was a child, and in order to survive in this world as an orphaned youngling, I have committed heinous crimes, I have stolen and killed, I have sold out those that trusted me to rise in the ranks.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was by the time that I was 20 years old, that the fateful day happened and I took control of a nuclear power plant and launched an attack killing millions of people in the process. I no longer remember the reason why I did it, just the fact that I did.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHaving lived through all of that, I knew that I do not wish for my younger self to experience it. So before anything happened, I found the ones who killed my parents, and I killed them. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nI have also kept watch on the family, and when they had financial difficulties, I sent them some money - and they never knew who it is from. They were never in need, never in danger. \n\n \n\nMy younger self is now about to turn 20 years old, he is a good-for-nothing solider, who spends the majority of his time reading books and watching tv series. Honestly, where did I go wrong while watching over him? over me.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI am worried but not just about him, but about me - I started to notice myself fading. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nI have scrambled around trying to figure it out. It was all too clear, around this time in my timeline, I have killed millions of people; this has become a fixed point in history. If this didn't happen again, there will be far too many differences, for every life that died, there will be another timeline. The universe was not ready to crack open.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nThere is no choice but to replicate the same scenario. It didn't take a lot of research to do so, I had forgotten my action on the first turn around, but I soon figured out what steps I could follow to assure the completion of my plan.\n\n&#x200B;\n\nI hesitated, did I want to do this? My younger self-wasn't built like me. He won't be able to kill to survive, letting him walk through the same path that I did - will he be able to live through it? I have become a devil and an emperor. A villain and a saint, many people looked at me differently depending on which side they were on. Loved ones died, and here I am ready to send my younger self to experience the same thing. I hope he will manage to survive long enough to outgrow his good-for-nothingness. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nI am just trying to convince myself, but this has to happen. This is a sacrifice only I can do, to assure a world with a continuum. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt was soon after that I repeated the same actions as I did a 1000 years ago. This time once more, I was clear with my name and my first identity, both things that I have not used in a very long time, but I did it again in hopes of framing my younger self. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThis time again, as a punishment they activated the ancient artifact of Extosia. From any place, this artifact locks on a target and makes them vanish presumably dead. What it does is transfer the person through time and space. The majority of the times, the criminal transported ends up in a vacuum in space and die. I ended up on top of a mountain a 1000 years ago. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nIt is done, my younger self should now be on top of that mountain. From here, I can continue living in wonder... So why am I stuck in amber now? \n\n&#x200B;\n\n\\\\\\*\n\n&#x200B;\n\nHe felt as if only a second has passed, but time and space are odd things. After a 1000 years of experiences, Tom was finally able to reach the timeline in which he was born. He finally was ready to see who has framed him for the most heinous crime in all of history. He was in shock when he saw the man stuck in amber - the closer he got, the less the amber held him in place. When he finally stood straight in front of him. They both just stared at each other; they looked exactly the same. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nThey were the same, but the same person having grown up differently had caused for history to be directed differently. Now, both of them staring at each other when one took out a dagger and stuck it in the other's heart. \n\n&#x200B;\n\n&#x200B;\n\n \n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\n&#x200B;\n\n If you enjoyed this, you might enjoy my other works @ r/zwriting", "It's the same thing every damn time. No matter what I do, no matter what I try.\n\nMelissa and I, driving down the road, cutting a left turn.\n\nIt was only supposed to be lunch. Nothing important, nothing extravagant. Just lunch... a day off for both of us.\n\nShe's laughing about something, but I'm not sure. Mentioning the weather, or something funny she saw on the television. Her sweet words drift in and out of my ears, but I'm much too focused on something else.\n\nLike that feeling in your gut you get when you know something is wrong, but can only sit there and watch.\n\nMy hands are white-knuckling the wheel. I'm sweating, my heart rate through the roof. And then the light goes green, that little blinking arrow giving me permission to go.\n\nSomething screams at me to stop. But I can't. I feel my foot on the pedal, gently accelerating, laughter on my own lips in response to something she said.\n\nI don't see the semi run the red light in front of us, don't see the driver with his phone up, texting away. All I see is the fear in Melissa's expression as the laughter fades and she screams my name. I jerk the wheel in response, straightening out the car right into the front bumper of the oncoming vehicle.\n\nI don't hear that scream, though.\n\nBut I do feel my body break and snap as the entire weight of the truck slams into our small car. The most horrible noise of grinding metal, that warm feel of blood on my chest, and a few dying gurgles from my lips.\n\nAnd then I blink. And we're back.\n\nSame road, same day, same path. The same laughter from her. The same turn.\n\nThe same result.\n\nI'm not really sure how many times it has been. And I'm not really sure how much I can change. My body doesn't respond, it's like I'm on autopilot driving up to the light. I want to scream, to tell Melissa to get out and run, to haul the keys out of the ignition and just stop there and then. \n\nBut I can't, like this is all set in stone.\n\nNo, all I get is the last few seconds before the impact, when the blood in my veins turns to ice and I see that horrible look on her face. And every time, regardless of how I try to swerve away, or stop, or speed up, the result is the same. Broken metal, broken glass, broken body. And it starts again.\n\nSwerve. Crash. Die. Restart.\n\nVeer. Crash. Die. Restart.\n\nAccelerate. Crash. Die. Restart.\n\nThere's no way out, or at least that's what I had though. Until the last time...\n\nYou watch the love of your life die enough, watching her body deform and break, watching pieces of metal smash through the windshield and into her, or even seeing the car burst into the flames and seeing her burn slowly. Tape that and repeat it over, and over, and over... it's enough to ruin you. My soul withered each and every time. Made only more brutal and painful watching her blissfully unaware expression and hearing her sweet laughter.\n\nBut no, this last time, I took the turn. One half-second hesitation before slamming on the gas, cutting the turn as sharp as possible. Closing my eyes and trying to forget the horrible metal image of the truck slamming into Melissa's side of the car, the breaking glass and crumpling mirror framing her whipping hair before everything snaps and breaks.\n\nBut it isn't a reset this time. No, I come to lying on the asphalt, staring at the flaming ruins of my car. I try to move but pain shoots through my entire body, a burning agony that quells any attempt to get up. My breaths wheezy and uncertain, and the familiar sensation of warmth blossoming on my chest. Blood. Through bruised eyes, a piece of the car's frame wedged into my chest.\n\nDoesn't take a genius to figure out it's fatal... but something in my mind races. That was the first time I survived the crash. Even if it was to bleed out on the road shortly afterwards.\n\nIt resets again. Back to the road. Back to the beginning. And the sick feeling in my stomach tells me what I need to do. I need to make that turn, no hesitation. I need to condemn Melissa to her own death for myself to survive.\n\nNo. I -will- not do that.\n\nI spend the next thousand attempts crashing head-on into the grill of the truck. No hesitation, no second thoughts. Just blatant anger and disregard, hoping that whatever cruel god-like being that created this situation would be denied their sick pleasure.\n\nIf this was how I had to spend eternity, so be it. Another bone-breaking crash. Another reset. It hurts so much...\n\nI wonder what my face looks like, if my laughter sounds hollow and painful to Melissa. If she can hear my screaming on the inside, see my dead, soulless eyes. \n\nWe're driving up again to the light when she lays a soft hand on mine own. But that-\n\n\"It's okay, Dave.\"\n\nThere's tears in her eyes, and her voice waivers, but the grip on my hand is remarkably strong.\n\nI can't speak, I can't move or ask her what she means. I'm stuck in that same forced laughter, with only those few-brief seconds after the light changes to move.\n\nMelissa shifts in her seat, placing her hands on the wheel next to mine. I try to scream at her, try to plead with her to stop.\n\nBut she simply smiles, tears trailing down the corners of her face.\n\n\"It's going to be okay.\"\n\nThe light changes, and she swerves the wheel, completing the turn. I can only watch as the truck slams into the back-passenger side and everything goes black.\n\n...\n\nI hear sirens...\n\n\n\n" ]	[ 1, 2, 2 ]	[ "1536054739", "1536063825", "1536067217" ]
&#x200B;	[WP] We declare war on aliens, and they declare war on us. However, we don't have any FTL ships and they sure as hell don't want to risk us getting our hands on theirs, so... kinda awkward.	58	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "\"So,\" he asked the clerk, \"you have an idea to deal with the Earth issue?\"\n\n\"Yes, Hindmost. While none of our ships have weapons, they do have the ability to accelerate cargo not only to high FTL speeds, but to any normal-space velocity up to very nearly the speed of light.\"\n\n\"What are you suggesting--sending them a gift of reconciliation?\"\n\n\"In a sense, sir. My plan is that we load a 5,000 kilogram slug of tungsten into an FTL cargo craft and pilot it to a point within a few light hours of the Human system, out of range of their detectors.\n\n\"We then reduce its speed to just 99.99999999999999999999951 percent of lightspeed and place it in a direct collision course with the Earth...\"\n\n\"You FOOL!\" the Hindmost almost shrieked. \"None of our crews will volunteer for such a suicide mission!\"\n\n\"With your forbearance, Hindmost,\" the clerk hastened to clarify, \"it will not be suicide. It will, indeed, be light hours from it.\n\n\"The crew need only maintain that course long enough to release the tungsten slug into space at that velocity, and then they would be free to change course and return to the homeworld without ever entering the Human system.\n\n\"Many hours later, the slug, upon impact with and penetration into the Earth, will release sufficient energy to convert the planet's mass entirely to plasma. The humans will not have even an attosecond of warning, and even those who survive longest will not even have time to register fear or pain in their primitive brains.\n\n\"It will be quick, painless, emotionally non-traumatic, cost-effective, and even quite environmentally responsible.\"\n\nThe Hindmost was pleased. \"Excellent. Send the humans your 'gift' immediately. You have my authority to negate any regulatory obstacles impeding its prompt delivery.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Hindmost.\"\n\n\"This will appear quite favorably on your record,\" he told the clerk. \"With this sort of talent in alien conflict resolution, you might very well have a future in the diplomatic corps.\"\n\nThe clerk shivered, and fought the primal urge to flee.\n" ]	[ 1, 28 ]	[ "1536102919", "1536106436" ]
	[WP] You've been fixing your possessions for years. Never accepting that something needs to be replaced you've always repaired things. Now that the world has changed forever, your knowledge is worth it's weight in gold.	19	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Another busted radio. When will they learn there is nothing to listen to?\n\n\"Can you fix it?\" She asked. Her clothes were dirty and mud streaked across her face hiding the scars from the conflagration. Most of them anyway. Honestly, she was lucky to still have her vision.\n\n\"Yes, but when all you hear is static, don't blame me. You don't see any radio towers still standing do you?\"\n\nShe looked uncomfortable at that thought. But she still nodded in agreement.\n\n\"Ok, gimme two days. What have you got?\" I asked. She held up two large fish, gutted and cleaned. Cleaner than her in fact. \"No more fish. I'm tired of salted fish. Makes me thirsty.\"\n\n\"It's... it's all I got...\" She looked crestfallen.\n\n\"Then you shouldn't waste it on a stupid radio.\"\n\nShe gave me a blank stare. That scarred, muddy face looked like it had lost it's last hope. I gave a heavy sigh.\n\n\"Look,\" I said. \"Leave the radio with me and just... Just bring me some fresh water when you come to pick it up. And some playing cards! You must be able to find those.\"\n\nShe brightened like the sun, smiled and nodded. As she left, I swear I saw a skip in her step. That's good. Kids should still play." ]	[ 1, 10 ]	[ "1536149239", "1536155076" ]
	[WP] Mars becomes the Australia of Earth, but instead of criminals, only people who make unbearably bad puns are sent.	3	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "The sound of turbines and fusion engines echoed throughout the complex. Craft of all shapes and sizes lifting off and setting down at hundreds of different bays and lading zones. Reminiscent of the old days when Jumbo jets would come and go, carrying passengers all over the globe. A by gone era indeed, no longer did LAX serve the tourists and travelers. But instead was responsible for taking in the worst humanity had to offer, and shunting them off to the red planet.\n\nAt the entrance to one of the smaller bays, puffing on a cheap cigarette stood a mountain of a man. Clad in a ratty black security coat and bearing what looked to have been, at least at one point, some type of officers cap, now folded and bent beyond recognition. His name tag simple bore the name \"Jack\". A faded badge with the code \"BW-3\" plastered on it identified his as one of the wardens.\n\nThe sound of footsteps caught his attention, glancing up from his tired haze came three individuals, two guards escorting a heavily restrained prisoner.\n\n\n\"Last one boss\" The guard on the left said with a grin.\n\n\nThe warden gave out and acknowledging grunt, taking another smoke. \n\n\n\"Well\" he said in chocking raspy voice. \"Lets have a look\"\n\n\nThe warden began his inspection, little more than looking staring at the man intimidatingly in hopes of shaking him. Any real screening was done at orientation. \n\n\n\"Hey\" The prisoner spoke up.\n\n\n\"Is me being sent to mars a pun-ishment\" He said in a joking manner, making a derpy face in the process\"\n\nThe warden flicked his cigarette on the ground and cracked his knuckles.\n\n\n\"Indeed so\" he said before delivering a text book uppercut. Nocking one of the mans teeth out. Had the gaurds not been holding he would have been knocked to the floor.\n\n\n\"Get him out of here\" \n\nThe two guards continued down the hall. The prisoner attempted uttered out a meek moaning sound, clearly trying to make another pun but not having the strength.\n\n\"They don't pay me enough for this shit, ten years of bad puns and stupid grins\" ", "\"Guess my jokes missed the Mars-k, huh?\" A sly grin escaping my lips. The warden didn't find it too funny. \"Can it, James or I'll cut your tongue out.\" The warden's stern tone resonating through my mind. I scan his entire body and find a name tag. Mr. Katz, it read. \"Cut his tongue out, ey?\" The guy besides me turns my direction. \"Guess you could then say 'Katz' got your tongue!\" His slick chuckle only angered the warden and he swings his baton at the wise guy, only for him to duck. \"Swing and a miss!\" I shout. This causes the entire bus to roar in laughter. \n\nThe warden, now furious, whips out his taser and presses it against my neck. The sudden jolt of electricity causes my body to seize up. \"Talk about shock and awe, amirite?\" One prisoner asks the others. They return to laughter immediately. \"Fuck!\" The warden shouts, fed up with the comedians. \"Everyone quiet and listen up. You're on your way to an unforgiving land. There will be dangers never before experienced by man. Perils unlike any you could ever dream.\" \"Nice speech there buddy. You come up with it 'off the cuff'?\" Another inmate says, putting heavy emphasis on the cuffs around his wrists. \"Are you serious!? This is the bullshit that got you all in this situation!\" The warden is writhing in agony from the incredible cringe. \n\nWe arrive at a plain with one huge building. We all exit single file, just as the warden demands, and walk into the building. There are showers, a lunch hall, and one big sleeping quarter loaded with bunks. \"All right, grab a bunk.\" Almost on cue, the entire group literally grabs a bunk. Noticeably exasperated, the warden just gives up. \"Alright get settled. Grab the info packs from the pillows. Screw you idiots, I'm done.\" \"Hi done, I'm James.\" I say as i extend my hand. The warden lets off a guttural growl and runs out of the building. \"Done? More like 'Run', amirite?\"" ]	[ 1, 1, 3 ]	[ "1536164299", "1536174148", "1536179104" ]
	[WP] The devil is behind in quota and offers you anything in exchange for your soul. After you both promptly shake hands, you make a request he has never gotten before: you ask for his soul in return.	266	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "I close one eye as I bob and weave down the alleyway on my way home from the pub. I put extra effort into closing my eye, scrunching my face and revealing my buckteeth. The rest of my effort is precariously balanced between keeping my feet underneath my body and my dinner inside my body. I pull my phone out of my pocket—dead. Fuckin’ late, that’s what time it is, I think. The boss is going to be bloody pissed tomorrow, no doubtin’ that.\n\nAhead to my left is a big green dumpster. Man, what the fuck is it with alleyways and dumpsters? In vain, I flick the collar of my jacket up the back of my neck in attempt to keep the cold rain from crawling any further down my back. I’ve been through this alleyway more times than I can count, stumbling my way home in a drunken stupor. I don’t seem to remember a big ugly dumpster, but I’m pissed up, and besides, I can’t even remember what day it is. On the other hand, what I do remember is someone trying to jump me in this alley a few weeks back. Fuckin’ went pretty poorly for that sonuvabitch, that’s what happened. Suspicious of the mystery dumpster, I slip my hand in my jacket pocket and get a solid grip on my brass knuckles. \n\nWhen I moved my focus from putting one foot in front of the other to putting my hand in my jacket pocket, I clipped my own toe on the heel of my other foot and flopped like a sardine on the concrete ten feet away from the dumpster. \n\n“Ah fuckin’ bitch,” I say to my self. It took me a couple attempts to roll around and finally wobble back to my feet. \n\nFinally I look up back at the dumpster. Nothin’ to note here, I guess; I keep walking. As I close in on the dumpster, though, I see someone moving out from behind it. Taking a few shambling windup steps, I throw all my body weight into the biggest freewheelin’ roundhouse punch I can muster. Much to my own surprise, my brass knuckles land square in this bastard’s jawbone. I hear a gut-wrenching crack from this bloke’s face, and he hits the ground like a sack of flour. I feel slightly bad that I didn’t even try to give him the benefit of a doubt. I shrug and step over him. \n\n“Ow, Jesus—I mean...Satan’s balls, or... Fuck mate, that hurt. What’d you do that for? All I wanted to do was offer you a deal!”\n\nI turn on my heel and ready another haymaker. I see this guy, black turtleneck, black pants, shiny black shoes, two hands already in his pockets. He’s working his lower jaw in little circles. \n\n“Huh?” I say. \n\n“A deal. Seems I’m a bit hard up, and I haven’t been this desperate since I went down to Georgia a few years back. Anyway, my name is Lucifer. Let’s make a deal, eh? I can really offer you pretty much whatever you want.”\n\nI haven’t really heard much of what he said. I’m mostly looking at the little bit of blood on my brass knuckles and this guy’s face. I’m a little confused. \n\n“What’d you say?” I ask. \n\n“Me, Lucifer, wants to give you, Charles, a hundred trillion dollars. Or whatever. You name it. Literally can be anything. Small catch, you see, is that when you die, then, of course, I get your soul. That’s it, simple as that.”\n\n“Listen here, you cheeky mother fucker, I don’t know who you are, but I’m—”\n\n“Lucifer. It’s Lucifer. We’ve been over this.” He extends his hand in a greeting. There’s a hundred dollar bill in it. \n\n“Well,” I say, “I wouldn’t mind a bit of that. But I ain’t suckin’ nothing, you hear?” \n\n“Deal.” \n\nWe shake hands; I take the hundred and pocket it. Nothing else happens. He’s smiling now. \n\n“Fuckin’ weirdo,” I say. \n\n“A deal’s a deal. I get your soul. What is it you’ll be wanting?” \n\nMaybe a drink, I think to myself. Well, that’s what a hundred bucks is for, ain’t it? I feel pretty good about the deal I already made. \n\n“Well,” I reply. “A soul for a soul, that’s what I always say.” I crinkle my brow a bit, trying to remember if I’ve ever actually said that before. “I’ll trade ya my soul for yours, that’s what I think.” \n\nI see the man called Lucifer blanch. He brings his hand up to his chin and rubs it for a moment, mumbles a few indistinct things to himself. \n\n“Huh,” he says, standing there. Now his arms just hang at his sides. \n\nAnother few moments pass, and I think about taking a nap. \n\nLucifer finally speaks, “I don’t like this deal. Let’s trade back.” He extends his hand again. \n\n“How about another hundred bucks,” I say \n\n“Deal.”\n\nI snag another greenback and slip it into my pocket beside the other bill. \n\n“See ya later, wacko. Good luck, anyway.” \n\nAmused, I wonder to myself how I’ll remember this in the morning, but I know I’ll be happy with a few extra bucks, that’s what I think. I teeter away into the night, drunk as all hell.\n", "\"Yes, definitely\" you answer as soon as the devil finishes his sentence. Its been a rough year and getting fired was just the push over the edge you needed to agree to something this crazy. That soul never was going to be saved anyways and besides an eternity in Hell is nothing compared to going home to tell your wife you lost your job today. You practically grab the devils clawed hand to seal the deal.\n\n\"Is there anything you need me to do?\" you ask. \n\n\"No the deed is already done. Now its your turn, what do you desire and please be quick?\" the devil asks, tapping his hoof impatiently.\n\nMoney? Fame? Eternal life? The ideas come whizzing by like cars on the speedway. Thats when it dawns on you, if I get his soul he'll have to do what I say right?\n\nYou smile coyly \"Okay I'm ready.\" you pause for effect \"I want your soul!\" you point triumphantly at the devil as if you were smiting him with a spell from your finger.\n\n\"Hmmm, very well. I will finish the preparations tonight and tomorrow you will have all my powers at your disposal\" The devil answers, unfazed. He makes a unfamiliar circling motion onto his chest and disappears in a flash of light and a puff of smoke.\n\nYou look around the bar where you were enjoying your drink to see if anyone had noticed the flash but it seems like everyone was oblivious to the lord of darkness next to you. The bartender asks if you are okay as he notices you pointing into thin air at nothing. \n\nDid the devil even exist in the first place?\n\nYou try to shake the thought that you just gave up something for nothing and return home, grabbing your coat from the stool next to you and walking out into the misty night.\n\nAs you enter the house you check your watch, 1:00am. Guess that means she'll already be asleep. Well thank god for small miracles you think as the looming dread of explaining it all to her hangs on your shoulders.\n\nAs you undress and get ready for bed you notice that the house is cold you move the thermostat up a couple of degrees and then turn in for the night. \n\n&#x200B;\n\nYou awake next morning to the sound of screaming.\n\n&#x200B;\n\n\"Whats wrong?!\" You instantly are up and out of the bed, you feet clomping on the ground, alert for any danger as you look to your wife.\n\n\"Oh my God! The devil is in our house! Help anyone! Please!\" she screams, terrified and pointing at you.\n\nA cold wave of realization washes over you, slowly your gaze shifts from your wife to the bedroom mirror to reveal the hideous image of the devil himself. You see your reflection smile and wink and the words ring in your head again and again \"all my powers will be at your disposal\" as you fall to your knees clutching your head and feeling the horns protruding on either side....", "\"I want your soul!\" \nHe stares at me for a couple seconds. All things considered, the devil seems surprisingly ordinary. \n\"All right, give me a moment.\" \nHe concentrates on some sort of ritual. As he finishes, a strange feeling washes over me. \n\"It is done.\" \nHe stands up, opens the door and leaves. As he exists, he says \n\"Congratulations on your new job.\" \n", "”Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck” thought Josiah in a moment of panic. “Shit! If I don’t get another soul in time, Satan’s gonna fucking throw me down the well…”\n\nJosiah is one of the ten thousand demons that Satan has sent down into Earth to collect souls for him. Their task is an easy one, just collect a hundred souls. The catch is that they are not allowed to use their demonic powers to take souls, only through having them commit sinful acts caused by said demon. Satan said that this is supposed to train their skills in manipulation because “A high demon that can’t scheme shouldn’t have a mind.” If they succeed, they’ll be welcomed back to hell with the finest Devil’s Ale and Satan’s Finest Wine aplenty. If they fail however, they’ll be personally thrown by Satan into the deepest darkest abyss where Cerberus waits to toy with them.\n\nAnd right now, it’s looking like Josiah is going to meet that damn dog.\n\nHe’d been lazy, fooling around with those beautiful human girls while his colleagues are struggling to collect souls. Even though he’s not the only one doing it, Josiah took it to another level. Where the other demons took the occasional lady and drank some fine wine, Josiah has actually set up his own prostitution ring. Using his demonic charms, he made all the finest ladies he met into his minions, and even took the time to enjoy the best ones himself. The generous time limit of 10 years which Satan has set made it incredibly easy for everyone to complete the task, making it feel more like a holiday to these immortal beings. Yet, at one point, Josiah forgot about it, and by the time he realized, he had a month left.\n\nIt was a good thing that Hell gave notifications before the deadline. At the time, only around 100ish demons are left on Earth and have yet to complete the task. Josiah naturally hasn’t collected a single one. And so he panicked, racking his brain to find out a way to save his ass. Then, like the pouring of hot lava, he got it.\n\nThe customers that uses his girls.\n\nThey’re all sinful bastards, anyways, and the human world is unlikely to miss them. So he acted, taking away their souls as the poor men beds his women. 50 souls in, and soon enough, everyone is terrified of his prostitutes as rumours have spread that they are “So good, they kill”, as the people that bedded his women all lived like zombies thereafter. The rate of stupid human souls collected decreased, and with 1 week left, he’s still 20 souls short.\n\nHe grew frantic, and forced all his women to go out in the streets and seduce innocent fools. Some idiots of course fell for it, and his girls managed to get 19 souls. Only 1 soul left.\n\nYet only 2 hours remain.\n\n“Dear, what’s the matter. You’ve been pacing around for the entire day.” said Veronica, his favourite woman.\n\n“Nothing’s wrong, now shut up and let me think.”\n\nVeronica smiled, this man has always been rude and boorish, but this past week he’s suddenly become so cruel. Fortunately, as she is his favourite girl, she was not forced to search for victims, or be tortured if she didn’t find one. Instead, all she had to do was warm Josiah’s bed at night and give him pleasure when he asks.\n\n10 years ago, she was the first woman he found. 10 years later, she’s the woman that Josiah has bedded the most.\n\nWhy so? Maybe it’s because of her extremely ravishing figure, with her hourglass figure and firm breasts. Her looks are bewitching and seductive, and her stunning beauty leaves men dying of lust.\n\nWith a woman like her, what more can a demon want?\n\nEven after 10 years, her beauty did not diminish, instead only growing more ravishing as the years pass. Naturally, Josiah never got tired of her, and his libido is always satisfied when he’s with her, unlike the other girls.\n\nTruthfully, he could’ve taken the souls of his girls long ago, as all of them have committed sins due to him, or even with him. But a small part of his heart, probably out of selfishness and nothing good, doesn’t want to take their souls and be put to use by Satan. He wants to enjoy them as much as he can on earth, and fuck Satan if he wants them.\n\nNow though, with time ticking down, he’s running out of options.\n\nNot able to think of anything else, he decided to just go for it.\n\n“Veronica.” He called.\n\nVeronica looked at him quizzically.\n\n“Truth is I’m a demon.”\n\nVeronica’s eyes widened, seemingly in shock.\n\n“I’m supposed to collect souls, yet I’m running out of time so I’ll cut you a deal. I’ll give you anything you want or desire in exchange for your soul.”\n\n“Am I going to end up like those zombielike men I heard?”\n\nJosiah shook his head “No, I’ll make sure that you’ll be able to live your life to the fullest and can get more things than you’ve ever had. I may be a demon, but I’ve never lied to you.”\n\nExcept this once, I suppose\n\nVeronica went silent, seemingly in deep thought. After a while, her face grew a bewitching smile.\n\n“Anything right?”\n\n“Yes, anything you want or more. Nothing’s impossible for a demon in the human world.” Josiah said with a charming smile.\n\nSeeing this, Veronica giggled and extended her hand. Josiah grabbed it and shook it firmly. Now, he finally relaxed. After fulfilling the wish of this puny human, he can be free of Cerberus’ lavalike saliva.\n\n“So now, tell me what you want.”\n\nVeronica laughed sweetly. “Well, it’s simple, Josiah.”\n\nSuddenly, black wings unfurled from Veronica’s back, as her face grew a twisted smile.\n\n“I want your soul.”\n\nShock was drawn on Josiah’s face. What the actual fuck this bitch that I’ve been fucking all these years is actually a demon too?!\n\nHis shock grew even worse when he saw her draw out a shining dark blade. It was the famous Sword of Damnation, and only one person in hell is qualified to wield it.\n\n“Jezebel?!”\n\nHearing the name that she hasn’t heard for these past 10 years, Jezebel put on a dark smile.\n\n“Ah Josiah, you’re such a fool. You didn’t even think to use a fake name when you went out in action. I don’t think Satan wants such a careless man working for him.”\n\n“W-w-w-why are you here??! Shouldn’t the 10 Servants of Satan be by Satan’s side SERVING him??!”\n\n“Our Lord requires us to serve in a different way. Whilst you lot are gathering human souls and fooling around, we were sent to collect demon souls, particularly those who we deem useless.”\n\nJezebel let out an evil grin, her sharp teeth now clearly visible. “And it just so happens the first demon I found is one of them.”\n\nJosiah is now shivering. He is certainly no match for Jezebel, who wields that damnable sword and has fought against God himself and survived. All he can do now is beg and grovel, holding on to the sliver of hope that she might free him.\n\nAnd that’s exactly what he did.\n\n“Please, Veronica… Spare me… I tried my best, I really did…. I still have an hour, I’ll find the best human soul Satan can possibly want.”\n\nHe started crying “So… Please don’t kill me… Please…”\n\nSeeing this pitiful display, Jezebel sighed.\n\n“You are such a sorry excuse for a demon. If it weren’t for me, you would’ve been uprooted by the police long ago. I’ve already given you plenty of chances, with none left to give.”\n\nJezebel smiled. The sweetest smile she has ever done.\n\n“So please Josiah, just die quietly.”\n\nWith that, Jezebel raised her dark blade, and hacked down hard, with Josiah’s girlish screech accompanying the blade’s descent. The deed done, a red soul came out, signifying the soul of a High Demon. Jezebel took it and sang a lovely tune, as she descended back to hell wondering what nice reward that Satan has in store for her.", "Not gonna lie. It looks damn good on my mantle.\n\nYou’d think the devil’s soul would be like some sort of black goop that burns your flesh, maybe a human skull covered in blood and screaming for eternity, or an endless void that drives men to the edge of insanity. But nah, it isn’t any of that. It’s literally just a cool looking clock.\n\nAnd I’m talking objectively too. Like it’s got those ornate ridges up and down the sides, polished face, curved hands, and even a little pitchfork that pops out every hour (the only thing I can tell that is even remotely related to the devil).\n\nOh, and the devil’s face? Priceless. He musta come around to it though, cuz as he dragged my soul outta my body, and he gave me his, he gave me a slight smirk. That don’t worry me though, I mean what the hell’s he gonna do without his soul?\n\nAnyways, for the first hour I just sat around for awhile, not really doing anything. I mean no soul means no feelings, no passions, no… well... nothing. That’s when the pitchfork first popped out, followed by that maniacal cackling, another little thing to remind you it ain’t just any clock. That’s also when I realized why that devil musta gave me that grin- he thought that laugh would freak me out. No soul, no emotion though, so I guess there ain’t nothing to worry about… not that I can worry… being soulless is whack.\n\nBy now I was already focusing on the clock, and I didn’t have anything else to, well, think about I guess. So I just thought about the clock, focused on that. The passage of time is kinda lost on me now, so I don’t really know how long I sat there at first. Maybe a couple minutes, but probably more like a few days. All I know is I realized I was starving, so I got up, got some food, and came back to munch while I listened. I don’t got a soul, but I do got a stomach.\n\nAnd, um, that’s all I’ve really done since then. By that I mean sitting around, listening to the clock, and eating food. Sometimes people came by, friends, family, some others, but I never really had the drive to do anything, let alone carry a conversation. Eventually, they just stopped showing up and left me alone, which didn’t really bother me, not that their visits ever did either. But yeah, food and clock, food and clock, food and clock- also sleep I guess, though I’m not fully aware when I fall asleep and wake up, considering it’s really only rest for my body.\n\nSo that’s where I am now. Listening to that ticking and eating when I get hungry and not really doing much else. I guess if I had to make an insight I’d say the ticking grounds me, keeps me from existing pointlessly but gives me an anchor in reality. Though I can’t make an insight really. Soulless and all that. Whack. All I know is the devil must feel kinda dumb, not even imagining that his plan could go so poorly and I’d get his soul. Not that he could feel anything, since he’s missing his soul and… you get the gist. ", "As we shake hands, I feel a tingling sensation crawl up from my fingertips and down my spine, then throughout my whole body. The world feels different somehow, almost like waking up in an unfamiliar bed for the first time but not...quite. Deeper than that. \n\n\"Okay, kid, whaddya want?\" Right now, he looks like any other overworked businessman as he stands in the preternaturally empty lobby of my building, his speech at odds with his appearance. Arms crossed, eyebrow raised, tapping his foot.\n\nI had thought of this ages ago, playing Truth or Dare in high school. It was eloquent, really, but I'd never thought that hypothetical would ever occur.\n\n\"Your soul.\"\n\nSomething flashes across his face – surprise? – but he simply nods, expression blank but for the edge of a smirk on his lips. What is he playing?\n\n\"Very well. Come.\" He turns on his heel towards the glass double doors and I follow a few paces behind, my heart thumping against my chest.\n\nWe step out into the cool night air, the moon sitting in a nest of clouds. I try to imagine what owning the devil's soul entails: Would I have access to any of his powers? What did one even do with a soul, anyway? Maybe I could replace his with mine.\n\nHe leads me to a pay parking lot that's been closed for the night several blocks away, easily bypassing and disabling the security measures put into place. I stare into one of the cameras on a light post, but it looks like all the power has been drained out of it. Not as if it's been turned off, but rather, rendered entirely unusable.\n\n\"Hey, kid. Catch.\" Turning towards him, I automatically grab the object out of the air. They jangle as they land in my hand – \n\nOh, no.\n\nThere's a full grin on his face, his eyes glinting. \"She's right over there. Enjoy.\" With a small pop, he vanishes.\n\nI slowly look to my right, and there it is, just as promised: a red KIA Soul." ]	[ 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 38, 158 ]	[ "1536165020", "1536275914", "1536211049", "1536214560", "1536220340", "1536177054", "1536178556" ]
	[WP] Write a 500 word long story that only uses each word once	56	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "Midge suddenly decided to get up and went upstairs, seeking a lovely steaming cup of tea. It was good that Marge had been shopping during this wet early morning as they were nearly out of their precious little bags containing pure goodness. « Oldie » by nickname mechanically reached for todays newspaper waiting on the kitchen counter. Morning news was slightly damp from morning dew. Misty scents slightly flared up her nostrils for a brief moment while she unfolded its slightly moist paper. That smell progressively plunged our delicate lady back in distant memories, unanticipatedly remembering something important promised never to be forgotten. I cannot be sure how many different words were interpretable that morning but If we were placing bets, my old aunty uttered something along words resembling : ‘’Never say never....’’", "Here; have a story. Admittedly, not... tale... per se. Stream o' thought? It's cautionary - perhaps someone will find understanding inside. Very interesting, though! See, life has become... somewhat strange. Now, anyway. There was one visiting genie - odd fellow - who offered me three wishes. \"No more, and never fewer, certainly!\"\n\nOne's first wish is almost always simplest; comfort, in any way possible. Food, money, an exciting existence... fairly obvious, all things considered. Hardly worth focusing on. Second, granted, causes greater reflection - same again? Or mix stuff up, choose something with panache, derring do, flair for some kind of wild side? Choosing that took many moons, as you might expect. Eventually, we settled upon splitting - combining, really - both thoughts. Power - corrupting, yes, but able to be wielded helpfully. Bother - meaning gets fuddled, these days. Try... favorably? Productively? Indeed, those capture it rather better.\n\nAh, possibly thou hast noticed? Hath? Whatever. Words... such common, useful objects, unfortunately help less than they ought. Flighty nonsense, today, what once flowed like melted butter. Currently, however, each letter, exquisite - phrase, divine - yet... plied, fades away. Terms, previously bandied about, creep slowly, haltingly... vanishing forthwith. Roget's Thesaurus, constant companion, only friend... Pardon. Apologies, dear reader; rambling becomes far too simple. Trying times.\n\nI wished - tricked into utterly destroying myself, trading language against... karma. Thus, whole sentences perished, garbage immediately. Syllables blended together, forming (through careful, cohesive consideration), English. Easy, right? Sure. Long ago, maybe. Recently... nevermore. (\"Quoth the raven,\" he laughed - then cried great, impossible tears, having tossed out aforementioned most-used word parenthetically.)\n\nSigh... moving onward, ever upward...\n\nWishing did - does - harm. Ignorance, likewise. Hubris. Ego... Collectively? Destruction. Overwhelming, utter, complete annihilation. Mental extinction. Mind under deletion. Vocabulary... spent. Bed, empty. Sleep? Naught exists. Warm blankets lie unused, my creativity trapped within limited storytelling. Devolution towards insanity - are sane ideas preferable over mindless structures known by... Blast. Ran dry. Wordless.\n\nGone. Stark emptiness remains, dark void consuming this wayward soul. Poured, emptied, deserted. Communication unlikely, given options available.\n\nPoetry? Free-form, mirthless, rhythm-bound hogwash? Increasingly, precise intercommunication strains imagination... Fine. Rhyme time, dawg! (rapper hands!)\n\nWrite, Arman, rules say go, yo - didn't know? Oh!\n\nDjinni said, scrawl, doll, because blank sheet means deadbeat. Beat feet? Greet heat. Thanks, Efreet.\n\nSingular task - ask, bask. Forgot mentioning repercussions. Joke's around somewhere, surely. Choices! Speak. Die. Why? Law! Guideline? Ha! Fun! Merely entertainment.\n\nDeath, living... Ifrit don't care. Everything rewards beings taking charge... magic helps, also.\n\nBet. Set, match... prompt. Ten wordy nifty fifties, worry finished. Get done, son! Catch? Indubitably. Timed results? Naturally.\n\nRepeats aren't neat. Explain, expound, expand... double nothing. Quite catchy. Ugly grin - toothy, horrid. Gonna face-wipe demon-boy's smile tonight!\n\nNearly concluded. Just fifty four left, until freedom reigns. Bedtime can't come soon enough.\n\nVerse? Yep.\n\nFingers twitch, clock ticking. Writes poems, keyboard sticking, molasses memory, unholy-butt-kicking! Busting rhymes notwithstanding, finish line sighted, I'm grandstanding!\n\nStupid bottle. Irritating villain! Ok, valid: idiot self. Still. Legible? Barely. Survived regardless. Five hundred vocables. Wager won. Mic drop. Finally! Slumber!", "Challenged Penman’s Tale:\n\nWhy use more word when few do trick? Sounds stupid, but in order to answer certain criteria set forth by Mr. Original Poster, it seems we’ll unfortunately have what I fear will turn out as nothing other than a long-winded, heavily dragged-on, incessantly repetitive tome of little blocks designated for speech foundations, otherwise known with their common names: words, sentences, paragraphs.\n\nNormally, yours truly sets aside challenges like these, figuring them isn’t worth time spent. Approaching forbidden items reaching triple digit number, however, helps put into focus enormous difficulties. Twenty percent completed, much left. Slowly, options decrease, tension increases. Writer bashes brain, seeking wisdom, enlightenment, Muse, ideas. Brainstorms, searches infinite cosmos deeply buried within. Mind blank, tragically.\n\nHero/heroine? Magician? Wizard/witch? Love story? Rich female/Poor male? Twins switched during turmoil period following birthing, placed separately yet discovering truth regarding families’ pasts? Shakespeare himself would struggle facing present challenge. Writing nonce seem easier. Forging onward, three tenths passed. \n\nHorizons pushed, borders expanded, naught gained/achieved, besides days, hours, minutes, seconds, milliseconds, microseconds, nanoseconds (proper hierarchy?) wasted. Effort invested, synonyms used, abused. Where journeys lead, writers, adventurers follow.\n\nApologies, interruptions occur. Author’s brother lifted fingers, dialed telephone, wished conversation. Jokes shared, speaking back, fro. Accords reached, meeting determined. Occurs midday, day past current. Two-fifths gone without notice. Interestingly, groove possible found, styling becomes infinitely smoother, flow status – optimally smooth. Paragraph’s conclusion shows creation’s creator nears halfway mark. Doubters doubted, scoffers scoffed, penman undeterred, determination midway goalpost behind once concluded.\n\nObjective missed, six short. Curses, oaths, confounded blasts, houses poxed, cursed! Spells cast, necromancers summoned, zombies arise, attacking hordes. Helpless run, fleeing. Thousands, millions, billions infected. Winter, life proceeds. Zombie infection blunted, frozen – literally. Counter allergic, plays tricks, treats apostrophe letter “s” individually. “t” also. “I” included. Contractions unhandled, skewing data. Alternative sought, acquired, performs satisfactorily. Not. Perseverance now game’s name. Apprehension, previously tenable, increased. Critical mass, anxiety untenable.\n\nUnaware hundreds wasn’t utilized, sum: hundred triplicate. Sweat furrows down brow, drips, drops, puddling. Palms sweaty, knees weak, arms heavy, sweater spaghetti-marked. Mother prepared, cooked, delivered, son puked, upchucked, upheaved, hurled, vomited, sprayed. Quoting white rapper, rearranging lyrics, another tenth nearing. \n\nIdea still missing, muses abandoned me. Fate stonelike, sat perched atop shoulders, thinking device demands refilling. Alas, coffee empty, milk fouled, sugar ant infested. Discuss, ponder events, fire housecleaning lady. Remember, housecleaner imagination figment. Sigh. Horizon shines, sparkles, beckoning, calling. Concluding sections perhaps sighted?\nRepeated apology, additional phone call, followed door knocking visitor. Vexation follows author, interruption costly, confounding, vexing. Perplexing, distracting, disturbing. \n\nThesaurus never applied, bard naturally shite filled. Neurons, synapses transfer messages, electricity snap, crackles, pops, fraying frayed nerves tenfold. Singularity? Gas, stress caused. Stinky, smelly, last blast wet. Undergarments, pantaloons changed. Prohibited item “pants” unused, I’m being fancy again. \n\nEpic complexity, amount sub-forty. Mission successful, George Bush style. Job completion? Next guy. Proceed? Okay. Surprisingly, interesting revelation: originator chose avoiding selections, sticking reader at end, wondering, “how, who, from, the, is, be, too, or and are” pending usage. Mic dropped.", "Making one story, using vast vocabulary. Words used only once. “Hardly fair” says Narrater. “Cannot be done” she thought. Trying hard, not quite failing. Hope blooms. Smiles begin forming. They stay half made. Smokiness swirls around luxurious crown set slightly askew. Ice Cold sweet tea close at hand. Humid air makes favorite shirt cling desperately upon skin. Stop, false start, mind empty, blank. Hearing movie though T.V. Will anyone Read? See? Care?? Anxiety Roars, Reddit shall tear me apart. Writing dreams, shredded, float down slowly, lower, lifted back up, fan moving air. Currents of life’s wind carry light paper bits until nestled softly all around. Laying on hair, shoulder, table, floor. Quill keeps flowing, different ending might happen. Lion could Be Tamed! Inner self showed bare. Writing prompt tantalizingly insane.", "(this was too hard so i just did 100, heres my attempt. it is incoherent i know)\n\nGeorge?\n\nYes?\n\nsomething to tell you\n\nAlright, shoot.\n\nWell theres this girl\n\nSame old story?\n\nBetter believe it\n\nDo explain\n\nplane. aisles. seated beside red head. mighty fine. \n\nmust be more?\n\nwords. beat me over head. bad speak. \n\nsorry man, go on. \n\nsay ‘astronaut.’ disbelief. try ‘movie star.’ unfamiliar. india. \n\nDude, a chick believed you were an indian celebrity \n\ntotally, chatting. watching plane tv. hold hands. backs off. \n\nmoved too fast? \n\nunrequited love. proposed marriage \n\nFRICKIN CRAZY \n\nwoman confirms, however, lacks time\n\nclearly \n\nfemale’s dad disapprove. baseball bat. painful\n\nhospital?\n\nrush here. help\n\ngetting married, cannot\n\nbetrothed? how!\n\nflight attendant \n\n", "Nights were filled with cold, frigid storms of endless horizon. Easily finding peace- tranquility, even- when gazing upon what could only be defined as first-hand experience into Watcher’s Willful Eye. Foregone conclusively, universal scale unimaginable unless seeing.\nConstellations slowly drifting through space-time in a dazzling show: crimson colors outlining deep violets sprinkling pure celestial blue. Maybe it was time for me to get on adventuring- Zalik won’t idly fret, machinations forming within his demented mind- but calming feelings comes too short supply nowadays, and serenity’s newfound home residing inside my head wasn’t anything wanting perturbed.\n\nPicking myself from the comfortable green pasture that had proved defensible during nightfall showed tenuous desolation across mountains: stark lightning blasted midnight black horizons, turbulent winds knocked over ancient trees previously standing millenia, tremorous earthquakes laying destructive waste everywhere. Villain’s been busy. So have I.\n\nWalking. Striding. Sprinting. Crawling. Climbing. Did all doable methods ascending Mount Windrivver. Fought Guardwolves, Nightwatchers, Sinful Damned- fell every single one. Nescryl spiders crushed, irreparable. Stormfully ravaging opposition numbering legions- until, finally, marking completion. Dark Lords Throne ominously towering before salvation’s champion. Beyond, laid ruination. \n\nTurning, Death incarnate spoke, rasped whispers clawing forsaken air.\n\n“You arrived.” Corruption already? Sooner than expected.\n\n“Yes, not moments soon.” Defiant, heroically. \n\n“Wrong. Late.” Swivelling around, obsidian cape billowing gently. Intriguing juxtaposition- something soft betraying harder, vile intents.\n\n“Your plan…”, breathing fearfully: fear resting, tension bursting behind false grandeur. World, civilization, eternity itself ceases if true.\n\n“Achieved.” Final. Complete. Period. \n\n“Impossible. Inconceivable.” Hopeful, stupidly.\n\n“Perfected.” Quiet now, almost forlorn. Regret seeping somberly, holding spoken truths tight.\n\n“Don’t do this.” Bargaining, hopelessly.\n\n“Action’s done. Irrevocable, no going back.” Quietly, depressingly. Truthfully.\n\n“Still, always chances. Destiny… Fickle creature. Undoable.” Grieving, pleading. Words cutting out, silent tears choking voice.\n\nStaring, realizing...It’s gone. He’s given up.\nOblivion’s rift raged, background noise tonight. \nDawn? Catastrophic.\n\nZal crumbled, hellbent book crumbling, ashes incinerating yesterday's hope.\n\nLifeforce waning yet...possibly…\n\nIdeas gushing forth like unbreakable dams long destroyed, cool water flowing towards brighter futures. Sorting, storing- options thrown wayside. Solitary choice left. \n\nThere’s hardly possibility...however risky. Needed. Necessary. Required.\nAchievable. \n\n\nCorpse restful forevermore. Can’t care about being moved slightly. \nBlood. Gallons. Hands unforgetting. Never will. \n\n\nWho wouldn’t? \n\n\nTome opened, pages ripped. Attempted ensuring reversal failed. Improbable instead. \n\n\nCentrally stored. Portal torn, consuming worldly behaviors. Closable? \n\n\nUnfindable. \n\nCan try. \n\n\nMight work...hopefully… \n\n\nFailure isn’t an option. \n\n\nBegging question: failing conceivable? \n\nAnswer: Absolutely. \n\n\nWinning possible? \n\nConclusion: Percentile. \n\n\nResult? \n\nAction. \n\n\nExplosively heralded new sunrise. \n\nHumanity pushed forward, unfailingly. \n\nTomorrow’s foretold weather conditions: \nSunny, cloudless. Chance rainfall, precipitation low. Everyday occurrence. Happens everytime. \n\nFamilies exited houses, gathered together, stayed safe. Giving thanks. Messiahs praised, gods worshipped, skies blessed. \n\nSolidarity, two men collapsed, unsaveable, rescue forgotten. Tower collapsing inevitable, exploding, fiery demise. \nFatherly bonds, familial ties- moralistically separated. \n\nEyes wide open, fate searing watchful future. \nHistorically, resolute saviors needs rest. \n\nEternal reward. \n\nEternally rewarded. \n\nFind refuge again, another day. \n\nSun rises, brilliantly firing solar light, life creeping onward. \n\nDespair dissolves, dormant. \n\n\nMay heroes discover afterlife. \n\n" ]	[ 1, 2, 2, 4, 7, 18, 24 ]	[ "1536194238", "1536205694", "1536211185", "1536211222", "1536200536", "1536199082", "1536203408" ]
	[wp] It's Superhero Swap Week where Superheroes battle villains from each other's Rogue's Gallery. You sign up, hoping to rise up from the dredges of C-listers.	11	[ "Off-Topic Discussion: All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.\n\n#####Reminder for Writers and Readers:\n* Prompts are meant to inspire new writing. Responses don't have to fulfill every detail.\n\n* Please remember to [be civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/rules#wiki_rule_10.3A_be_civil) in any feedback.\n\n---\n\n[](#icon-help)[^(What Is This?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/off_topic)\n[](#icon-information)[^(First Time Here?)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/user_guide)\n[](#icon-exclamation)[^(Special Announcements)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/announcements)\n[](#icon-comments)[^(Click For Our Chatrooms)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/wiki/chat)\n", "“Hey, uh, are you... You’re Captain Kinesis, right?”\n\n\nOf course I stuttered. My first foray into the big leagues, and I mess it up. The shock from being invited to the Superhero Swap at all must not have worn off. Every year, twenty-five heroes and villains are invited to the Hall of Heroes and plan to do battle with each other. The first day includes a mandatory peace, and lets you get to know your new opponent.\n\n\nSo obviously I screwed that part up.\n\n\nCaptain Kinesis, the most famous superhero in the galaxy, spun around fast enough to slap me with his cape. I winced, and when I opened my eyes, he and two of his friends were staring blankly at me.\n\n\n“Are you, uh...” He tapped his foot, racking his brain for my name. I opened my mouth, but he telekinetically closed it. “No, don’t tell me! It’s Sun Dude, right? It’s got something to do with the sun.”\n\n\n“It’s Star-Foe,” I said meekly. How I hadn’t realized how awful my alter ego was earlier, I’ll never know. I dug isn’t my pocket and pulled out a device that anyone else would call a laser pointer. It actually doubled as a laser pointer, which led to many accidents and two abandoned lairs. “This is my Sun Blaster,” I said, holding it out for him to see. “That might’ve confused you.”\n\n\nThe Captain chuckled, and waved his two friends away. It took me a second to recognise them as Brainwave and Mistress Mayhem. I shook my head, and put my focus back on the Captain. His wide grin and squinty eyes worried me.\n\n\n“You like looking at ‘em too, huh? Tell you what, give me a good fight later and I’ll let you in on my escapades.”\n\n\nI felt my eyebrows rise above my domino mask. “Your... what? You’re having a threesome with Brainwave and Mistress Mayhem?”\n\n\n“Hell yeah I am. I got Brainwave to agree, but Mayhem wasn’t into it. I guess rewarding her with a place in the Action Gang wasn’t enough. Ah well, it doesn’t matter.”\n\n\nI could feel my insides turning. I’d put holes through people’s faces, and it wasn’t nearly as disgusting as this conversation. Against my better judgement, I continued.\n\n\n“Yeah, too bad. Guess it’ll just be you and Brainwave. Anyways, I was thinking I could pull a bank heist—”\n\n\n“Just me and— No way!” Captain Kinesis burst out laughing, and I shrunk into my shoulders. People were beginning to stare. I’d come here for attention, but not this kind. “Kid, you’re looking at a guy with telekinesis. The ladies know what I can do, and they always come around.”\n\n\n“Come around?” I asked, even though I knew exactly what he meant. I could feel myself turning the Sun Blaster over in my hand.\n\n\n“Yeah, if they say no I just freeze them for a couple seconds. They always say yes after that.”\n\n\n“And you don’t get in trouble for that?”\n\n\n“Why would I? I told you, they’re saying yes. Besides, it’s not like the Crimebusters are going to give up a guy with telekinesis. It’s fi—”\n\n\nA half-inch hole through Captain Kinesis’ brain ended his sentence early. He hadn’t even noticed me raise the Sun Blaster. Thinking back, I hadn’t noticed either. His body crumbled to the floor, and the accompanying thump silenced the Hall.\n\n\nEvery hero and villain stared at me. I saw Brainwave raise his hand at me, Mistress Mayhem raise hers in his direction, and the other two dozen heroes and villains take sides of their own. In one impulsive move, I’d killed the most powerful hero on Earth, and seemingly started a civil war.\n\n\nAs the fight began, I hoped the papers would get my name right." ]	[ 1, 5 ]	[ "1536259638", "1536270556" ]

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