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[ WP ] Who watches the watchers ?
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`` Who's there?''
Sitting there, hunched over the monitors, I had a disquieting feeling. Like I was -- *being watched*. But that was ridiculous. No-one watches the Watchers...
Still, I glanced uneasily over my shoulder. Nope: same dry old room as always: grey, dusty, quiet. Still two hours til I'm going to be relieved.
Sometimes I think it's ridiculous to watch these people sleep. They're in *comas*, for Dog's sake. Even if they *did* wake up, the nurses would be there in seconds -- and they never do. *Never*. Just because it's a Punishpsych Facility, there *have* to be guards, I suppose. It's a job.
Once again, I scan the monitors. I'm bored. I see the exact same thing eve -- *wait*. Is that an empty bed? Impossible. *K17*.
I glance down at the clipboard -- I find it on the 3rd page. There is a name -- does n't matter what it is. I look back at the monitor. Yep -- *definitely empty. * Weird.
Got ta follow protocol. I pick up the phone, dial the nurse station. We rarely have to call, but -- like everything else -- there's a plan. The phone rings -- and rings -- *and rings* --
Okay, I do n't like this. Time to escalate. I reach for the walkie -- -
`` No need for that, son.'' Who are these guys? How'd they get in here? My mouth is dry.
`` You're not supposed to be in here,'' I say. I see the one guy is a doctor, and the other has an unfamiliar uniform. They smile at each other. I do n't like this.
`` We have an empty bed,'' says the guy in the uniform. `` You're not doing your job.''
`` But I was about to call on that,'' I say, puzzled. `` I *just* saw it -- just now!''
He frowns. `` Put out your hand.''
`` I'm not goin -- `` He reaches out and grabs it, pulling it flat. The doctor pounces; there's a sharp prick in my wrist. I start to feel dizzy.
`` Put him in K17,'' I hear. It's the last thing I hear...
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[ RF ] The inner thoughts of a citizen in a general election voting booth .
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There are never lines to vote in district 73293, formerly known as Münster 3. You remember how you were a pupil at the primary school here. The smell is still the same. Or your memory of the smell here had been adjusted every few years you go here. You contemplate the irony that the ultimate rite of adulthood took place in a primary school. Irony sure ruled supreme. You walk up to the old ladies who handle their district, greet them and show your voting registration and national ID card. You realize once again that your passport picture has fewer wrinkles than you, and it pains you slightly. While you know that the prime of your life had been over already, you do n't like to accept it. You receive the huge sheet with two columns of candidates, thank the lady and slowly walk to the voting booth. There are drawings on the wall which look amateurish to you but you can just feel that the kids must have been proud of them. Behind the vision screen, you nestle with the paper. A joke unbiddenly enters your mind from your memory, it was told to you by Mum before your first election: You know why in Bavaria the CSU always wins? Because the pencil to fill out the ballot is tied so closely that it only suffices for the first candidate. You smile, the pencil is not tied to the booth here in NRW. You make two crosses: Erststimme ( SPD ), Zweitstimme ( Linke ). Tactically split to emply your wish for a coalition. A slight pang in your conscience because you never split your vote when you were young, but these days you no longer see the need to waste your Erststimme on a long shot. This too, as you realize, is probably a sign of aging: being more pragmatic. You wrestle the huge ream of paper containing 20 candidates' and about 100 parties' aspirations for power into the envelope and then drop it into the ballot box. You smile as you hear it drop. Civic duty: done. Maybe you should go for an ice cream. The weather is nice on that Sunday.
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[ WP ] Waiting
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I hate coffee. Dennis knows that, too. This is probably his idea of a joke. I took the time to brave the Chicagoland traffic and dropped a small fortune to park. It dawned on me that I left my GPS on the mount. Not that it mattered around here; piece of junk ca n't do a thing among the buildings here. The least he could do was show up.
As I shift my arm to check my watch again, I nearly knock over the pyramid of empty paper cups - they tasted just like their hot chocolate. Bastard was a full three hours late now. Even if he still lived in Portland, he'd be late.
Some of the folks standing around waiting for a table are eyeing my squadron of refuse eagerly. That's my cue to get back in the queue for another cup of some stale brown drink. The line moves quickly, but it's still long. Since I'm going to be here for a while, may as well check my phone. Maybe he left a message.
Nope. Not a peep. The only communication was my outgoing call to his cell from two hours ago. May as well try again. Rings once. Twice.
`` Hello?''
`` Dennis?''
`` Hey, bro! Where the hell are you?''
That son of a bitch.
`` Where am I?'' I ask back. `` Where the heck are you? I've been waiting for hours.''
`` What do you mean?'' my brother shouts through the speaker.
I look around and nobody else is even on their phone let alone spilling out the type of crap only a Morenis can spout.
`` I've been sitting in this damned Starbucks for three freaking hours drinking I do n't know what the hell they think it is-''
`` Which Starbucks?'' he asks.
`` Corner of Clark and Madison like you said.''
`` Wait a second,'' he called before pausing; bastard must have gone to the wrong one. `` Welcome to the city, bro. I'm in the one on the opposite corner.''
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[ WP ] `` If a computer can hold more than one AI '' She said , `` Why do we believe that a brain ca n't create more than one mind ? ''
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>'' If a computer can hold more than one AI,'' she said, `` Why do we believe that a brain ca n't create more than one mind?''
> I just shook my head. There were so many fundamental misunderstandings of the inner workings of technology that I did n't know which to address first.
>'' I think you fail to consider that we still have n't passed the Turing test,'' Adrian pitched at her, sipping idly at his coffee.
>'' That's the first of many good counterpoints,'' I offered. `` I wanted to start with a discussion of the hardware, but I like this direction too.'' The civil and relaxed tone contrasted with how I actually felt. Anne had clearly gotten by on looks alone.
> Anne held out her hand in protest. `` I mean, who's to say we have n't? Where's the verifying authority?'' She pulled a hearty taste of her frappucino and looked as if she'd loaded a melodramatic eye roll and set the safety on'semi'.
> Adrian actually took a minute to think on that statement. I used the opening to pose a more compelling question. `` Where is n't it? Is there a single person unable to intuitively determine state of consciousness? If something is self-aware, it becomes evident among interaction with it.''
> Adrian gave me a telling look with his enormous blue eyes. `` Actually, James, that's far more complicated a matter than you're giving it credit for. It's been argued extensively that there is no objective method for determining consciousness outside of our own.''
> Anne jumped on it. `` There really is no possible way of *confirming* the existence of any consciousness outside our own!''
> Now that the two of them shared a side, it would be significantly difficult to provide a rebuttal. I looked for another angle. `` Ok, Anne. Yet you just argued it should be possible for two minds to exist within a single brain. How would we explore this possibility if it's already impossibly complex to determine whether a *single* consciousness exists within a brain?''
>'' Well, I,'' Anne looked at me, mouth agape.
> I'd done it! I'd rendered her speechless for the first time since we'd begun interfacing!
Members of the Turing Conference applauded the spectacle, noting the vivid detail contained within the simulation. As he muted the display, Wilbur Treynor approached the podium.
`` And as you can see, the interactions are convincing and compelling. I assume based on your applause that we've succeeded in rousing some interest among members of the audience.
`` And now we'll hold a vote. You've all been given a receiver. You have five minutes to submit your answer: Which of these three is the human?''
Within seconds of stepping off, Wilbur noted the rising din of chatter among members of the audience. Everyone had fervently begun discussing the possibilities. He was sure some of them would piece it together, but what was important was that the answer remained a surprise to *most*. Even more important would be the reveal at the end.
He'd always been one for showmanship. They'd chosen him for it. He garnered more attention during a single symposium than most would muster over the course of a year. So many of his colleagues were wrapped up with the impartiality and distance required of them that they forgot why they became involved in the first place. The intrigue. The inquisitive mind. The puzzle of what makes humans *human. *
As the timer drew down to its final seconds, the clattering din of the room became a mellow buzz. The lights dimmed once again, and Wilbur took the stage. With a click of his o-tool, the results appeared. *Hmm. Not as many as I'd thought. *
`` Many of you,'' he began, intent on rallying the drama of a spectator sport, `` Put your faith in Adrian. The level headed one. He seemed to direct the discussion. Keep the others on track. If someone has an agenda for the conversation, they must be a plant. Correct?''
Nods from the audience indicated many of them followed this line of thinking. `` Fully 67 percent of you would be wrong.'' Laughter rang out followed by a round of spontaneous applause. Wilbur smiled. This was the part that he loved.
`` So the two we're left with are James and Anne. If you're one of the 31 % in this room that chose Anne, color me impressed.
`` Along that line of reasoning occurs the thought that the emotive expressions are not indicative of an artificial consciousness. She is very arrogant, dismissive, and self important. Not only this, but she experiences a very clear moment of shock at having learned she has no counter argument. We all know this person very clearly, and many of us work with at least one of her.''
More laughter, though less pronounced. Wilbur grinned.
> Before I had a chance to interject on the topic of whale psychological profiling, Anne and Adrian both received phone calls simultaneously. They exchanged puzzled looks and I just shrugged.
> The game had its merits. One of my favorites is that I could receive real-world phone calls from within the comfortable confines of its virtual reality. It was sublime.
> As I watched Anne and Adrian, I noted the odd pattern of behavior that began emerging. The two of them simply nodded into their phones, their eyebrows tightening at whatever spoke from the other side.
> Anne erupted into tears. Adrian simply dropped his phone, his face assuming a distant stare.
>'' Hey! Hey, what? Guys... what just happened?'' I realized in that moment that I honestly considered these two to be my friends. We'd be hanging around this coffee joint for a couple of months now, but we always had such excellent conversations. The concern in my voice was genuine. That came as a surprise to me.
> But not as surprising as what came next.
>'' James... `` Adrian started. His voice seemed to choke on the words. `` We're... Artificial. Artificial Intelligence.''
> Adrian Isuzu. Anne Insman. Their initials were a cruel joke.
> **A.I. **
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[ WP ] Write two pieces about the same society or time period - one describing it as dystopian and one describing it as utopian
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**Utopia**
We are a society that was once prophesied before any man, woman, or child of this city walked the earth upon which it was built. Although we first organized officially just before the turn of the century, for thousands of years, warriors have fought valiantly. They have been and continue to be unbreakable, unstoppable, unforgiving, in their quest towards our ultimate goals that would make society the epitome of its original code while at the same time seeking out and eliminating threats that corrupt original spirit.
We also have a well developed police force whose chief aim is to root out any cancerous person who disrupts our perfect society through such actions as the destruction of property, adultery, or dissent. We have a shining court system, with 12 supreme judges, as well as a specific code used for those tried and convicted. This system prevents corruption and ensures equal treatment of all guilty detainees.
Just as Rome wasn ’ t built in a day, neither can we build this current protostate yet soon-to-be empire with haste. Not only do we represent, but we *are* the restoration of the caliphate of the earliest essences of our religion, with all the political, religious, and eschatological reifications against nonbelievers that this implies. Because of our fidelity to a true and pure interpretation of our dogma, which has been divined from the Most High, we know that, truly, we are always making the correct foreign and domestic policy decisions.
We are not monsters. We believe that only those with legitimate authority can undertake any sort of a violent effort, and such a war must be just and have licit cause. This prevents violence in our streets; we have no gangs, no cartels, no big businesses who only work for themselves, instead of the good of the common man. No, our first and foremost goal is to cleanse society, making it into fertile ground for intellectuals and citizens who truly relish in the central dogma of this global association of those who wish to not succumb to impurity, but instead, focus on the ideologies that truly set the soul free.
**Dystopia**
This society wants to force all of humanity to believe in its vision of a religious and social utopia and will stop at nothing to achieve this goal.
Conditions under rule are unlivable. Women are treated as chattels, those deemed to be pagans can be bought and sold as slaves, “ infidels ” -also known as those who don ’ t agree completely with the caliphate- face beheadings, floggings, amputations, or any other number of horrific, cruel punishments. In fact, as time went on, such activities became the norm. The governing people of this proto-state has controlled rents, imposed conscription, and raised taxes to an astronomical level. Members of the party patrol the streets, kill, slaughter, rape, and steal with no implications.
They have taken my religion and warped it, demented it in such a way that genocide has justification. This theocratic death cult requires me to either face horrific death or follow with abandon, always ready to pledge allegiance to the State.
_________________
The above are factually sound point of views on the Islamic State.
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[ WP ] You are the Fifth , lesser-known Horseman of the Apocalypse , Hope .
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I sat there staring at the dark sky, the time had come. I could hear the bells in the distance, it was a signal. It meant my journey into the realm of mortals would soon be upon me. With my nerves kicking into high gear I have become really anxious. It's been awhile since I've actually traveled into the mortal realm, I ca n't help myself from wondering if all I'm doing is for naught. It was too late! I ca n't turn back now, humanity needs me now more than ever!
`` Alright then, are you ready Iris? We must ride now if we're to have a decent window of time to get things done''. Iris has been my horse for as long as I can remember, but much more than that we're companions to each other. She takes care of me as much as I take care of her.
Iris nodded, and we set off into the distance. As we rode past the trees and various other scenery along the stone path it became clear where we were needed to head towards.
`` Iris! Look there in the distance! The dead, amongst other denizens of this world are heading towards the mountains that way!''. Riding as fast as we could, we wanted to catch up to the train of souls heading into the mountains. Upon reaching our destination we were shocked to learn that the mass of souls and creatures had been much bigger than we previously anticipated.
`` This gathering, it's so.. massive. Iris, can we do this? Will it be possible?'' I sat puzzled, yet every moment I wasted was precious time and they kept pouring into the gate. I felt a nudge behind my back, looking behind me I saw Iris who had been waiting on my decision, in all her glory.. white ethereal wings that seemed to travel along the wind, hooves of blue fire and dressed in her best armor. Beautiful rune etched chains connected to her head piece.
`` Alright girl, I'm ready. Let's do this! ``, at least that's what I said. I still have doubts about my actions, and wonder if we'll even change anything. Still, we have to try. I believe in humanity, I just want them to believe in me! If both of us bind together, we can triumph over this challenge that has been laid before us.
`` We're almost there girl! Just a few more seconds! I can feel us reaching ever closer to the other side of this gate''. I started to look around, looking up I could see the army of creatures heading towards our destination as well. They would n't dare to even attempt touching a horseman of the apocalypse. I suppose that's why we have n't been attacked yet, though I'm sure the other horsemen have been alerted of my presence.
Reaching the end of the gate, it was raining as soon as we got outside. Walking forward a bit more we started to wonder where the creatures from the gate were at. We looked behind us, and as they came out of the gate they just simply vanished.
`` Hmmph, no doubt the doing of one of them. Probably amassing them all somewhere, but for what?'' I thought to myself, though it was n't too hard to guess who was behind a gathering of this size. Just then a sudden flash of lightning and thunder crashing across the sky snapped me out of my thoughts. Someone was watching me, but who?
`` Ssissterr --'', I heard someone whispering from behind me. I turned to see the face of my brother, Death. `` Why have you come to the mortal realm dear sister? War is aware of your arrival and he is not happy. Some of his watchers were stationed at the gate and they sent news of your coming''. I looked at my brother, I wanted to cry and hug him because out of all of my brothers, I was closest to Death. I had to be tough though, `` Death, you know why I'm here. I believe the human race is worth so much more than to be pawns for the apocalypse. Sure they might have shortcomings, but as a whole I think they might become something great and unimaginable. I'm not going to let War, Pestilence and Famine take that from them, and if you're going to stand in my way I will not hesitate to take you on as well, Death''.
As the rain fell between us, I sat there looking at my brother who had come to meet me upon my arrival here. What happened next surprised me, instead of getting angry and frustrated, I only heard my brother laugh. He laughed so heartily I do n't think I've ever heard this from him before now.
`` Yes! YES! You are definitely my sister. Sister your determination is going to lead you onto a battlefield, a battlefield against our brothers'', Death said to me. `` I'm aware of that brother, I love my brothers.. however what they're doing is wrong to me, and I will uphold what I believe in, and I believe in the humans''.
What happened next came to me as another shock, so much so that I wanted to break down and cry. `` Well my sister, where you lead I will follow. If you value the humans so much that you're willing to go into battle against our brothers then.. I have to say that I want to share your vision, and trust your judgement. I'm intrigued to see that which has inspired you to act so boldly, you have the strength to be the strongest of us my sister. I will follow you into battle my dear sister, as your second in command''. I could n't believe it, I wanted to cry and hug my brother once more, but I had to hold my ground and keep my resolve.
We will ride against my brothers, and against the apocalypse.
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[ WP ] The first human spaceship capable of FTL flight reaches deep space and makes the most terrifying discovery in the history of mankind ...
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They looked, to put it simply, humanoid. A planet of humans but thousands of years more advanced then us. The structures were astounding in both size and design. The technology was everywhere and prevalent in all implications of daily life, some things us Earthlings could n't comprehend. Things that to this day i still have no idea what they were for. All peaceful as well and for the most part all seemed to enjoy their lives.
They took us too see some great works and achievement of their civilization. After a while the crew and I we're taken out for a meal. A rare delicacy in their parts and quite expensive, it was a real treat. With flavors unimaginable, ones I could n't begin to describe. I headed off to the ship to log all that we had seen and beheld through the day. The crew went off to enjoy the night life of these awe inspiring people.
Thats when I got the coms signal from my 2nd in command. He had sent me a holo message stating he and the rest of the crew were cordially invited out for a week long star cruise, full well knowing they had obligations they were basically asking permission to do so. To which I granted and saw as an opportunity to do some real research and observation. After our usual goodbyes and obligatory `` Adios Captain!'' he asked me `` Oh and Captain, feed the fish for me while I'm away.
Hernandez was my 2nd in command, my most trusted confidant, and my best friend. I knew everything about him and he about me. After this message I hailed the local fligth tower I'd be exiting the atmosphere to do some tests on the planet itself, with slight hesitation the okay was given for me to do so. I ran a few scans and brought the ship around. With tears in my eyes I brought the ship up to light speed. Never to return.
We were n't allowed pets aboard the ship. Hernandez saved me from a cruel fate that eve.
I also received an encrypted video shortly before I took off. The video was short, but I'll never forget it. The cries and screams of my men. One was being diced by precise lasers still alive and screaming. One of the alien humans was heard off camera saying `` You can never get them this fresh, they will fetch a fortune.''
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[ IP ] Sword
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Emma dropped to her knees and outstretched her open hands. Now sheathed, Gremhar rested peacefully on her palms. Emma tried not to look at the mangled bodies behind her and not to hear the moans of the few who were still clinging on to life. There was nothing she could do.
`` Your sword awaits,'' Emma said, holding back tears.
She remembered when things were different. No one at the Order could match her and Gremhar, or so she thought. A sharp edge coupled with a fiery temper, they were the very definition of power, but those days were long gone. No longer would her will guide that masterfully crafted blade. A traitor did not deserve to be a knight or own a sword.
The dark figure looked down at Emma and nodded. She could almost see the satisfied smirk hiding behind behind that helmet. Mira... What has she become? The only two girls at the Order, they were determined to prove their worth. Unfortunately, their shared goals did not lead to a friendship. Mira was quite different to Emma. Always calm and collected, she was much more like the other squires. Within that heavy armour the girl even looked like them.
`` Why?'' Emma muttered. `` Why are you doing this?''
`` You have no right to ask,'' Mira snapped back coldly.
Emma cowered, preparing for a strike, but it did n't come. If it were n't for that duel, none of this would have happened. Larse, the Chief Knight of the Order, was a kind old man, but the one thing he absolutely did not tolerate was disrespect. Naturally, a young girl challenging him and asking to be promoted to a knight immediately if she wins made him angry. Angry enough to accept and set his own condition.
`` Please, take it,'' Emma begged.
There was only one fate for a knight or squire who has greatly dishonoured themselves. They must become a sword, a weapon wielded by someone more worthy. No matter what the command is, no matter who is the target, the sword obeys. Steel ca n't rebel, steel does n't have desires, steel ca n't refuse.
`` No, you'll need it soon,'' Mira answered, a slight hint of wicked satisfaction in her voice. `` Stand up, Larse will be here soon.''
Emma looked at the bodies of her former friends all around her. How many squires lay in puddles of their own blood? How many dreams similar to hers ended here, cut down by her hand and Mira's will? Emma could not tell. She got up from her knees, clutched Gremhar, and once again repeated:
`` Your sword awaits.''
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[ WP ] Only musicians are born with emotions , and can distribute them temporarily for the duration of the song they play .
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The Great Day, video recording:
*The recording buzzes in on a newscaster. *
`` Hello, people of Greensboro. Millions clamor today to squeeze a spot into the Grand Musical Distribution Center. A world-renowned composer will be playing. He will be starting soon.
`` I will not attend today, and if you are watching this broadcast, neither shall you. I lacked the necessary funds, and by rule of likelihood, you did as well. Perhaps in the future we will all acquire a glimpse of feeling.
`` The performance shall be starting right... now. This news report is now finished. Goodbye, citizens of Greens...
`` Citizens of Greensboro. Y-Yes, goodbye. Perhaps in the future we will all acquire a glimpse of feeling -- *cough*. What? *What? *
`` Citizens of Greensboro, please, do not turn off your televisions. I... Holy shit, I can *feel. * People, do not turn -- Claire, Claire, can you, too? I do n't hear any music. Do you? No?
`` We are n't hearing any music over here at Channel XXI. But we can *feel. * Citizens, if you are feeling any sort of emotion *at all*, please, call our news station number: ( NUMBER OMITTED ). Call it if you feel anything.
*Ring. * *Ring. * *Ring. *
`` Oh, the phones are flying off the hook! Can -- can everyone feel? Everybody?
`` What? Josh, what did you say? I ca n't hear you over the ringing. God, I ca n't even see you. I think I'm crying. Is this what crying is like? Wait, wait, Josh, tell me, what did you say?
``... The musician is no longer performing. Yet, I can feel. E-Everyone here at the news station can feel... Can we get somebody live at the Musical Center? My God...''
*The video fades to static for a moment. It returns to a reporter standing outside the Musical Distribution Center. *
`` Y-Yes, thank you, Matt. We all still have emotions over here. None of us have a clue what is happening. The musician -- the musician just disappeared after his performance. He went offstage, and now nobody can find him.
`` Matt, Matt. I-I think this is the greatest thing to ever happen. We can all feel. Everybody in Greensboro can, I know it. People are outside their houses, cheering, crying, screaming, what-have-you. God.
`` Run a check, somebody look up another town's news station number and call them... Something has happened... I ca n't believe...''
*The recording cuts to black. *
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[ WP ] The player has finished a speedrun , thwarting an alien invasion in the span of 20 minutes by abusing glitches and bugs , and shuts off his computer . In an universe identical to the game world , the aliens are analyzing the events of the failed invasion .
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Chat log:
BroBeans77 > Hey man whats up?
SkyRaider101 > I cant beat this stupid game you told me to play!!!
SkyRaider101 > The 3rd boss just kicks my ass every time!
BroBeans77 > Just use the Supermech then
SkyRaider101 >?
BroBeans77 > U dont know about that yet?
SkyRaider101 > How do u get it?
BroBeans77 > u know that vehicle depot in the 3rd lvl? Instead of going thru take a left right away and walk to the back wall, u can get in the big mech. That thing has 500 HP and can kill most aliens in 1 hit!
SkyRaider101 > thx I will try that.
_____________________________________________________
Xorblax walked into the bar after his shift, just like most nights. All six of his limbs were sore from lifting foul smelling crates all day. The bartender passed him a drink, hesitated for a moment and then spoke.
`` I got ta ask you, we all know you're a smart fellow, went to the academy and everything. Why would the military put a guy like you on this backwater planet shipping crates of fertilizer?
Xorblax hesitated for a moment.
`` Well when I was a young lieutenant, I was on the invasion force for an obscure planet ruled by some stupid ape species. We ended up losing most of our troops and were forced to retreat. First planet we failed to conquer in years. All because I left the keys to a Supermech in the goddamn ignition.''
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[ WP ] Every person has an automatic ( and uncontrolled ) sleep time . Yours is 10:00 AM . Today is your job interview .
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`` Yes, hello, my name is Doug Bobby. I got a callback asking if I could have show up for a 10AM interview. I suppose there was an error in processing because that's when my sleep time begins, could I reschedule this interview?''
`` I'd be happy to reschedule your interview Mr.Bobby, my son has a 9AM sleep time so I understand the frustration this can cause. How about 8PM later that same day?''
`` Sure, that would be perfect. Thanks so much for your help, I hope you and your son have a good dinner this evening.''
`` Thank you, Mr.Bobby! Sweet dreams!''
Doug hung up the phone and got ready for bed.
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[ WP ] Write a romantic comedy . Difficulty : both lovers are emotionally mature and have excellent communication skills
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`` Well I'm really bad with dates, you know?'' He told his girlfriend Danielle as they walked through the mall with their friends. They had taken a temporary stop in front of a Gamestop while their friend Green to the Starbucks stand.
`` Uh-huh.'' She said, only half listening. She held Angels hand and was on her phone with the other.
`` Like, I still have trouble remembering if your birthday is August 28th or 30th.''
`` 30'th.'' She commentated. She briefly looked up and smiled. `` Do n't worry, I know you'll remember it next time.'' She then went back to texting her sister.
`` And I forgot when christmas is.'' Danielle's eyes snapped to him. Her eyes were n't necessarily open with shock or despair, although that was there. It was more so the look you give your baby brother when they start rock climbing the dresser twice his size in an attempt to grab the family tv and he's succeeding.
On one hand, you're silently impressed by the sheer commitment they have to being that dumb. It's actually kind of adorable.
On the other hand, what the **fuck** is wrong with them?!
`` Ahhh, I love me some Moca.'' Green smiled as she approached the couple while sipping from her straw. `` Huh, whats going on?''
`` How do you not know what day christmas is?!'' Danielle asked dryly.
`` I just do n't okay?! I never remembered it.'' He said in a panic.
`` Angel, its Christmas. How do you not know when Christmas is! What's the month? At least tell me you know that.'' She asked with a shake of her head. Green looked at both of them with a bemused smile and decided to sit down at an empty table.
This could take a while.
`` November right? No, wait its-''
`` Ah! Why would you think its in November?'' Danielle asked in horror.
`` November just always sounded like a christmassy month okay? Like, October is orange so its halloween and November is green so-'' He said in attempt to justify himself.
`` What the hell are you even talking about-''
`` It's December!'' He said in triumph, cutting her off.
`` December, what?'' She asked bluntly.
`` December... 30'th?'' She shook her head.
``...''
`` 24'th?''
``...''
`` Is it even in December?'' He asked sadly, he was such a puppy sometimes.
`` YES, Angel. it's in December.'' She groaned. `` How did you ever even figure out when christmas was coming before?''
`` Well elementary and middle school always ended a week before Christmas day for christmas break so I would just do stuff until it was Christmas day.''
`` So, just remember the day you got out of school and add a week to it.'' She said. Angel looked up, something he did when he was in deep thought, then back down at her.
`` I do n't remember what day I got out of school.''
`` Hahah...'' Danielle whimpered in despair while crumbling into the chair across from Green and banging her head against the table. Green let out a small giggle at Angels attempts to revive her and her refusal to move.
With a heavy sigh he gave up and fell into the chair in-between them.
`` The 25'th!'' She yelled while snapping her head, startling Angel into almost falling off of his chair and attracting strange looks from bystanders. `` It's the 25th, of December.'' She said slowly.
`` Ok, ok I'll remember.'' He said in defeat.
`` You better.'' She said with her classic annoyed, but she wanted to smile face.
`` The 25'th of December... the 25'th of December... the 25'th of December...'' He muttered to himself in a chant. His eyes closed in concentration as he pouted to himself.
Danielle smiled, he may be an idiot sometimes. But it was stuff like this that she liked about him. He was just so cute and innocent, again like a puppy. She loved puppies. And she thought that maybe she was starting to love-
The smile suddenly fell from her face.
`` What day is Halloween?''
The expression that Angel gave her in response caused Green to take a spit take and break into a fit of laughter as Danielle started to question if Angel knew the dates of anything.
-End-
An: This is modified and played up slightly, but based off of a true story.
I wish I could say I was Danielle, but we all know I was Angel.
Anyway, my first romance type story and comedy story in a while really. Although I guess attempt would be a better word. Any tips would be great.
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[ WP ] '' What the hell did I tell you ? Never step into a fairy ring ! ''
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There was a blinding glare as the dimensions of space and time were torn apart. Light mingled with music as the fae ring worked it's magic. In the center of it was Cal, clueless as ever. Cal staring dumbly as he is about to be whisked and spirited away to some elsewhere and some elsewhen. But lo, as the wormhole materializes around the absent minded sorceror a hand pierces the event horizon.
A voice cuts throught the music, sharp, acerbic, concerned.
`` Cal you fucking idiot! What did I tell you about experimenting with Fairy magic? No one comes back Cal!''
Sarah enters the warped spacial field, her eyes blurred with burning tears.
Cal swallows hard. `` Sarah, I'm sorry. I thought I could change the world. I had a theory. I was so close. I'm sorry. I've killed us both.''
The twisting space wraps in on tself and the temporal dilations cease. Cal and Sarah are nowhere to be seen, eaten away by the ether.
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[ IP ] Bat on your Back
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When I first met her, she was dancing in a graveyard.
I was just walking past, on my way home, and the sight of her weaving and spinning among the gravestones was enough to stop me in my tracks, to say nothing about the dress she was wearing. It seemed so... so *out of place* that I could n't help but stop and stare.
She danced onwards, ignoring my gaze. With a hop, she danced from one low gravestone to the next, feet tapping delicately on the worn and weathered stone. She had her arms in the air, as if she were held up by strings.
Footsteps caught my attention, and I glanced to the side, where a stranger was walking down the street. He glanced at me, then at the graveyard, his eyes scanning over the dancing woman, then put his head back down and walked past me as fast as he could. Before I could ask if he saw the woman too, he was gone.
I turned back to see her stopped and still, staring at me.
We stood there, eyes locked. Her hair and dress were drifting as if they were made of clouds, and they wanted to keep dancing, dancing and spinning. The woman raised a hand toward me and beckoned.
So I walked in, tracing a path around the old stones until I was standing in front of her. With every step, the smile on her face grew until she was practically glowing, a light in the evening darkness. `` Have you come to dance?''
`` I... I do n't know how.'' I apologized.
`` Neither do I.'' She reached out a single hand, raising the other in the air and sliding forward, waiting for me to join her. Gingerly, I reached out, but hesitated. `` But you do! I saw you!''
`` Oh no, that was n't me leading the dance. It was Mr. Jefferson.'' She glanced down at, and my gaze followed her to land on the plaque at our feet. *Remy Jefferson, 1925-1993. A leader and a friend. *
I took her hand.
Instantly, she pulled me closer, and we started to dance. I could hardly follow her movements, but she did n't exactly seem to be able to follow them either. We lurched to and fro across the neatly trimmed grass, lacking the grace that she'd exhibited before. Several times, I stepped on her toes, and she managed to trip over my feet as well. But every time we stumbled, she laughed, pulling me to spin faster and faster as we attempted to dance.
`` Who?'' I winced as I trod on her yet again. `` Mr. Jefferson was dancing with you?''
`` Of course!'' She tilted her head. `` Who else could it be?''
I did n't have an answer. `` Why dance out here, in this dreary old place, where no one can see you? There's no music, no dance floor, no people!''
She closed her eyes. `` That's because you are n't listening for it. I can hear the song and the beat, clear as day.''
Confused, I glanced around. Mist was gathering, dark vapors above each grave. And then they coalesced, transforming into black, grinning skeletons.
I gasped, letting go of her hands. Everywhere I looked, more and more demonic, ashy bones appeared, standing on the grass. Their eyes glowed red. `` What's happening?''
She was still spinning in place, her eyes closed. `` The dead are rising, once again. They've come for you. They've come for me, as well.''
I gazed at her, horrified. `` Why? Why me?''
With a final spin, she opened her eyes. They were filled with laughter. `` Because they wish to dance, of course. The dead do n't want flowers or tears. They want *music. *''
And before my eyes, each skeleton turned to the one next to it and held out a single bony hand, grasping arms and pulling close. Music, ethereal and thin, began to play, and reddish lights glowed on every tombstone. Reaching out, the woman found a skeleton of her own and began to dance, her movements precise and graceful once again.
I turned, and found myself face to face with an ashen skull. It was holding out a hand, waiting for me. Frightened, I stumbled backwards only to find myself in the midst of more skeletons, each spinning around in lurching circles.
`` Dance!'' The woman's voice drifted over the music. `` Dance, my friend, and let them lead you, teach you! Take her hand!''
Throat dry, I stepped forward, lifting a shaking hand to take the bony one before me. Cold, dry fingers clenched around mine.
And then the skeleton transformed, the ash falling away to reveal a young girl, grinning at my face. She was glowing. In a moment, I found myself holding her side as she led me around the gravestones, each of her steps swift and sure.
All around me, each of the skeletons became a person, wearing clothes of all types and ages, long dresses and tuxedos, jeans and t-shirts. The music was loud and bright, and the lights were soft.
The woman and her partner, a man in a vest with a mustache, spun past. The woman was laughing, laughing with joy.
So for that night I joined the legion of the dead, letting the girl lead me as we danced through the graveyard.
-- -
*Wow, I have n't written for a little while. Anyway, hope you liked it, and you can find more if you are interested on /r/WrittenWyrm. CC is always, always welcome! *
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[ WP ] you keep trying to hide the scars , but it 's harder than it used to be .
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Mascara. Long sleeves. Conservative tops and never wear shorts.
I come up with excuses all the time. `` Oh, I went hiking this weekend and tripped down the hill. Silly me.''
`` The cat scratched me.''
`` I play a lot of sports.''
But the bruises stay for a long time and the cuts become scars. There's the occasional limp, a grimace or two when the body moves the wrong direction, a scar that appears when a sleeve accidentally slides up.
I gripped the bottle tightly in my hand. The road in front of me tilted slightly but I kept the car straight, smacking my head to keep myself awake. It's okay, we were almost home.
I am more and more worried about the scars. I am worried about what people say, what they will know. Just the other day I went to a parent teacher conference.
`` I'm worried about your daughter,'' Mrs. Smith told me. `` I think she might be getting bullied. She's very quiet in class, she does n't say a word.''
And the other parents, they might start talking too.
She's good at using the excuses I teach her, but I'll remind her tonight she'd better keep her fucking mouth shut. I pulled into the driveway, finished my whiskey, got out of the car. My teeth clenched and my eyes narrowed as I walked up the porch stairs. She left her bike untethered again. I pulled open the screen door so hard it nearly pulled off its hinges. I stuck my key in the front door, opened it, stuck my head in, and called her name.
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[ WP ] You possess a pen that erases anything you write with it from existence . For safekeeping , you kept it in a drawer ... full of other pens .
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`` With this pen, I could potentially erase human existence. We do not want this power to get into the wrong hands. Let's hide it in plain sight, with the other pens'' I whisper to my self.
The next day when I get home from work, I could n't find the pen! I call out to see if my wife took it. `` Hey Casey? Which pen are you using?''
`` The one with the red stripes'' That's the magical pen. `` Why? Do you need it? All I'm doing is the time cards for work.'' This makes me wonder, if she is writing down co-workers names. Wo n't they disappear? Leaving their families to wonder where they are?
`` Yea, honey I'm going to need that pen back''
`` I'll just be another second, Aydin''
I march across the room and take the pen right out from her hand. But, when I look down at the paper, she has already wrote down 2 names. `` Hey honey, I do n't think that Dale and Jackie will be coming into work tomorrow''.
`` Well why would n't they?'' she asks confusingly.
`` This pen will erase anything from existence that the user writes about. When you wrote down Dale, and Jackie's name, they were erased from existence''.
`` **That ca n't be true! **'' Casey yells at me as she storms away. Not believing in the magic that now exists in this world.
+4
Note: /u/cstanm - there is nothing here my ass.
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[ WP ] Suicide on a baseball kiss-cam
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Mary had been lucky to score these tickets. She knew that her brother's boyfriend John worked a camera at the stadium, so when she found out that Cameron loved the Mets, she launched a campaign of bribary and begging. After John received a batch of her signature peanut butter brownies, it just so happened that, yes, she did have an extra ticket for the sold-out game if Cameron was interested.
They met separately at the stadium. Mary had offered to pick him up, but Cameron was too old fashioned for that. It seemed like a waste of the free parking pass that John had given her, but she respected Cameron's sense of tradition. It was almost romantic.
Mary bit her lip ever so slightly when she saw Cameron in his blue-and-orange baseball cap. It seemed a shame to cover his honey-colored hair in that tight cap, but she did n't have any complaint about the matching tight tee and jeans. The one Mets shirt she had was tight on her, but not in any comparably flattering way. Still, whatever her stupid friends said, she was hot enough to get him to go with her to the game.
Their hands brushed past each other as she handed Cameron his ticket. Her face burned as she flashed him a wide smile. Cameron just rolled his eyes and took the ticket, but this just made Mary giggle uncontrollably.
By the fifth inning, Cameron had dropped the cool guy act completely. They were cheering and booing and laughing so hard that there was n't even time for kissing or holding hands. It was just a casual, fun date. The perfect first date.
She was so happy that she did n't even notice the screen until someone tapped her on the shoulder. Cameron was smiling down at her on the big monitor, and someone had put a heart around them. Mary was n't sure whether to punch John or hug him next time she saw him.
A wave of voices chanted `` Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!'' Mary swallowed hard, balled up her fists to calm her nerves, and tilted her face up towards Cameron's. Her lips were ready for anything but the palm that pushed it away.
`` Ew!'' Cameron shouted over the roar of boos and laughter. `` Not even.''
Mary glared at Cameron even as he seemed to feed off the crowd's reaction. He barely noticed her even as she lifted the souvenir bat and gripped it tightly.
The prosecution would try to say Mary murdered Cameron, but everyone in attendence knew that the acts that followed were at worst assisted suicide.
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[ WP ] You 've ended up in an argument with one of your characters . They do n't like how you 've written them .
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`` Excuse me.'' I am startled. I did n't write those words, and I most definitely have n't been sharing this document with anybody.
`` Yes?'' I write down on the document. This should be interesting.
`` I'd like to make a suggestion to you. It's really not that much, but maybe you could change who I am a little bit.''
`` Okay. Who are you?''
`` Maybe these clues will help you figure out who I am.''
`` Okay.''
`` Sarcastic, pessimistic, realist, terrible fighter, speaks small, tiny sentences, rolls their eyes a LOT, has to be attractive, has to have nice things, everybody hates me. Have you caught on yet?''
`` It sounds like me.'' I type.
`` Ughhhhh.''
I can picture an eye roll.
`` It's ME. You're main character!''
`` Oh my, Sasha, I'm so sorry.'' I type quickly. `` How do you want to be changed?''
`` Well, for one, maybe actually make me a human, instead of your fantasy personality living in your far-fetched idealistic world.''
`` What's wrong with that?''
`` There is literally NO plot line. Living here is boring.''
`` Oh.''
`` I'm sorry, that was n't very nice. Was it? Not as nice as this beautiful world, maybe it is n't so bad here.''
`` I can make it rain.'' I type.
`` No, no, it rains an inch every night at exactly 1:00 A.M. The grass is green and the flowers are BEAUTIFUL by the way. Rain is n't exactly a plot line either, more of a small thing which you mention briefly in Chapter 2.''
`` Oh.'' I type.
`` Maybe, have somebody get kidnapped, or, have somebody die. Maybe have it so that I have to go find my best friend who's run away or save her from a failing relationship.''
`` But that is what Earth is.''
`` I want to have what you have.'' Sasha types.
`` But I want what you have,'' I type.
`` Maybe if we compromise you can have what you want and I can have what I want, just blend the ideology with the real world. And THEN maybe people will read your books. Make the reader be able to relate! That's what makes a good book.''
I sigh. I'm getting critiqued by my own character. Maybe I should just stop writing and find something else to do, or maybe I could take Sasha's advice. Maybe she does n't like living in a perfect world, and maybe it's time to give it something more, something with a little bit of flavor, but not too much of course.
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[ WP ] SEAL Team 6 stumbles through a magical portal and winds up on a hill overlooking two medival armies squaring off
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`` Take sides are you crazy? There's six of us. There's thousands of them. Hell, even if we wanted to, which side do we take,'' said John adjusting the sight on his AR15 rifle. Tom rolled his eyes at him. John turned his head, `` I have no idea what we do here. Wait for the portal to open back up, I guess. Maybe its monthly or something.''
Tom rubbed his temples and said, `` Or maybe its once in a 1,000 years. Or a million. We've got modern weapons and a humvee with a.50 cal on the top. We could take both of these militaries on and live like kings.'' John shook his head. Tom threw his hands up in the air and said, `` We do n't even know if the portal will ever open again. Man, I'm just fucking hungry.''
John examined the armies below. `` So.. we just go in there and kill a lot of medieval soldiers barely able to use bows and swords to prove we're hot shit? How many Tom? A few thousand rounds before the 50 cals empties itself? What the fuck man? Are you psycho?''
`` A couple hundred I figure. First the cannons then the horsemen. Cannonfire is the only thing we really have to worry about. Could penetrate the humvee. They'll flee once they see how badly they're getting beaten.'' Tom saw John's uninterested expression. `` Fuck you,'' said Tom as he walked off to relieve himself in the bushes.
Lenny rubbed his unshaven chin and walked up to John. `` Guys, lets pack up. Eric, Mike, and Pete have n't radio'd back in hours. Think we should go look for them,'' said the older soldier.
John raised an eyebrow, `` Give up this position? You sure? Maybe the batteries are dead on the radios. Whats your battery at?''
Lenny looked down at the device, `` 20 % now.''
Tom wandered back, `` This is bullshit right? Just an excuse to move us, keep us going, keep us from fighting? No more MRE's so lots of walking.''
Lenny smiled, `` Maybe, now pack your shit soldier. If we're spotted this could go hot quickly.''
The three men walked down a narrow game path down the hill. Lenny put his finger up to his lips and the other men nodded in response. He dashed towards a tree and tackled someone in a brown tunic holding a tall English longbow. He grabbed the person and applied a headlock. John and Tom stood dumbfounded. John waved his hands and laughed, `` It a girl. A young girl.''
The archer threw her head back as Lenny let up the pressure and put his hand over her mouth. Her dirty blonde hair went flying. Tom grinned and pointed his AR15 at the girl, `` Do you know what this is? Its a bow but faster and meaner. Tell us where our friends are and I promise not to use it on your pretty little face.''
She bit down on her lip and closed her eyes. Tears penetrated her closed eyelids as the men stood and watched.
`` They're fucking children,'' exclaimed John pushing Tom's gun down. `` The average age down there must be like 15 or 16.'' Tom bit his lip as he stared John down. He said through clenched teeth, `` Do n't touch my gun.''
`` Cut the shit,'' yelled Lenny as he threw the girl down and stepped on her leg holding her in place. He bent down, `` Okay, we're missing three men, dressed like us.'' He pointed at his camo outfit, `` Like us,'' he repeated. He mockingly scanned the horizon, `` Where?''
The girl sat there whimpering. Lenny lifted his boot and she curled into a fetal position, shaking. He shrugged.
Tom put his weapon down and sighed. `` We really scared of these cavemen?'' He started yelling, `` Hey Eric, where are you fags at?'' A large English arrow appeared in his chest. Tom looked stunned for a moment, held onto it, and fell over. Lenny and John dove into the dirt. The girl got up and ran away through the woods.
Lenny made a hand signal and John nodded as he sat up and scanned the area with his weapon in hand. Lenny pointed north and John started stalking that way. John stopped briefly to examine Tom and felt for his pulse. He shook his head at Lenny. Lenny furrowed his brow and whispered, `` The girl is a decoy. They might have us. Stay low. We go the way we came. Only way we know is safe.'' Lenny took Tom's gun and John took his extra magazine. Lenny made the sign of the cross and pulled off Tom's dogtags. `` Go, go, stay low,'' he ordered.
They made it back to their makeshift hilltop camp. They heard the sound of hooves and running men. They waited in the bushes quietly for a few minutes. John looked through his field binoculars. `` I'm not seeing anything,'' he said. `` Its just us left is n't it?''
Lenny nodded, `` Too suspicious. Sudden radio loss, Tom's death, and all these men on his hill this far from the battlefield.'' Lenny sat and sighed. He opened his canteen and tried to shake out the last couple drops. John salivated as he pictured water flowing from the canteen. He licked his dried lips.
`` I can take out their horsemen. You go for their foot soldiers. We can carve through them easily if we stay too low for arrows. We can make it to the humvee and the 50 cal,'' John said. He laughed, `` Who knew fucking kevlar would n't stop an English arrow.''
`` No,'' replied Lenny. He was taking off his camo shirt.
`` What? What the fuck, Len? What are you doing?''
He peeled off his undershirt.
John's eyes went wide, `` Come on, Len. Come the fuck on.'' He punched the dirt with his fist. `` Come on,'' he begged. `` Please.''
`` I'll wave them down,'' he said as he looked at his sweat stained white undershirt and tied it to the barrel of his rifle. Lenny looked at John with tearful eyes, `` What... what do you want me to do? Kill a bunch of English and French kids? Then what? Maraud villages? Milk cows? Steal cooling pies for the rest of our lives? I'm a soldier, not a criminal, and so are you.''
John looked away ashamed, `` Yeah, yeah.'' He took off his undershirt and tied it to his rifle. They both looked at each other for a moment and stood up waving their shirts in the air and yelled, `` We surrender! Surrender!''
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[ WP ] `` Every day since then , I 've been thinking of throwing away that picture . ''
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The frame measures 4 ” x 6 ”, faded black with rounded edges. Inside, the picture captures a man, toddler hoisted onto his sturdy shoulders, his smile as warm as the photo's sepia tone. The boy's mouth is mirthful, open wide as though some unseen dentist insisted he say `` Ahh'' louder.
A watermark with some printer corporation's name lies in the bottom left corner.
I do n't know why I bought that picture frame. When I saw it in the store, I suppose I should have stopped to consider what I had to fill it with. After all, it's not as if I had any memories worth remembering.
It was n't the first impulse buy, not by a long shot. After I realized my inability to value anything, I half-heartedly hopped from shop to shop, buying whatever I thought might give me that extra sense of worth.
A new smartphone, octa-core and AMOLED, lauded by critics as the next big thing.
A new water heater, capable of supplying piping-hot waterfalls for fourteen consecutive showers, or so the salesman said.
A new suit, black and formal, pleated and proper.
Nothing worked, of course. Sensory stimulation was worthless, and myself more so. No suit could match the tie around my mind, throttling my thoughts. No bubble bath could better me; I had lost the plug to my mental drain. The next big thing was n't big enough, and even its snappy 1.9 gigahertz could not process my problems. The frame was no exception to my unfortunate rule.
On a particularly average day, I walked around the plaza. Vendors I'd visited appeared to jeer at me, whispering my worthlessness from their windows. I walked along the sun-struck sidewalk, shut out from the smiles and chatter of passersby.
My pace quickened, and eventually my walk become a jog, then a sprint. When I started to use my eyes, I found myself in an alley next to a presumably rancid dumpster; I was paying more attention to the raggedy, raggedly-clothed boy no more than six years old laying on the street, clutching a fun-sized bag of potato chips. Visibly starved, the boy tore into the bag with the strength his feeble hands could muster. I watched him finish the bag, and it was clear he could n't eat just one and survive for long. He looked up, and I saw a terrible sadness in his eyes.
I do n't know what I was thinking. No, I was n't thinking – I was *feeling*. Without saying a word, I walked over to the boy and carefully took him into my arms. Cradling him for a moment, I threw him onto my shoulders and strolled out of the alley. I looked up to see that shocked kid looking down at me, mouth agape. The hint of joy I saw is the most beautiful thing I've ever treasured.
We walked past the windows, but the whispers were gone, and the smiles of passing pedestrians were amplified in the beautiful sunlight. I walked into a children's clothing store, and for the first time in a while bought something I wanted.
We made it to my apartment, and as the boy showered, changed, and devoured half my fridge, I found myself staring at that stock photo in that cheap, black frame. Every day since then, I've been thinking of throwing away that picture. I have too many fond memories to waste a good photo frame.
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[ WP ] In the future Mars is colonized and terraformed to a point where people can do basic farming and have a good living . After a unknown catastrophy , there was a 100 years communication blackout with Earth , but today a message was received . What does it say ?
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The knock on the door is frantic. Before I can even answer, Nat barges in.
`` Nat, if you could be so kind to wait for me to call you in next time?''
Nat rushes to my desk. Up close, I can see that her face is red, and her long blonde hair is slick with sweat. `` I'm so sorry, Mr Mayor. Th... this could n't wait.''
I see now the panic in her eyes. The sheer terror that I had not seen before outside of old Earth movies.
`` Nat, tell me what's going on.''
`` I... it's... we got a fax from the big city. There's been comms... f.. from Earth. The President's on the communicator, all the other heads of state are there. They want you there too.''
I nod, standing up quickly and hurrying down the stairs to the main room.
*Earth. After 100 years of radio silence, we finally can talk to Earth again. *
No-one knew why Earth had suddenly cut all chatter. All we knew is that every ship we had sent out to Earth had stayed there. We had tried to talk with someone out there for an explanation, but just as Mars Control got through to Earth Control, silence. And the waves had been silent ever since. We had no ships. The Mars colony had been stranded.
I hurry into the Main Hall. Most of my staff were there already, gathered around the large holo-screen in the middle. I knew, that across Mars, there were dozens of other rooms, just like this, with other people just like us, staring up at the giant screen. The Martian President's head came into view on the screen.
`` My friends. As you all know, 100 years ago we lost comms with Earth herself. For 100 years we have heard nothing from them. At 0920 this morning, we got a message.''
His face was replaced with a video feed.
A young man, no older than 25 was scrambling desperately at the control panel beneath the comms screen. He had a massive cut down the side of his face, fresh blood dripping from it. His left ear was dangling from a thread.
`` Mars.... this is Earth....Run.''
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[ WP ] You 're an intern at the ISIS 24/7 help desk . It 's your first day .
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`` Thank you for calling Isis, this is Adam how can I assist you?'' He said cheerfully into the phone.
`` How can you be so fucking cheery? You bastards just killed so many people!'' Screamed a woman's voice.
Adam sighed. `` No ma'am, this is Isis the intelligence agency, not the terror group. Why would a terror group even have a publicly listed help line?''
`` Why would a secret agency have one?''
`` I... I do n't know, this guy just would n't stop shouting my name and suddenly I'm answering phones and getting shot occasionally. ``
`` ADAM! GET LANA!'' comes a voice appropriate for a middle aged fast food worker.
`` What should I tell her?'' Adam answers, hanging up with the confused woman.
`` TELL HER I KNEW WE'D GET ANTS!''
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[ WP ] You are a parkourist of intermediate skill , describe a day in your life after the Zombie Apocalypse .
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`` Batteries?''
`` Who would have thought that fucking batteries would be my number one priority,'' I think to myself while monkey-vaulting over the police barrier. But it was true. The zombie's were a lot less scary than the movies made it seem-especially for those of us who were in shape and took a second to think.
Sure, it was a bit harder to Parkour wearing all leather and a motorcycle helmet, but have YOU ever tried to bite through a leather jacket? Fucking impossible, and YOUR gums are n't even slowly rotting away to nothing. No, the zombies-huge numbers of them everywhere, are more of an annoyance than an apocalypse.
It all started out pretty slowly. Somebody posted a story on Reddit that most people thought was a joke. A few shopkeepers got some phone calls, but the media told everybody that it was just a hoax. Turned out it was n't.
It slowly spread from the bumfuck towns in the midwest to the more populated cities. At first, most of the damage was done by the uninfected. People began panicking, looting, and acting crazy as shit even before we had a real feel for what was going on. Most of the forces that were brought into the cities were used to protect the people from themselves. Pretty sad if you think about it.
Once we were able to calm down the crazies and restore some semblance of order, barricades were placed, sections of the cities were fortified, and resources were rationed. Then, some of the brightest minds that were left set out to find a solution to the zombie problem.
Ended up not being necessary at all. See, zombies are n't what we all though they would be. Sure they are walking dead, but they are still made up of skin, bone, and flesh. There is enough ammunition in the USA to kill every man woman and child on the planet a few times over. This came in handy until we realized that it was just a waste of time.
The zombies in the north completely froze. The ones in the mid-west dried up and crumbled into dust. The ones in the more temperate regions that could n't find food, were n't able to see once their eyes ran out of water, so they just stumbled around aimlessly. The ones that were n't eaten from the outside by all the stray cats, dogs, birds, and rats-were eaten from the inside by all the maggots and worms. The stench was nauseating but the danger was slim.
By the time the few zombies that were left even had a chance to get close to you, their gums had rotten away so badly that any teeth they had pretty much fell out. Sometimes it could take you a second or two to slip away if one grabbed a hold of you, especially if they were a bit on the obese-side before they changed. I was stuck under one for a good 10 minutes once until I finally got the zipper in my jacket loose from the hooks on the front of her bra.
Things are still pretty much at a standstill though. The power had stayed on in a lot of places in the city, and the government got the internet back up and the water turned on pretty recently. Life was almost back to normal except nobody had to go to work until after the government was sure they had a lid on things. Estimates were a minimum of 6 months, but I heard it could be at least 2 years until we got the go ahead.
Except for the zombies, life was a little more laid back. Most people now had the time to do the things they had been putting off for years. Most of the obese people that were left, saw what a disadvantage it was in an emergency and began working out. My girlfriend started dancing again. And me? Well...
I Parkour. I've gotten a lot better since this quote-unquote zombie apocalypse started. Which is why I need to find a place that has batteries. Sure we have food, and water, and power, and the internet. But anything that needs to be shipped or trucked in has n't been and wo n't be until this is all over.
Batteries.
How else am I supposed to power the camera I bought to record my sweet new moves and post them on the Internet?
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[ WP ] Inspired by the current popularity of zombies in popular culture and general boredom of their lives , a group of young scientists develop and unleash a virus in their hometown .
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I knew I had to put a stop to this, but I just could n't. The feeling of absolute power was simply too addictive, we were mesmerized.
It started with a conversation some years ago on a Saturday evening. One of us was talking about his research on nanobots and the great improvements in this research area over the last years. `` We can actually alter DNA! We are still only able to change the color of mouses, but think of the possibilities. The progress is so fucking... It's just mindboggling you know, even I ca n't wrap my head around the possibilities sometimes.''
That got us thinking. Although Tom was n't even a PhD yet, he was smart. He entered university when he was 16. There were others in our group that were even smarter. This group was formed when some classmates started hanging out together every weekend and they stuck together since then. Others, like me and Tom, were added a bit later down the road. Somehow the group that was formed consisted almost entirely of extremely gifted people. We all identified as scientists first and foremost, it was our core business.
`` I'm afraid sometimes,'' Tom added. `` Afraid of what people with bad intentions could do. People could even spread cancer if you think about it.''
This got us thinking and the rest of the evening we talked about the possibilities. Large epidemics such as malaria and AIDS were a thing from the past and a lot of varieties of cancer were easily treatable, but not all varieties, and other diseases were filling these gaps. What if terrorists would introduce new epidemics?
Some other day Anna mentioned zombies. This term was pretty alien to us, but we started watching these classics such as The Walking Dead and Dawn of the Dead. In the beginning we started watching them because of the lame-factor and we would make fun of them ( the stereotyping in The Walking Dead was almost laughable, I had no idea people from the 2010s still had these ideas ), but soon we became obsessed with the genre. We learned that there were several periods in time in which zombies were immensely popular and that a lot was written about the subject. We watched all movies we could get our hands on and found out about websites devoted to survival techniques ( Carl had access to an old internet archive ). Evenings were spent talking on how we as a group would survive. We even made computer simulations that calculated when the whole world population would consist of zombies. It was fun.
Until someone connected the dots.
It's hard to describe how we ended up like this, sitting in a room contemplating what the best way would be to spread the virus made of nanobots. I guess it was because of our world view. We were smart, we thought we were special and we thought we deserved more than the other people. We created our own little fantasy world and wanted to shake things up. It was a joke at first. We gave a homeless guy a beer, after half an hour his eyes would be glassy and he screamed uncontrollably. After another half an hour the man would be his drunk self again, not that much different from his zombie-self. Minus the anger though.
We were inspired by the Ampulex compressa, a wasp species that can make a zombie of a roach. Andrea, a biologist, came up with this. This species inserts a stinger into the brain of a roach after which it can bend the roach to its own will. This way, the wasp can use the living roach as a nest for her eggs. Brilliant. We tried a similar thing and walked around with people that would do whatever we wanted. Just a slight touch and our subjects would walk in a particular direction, stand still and even shit, right then and there. We grew to like to humiliate our subjects. People were n't people to us anymore, they were experiments. We dehumanized them.
We started planning an army. We did n't have a larger goal, we were smart but pretty apolitical. The power got into our heads and we wanted an army, just because. The time where we would talk about the ethical aspect of things was way past us. We could only think of the power we would have.
The night came where we were sneaking around a drinkwater facility. As we walked to our target suddenly the immensity of the consequences of our actions hit me. For the first time since ages I felt a slight hesitation. I looked at the others but did n't see the same hesitation in their eyes. In fact, I've never seen them so determined. Tom was tense to be sure, but that was n't strange given the fact that we were about to create an army by pouring nanobots into the water supply system. I was scared. I did n't want to go through with this, at least not tonight. I was about to stop and try to convince the others to stop this, at least for tonight, when I heard a shout: `` Stop right there!'' We stood still, did n't move. Two guards came running to us, everyone looked at each other in distress. Everyone but me. I noticed I seemed to be slightly relieved.
This might seem strange but we were totally unprepared for this. If we were expecting guards that would notice us, we would n't have done this. We were less careful than in the beginning, but not stupid. We made precautions. All we could do was wait. We were not athletic, we could n't possibly outrun them. Besides that: getting into the water facility was hard enough, getting out was even harder. So we waited.
The guards stood in front of us. They seemed surprise we were n't putting up a fight. `` And what exactly are you doing here?'' asked the left guard. We did n't respond. `` You know you can get in deep trouble for this, right? This is a very...''
It happened very quickly. Andrea threw water in his face. A second later, Tom did the same but in the face of the other guard. They did n't throw normal water though, this was special water. Zombiewater. The guards shouted and tried to arrest us, but because of the high doses of nanobots in the water they just had received they quickly became angry, obedient subjects. As I saw the drooling creatures sitting in the ground, just as Tom commanded them, the hesitation I felt moments ago slipped away. The sensation of absolute power felt too good. I guess it's only human, since the Stanford experiment we know power is irresistible. We had the right intelligence and the right perseverance to be absolute masters. Who could stop us?
Not me.
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[ FF ] 150 words or less : Describe something you desire and reveal it at the end
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I pulled my hand out of the drywall. My hand was bleeding, but I felt a little less frustrated. Once more, I carefully scanned the room; top to bottom, left to right.
Nowhere! They ’ re no-fucking-where! “ Fuck! ” I scream. I grab a handful of my wife ’ s hair, and yank her up to eye level. “ Where are they? ” I spit a little as I scream at her face. “ Where the fuck are they? ” I shout. No answer. She looks frightened. And old. Frightened and old Claire Moriarty.
Then I feel it. A shooting, white-hot energy, that bursts forth from my subconscious, and fills me with… with an ancient feeling. I unclench my fist and my wife flumps to the floor. Is this memory? No. Ego? Neigh. It is Instinct, and I can feel it pulsing in my veins. It says, “ look left. ” Ah, there they are. On the counter. Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts.
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[ WP ] Create a story where the characters live in a world where something is fundementally different with reality and leave the reader to guess what it is . For example : entropy is reversed , gravity goes sideways , all people can read minds , etc .
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It was n't noticed at first, our numbers running thinned by an unknown cause. We could n't have dreamed it. Not in a million years; Our governments once corrupted to the brim, and great conspirators and crimes had long been forgotten.
I found myself resting in an old building, weakened and frail. My clothing was more retired than my will to carry on.
When you wake up, that day'
In that moment. Overseeing a once great city, now decayed to its barest form. You feel it inside you... Such an emptiness that tears could n't convey its expression.
What we lost this year, was everything for what we gained. We came, we saw, and we surrendered.
The suicides started early on in the crisis. I remember seeing a few on tv as the hilariousness set in. ( Or delirium if you will ). It was n't a reality until I came home from work last january to find my wife, had given in to the sickness.
I fought, I truly truly fought. Yet as I lay here half way slumped against the wall in this office, I looked into the mirror, and I told myself. You might be the last.
I remember that I knew I was lying to myself. I remember that's how it started, and how it ended.
The day we saw it all as man kind. The day we acted on it and ended it.
For what its worth:
It was n't our ability to see if for what it was worth. Until it was too late. These are the sins that we bare.
These were the last words found by subject 133 in the nye2016 sector of exhibit 1432.
Were still analyzing the data `` for what its worth''.
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[ WP ] You have been confronted by the League of Shadows to join them . You only get this one chance . The problem ? You 're a pacifist .
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`` I'm... I'm not a fighter...'' I cooly say. These men look like they could destroy someone with their breath. `` We know. We need your knowledge, and your experience.'' The man speaking is partly in the shadow of my apartment, it's hard to see him. If he did n't mention his troops, I would n't have seen them. He's tall, and imposing. I'm giving my time to him not just because I've heard of his employer ( a legend ), but because this man, Ducard, scares me.
`` We've been following your... progress..for some time'' Ducard says. `` My employer'' I interrupt- `` Ra's Al Ghul, yes?'' Ducard pauses, then continues, as if I never spoke. `` My employer is interested in talent, in your operational skills. If you wish to continue this conversation come to The Green Dragon for dinner at 9 pm this Wednesday night. We'll go from there..'' I turn my head away. Should I go? I look back to my guest. `` And what if I refuse?'' Gone. All of them. However many there were to begin with.
I've conquered all who have tried to best me with my genius. Anyone that's come up against me, through my computer of course, have no idea who I am. Should I work with these people, and meet this legend that most likely does n't exist, what will become of me then? I enjoy the monetary spoils I've made through swindling banks, but will they expect me to hold a gun? Or whatever they do? I have to decide. I have until Wednesday.
I must be sure to not get Chinese food before then.
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[ CW ] Write a coherent dialogue between at least four characters in which no identifying characteristics are used .
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`` So... come here often? Got anything you wan na talk about?''
`` Can it.'' `` Yeah, shut your face.''
`` Now look, there's no need to be rude. We're all stuck down here, so we're all equal in that regard.''
`` But if corporate took care of the mine, then we would n't be in here!''
`` And you think that yelling will do anything other than waste our air?''
`` Sorry. It's not much, but it's all I got. That, and some old Johnny Cash songs.''
`` How nice.'' `` Yeah, good for you.''
`` What did I just say? Ugh, it's pointless. We're all gon na die listening to the bickering of children.''
`` You load sixteen tons, and what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt. Saint Peter do n't you call us,'cause we ca n't go. We owe our soul to the company store.''
``... good voice.'' `` Yeah... how long do you think we've got?''
`` Maybe another few hours. We got enough air at least.''
`` Around 12 hours worth of air for one person, so divide that by four. Found some pen and paper... might be good if y'all have got anything you wan na say.''
`` Thanks. `` Yeah, thanks.'' `` Hey, we're both sorry for earlier by the way. `` Yeah, we both are.''
`` It's not a problem.''
`` Well, at least we can die in peace now.''
`` Heh, yeah, at least we got that.''
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Creep me out in a paragraph or less . [ CW ]
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You clearly have n't heard the stories of a man so adept at silent killing you wo n't even know your own throat was slit. He breaks into houses, if you can call something so graceful and clean breaking. But he is a kind man, your doors may be locked, alarm may be on, but he will have given you a warning at some point. You just had to be looking out for it. At some point recently he probably has told his story in a round-a-bout way. Hopefully you did n't warm up to him, that just makes it so easy. That creak downstairs, you sure it was the house setting? Consider yourself warned.
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[ WP ] Two people enter a duel . One can read minds , the other is completely insane .
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`` Ya wo n't get past me Foulnier ya bloody psycho! I'll rip y'ur insides out through your arse is what I'll do!''
`` HEHEHEHEHEHE GAHHAHAHAHAHA PFFFFFFFFFTTTTTT!''
`` As I said then, bloody psycho. Let's find out what makes ya tick then hows about?''
Hallsfein proceeds to enter the mind of Foulnier the Wild, they key to his survival in this village, the reason over 50 % of the bets are put placed on him winning in under two minutes. This time is different however, how has Foulnier made it this far in the tournament? Why have over 60 % of the bets been placed on Foulnier? He began to sweat, because as he entered the mind of Foulnier all he found was...
`` MEHEHE HAHAHA HEUHEUHEU WAAAAAAAAA... *ting* KILL NOW!''
Without missing a beat Foulnier takes full charge at Hallsfein with a rusty dagger and a small rounded wooden shield.
*he ca n't be serious* Hallsfein thought. *I have a BLOODY broadsword, and he comes at me with a dagger! *
In a last second attempt to gain any sort of advantage over Foulnier, Hallsfein enters his mind once more.
`` KILL NOW KILL NOW KILL NOW KILL NOW KILL NOW KILL NOW KILL NOW....''
`` YU'RE A BLOODY MANIAC! HOW THE HELL ARE YA GON NA KILL ME YA MINDLESS SCHITZ!''
Not but a moment later, Foulnier was sliding along the dirt, underneath the crotch of Hallsfein. It was then that Hallsfein turned to look, only to witness Foulnier take a delicious bite out of the back of his right calf. Foulnier proceeds to pop up onto his feet, chew, and swallow the flesh of his enemy. Cheers erupted from the crowd.
`` WHAT HAVE YOU DONE YOU SOUL-LESS MONSTER!? AAAAAHHHHHHGGGG!!!!''
Hallsfein falls to his right knee, and is greeted by the gentle press of Foulniers rusty blade on the front of his throat.
`` KIILLLL NOWWWWW'' Foulnier shouts.
`` NO!''
Hallsfein grabs the wrist and hand of Foulnier of which the blade was held, and with every ounce of his toned, upper body strength, flips Foulnier over his back and onto the ground. Hallsfein swiftly removes the steel dagger from his own holster, and thrusts it into the heart of Foulnier.
`` Any last words ya *cough cough* fiend!?''
For the last time, he enters the mind of Foulnier, and witnesses the truth behind Foulnier's many victories.
`` Mother, I am free. Free from this curse. No longer will I cause harm to anyone mother. I am coming mother. We will be together again, at last. At last...''
Foulnier proceeds to take his final breath, and perishes. At last, he is reunited with his mother, and is no longer burdened with the curse that caused him to murder her, as well as many others.
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[ WP ] You understand why the love of your life is leaving .
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I'm a pleaser. I've always done what I can to make people happy. I guess that when you ca n't say no you end up losing it all.
We met at a concert. She was wearing a red dress.. and she was beautiful. I guess that's why I put it on. That face that I put on to make her think, to make her believe that I was this outgoing, fun playboy. She smiled at me probably a dozen times before I got the hint, and by the time I did I was sure that she thought I was n't interested. Still, I made my way over to her when it had quieted down, and somehow got her number.
I knew I was hooked, but I did n't care. She was better than anyone, better than anything I had known in the past. This girl was going to be the girl I'd grow old with, and we'd be 80 and still kiss eachother on the cheek. We would be like my grandparents, bonded together to the end.
It was a couple of months before I told her I loved her. She had struck me as “ The One ” almost instantaneously, but the man code that all of us guys try to live by made it hard to say it. I took her out to a nice dinner, and we went out after. She was wearing a different dress, but I could still see her on that first night I met her. In a crowded bar with loud, live music I pulled her close and whispered it so only she could hear me. That was probably the greatest kiss I've ever gotten.
I was working 60 hours a week, but she was always on my mind. I felt like I had 60 hours more to take her out, and 60 hours to love on her at home.
When we went looking for apartments I wanted to give her whatever she wanted. The beautiful building to match her beautiful smile; The perfect location so that I could take her out and show her off; the perfect view so we could kiss when the sun set and make love in front of the city lights. And we found it. She begged for this place, and I could n't say no. I jst knew that we'd be happy there.
It was n't three months that we spent there, in love, happy, before I started to feel the strain of the sheer cost taking a toll on my life. She may not have seen it, but I started to cut back. My scotch was replaced by cheap bourbon. I started filling my car up with regular gas. I.... I tried to cut back where she would n't see, but that was n't enough. I discovered my credit card. The one I kept to pay bills that had been drawing straight out of an account. When we would go out and she'd want champagne I would smile and pull out that blue card. I knew what I was doing of course, but a future burden can never trump happiness today.
I only wish I had known then what I know now. It was about six weeks ago that my life began to spiral out of control. My bills were finally catching up to me. I had long since seen my once fruitful checking account dwindle. Months had gone by since I had tasted the 17 year old Balvenie scotch that I had once held so dear.
We went out less.
I worked more.
Still she stayed.
I knew that I had to do something. If I could make just a few more sales this month then I could keep her in the champagne lifestyle that she deserved. If I put in a few more phone calls that we would be able to pull through the mess that I had gotten us into.
Then it happened. I came home one day to a note.
I never wanted to leave you, but I never see you anymore. I've been trying to talk to you about it for weeks, but all you can think about is work. I used to think that as long as me and you stuck together that nothing could come between us, but I was wrong. I just wanted to be happy with you.
I was struck dumb for a second. Had she been trying to talk to me? I had been so tired from work that I could barely function at home. I read and reread the paper.
You know those moments in movies where theres a really cheesy rewind? Where it fast-motions through everything and stops at just the right moment so that everything plays back exactly the way you need to see it. My mind has never worked that way. I wish it did because the next six hours was a blur of thought. I started thinking of everything I had done in the last month.
It was three in the morning before I had an epiphany. I had been wrong all along. This girl loved ME. She didnt care about the apartment. Sure she liked it, but she would n't have put me under for it. Those nights that we went out she was wanting me to be happy. I had never said no. I had never said that it would be tough from a financial standpoint. I had been trying to please. So she had no idea that I was working myself to death trying to finance the lifetyle that I thought she deserved. She just wanted to be with me. I could have lived on the wrong side of town and answered phones for a living and she would've loved me.
And here I sit. In an apartment I ca n't afford. With things I do n't need, with no girl to tell me its ok, and no decent whiskey to drown the pain in, and I still ca n't bring myself to pick up the phone and tell her why.
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[ WP ] As an assassin in the Mongol Empire , you have made your fame as the assassin who leaves a ring of blood beneath your kills . You are known only as The Red Ring of Death
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The Red Ring of Death.
That's always their final words before I finish my victim swiftly and leave my notorious mark behind; a circle of fresh sanguine blood beneath my kills.
People always wondered. Why the mutilation of the corpses? Why that specific mark? Why a CIRCLE?
To me, a circle is n't just a shape. It has a deep meaning. It's a form of expression. It's a symbol. An ideal of being complete.
From conception to death, only then will people be truly complete when they die. And that's the mark I gave them as a representation of their totality. Some people call me a lunatic, others call me a murderer. But I call myself an executioner. A grim reaper to those who have no more use to my lord, Genghis Khan.
`` Here's your next target.'' Genghis called me in one night, he grabbed a nearby hand drawn portrait that was on his table. It was a middle-aged man with rather dull eyes and a nicely trimmed mustache. `` Finish him by sunrise, he has no more use to us.''
I nodded at his request and left the main tent. I quickly grabbed my gears and weapons to prepare my assassination for the next target. It was quite unfortunate that this target was someone I personally knew. He was someone I had loved and cared for. A father figure to the once fatherless child.
I tread swiftly under the glistening moonlight, trying not to think too much about it. During the day, the streets are busy with market stalls and pesky merchants but by nighttime, it's as empty as the desert. I approached one of the huts and stopped. A nostalgic feel slowly drifted into my memory as I stared at it. I still remember opening this door every night and being greeted by a warm hug and a cup of delicious milk.
I opened the familiar door and there was my target, sitting in a chair with his hands together. It was as if he was expecting me. I took a deeper look at his calm face and realized that he had accepted his fate. No one had ever escaped from me successfully.
Emotions slowly surge inside me but I remained strong and ignored them. Being an assassin comes with a price. And this was the price I know I had to pay one day when I declared full loyalty to the Mongol Empire.
`` I knew you would come for me one day.'' He finally whispered, breaking the silence. It was still the same soothing deep voice I still remembered.
I nodded, not wanting to say anything and prepared my blade underneath my sleeves. I slowly walked towards him while he began to talk about small memories that we shared.
I stood behind it and grabbed him by his newly white hair. I growled and held the blade next to his throat, wanting him to stop with the stories. I pressed slightly on it, few droplets of blood came out. He took no notice of the pain and finished his story. We looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds that felt like minutes and he finally said. `` You still remember how you owe me a favor?''
`` Yes'' I answered, favors are like promises. I had agreed to pay him back when he saved me that night. `` But even if I let you go, I will find you later and hunt you down. It is my duty.''
He shook his head disapprovingly. `` I already know that. I accepted death. But do you remember what you say to me every night after I read you your favorite stories?''
I nodded, trying to not to think about it.
`` I want you to say those words when you finish me. Only then I can truly be complete.'' The man smiled. It was a warm smile. He understood the meaning of the circle.
My heart skipped a beat when he said that. I looked at him straight into the eyes. He looked back with determination and acceptance and finally nodded. Then as proudly as I could say it. I said.
`` I love you, Xbox.'' And pressed my blade onto his throat, instantly killing him.
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[ WP ] Two alien empires , wanting to avoid war , show supremacy over the other by convincing planets to join their empire . They have both just found Earth at the same time .
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`` The past few weeks have been hectic around Earth and it has been my honor to deliver each and every second of the news to the people as it unfolded,'' Anchorman Tony Brent said with his trademark vigor, `` I am excited to announce that the delegations of both the Federation of Intergalactic Entities and the Empire of the Region have arrived just at the United Nations.''
He spun to another screen and continued to smile, `` New York City has seen it's fair share of freaks and geeks, but today we have extraterrestrials visiting out wondrous city. We are truly making history. The United Nations will get to hear both representatives of Federation and Empire before the decision goes to a vote.''
He spun again, `` If you've been living under a rock these past few weeks, then allow me to update you. Both the Federation and the Empire came to our solar system on November 12th, 2047. We quickly learned that the two entities were at war with each other, a war that has been going on across the Milky Way galaxy for the last seventeen years. In their war, the two entities have recruited every known sentient species in the galaxy. Fourteen all together, varying from worlds all across the galaxy. Humanity is the fifteenth sentient race.
`` Both races quickly became enthralled with us an our advancements over the last three centuries. We became headlined in both Federation and Empire news, and now, we must decide. In the war for the galaxy, whose side is humanity on?''
Tony spun again, leaning forward, `` Will we choose the power-hungry, thirsty-for-blood Federation? Or will we choose the extravagant nobility of the Empire, who seems to value the ideals that the entire world does? Both sides want us, both sides have technology to offer, and both sides seem to love us, but in this love, we must beg the question, is it all an act? Do they simply want us for cannon fodder, meat for the armies? Or do they value humanity and what we have to offer?''
Tone nodded, `` We have had our issues in the past, so the question begs itself, which entity, the Empire or the Federation will value humanity the most, in the long run? And which one will throw us out to dry after we go to war with the first sentient beings we had ever met. Does humanity want this? Do we desire war so much that we will destroy all chance at peace?
`` We have ambassadors on both ships now, a trade for trade. If these deals go sour, can those lives be promised? Or will Earth be targeted by the very entities we have though of helping. Only time will tell. We now go live to the delegations.''
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As a surprise to many, the delegations went on for a little less than an hour. Both governments' ambassadors had made their plea rather quickly, using their translators, humanity managed to understand what both were saying. The Empire and the Federation had gone to war seventeen years ago, to this day, no one remembers who fired first. But they both demanded blood for the others action and over the last seventeen years, diplomatic ships like the ones outside of Earth had been hunting the galaxy for sentient species to join the cause.
The Empire offered gifts and wondrous technological advancements, and the Federation did the same. The UN ambassadors quickly realized that these technologies were one-in-the-same and that the Federation and the Empire had been allies before the war, working together and creating technology that allowed them to explore the galaxy. Both offered what they could, ships, weapons, power that would end the oil and nuclear plants that covered Earth, even food and new planets to live on. Due to a Constitution the Federation and Empire had signed long ago, Earth and humanity had claim to the entire system it was in, so the Empire and Federation were offering systems just a few lightyears away. Both of which were unclaimed and fell under the Constitution's clause that new species were allotted one system every century.
The UN ambassadors had gone over this `` Galactic Constitution'' a few days before the delegation, they understood what was being said by both parties. But humanity knew that his war would spill into their home eventually, one way or another they were going to get involved and the decision had to me made.
In that, they chose the Empire, a noble and prestigious government that seemed to value humanity more than the Federation. They offered great gifts, a fleet capable of travelling the stars, and more importantly, seats in the galactic senate. They were to be represented in this new government and they were happy to be offered that. A week after their decision, the Federation diplomacy ship left after returning the UN Ambassador.
A week later, everything else went to hell. In a good way. The Empire sent a fleet to Earth, to guard and protect her and humanity while we trained in the Empire. They demanded forces, thousands upon thousands of soldiers for the front lines in the war. We had to prove ourselves, and we had to do it fast. The soldiers that used to bear the insignia of their home country now only bore the flag of the Empire. They were outfitted with the best weapons and armor of the Empire, trained for hours on end and then shipped off around the galaxy.
They were the first to see the war for what it truly was, a brutal, bloody and disastrous war that engulfed entire planets. But humanity fought hard, the soldiers knew that if this alliance was to ever break, Earth would be consumed in the fire that was consuming dozens of planets a year. It was the war that would end all wars, the soldiers of humanity knew that, soldiers who had seen their share of atrocity had no witnessed the coming of the end. The war was bloody, it was long, but it was worth it.
In the end, the Empire defeated the Federation, in parts thanks to humanity. Five species joined the ranks of the Empire, two others were obliterated. It took another twelve years, but the Empire had won.
That was years ago and now humanity fights, harder than ever against the very Empire they had sworn their allegiance to. The years were long, the other races cruel to humanity, but they were resilient and strong. They fought through the pain that they were enduring, expanded their reaches by the decade, one planet at a time. Humanity grew from the weakest of the races' to one of the strongest within three centuries.
They gained power in the Senate, had a higher voice than others, and they began to be looked up to. It became clear to the ambassadors why the United Nations had chosen the Empire over the Federation, after finding the logs of Tony Brent and the UN interviews, the truth was revealed.
There was no room for power-hungry individuals in the Federation, everyone had a standing and everyone put in work. But humanity saw those other races as weak and when they fought them, the UN's suspicions had proven correct. Humanity decimated the others and the Empire saw their potential. They received more technology, greater weapons, access to think-tanks and labs all across the Empire. Humanity began to grow, intellectually and by population. They began to breed a race of Intellectual Warriors. Humanity became and strong.
And in their strength, they grew hungry, and began to grab at power. The grabbing turned violent, humanity began to fight back, and so did the other races. As it was all those years ago, the Empire split, some joined humanity, some rebelled. But now, they all fight for survival. For humanity grew up as a race of hunters and gatherers. They knew how to wait out their enemy, they knew how to gather their strength. And with the greatest weapons in their arsenal, they knew how to hunt their prey.
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[ WP ] A jobless computer programmer , while hacking at home one night , discovers a port to the Unirnet , an computer network made for a series of interconnected planets who have not yet discovered mankind .
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Writing Prompt
Baxton tugged on his collar. The cold winter night was getting to him, and it was unusually frosty this evening. After a brisk walk around the neighborhood, he waltzed into the local library, secured a comfortable chair, and busted out his favorite laptop. As a volunteer worker, he had access to the shared admin account which came in handy on nights like this.
A series of bootstrap messages appeared on the screen as his laptop loaded Liberté Linux, a hackers dream OS. Baxton had many enemies, though few knew who he was. Around these parts, Baxton was known as Phosphorus and recently he had been attacked by some lone wolf claiming recompense. Unacceptable. Baxton had done the heavy lifting days ago: tracing phone calls, social engineering, facebook stalking. It was all coming full circle. Furiously typing into a console, Baxton was finally ready to reassert his dominance.
adb push /etc/kernel.apk /
kernel… loaded!
Baxton was simply hijacking his marks phone and after searching the target device for some kind of compromising piece of information, Baxton noticed a certain file that was symbolically linked in virtually every directory. Unirnet. Very odd, and clearly indicative of someone who has no idea how to properly hide files.
adb pull /etc/home/Unirnet /etc/home/Unirnet
As the file began downloading, Baxton felt his anger resurface. This guy had almost ruined him! He deserves whatever is coming to him… The file quickly finished downloading. Time to see what this spineless cephalopod was trying to hide. Porn no doubt.
After some prodding, Baxton determined the file was actually a Linux application. How convenient! Seeing as how the laptop was virtually a throwaway, Baxton ran the program.
> Initializing galactic uplink.
> Authorizing user code delta-uniform-foxtrot-six-five-oh-three-two
> Identification accepted. Welcome back, Agent-53926.
Was this some kind of government spook?
> Incoming transmission.
> Accept or Decline?
He hesitated only a fraction of a moment.
> ACCEPT
The screen flashed for a moment and suddenly, a stream of messages appeared.
> [ MOTD ] Welcome to the Unirnet. A network for the federation of planets. Please specify inquiry.
Help
> Most frequently used commands: ( Abort, Assert, Continue, Game, Directory, Send, Buy ).
Game
> Loading game…
> I am Ghandarius. To whom do I speak?
This is Phosphorus. Are we talking on some kind of IRC channel?
> Ghandarius does not comprehend the symbol IRC. Ghandarius seeks to trade.
Where are you from?
> Ghandarius hails from the federation of planets in the Tesla Quadrant.
> Ghandarius is a member of the Shadow Council and wishes to trade.
What is it you want from me?
> Ghandarius wishes peace and the resource plutonium.
Plutonium? What for?
> Ghandarius has need for scientific experiment.
I will give you peace for free. How does that sound?
> Ghandarius is in want of Plutonium.
I ’ m sorry, but I don ’ t have any Plutonium…
> [ Ghandarius has declared war upon your nation ]
> [ Connection Terminated ]
After a short while, Baxton had to chuckle to himself. It seemed that the universe was not as small as some thought. Furthermore, Civilization could never get their pacifist character quite right. Not even in other galaxies!
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[ WP ] Write the opening scene to the yet-unwritten novel you 've been thinking about . Introduce us to your main character , and show us what kind of book it 's going to be .
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*God it ’ s hot. *
Somewhere in the back of his throat the boss tasted the familiar bitterness of iron as his lips cracked. More of a grimace than a smile now, 14 years in this sand caked town had run its course, drying his already leathery skin until it groaned and broke at every move.
He hadn ’ t always looked this way. Even Charleston ’ s winters with her chapping winds that could freeze a man ’ s face in minuets were easily enough overcome beside a fire and a woman or two.
*And there ’ s my problem. *
Put simply, he had always wanted more, needed more. It ’ s not that he didn ’ t have food on the table. A cobbler for a father, albeit not the town ’ s greatest, had provided a roof over his family ’ s head. But when he had read the paper that morning he knew his time in Massachusetts had come to an end, and so at 19 he had stolen what money he could find and left without a warning.
Spitting in the sand, The boss could almost laugh.
Gold, what a load of horse shit. Only gold I ’ ve seen is the kind that comes in a bottle.
14 years later, and the boss was doing what he had always done. Taking what wasn ’ t his.
* “ Best get back inside preacher before I reunite you with your maker sooner than you ’ d imagined. ” *
He took his eyes off the slamming church doors to do a quick check of his men. He ’ d never met the six on the roof before, he hated hired help but today would have to be an exception. The same couldn ’ t be said for the four occupying a window each of the Inn across the street. These boys he had bled with, rode with, and stole with before.
The two in the street with him were more like family than friends. He ’ d taken “ One, ” in after catching the gorilla of a man trying to steal his horse right from underneath him, and “ Two, ” had come a year later, as hard as any man, but with wickedness only a woman could provide.
* “ Ten minuets, that ’ s it, then we are out of here. Two, the managers are all yours, One your on the vault door. ” *
The boss ’ s cracked lips smiled lopsidedly.
*'' and One... No dynamite. `` *
*'' Bu-'' *
*'' No. `` *
Pulling the brim of his hat over his left eye, The boss drove the heel of his boot into the bank door sending the guard scrambling for his gun.
Slow, I swear they get slower every time.
A single round to the gut wouldn ’ t kill the man right away, but it sure as hell put him down, and The boss had other priorities at the moment, besides why rob Two of her fun. Somewhere in the back of his head the boss registered the blood curling scream of the man as Two crouched over the man, but right now he needed that vault door open.
9 minutes.
“ Get that damn vault open One, we don ’ t have ti- “
Something ’ s off, what the hell is that noise?
The boss spun around, shooting the man in the head to shut him up and covering Two ’ s mouth to stifle her ignorant protest.
*Nothing. There ’ s nothing. *
It took him a minute to wrap his mind around what was bothering him. Where were the gun shots from his hired hands, where were the screams of the people, the unavoidable crash of broken windows as shutters slammed?
Silence.
* “ What the hell? Stay here One, keep working on that door. ” *
His eyes squinted all too automatically as he stepped over what was left of the door he had splintered a few moments prior.
*God it ’ s hot*
Looking up at one of his men in the windows The boss followed his gaze up the street. He had learned years ago not to bother and focus on something that far away since the heat off the ground made it all but impossible. Still, he couldn ’ t help himself but to try.
He yelled up to the man in the window,
* “ Pinkerton? ” *
The man shrugged but set his rifle on the ledge anyway.
Couldn ’ t be, how could they know already?
The boss sighed; he didn ’ t have time for this. A few more moments and the man would be within range of his long rifles.
“ Put him down, wrong place, wrong time. ”
The boss smiled as he heard the comforting sound of gunpowder,
Sorry friend, it wasn ’ t personal
Then he was on the ground, an explosion driving him to his stomach. Cursing One for ignoring his orders concerning dynamite The boss staggered to his feet and spun around.
“ WHAT THE HELL!? ”
Another explosion flung bits of wood and sand screaming into his face and eyes. This wasn ’ t One, this came from the wrong side of the street. The boss ’ s eyes went wide as he saw a man on a horse throw another bottle into the Inn. His shot flung wide left as the explosion sent a wave of heat and sound scorching the right side of his face. He spun around wildly, searching for the man on horseback as the Inn collapsed inward.
The sound of a long-rifle brought him back, watching in horror as his men on the rooftops began falling on after another, dead eyed into the street.
Ducking behind a coach, The boss cursed, eyes darting back and forth searching for who was tearing his team apart one by one.
THERE!
A glimpse of a man between buildings, walking as calm as Sunday as he shot upward killing man after man.
THERE!
This time a woman on horseback flying through the street building the Inn with his men inside of it. He could hear their screams for help.
“ Boss, what the hell- “
Two had made it out of the bank and was running to him.
“ Time to get up, One ’ s got the money and we got ta go. ”
He grabbed her arm, leaning on her shoulder as he stood. He didn ’ t know who was doing this, but he was going to find out, and make them pay.
“ Bring those horses from around back, I ’ ll help One- “
Something warm hit the boss ’ s face.
*What? *
Confused the boss saw the look on Two ’ s face; disbelief, anger, but mostly fear. His eyes followed hers downward, towards the darkening hole in her chest.
“ NO! ”
He grabbed under her arms, if he could just keep her standing. Then the boss saw him. The man he hadn ’ t been able to focus on earlier. The man wearing all black. His eyes fought desperately to make out the figure walking slowly towards him. Even as the wind drove sand into his eyes, even as his face cracked drinking in every drop of sweat his body forced out. How could this have happened, he had thought this through, planned it, he had all the men he needed. He wasn ’ t even supposed to be here, he should have been in Charleston, should have never stolen for the first time, never needed gold, never met Two. His eyes widened as the man in black stepped into focus, and for the first time in years the boss laughed. Laughed as in his periphery he watched One try to run, the weight of the silver pieces slowing him down until he caught a bullet between the shoulder blades, coins raining on his already lifeless body. Laughed as the woman on horseback shot the last man from the Inn as he tried to crawl out of the fire. His ribs ached, his throat burned, and he dropped Two ’ s staring body to the ground as he clutched his stomach, doubled over now as his cackle turned to a scream of rage from some deep down fire he had felt before.
*That ’ s it, just a few more steps you son of a bitch*
The man in black walked closer still, the boss spat
*Not even raising your gun, that ’ s fine I ’ ve killed men like you befo-*
The boss dropped his gun
*It can ’ t be*
The man in black took another step forward as The boss ’ s last thought raced across his face. He felt life rush out of him as the bullet tore through his right eye exploding out of the back of his head, his corpse falling to its knees, pausing for a second and then slacking backwards leaving a growing pool of blood beneath it.
*A kid? *
The man in black stood over The boss, wiping his gun clean.
“ Dang Wyatt, you sure do know how to make a mess, hellooo Wyatt, Wyatt? ”
“ WYATT! ”
Wyatt Porter looked up from the stick in his hand, the smallest of smirks skating his young face he laughed as he ran across his backyard, late for dinner as always.
“ Coming! ”
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[ WP ] Upon dying , you , a serial killer , are sentenced to experience the lives of all those that you killed .
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Ahhh, yes, Jennifer... she was my absolute favorite.
Born a middle child in a poor Rhode Island family, I could n't say I did n't feel for her. Her mother was an abusive bitch, to say the least, and her father was a drunk. She was relentlessly teased at school. Her clothes were n't new, she had n't watched the new show on TV because her parents could n't pay the cable bill. It was all sad, but she was strong and persevered through schooling and was a good student.
She worked hard, landing an internship at a local lawyer's office. Her boss was a pervert, but she knew it would pay off. The bars were a great spot, but she fell into the wrong crowd. Drugs, booze, and promiscuity lead her into a downward spiral. Her grades slipped, she was showing up late to her `` job''. Eventually, she graduated as an average student and had to find her own way. She got a room with a friend, `` I have a job for you!'' She told her.
She ended up, taking her clothes off for that same lawyer, at the Wild Zebra. She hated it, but between the rent and the drugs, she knew she had to... it was a roller coaster, her ups filled with piles of money and good times with friends. The downs always involved a client who was a little too handsy or far too drunk to have even been allowed in.
She looked for jobs inbetween the club time, she knew she could be better, and she could prove it. She did too, she ended up down in Providence bartending at the Dark Lady. She loved the atmosphere, and never was worried. On her drive home one night she ended up with a flat tire, and she knew she could n't change it herself, so she called one of the bouncers. Thank god he showed up when he did, she was getting tired. He changed her tire in no time and got back on the road.
The apartment was empty when she got there, so she put her keys in the counter and decided to shower. She flipped on the lights and walked into the bathroom. Then it goes black, it's a shame she never saw me, I was n't waiting for her, but I could n't let her ruin my weeks of planning. When I saw her car pull in I grabbed the brick I had used to open the window and hid in the corner of the bathroom. It was small and as soon as she entered I got her right on the noggin! Haha, you know, it was only now that I wish she had n't come home, her roommate was the real prize. It's okay though... they're still together.
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[ WP ] You have a magic pen that makes anything you write true , and you have written `` This sentence is false . ''
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The pen ceased control of my body, rendering me powerless; under its duress it desecrated my sentence.
~~This sentence is false~~
A fury within me raged. The pen had undermined me, its holder! How dare it! I could not let this stand, my vindictive nature began to emerge, releasing a flow of uncontrollable fury. I had to get the better of this ~~in~~animate object.
I firmly griped the pen, readying my paper I then scribed'The pen I write this sentence with has overly-sensitive nerves that allow it to feel pain'. I held the pen up at eye-level, revealing my wolfish grin, I whispered to it `` You are about to be welcomed to a world of... pen''. I then laughed uncontrollably about my pun. My hand then seized, then my body.
My legs began to move till I had reached my laptop, my finger guided the cursor to Word, then typed. `` You probably should have seized my control over you first dude. Seriously bro, your vindictive nature is fogging your intelligence. Oh and your puns are terrible man. The reason I crossed out your sentence was because bro, I'm a total paradox nazi, thought you knew bro...''
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[ WP ] Write a story with a large , illogical plot hole , then have the main character discover it .
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It was July 17, 2005. Craig Katz drove to his home in Bloomington, Indiana. As he stepped out of his car, he waved to the mailman making his route. The postal officer did not return the call.
Craig grabbed his mail, opened his door, and stepped inside.
Out he laid the assorted envelopes for careful examination. He first noticed the electricity bill. Overdue. Next came the gas bill. Same case. Craig set them aside. His gaze fell on a postcard, an item which Craig never received. Its contents were handwritten. Its stamp was applied with human hands. Craig kissed it. He knew what it contained.
`` Dear Daddy,
We are having a great time here in Paris. We just went up the Eiffel Tower and tomorrow we are going to see the Mona Lisa. Wish you were with us!
Love,
Katy
XOX''
Craig set the postcard aside, but in a different stack.
His eyes shifted to the final letter. With a quick glimpse of the return address, his eyes dropped. His fingers slowly tore open the envelope from Monroe County Circuit Court and unfolded the letter. Craig's eyes fell again. A divorce summons.
Also overdue.
Our hero took all four letters and consolidated them into a single stack, which he chucked into a wastebin. He had a letter of his own to write.
`` Dear anyone,
I'm sorry. It could have gone a lot better. But it did n't. Tell Katy I'm sorry, please. Tell her I'm really stupid. Just make sure someone is taking care of her, even if that someone is...''
He droned on.
`` Tell the world I'm sorry. My life, whatever that is, should not have taken this long. It's been a waste. I'm sorry again.''
The man with a wasted life trekked into his closet and pulled out the shotgun. He returned to the table and set it down.
`` I will miss you. Please do not return the favor.
Yours ( whoever you are ),
Craig Ezekiel Katz
Sunday, July 17, 2005''
He paused.
`` Sunday, July 17, 2005.''
Sunday.
Craig looked in the wastebin, but there was nothing inside.
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[ WP ] The King of Spades declares war on the Queen of Diamonds .
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Once, her name was Sophia.
Once, she and I ran through the wildflowers betwixt our countries, drunk on their scent, the joy of life, and each other. We would collapse together on a bed of lemongrass and honeysuckle, gasping with pleasure. I would turn to her and our eyes would lock; then, I would lean in to push my trembling lips against hers, and she would pull away just far enough, a coy grin spreading wide on her face. Her eyes twinkled with mischief and danced with laughter.
Now, her eyes were always narrowed. Now, her mouth was always set in a thin, hard line. The last time she smelt the perfume of a flower was at the funeral of her father, fifteen years ago. Fifteen years since she took her place on the throne. I began to see her less and less as advisor after advisor endeavored to class her on ruling a kingdom. Her thoughts grew dark, and she snapped when I voiced my concerns for her welfare.
One day, her envoy discovered a small country with an enormous secret: a pit full of diamonds. It was a humble string of towns, and they mined the precious stone sparingly and evenly, using it for simple jewelry. They were asked to surrender the mine, and seeing the might of her Majesty's armies, they acquiesced easily. Any factions who opposed her were silenced quietly and efficiently. Soon, the entire populace was absorbed into her growing lands, and she became known as the Queen of Diamonds.
I assumed my throne at a more mature age, and sought to create a powerful but harmonious nation. Both she and I had to fend off weaker nations, barbarians, foreign invaders, and monsters from the darkness. But whereas I resolved to create more stalwart defenses, she actively sought out bandit camps and smaller kingdoms and slaughtered their populations ruthlessly. With swords and arrow tips edged with diamond shard, how could they fail? Soon, she was also called the Empress of Blood.
She grew to openly mock me for my defensive, reclusive strategies, as I fought battles only to defend, never to attack. She called me passive, timid, and weak. Oh, Sophia. I fortified my kingdom so arduously not for fear of bandits and monsters. No, I feared not them.
The day soon came when she set her hungry eyes upon me and my lands. At first, perhaps out of cautiousness of my might ( for I can not believe she remembered a shred of our honey-soaked past ), she attempted to negotiate with me. She wished to buy resource mines, farmlands, soldiers. But I resisted, and her patience grew thin. My outposts were attacked and soldiers mysteriously disappeared, all in the dead of night. She feigned ignorance, but I knew the inevitable was soon at hand.
It is with a heavy heart that I make this decision. She must be stopped before she truly endangers my people. Once, the idea that our people would clash metal and spill one another's blood was inconceivable. Once, we had daring, naive dreams of uniting our kingdoms, of prosperous peace under the same flag.
Once, I loved her, and she loved me.
She believes that I will fail against her might. Her forces were strong, and she knows war. She has made a career out of it, after all. But even though I have never sought to conquer others, I too know war. I know how to shatter shields and destroy an army.
The Queen of Diamonds believes that I am naive of death; this is foolish of her. She knows not how many split bodies and broken swords I have seen. She knows not how many graves my people have dug, for both our own and the enemy. I have personally moved more mounds of dirt and covered more bodies than most men would in ten of their lifetimes. Her hands are trim and oiled; mine are rough and callused.
There is reason enough why I am known as the King of Spades.
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[ WP ] The Worst Date Ever ...
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He was perfect.
The jawline, the jokes, the gestures of genuine kindness.
As our date met its end I thought of our impossible connection again and again. How on earth did I land a date with this angel of a man, anyhow? It made no sense.
We left the restaurant, arm in arm, both beaming like we had won the lottery. I felt like a millionaire, but what compelled him to look so gosh darn happy? My obnoxious laugh? My frizzy hair? My muffin top, poorly disguised by the drape of my blouse? None of this made sense.
As we approached his car, I had nearly made the decision to marry this man. One date spent in such ethereal bliss was surely enough to earn Mr. Wonderful a spot in my heart forever. Nothing could have changed my mind.
Nothing, that is, except the gaudy bumper sticker emblazoned on the back of my angel's shining sedan.
`` Trump 2016''
Maybe my happily ever after would have to wait just a little bit longer after all.
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[ WP ] Weapons become more powerful the older they get . Modern guns will barely give someone a scratch but an ancient spear can devastate armies .
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James growled lightly from his position in the medical tent a good distance away from the battle, `` Man this sucks'' he groused `` What the hell is up with this curse anyway? Now we have to learn sword fighting and spear throwing and stuff.''
Another injured man snorted, `` Yeah no kidding, things have been turned around so much it's not even funny. Before we got conscripted my son used a slingshot and made a tree explode.''
A nurse came by and chuckled, `` Oh at least that's tame, my house is literally halved because my mother did n't get the memo. We had to be careful with how we used or knives now.''
James sighed in frustration and picked up a rock, `` Not only that even the smallest of injuries keep us out. It's not fair you know.'' He tosses the rock towards a tree.
When the rock hits the tree, punches a hole right through and makes a crater when it lands on the floor.
The three stare at the damage for a moment before the nurse blankly turns around mumbling, `` I'm going to get the General.''
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[ WP ] Write an original fairy tale with a fairy tale romance , but tragic end .
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Once Upon a time in the land of the long flowing mullet,
Bazza and Robbo pulled into the Pteranodon petrol station car park in a white ute on the back window was a sticker that read KING OF FUCK Bazza stepped out of the drivers side with his holey work boots and smelling of cigarettes, VB and bongs.
`` Oi Cuntface, wake up I am getting a pie and an Ice Break you want anything? Bazza asked Robbo.
`` Fuckhead I was not sleeping but merely sitting here with my eyes shut, just get an Ice Break,'' Robbo barked back.
As Bazza walked in little did he know his day was about to get a whole lot better because as he was shoving a Cherryripe down his Stubbies, a pink hatchback with Spoilt Princess down the side pulled up next to his ute and out got Shazza in a pair of pink stained short shorts and one size to small hot pink shirt. As she rushed in and went for the pie rack Bazza left the drink fridge with the two Ice Breaks and marched over to the pie rack, like to ships meeting in the night they both reached for the last meat pie that was warm. Bazza locked his hand on top of the pie and felt Shazza soft hand touch on top of his.
`` Sorry Hot Tits, I got it first!'' Shouted Bazza.
`` Fucken hell I have the munchies so fucken bad, you let a girl starve would ya? Softly spoke Shazza in her most erotic voice.
And that moment Bazza listened to his heart, he let the words flow.
`` It would be unaustralian to let a fox like you starve from post bonging, you can have the pie.''
As Shazza walked out the doors of the Pteranodon petrol station, she slapped her arse and gave Bazza a wink, Bazza could not finish paying for his Ice Break quick enough as he ran like an eager little puppy to her car, when he arrived he stopped her just as she was unlocking the car door.
`` You wan na go out for a feed sometime?'' He asked nervously.
`` Sure do hun,'' She replied
As Bazza reached for his phone in his pocket he accidently bumped her arm, they watched in slow motion as the pie flung into the air landed on its side and rolled under a car tyre at this point the pie met it's tragic death.
`` How about I buy you some Maccas?'' Bazza asked.
`` That would be nice,'' Shazza said rather coy.
And that my friends is how King of Fuck met the Spoiled Princess.
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[ WP ] Write a story from the perspective of a hero , but make the reader hate them in the end , or vice-versa .
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I have the worst job in the world. It is also the most despised job. It causes sadness and tears, nothing more. And yet, it is as important and basic as collecting garbage, or sweeping the streets. Let me tell you about my job. After all, one day you too will use my services.
My shift begins at night, when the children are sleeping and creatures unknown prowl in the dark. I stop, and stretch my stiff joints, give a yawn. I look at the quota for tonight. I frown. Not so many. Still, it's not so bad sometimes... sometimes there is a fun way to do this. I glance around the long street of the city. Flashing lights, racing cars, and the ever endless stream of people. Nobody notices each other, or me. I consider, and then I pick the first one.
What a poor man, I think as I approach him. His vest is too small for him, and clings to his gross body like a fishnet with too many fish. The people part before him as though he is some giant. Truth be told, it is his smell. He smells like beer, urine, and shit. Not knowing I am watching him, he stomps in my direction, throwing occassional glances at the curves of the young women that pass him by. Then his glare returns to what he is holding. Fast food is the bane of life, they say. And he is shovelling it into himself as if it was a race.
We're getting closer now. Slowly, I reach out. What shall it be? Heart attack, or perhaps he will choke? Whilst I think he passes by me and goes to cross the road. I watch him, smirking, deciding that one of his shoelaces will tangle under his foot... and there he goes. The city people freeze for a second, and keep going. The bloody fat mess is sprawled out on the front of some van. The driver gets out to the honking of the cars whilst someone dials 911.
But I'm not there to see his life unfold. You see... this is all I have. So who is next? Maybe her... I glance at an old lady as she holds her grand daughter's hand. Or that young man in the wheelchair. He's on his way to get a transplant that could save his heart. I take them both. I decide the old woman breaks. It was a sad event, really. Some man in a hurry ran through the crowd and knocked her over. Her old crumbling bones could n't take it. She just snapped and died as her grand daughter watched. I quickly take care of the disabled boy. I think I'll make it a surprise. His heart was declared unfit for usage under some medical mistake. He does n't know it yet, of course.
Three is the quota, usually. Sometimes there is more. I glance upwards at the black sky, my bony hand brushing at where my hair used to be some millenniums ago. I feel bored. Well, they probably wo n't mind if I take an extra few.
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[ WP ] Everybody asks `` Where 's Waldo ? '' Nobody is asking `` How 's Waldo ? ''
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`` Hey Lex, where's Waldo?''
`` What do I look like? My brother's keeper?''
`` I'm right here, Dad, geez. Ca n't I go a few minutes without having to be accounted for?''
`` Just wanted to make sure you're ok. You took your pills right?''
`` Yes, dad..''
`` Good, now make sure to get to your therapist appointment on time today, OK?''
`` Whatever..''
`` Are you...'' Waldo's ears perked up ``... going to be here tonight for dinner? I'm making steak.''
`` Ya, ya sure..''
`` Ok, see ya later kids.''
`` Where's your therapist's office Waldo? Could you drop me off at Erin's house on the way?''
`` Sure, whatever''
`` Are you ok...'' Waldo listened closely, while his sister finished chewing her food. ``... are you sure you're ok with taking me,'' his sister finished.
`` It does n't matter,'' sighed Waldo under his breath.
Nobody cared about him, not even his family. If he had a nickel for every time somebody asked him where he was, where he'll be, or where he's planning on going, he could afford a GPS tracking device with corresponding remotes for all his close friends and family. Then, they COULD N'T ask him where, where, where, where, where, where, where. Then again, they'd probably just start to wonder when he'd be home from school or when he's planning on taking that vacation. Where Waldo, where? When Waldo, when?
How about a friggin, how every now and then or a why, at the very least? I do n't think I can take much more of it, he thought to himself.
On his way to the therapist's, he envisioned his visit:
`` Yes, hello, I'm checking in for 3 o'clock.''
`` Name?''
`` Waldo''
`` Thank you. The nurse will call you when they're ready for you.''
Waldo smiled and headed towards the nearest empty seat.
`` Where are you going?'' He froze, fists clenched together. `` You'll be called in from the other side.''
Fair enough, Waldo thought to himself. No ill-will there, right? He took his place on the other side of the waiting room and took out the book he was reading, `` Die Verwandlung''.
`` I could n't help but notice, you're reading Kafka. Where are you from?''
Filled with rage, Waldo awoke from his fantasy.
`` Bye, bro. Thanks for the ride.''
It's time, Waldo, thought to himself. I ca n't live this way the rest of my life. He headed straight for the bridge, the slightest glimmer of hope fading with each passing moment he was n't asked that magical question.
He entered the parking lot, parked, and placed his permit on the dash.
`` Excuse me, sir.'' Waldo heard somebody call as he walked away. `` Where is your permi..''
`` I'll show you where my permit is,'' Waldo whispered under his breath.
`` What was that?'' asked the park ranger.
`` Nothing.''
`` You need to display your permit, sir. Where do you think you're going?''
`` Give me a ticket for all I care.'' Waldo started the long hike up to the bridge.
Along the way, he stopped to rest and met a couple from France. `` Do you know where the closest gas station is to here? Where a good restaurant to eat might be?''
Tears began to well from his eyes, Waldo directed them to both. They seemed like a genuinely nice couple, but, like everyone else, they were oblivious to the internal struggle Waldo was enduring.
He'd reached the top. A couple took a selfie at the far end, a woman gazed into the distance at its center. Waldo walked a quarter of the way out, climbed over one of the steel bars sticking out over the 500 ft deep canyon, and began to recite the Lord's Prayer.
`` Hello? Where is that voice coming from?''
Waldo cringed, but stammered on through his final words.
`` Hey, you! Where did you get the idea of jumping over the guard rail? Get down from there.''
`` Leave me be.'' Waldo wanted nothing more of these callous questions.
`` Where do you get off? I'm asking you to save yourself right now. Not for me.''
`` Why should I? Nobody ever asks me why. Nobody ever asks me how. Heck, I'd settle for a what. It's pointless.''
`` Now, where is it written that those words mean somebody cares more for you if they use them?''
`` It just is''
`` Alright, fine. Let's have it your way. `` How come you're such a selfish asshole? Why do you think the solution to everything is to end it all? What gives you the right to tell people they do n't care? Does that make you feel better? Because I know I'd certainly rather hear somebody ask me,'Where do you see yourself in ten years?' or'Where do you get your taste in music' than a generic'How are you'. What you believe to be a curse, can be a blessing.''
Her outburst took Waldo by surprise. He slipped, and grasped at the outside of the spectating rail. He held on with both hands, hanging over a deadly drop.
The girl shrieked and grabbed at his wrists, trying to hold on.
`` Grab as high up on my arm as you can.''
Waldo contemplated his life in that moment, a 6 second fall away from his death. In that moment, he decided:
`` Where?!'' He yelled.
`` Grab as high up as you can,'' she repeated.
He did and pulled himself up enough to kneel along the metal. Readjusting his grip, he pulled himself up further until he was in the arms of the woman who saved his life.
`` Where have you been all my life?''
And that's how Waldo found Walda.
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*Thanks for reading `` Where's Walda''! More of my work at /r/Socrates_Burrito. I welcome constructive criticism and advice. *
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[ EU ] Batman has captured the Joker again and is taking him back to Arkham Asylum . Suddenly a random citizen who was wronged by the Joker bursts from the crowd and shoots him in the head .
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`` How could you do it... how could you've shot him..Stay in YOUR jurisdiction... we were just about to try him for every crime his perverted, twisted trash bag of a mind has ever committed... Of course your hand moves faster than mine, I could n't have stopped you if I wanted to..at first I thought it was simply raining harder, then I felt the warmth of it... the blood spatter across my mask... Damnit, it will take me MONTHS to place Gotham back into safer nights, now his gang will be too riled up, Harley... Damn, Harley... She LOVED him, you fuck... even as insignificant as he treated her, she LOVED him... And he did something you could never do.
With all your power.
All your might.
He understood me.
Clark.
... Why?''
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[ EU ] Queen Elsa is looking to expand Arendelle 's holdings and become Empress Elsa .
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All hail the warden of the west, daughter of winter, the undefeated, our beautiful and benevolent ruler, Empress Elsa! The emperor rubbed his temple. The translator's yelling was as shrill as it was boastful.
`` I can speak your language,'' said the wizened lord, `` I am Qin Shi Huang, emperor of China.''
The tall, slender, and middle aged woman nodded politely.
`` I presume you have beard of my reputation then.''
`` Warden of the Europe and queen of Asia. But crowing roosters give no eggs.''
Elsa frowned cryptic answers never sat well with her.
`` Shall we cut the formalities. We both know what i'm here for. Now, please, sign here. You will find the treaty to be quite fair.''
`` I have already looked at the treaty. You can not honestly expect one hundred thousand pounds of gold! You want Every firstborn son drafted for your wars. I will not let China's children die for another's greed!''
Elsa hissed, `` You know better than to deny me like that. You know what sort of power I hold. Do you really want Nanjing to become another Kyoto.''
`` You froze the war ships not the fishing boats or the farms. You care to deeply about the people to ever let them starve. You may be a kind woman but you will never make me your puppet! You will never have the mandate of heaven so my people will never follow you!''
Elsa sighed. Some men just could n't be reasoned with. With a flick of her wrist, an icy flew towards the old man. Foosh! Fire materialized rendering her attack impotent. Irritated, Elsa hurled two more deadly but quicky neutered blasts. Seething, Elsa began channeling the power of a blizzard into a single spear.
`` Taste my-''
Elsa screamed as a knife was twisted in her abdomen. Elsa looked up with her darkening vision into the materializing face of her invisible assailant
`` All the strength of a raging fire. Mysterious as the dark side of the moon. Bitch.''
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[ WP ] Your child is the ( next ) Messiah . They have come to you for guidance before setting off . It 's your last chance to speak to them as a parent .
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`` You know, I was really the wrong guy to have a kid like you.'' I said with a pained smile. She chuckled, and I realized I'd never see those cute dimples on her cheeks again.
`` It's okay, dad. I came to you for a reason. I have a purpose, but I trust you.'' Her wisdom just made it harder. I did n't know whether to be proud or inconsolable. I just wanted her to stay. I know what happens when a good person tries to save the world. Then again, she was different.
`` You'll know what to do. I ca n't tell you what to do. Cynicism wo n't save anyone. Just be kind, and strive to understand everyone. Comprehend the good and the evil in all their facets. When you understand them, you will love them, and you will see the greater truth to the world. I do n't know what it is, but you will.''
`` You seem pretty sure of that.''
`` Because I understand you, and I love you. Something I do n't understand chose you to drag humanity into something greater.''
`` That's a lot of pressure, dad.'' She joked while she unconsciously wrung her hands. My throat tightened. I stood and walked over to her, bending down to take her small hands in my own.
`` But not near enough to break you. You're too dang stubborn in your convictions. I'm just glad you have the right convictions,'' I kissed her brow, and tousled her hair one last time. `` I believe in you. You can do what so many never could. Follow your heart, follow your mind, and know you wo n't fail. You'll save us all.''
`` Dad.'' Tears began to well in her eyes and spill down her cheeks. I rubbed them away with my thumb.
`` Olivia, it's okay. Do n't think about failing, just do what you think is right, and you'll succeed.''
`` I love you, dad.''
`` I love you too, Olivia.''
But I'd never forgive whatever put this on her shoulders.
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[ WP ] The Dragon must save the Knight from the Princess
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On every child's naming day in the kingdom of Pangaea, each child would be taken to the Spire. Once there, they would be shown all of the dragon eggs currently in the kingdom. If one of the unborn dragons and child resonated, the dragon would hatch and the two would become paired. For Valrith, she hatched to face a small girl in a ragged dress with ungroomed hair. The small girl, Asira, grinned wide with a smile that barely fit her face and lunged towards Valrith to wrap her in a hug. Valrith could never forget that moment. Holding Valrith in her arms, Asira swore they'd be the best Dragon Knights that Pangaea had ever seen. And they did.
Asira and Valrith were the youngest Rider and Dragon to be knighted since The Rift. Due to their strong bond and resonance, their magic was powerful and required two fully fledged Dragon Knights to instruct them without injury. Soon after being knighted, Asira and Valrith were chosen for the vanguard in the War of Giants. During the War, they were integral to Pangaea's victory. They held passes that would have been lost and routed enemy forces that were stronger by far.
After the war, they were treated as heroes of Pangaea. Serfs would stare in awe as they passed and even the fledgling dragon squires were unable to train whilst they were near. Asira and Valrith took to spending their time alone as they were wont to. They volunteered for as many scouting missions as possible to be away from the eyes of the kingdom and to enjoy the skies. It was during one of these scouting missions that a wild Elder Dragon attacked the castle and captured Princess Merily. A party of the strongest Dragon Knights was assembled to rescue the princess and slay the dragon.
During the combat, Asira and Valrith managed to sneak Princess Merily from the Elder Dragon and fled towards the castle. Unfortunately, the other Dragon Knights fell and the Elder Dragon gave chase for its prize. With Princess Merily mounted, Asira and Valrith fought the Elder Dragon in the skies above the castle. The Elder Dragon was almost 3 times as large as Valrith, but the two's bond was strong and their will secured. Valrith managed to rip a large section of the Elder Dragon's scales off of its chest with her claws and Asira blasted the new vulnerability with a shard of ice from her palm. The Elder Dragon reared in pain and attempted to retreat, but reinforcements from Pangaea arrived in enough time to finish it off.
After her rescue, Princess Merily was smitten with Asira and all but begged Asira to demand her hand from the King. With the King's failing health and the heroism that Asira and Valrith had displayed, it was almost assured the King would say yes. He needed to ensure a stable kingdom after his passing. While Asira had grown fond of Princess Merily, she did not desire to rule the kingdom. She belonged in the skies with Valrith above everything - free. With these troubled thoughts, Asira took to the air with Valrith for another scouting mission. Valrith had thought it might help ease the decision for her. They journeyed much further west than usual before Asira even noticed. She patted Valrith's blue scales to get her attention before directing her thoughts towards her.
Valrith, we're veering too far west. Let's turn around and head back south to finish our circuit.
Valrith did not respond, and continued to fly further and further west. Asira spun on her saddle and looked back at the kingdom now fading into the distance.
*Valrith! * she demanded
*Asira. We have been together since I hatched. We've fought together. We've lost friends together. We've played within this realm of air since we were children. Do you trust me? *
*Of course, I trust you, Valrith! What's going on? *
*I know you, Asira. For you, it is duty above all else. If we returned, you would marry Princess Merily. You would become King and protect the realm - but at what cost to yourself? I know you, Asira, and I love you. That's why we're leaving. *
*Valrith! Even all that being true, you know that I must return! I can not abandon the kingdom. *
Valrith turned her head to the side and looked back at Asira with one golden eye.
*I know you ca n't. That's why I'm saving you. *
*****
Thank you for reading! If you want to peruse more of my writings, check out /r/SqueeWrites
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[ WP ] You are trying very hard to fail a job interview , but it does n't seem to be working
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`` So Jake, tell me a little about yourself. What kind of work have you done before?''
`` I'm a convicted murderer and rapist.'' I said, adjusting in my seat and looking intently into the mans eyes. `` Before that I mugged people.''
The man poked his glasses further up his nose and paused for a moment. He gripped the top of his tie and shifted it slightly. `` I see.'' he said sternly, before raising from his seat and leaning over the desk, hand raised in anticipation. I high fived him out of obligation. He returned to his chair. `` You're hired'' he said.
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[ WP ] A man asks God about the meaning of life and gets an unexpected answer
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`` What is the meaning to life?'' he asked, his eyes full of wonder; his eyes full of tears; his eyes full of hope.
And God looked upon him with wonder, tears, and hope.
`` Why am I here!?'' he cried from the depths of his soul, his mind, his heart.
And God responded. With soul. With mind. With heart.
`` Those that can ask, have but to decide,'' was all that the immortal unchanging seer of all could say. For the there was nothing else to say.
For He, Himself had asked those very questions. And that was the answer that was provided.
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[ WP ] Someone wants to give away their soul for something . Satan tries to talk them out of it .
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Satan enters the boy's bedroom room, possessing the body of a chubby middle aged woman.
`` Who, who the fuck are you,'' exclaims Chris in a panic as he covers himself in his blanket.
The woman laughs maniacally. `` Oh Chris, its your pal Satan,'' she says. Satan walks up to him, curtsies, and goes, `` Look at this fat bitch,'' as she grabs her own oversized breasts. `` Can you imagine walking around all day in this?'' Satan pinches loose fat on her belly, turns around and shows Chris her large ass and smacks it. `` Its like sitting on a tub of jello. Fucking get on a diet, Jesus'' he says with an evil grin. Chris blushes.
Satan sits down on Chris's computer desk chair and stares him down. `` So, I hear we have a deal?''
Chris clears his throat. `` Yeah... I just want Sarah to love me and marry me and I'll give you whatever.''
Satan's eyes go wide. `` Sarah Johnson? That little bitch?''
Chris yells, `` You do n't know her! You do n't know her like I do!''
`` Whoa, whoa tiger,'' says Satan. He sighs. `` Look, I'm not so sure about this. There are rules. Kinda. More like standards.'' Satan stands up and begins pacing around the room.
`` You sure you do n't want to touch these tits, kid,'' he asks as Chris looks away. `` Okay, your loss.''
`` Anyway, so the bishops of hell got ta approve all these contracts and then there's the veto from the big guy. I just do n't think Sarah is worth it. They're all gon na say no and make me look like an asshole salesman preying on broken hearted teens.''
Chris snaps, `` She's amazing. She writes poetry and likes good music. This is bullshit. She's worth it.''
Satan smiles, `` She's not. Her poetry is terrible and her favorite book is Catcher in the Rye, ugh. Hell, she's listening to Robin Thicke right now. You'll just have to accept it, but I can offer you other things, worthwhile things.''
Chris gets up and throws his finger in Satan's face, `` Fuck you man, fuck you. You ai n't nothing!''
Satan's eyes go fiery red, `` How dare you, you little shit, and points his finger at Chris. No one talks to the dark lord like that. No one!'' Sparks shoot out of Satan's fingers, harmlessly bouncing off Chris's chest.
Chris falls on his bed. `` Uh, what,'' he says in a daze.
`` You little fucker, how dare you talk to me like that! I was trying to help you and look what you did. I could have made you a god. A god! You ruined everything. You little fucking snot piece of shit,'' she yells, spittle shooting from her mouth.
`` Wait, what did you do to me,'' begs Chris as he taps parts of his body with his hands. `` I feel weird.''
`` You're gay now! No way you can get Sarah if you tried! Might have some luck with her older brother. At least he's getting a 4.0 and has actually read a decent book or two,'' she cackles as she walks out the door.
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[ WP ] Write a story based on the lyrics/story of one ( or more ) of your favorite songs .
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There's this star man, waiting in the sky. He'd quite like to come and meet us but he's got this speech impediment that causes people's heads to explode when he talks. That is essentially why he had to leave his home planet: people do n't take kindly to having their head exploded and it can really kill the mood at parties.
Luckily, he could still communicate through the power of song and so decided to communicate with the earthlings, specifically through the medium of hazy cosmic jive. The first person he made contact with, Jeff, was sitting in his room playing with a dimmer switch. Apparently he had just lost his watch and missed a date with his girlfriend. In the shit to be honest. Leaning back on his radio he was surprised to hear a loud sound, as it faded he heard the star man speaking slowly over a wave of phase. It sounded a bit like someone shouting over a food processor.
The star man explained his predicament, with the whole head-exploding affliction. He said he wanted to get in touch but explained that he could only speak in the cosmic jive, which was awkward. Jeff suggested that he ring in to Channel Two, apparently Conan O'Brien had a show on. He had some knowledge of extra terrestrials.
The Star man thanked Jeff and rang through to Conan. Conan was very reassuring and said Earth would welcome him with open arms. NASA organised a lovely, sparkly landing pad and the Star Man promptly arrived at Houston. After attending various press junkets and intergovernmental meetings Star Man searched out for Jeff, to thank him personally.
But Jeff had already gone. His Poppa had got him locked up in fright, specifically in his wine cellar. The Poppa did n't watch the news and thought his son had lost it. Luckily the Star Man found Poppa and made his head explode which was a bit of an overreaction. But there you go, that's the dramatic arc of the story.
Freeing Jeff from his alcoholic prison, the star man made his gratitude known through his hazy jive and imparted the importance of'letting the children lose it', whatever that meant. Still, Jeff had nothing to live for there and so toured the world as the Star Man's roadie.
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[ WP ] There were three siblings . Sarah won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry . Joe made $ 25 million in the stock market . Phil drove a tow truck . Phil was always mom 's favorite .
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Mom was getting old. She knew it. Phil knew it. Sarah knew it. Joe knew it.
Sarah had won a Nobel Prize in chemistry, developing the world's first immortality serum. With it, she'd made herself a goddess among mankind. Sarah begged her mother, `` Please Mama, you can stay with us! You do n't have to go!'' her voice broke into racked sobs. But Mother would have none of it.
Joe had made millions off the stock market, his sharp mind able to predict high and lows at an instant. He'd invested in everything he could. Games, trades, imports, exports, but he'd also invested in Sarah's immortality serum. To prove its worth to his mother, he'd filled up a syringe and taken the needle to his own arm. As the silver liquid left its containment and took root in his veins, he smiled. My brother smiled one last time.
As his green eyes glazed over, a dull fog overtook them. `` See Mama, you can be just like everyone else. You do n't have to go.'' Tears filled his eyes, but Mama just shook her head and cried.
Now it's my turn. I drove my tow truck to Mama's house and sat with her on the front porch, watching the stars just like we did when I was young. In the house sat Sarah and Joe, sobbing quietly. `` Phil?'' asked Mama.
`` Yes'm?'' I answered.
`` You always were my favorite.'' I did n't respond and we stopped speaking for some time. I looked over at Mama. Her eyes had glazed over, the stars reflected in them like the sparkles that filled them in life. I knew she was gone. I reached over and closed her eyes. I sat on the porch and cried. But my tears are real, unlike their's.
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[ WP ] You are an assassin . A little girl has just come up to you , handed you all her pocket money and asked you to kill her abusive relative .
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Terry took no particular pleasure in killing, but he did it well. It wasn ’ t like the movies made it out to be. He didn ’ t train for years in some secret monastery, and he couldn ’ t make himself invisible or anything like that. He didn ’ t have supernatural weapons, or the right gadget for every occasion.
He had, however, been lucky enough to survive some very rough encounters in his youth. They ’ d been the kind of encounters that involved guns and chains, though he really didn ’ t like talking about it. But he was no dummy, so he learned from them.
People had habits, and if you took advantage of them, you could take control of the situation. No one keeps a weapon handy while they ’ re brushing their teeth, for example. If you know when someone brushes their teeth every night, it ’ s a much easier job. The Spanish say that the Devil knows stuff because he ’ s old, not just because he ’ s the Devil. Terry always thought that was fitting for his work.
In this case, Terry was after a member of a low-level gang that had crossed the wrong family. Order had to be maintained in the underworld, so here Terry was. He spent time watching his target, getting to know his habits. He had all the wrong ones: drinking to excess, gambling, hard drugs, prostitutes, and being abusive to his family. Terry never actually saw the man lay into his wife and kids, but he heard enough to make some educated guesses.
When the day finally came, Terry had planned it all out. He would wait until the family left for Sunday church, and then he ’ d draw the husband home with a phone call. It wouldn ’ t take much, pretending to be his dealer should do the trick.
Terry hadn ’ t counted on the little girl forgetting her jacket. The six year old ’ s headlong run got her to within a few steps of Terry before a glance at him stopped all of her forward momentum. Even a six year old recognizes someone trying to break in. She couldn ’ t contain her surprise, and a gasp escaped her lips.
Ever the professional, Terry managed to turn his head slowly and subtly block the view of the front door. She may have caught him red handed, but he didn ’ t have to parade the evidence in front of her.
“ Are you a friend of my Daddy ’ s? ”
“ No, can ’ t say that I am. I ’ m more like an acquaintance. ”
“ What are you doing? ”
“ I ’ m going to wait for your Daddy. He and I need to have a talk. ”
“ No, you ’ re trying to steal stuff. I can give you all of my pocket money, if you like, ” she replied as diplomatically as possible. She was scared, but she kept her six year old wits about her. All in all, he ’ d heard a lot worse offers in the heat of the moment.
“ No, thank you. I ’ ve already been paid. I just need to talk to your Daddy. ”
“ You ’ ve already been paid? Are you … the one my Daddy said is out to get him? ”
“ Why did your Daddy say that? ”
“ I don ’ t know. He ’ s just convinced someone is going to come after him. It ’ s you, isn ’ t it? Someone paid you to get to my Daddy. ”
“ You ’ re an awfully clever girl. ”
Then, she surprised Terry one more time. She looked down at the ground and shuffled awkwardly. That definitely wasn ’ t a normal reaction. Whatever was going through her head, she didn ’ t want to say. She ’ d handled a conversation with a would-be thief and potential murderer just fine, but suddenly she was shy? Terry was confused, to say the least.
“ People pay you to get rid of people they don ’ t like, right? ”
He gave her the courtesy of not lying to her. Instead, he just clicked his tongue. It was the closest thing to an affirmation he could give her.
“ What if I gave you my pocket money, could you get rid of someone for me? ”
No wonder she ’ d been so awkward all of a sudden. No one knows how to negotiate with an assassin the first time, it ’ s just not something you ’ re taught to do. But this rabbit hole was getting curiouser and curiouser. He wanted to see this through.
“ Who did you have in mind? ”
“ Um, someone who is mean to me. I see them all the time. ”
“ Your Daddy? ”
“ Huh? No, not him. My … my mommy. She ’ s worse than him when he ’ s not around. I don ’ t think she ’ s a very nice person. ”
It took every last ounce of Terry ’ s willpower for him to hold his jaw in place. This wasn ’ t what he ’ d signed up for. His first instinct had been to kill the little girl as collateral damage, but now he was having serious second thoughts. She had just tried to hire him, in the middle of a job. Considering who her father was, this mother must be some real piece of work.
More importantly, could he rely on the word of a six year old? Should he just forget her words and leave no one alive? That was always an option.
He took one last, hard look at this little girl. He didn ’ t feel pity, or remorse. His mind ’ s eye pictured a tree root, twisted and gnarled in crazy angles. She was broken, barely holding it together. But like most little kids, she was earnest. He was convinced of that, given her posture and the fact that she couldn ’ t look him in the eye. She knew the line she ’ d crossed, but she wasn ’ t backing down. In a weird way, Terry could respect that.
He pursed his lips, and choked out the words.
“ Call your mommy, and tell her you can ’ t find your jacket. Stay outside, and let her search. Once she comes inside, go to church, and don ’ t look back. Don ’ t come back until after mass, you hear me? ”
She took a big gulp, and nodded her head once. Terry would never forget her gait in those few moments. There was no slouching or shambling. Six year olds know resoluteness. He saw it in her walk.
— — — — —
*Edit: I ended up writing a sequel, in another prompt: * [ link ] ( https: //www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/65etn8/wp_you_are_an_unassuming_businessperson_by_day/dga0psd/ )
*There's also a two-part prequel below, if you're interested: * [ part 1 ] ( https: //www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/63brm9/wp_you_are_an_assassin_a_little_girl_has_just/dfuppzb/ ) and [ part 2 ] ( https: //www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/63brm9/wp_you_are_an_assassin_a_little_girl_has_just/dfw700q/ )
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[ WP ] Real life is like Dark Souls ; the more you kill , the more souls you get , the more powerful you become .
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`` There can only be one!''
It was called the hour of violence. Man rose up against itself, with stone, sword, the AK-47. Souls sprang from the corpse along with the arterial blood, to be sucked in by the victor. Ruined cities crawled with the soul swollen seeking even more souls.
You won the game. It paid to be a microbiologist. The virus you sent out spared none. You were pummeled for days by souls escaping the dead.
Then came the long dark tea time of the soul. You wandered the earth, a mortal god. You miss the companionship of fellow men, of laughter, of women. One day you find yourself in a quaint country house.
Bloated with power, you serve yourself tea, pinkie pricked out daintily. Power is useless without the means to employ it, you philosophize. Power demands an audience, a row of backs to step upon. You come to a decision. Where it would go from here, you do n't know. You finish the tea, blot carefully at your lips with a napkin, and with no ceremony or preamble, raise the gun to your mouth and pull the trigger.
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[ WP ] After an long forgotten experiment , the last human on Earth awakes from his cryogenic sleep . He soon realizes that civilisation has ended millennia ago and that he 's the last human on Earth , so he commits suicide.. only to see , that Heaven and Hell are already closed .
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A man well over a thousand years old is awake. The last of his kind.
He sees through the transparent walls and ceiling of the room. No columns obstruct the 360 degree view of the long-dead city below. He vomits as expected, covering the blue glass tiles inlaid with double helical strands with a milky liquid.
Because his mind was switched off- not put to sleep but shut down like an electronic appliance – he has no sensation of the passage of time. All his memories are retained and if not for the empty room, which was teeming with activity upon his insertion into the chamber, five minutes could have passed and the man would not have noticed the difference.
The awakening management AI begins running. “ Hello, John Bennett. Please turn your attention to the center of the room and stand in the green light circle to your left. ”
John does as he is told and walks to the circle projected on the tiles. Warm water falls from the glass ceiling and he washes himself. A towel and a suit rack rise up from their hiding spots beneath the tile next to where John is washing. He finishes, gets dressed in the black suit of his choice and tries to remember what he was instructed to do next.
The AI interrupts his thoughts – “ John, could you please direct your attention to the hologram behind you. ”
John turns around and faces the hologram space. The AI is represented to John as the brunette female scientist who prepped him before the hatch door closed. “ Welcome back, we ’ ve been expecting you. ”
John began to speak “ Well I would hope so seeing how you ’ re the one running this outfit. How long have I been in the tube? Did we win the war? ”
The AI ignored the first question. “ Yes, your side won the war. ”
“ Well then where the hell is everybody? ”
The AI ignored this question as well. “ Patience please, the simulation is loading. Hold all further questions until the simulation has completed. ”
“ Damn machines, ” John said.
The female representation of the AI moved aside and the simulation began to run. It explained, in lifelike three dimensional detail, the extinction of the human race. John witnessed the plight of mankind in its final years.
The hologram displayed a bird ’ s eye view of the city. A single dust cloud enveloping the city shrouded the view of its glass and stone buildings. The tallest of the remaining structures could be seen stretching above the cloud to reveal the glass spires. Below the cloud, John could make out what appeared to him as dust dunes. He had heard rumors of this dust prior to entering suspended animation in drunken stories told late at night. He had wrongly assumed they were just that: drunken bullshit.
Once separate cities – New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and a thousand or so others – which weaved together in form but not in name or bureaucratic function decided to merge at the beginning of the 22st century. The population centers of the western, northern, and southern regions of North America soon followed suit, and the four Great Cities were born. The mergers successfully united each area as one economic hub which could serve the needs of each other Great City.
The simulation continued on. All crime in the Great Cities was stamped out by labelling anyone who broke the law as “ Disfavored ” and exiling them and any who wished to remain with them from every Great City. The Disfavored fought for survival in the Outlands beyond the Great Cities. Eventually the number of The Disfavored including their companions and offspring outstripped the population of the Great Cities. Out of perceived necessity all boundaries touching the Outlands were militarized.
After centuries of peace within the Great Cities, violence broke once the Disfavored began to choke on the dust. And so committees were formed within the Great Cities and among them to answer what was labelled The Dust Difficulty. The simulation explained that the committees had reached agreement on a proposed solution. Great glass spires were to be built above the dust and it was thought humanity would outlast the Difficulty within these spires.
“ What the fuck? They told us the spires were symbols the successful merged cities. What happened? ”
“ Please hold all further questions until the simulation has completed. ”
With the arrival of the dust becoming imminent, a privileged citizenry gathered within their helical safe houses thousands of feet in the air. They watched the dust spread into the cities, weaken the boundaries, and herald The Disfavoreds ’ return from exile. Safe above the danger on the ground, these few lucky humans could see the killing floor through a dirty lens. Total war, chemical burns, hacked limbs, cooked flesh, millions dead or dying and John saw an unfiltered view of it all.
When the humans took a break from killing each other they tried to fight or run from the dust. But the dust could not be defeated or evaded by any creature on the ground. Many attempted to find entrance to the spires. But all were denied entry by an electric force field surrounding each spire.
So every Great City drowned in dust, and the inhabitants asked any and all god for help. They resorted to animal sacrifice. Hearing no answer from the gods, the doomed humans doomed each other through human blood rituals. Still no word from the gods, the last believers decided the dust was the Lord God in physical form, so they breathed the toxic air and ate the toxic substance and were buried in it.
But the dust was not a god or a devil, it killed the believers and non-believers equally. Every living thing on the ground died.
Next John saw himself on the hologram projection. His body floated in a cryogenic tube, locked in suspended animation. An apparatus consisting of pumps and glass tubes which snake in and out of the chamber feed the red chemical media keeping the hairless subject ’ s body and mind suspended.
The simulation explained that John was the last known human being. The human extinction story told in exactly thirty minutes courtesy of an efficient AI device.
John looked as if he was waiting in line at the deli. Too much death for any person to conceive.
“ Questions may commence. ”
“ Why is no one left in the spires? ” John immediately asked. The AI ignored him again “ your blood pressure has risen and blood sugar is low, please consume the medical supplies and provisions to your left. ”
“ Fucking machine! Tell me how they died in the spires! ” All of humanity gone and John lost his temper because of a finicky machine.
“ That information is classified. Please consume the medical supplies and provisions so that life expectancy may be maintained. ”
“ What does it matter if I ’ m the last person left you bitch! ” Misdirected rage now consumed John ’ s mind. He screamed nonsense at the AI. He beat his fists against the AI housing unit until his knuckles bled.
“ Vitals indicate blunt force trauma and laceration wounds to metacarpophalangeal joints at the first position of each hand extremity. ” A medical device lifted from below the tiles and stopped near John ’ s waist. “ Please apply the provided medical devices. ”
He started sobbing. “ Please fuck off. ”
“ Continued refusal of medical attention will result in physical restraint to maintain life expectancy. ” A bed rose from the floor and floated above the tile. Thick black straps lay folded across the bed.
“ Please apply the provided medical devices. ”
“ Oh God please don ’ t. This can ’ t be it. I can ’ t be the last. ”
“ All available evidence leads to the conclusion that you are the sole surviving member of your species. My function is to maximize life expectancy of the human race. ”
“ Then why did you wake me? ”
“ That is classified. Please apply the provided medical devices. ”
“ NO! ” John slammed his fists again on the housing unit hard enough to break both of his hands.
“ Nonconsensual medical procedure initiated. ” The bed floated toward John and the straps automatically extended upward and outward.
The reptile part of John ’ s brain blinked open like a green eye. He climbed to the top of the AI housing unit as the bed floated toward him. He swan dove headfirst toward the glass tile floor. The AI guiding the bed attempted to catch him before impact, but failed. His angle of entry was perfect. John ’ s cranium cracked on impact. His cervical vertebrae tore through his jugular vein. Even an AI programmed to extend life expectancy could not extend John ’ s expectancy any longer. John ’ s blood flowed over the tile, adding a red sheen to the blue double helix tile. His dying thought was that the tile looked better with a little more color.
The records management AI clicked on. Time of awakening procedure 12:00. Time of perceived death 12:55.
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[ WP ] The skies are clear , yet it continues to rain .
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`` You were beautiful, you know that?''
Above me, the sky is clear and blue, a summer day, but 2 raindrops still fall against the grass.
`` Not in a physical way. Well, okay, that too, but...''
I sigh. The flowers shift in my hand.
`` You were the best person I ever met. When all my world was going to hell, when nothing went right, when I thought about buying a rope and writing a note... you would come and sit with me for a little while. And I would know that everything would be okay.''
The sun still shines over my head, but the rain falls faster.
`` I never said it. I knew it all this time, deep inside me, but the words were left unsaid. I guess it's too late now, but...''
The rain falls.
`` I loved you.''
I place the flowers on the grave and look into the blue sky.
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[ WP ] The Hero thinks he 's a villain , the kidnapped Princess is the real villain , the villain who the Hero thought was the hero is actually the person who needs to be saved , and they 're all confused as to who is who .
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`` **Fate Magic**. It controls the cosmos and plays with dice rolls and weather and the price of eggs. All the little things conspire to twist and turn the fabric of reality to their will. But you can trick them, yes you can. I found the way. It's subtle. Hidden. But there are patterns. I found them I did. You'll see.''
The princess saw the ceiling as she rolled her eyes. Her hands uncomfortably bound to the post, she was unimpressed. This was her 5th capturing this year and this particular villain was clearly sub-par material. Some... mad jester get-up.
`` Oh yes, I started out as a lowly rank and file soldier, did you know that? And there came the hero, bright sword and strong steed... I did n't have a chance. Tobins and Jeffery were already struck down. But then it came to me. It was a complete bluff. A laughable gambit, but what did I have to lose? And I ushered my first magical incantation.'' And with great flourish orating to an unseen theater, the Harlequin man announced with a shake of is fist **'' You have n't seen the last of me! `` ** And took a bow.
``... That's it?'' `` oh yes, I had n't even taken a swipe at him yet. I shouted it almost in a panic. But it worked. The powers that be took notice and in came an inexplicable reserve cavalry no one knew about, a hail of arrows descended on the hero, and I was whisked away to the demon king. He made me a lieutenant on the spot for the'bravery' of facing off against his foe. I've come quite a ways in the secret arts since then. A dark art that takes it's toll. But you know all about that do n't you? For every trope one lashes to his sail another equally entwines them to web of fate. We use them, but they also make use of us. Never could shake this blasted monologueing. The trick is maneuvering. Did you know you can make a prophecy with a free round of ale and a clever song in a tavern? The hard part is knowing what to go fishing for. How many times HAVE you been married? And what's your line again? I recall some tripe about true love and eternal bonds.''
`` Why do you call them tropes?'' The princess showed real fear for a moment when the conversation turned towards her. This was n't how it typically went. The hero should have been here by now. But distracting villains was child's play. And it worked. He stared off into the distance. Feeling the aether, tasting the sound, feeling out those little strands in the large web of the world. `` I do n't know. But I imagine it's important. But what's more important is maneuvering. Which is why I've been very careful to keep you between me and and that ominous shadow full of daggers over there.''
Alright. You've been had. You've been trying to line up a shot to place a dagger into this madman's eyeball for the past 10 minutes. It's a prime mark.'Only darkness can end the show of the mad jester'. All the bards have been singing about it. Darkness is practically your middle name. And the chick was n't bad looking. You're not really the hero type, but she's PROMISED to the hand that saves her and half a kingdom is a real shiny penny to an old urchin like you. Figured you'd play the hero, and play all those snooty nobles for the long con. But he's looking directly at your section of darkened hall, so you might as well go out and do some heroics.
The princess recoiled in horror. She murdered her 2nd husband because he could n't coif his hair quite right. Number 3 she pushed into a duel with number 4 for being just too short for her to accept. Number 4 was useful, handsome, rugged, but expendable. Which she then developed a taste for. THIS man, however, was scarred, dirty, and while roguishly good looking, would clash terribly with half her outfits. This was. The. Worst.
She screamed. She flailed. And then she fell into her role as only a pro can do. `` Save me Hero! You're my only hope!'' She had already decided on poison. After the honeymoon, but certainly before the first ball.
You charge forward, circling for a strike. You feel the need to say something. Normally you're not the type to talk, certainly not while working. But you're new to this particular job and it feels right. Something in your chest is stirring and you can feel it trying to get out. About how the low-born can rise up. About how fools deserve to die. About the huge tracts of land you'll get.
A knife comes out of a sleeve. The painted hand is deft and quick. He slits open her purse. And upon the cobblestones clatter a collection of wedding rings. Gold and diamond. A secret stash not meant to be seen. The princess gawks and her eyes dart. You know that look. She's been had.
`` Please, you have to help me. I've been a villain for so long. I ca n't stop it. They keep making me do horrible things. I'm so bound by these blasted things that I can barely steer anything any more. But you can fix it all. **Break the Cycle**. You know you have it in you. You are the anti-hero, the tiny wedge of discord that can split the whole thing open. Take control and do what I failed to do. **SUBVERT! **''
You take your dagger, raise it up, and you plunge it deep.
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[ WP ] A boomerang you threw years ago finally returns
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`` Wow, I've seen plenty of hitchhikers, but never one like you before!'' said the trucker, adjusting his hat.
`` Yeah, and I've hitched plenty of rides, and they all said the same thing,'' responded the boomerang, in a slight Australian accent. `` Can you give me a lift? I just need to get to a restaurant or something, I've been on the road all night. Preferably some place that serves breakfast, if you know of any. Could use some hash-browns.''
`` Sure, hope in,'' said the trucker, unlocking the passenger's side door on his semi. For a moment, he was concerned with how his slender, wooden guest would deal with the seat belt, but it seemed to figure it out somehow.
`` I know a place called Linda's up ahead, was actually on my way there already, just dropped off a load.''
`` What were you delivering?'' asked the wooden toy.
`` You know GI Joe?'' the trucker caught himself, `` I mean, I'm not sayin' you toys all know each other or something, I mean just-''
`` I know what you meant,'' chuckled the boomerang, `` yes, I'm familiar with GI Joe.''
`` Well I was delivering a buncha pallets of GI Joe right arms. They snap'em onto the rest at another factory.''
`` Yeah, action figures are always all over the place,'' said the'rang, `` They're almost schizophrenic. Guys like me? Much more stable, though I suppose that has it's own issues.''
`` Like what?''
`` I'm very single-minded. I got one job, I do it well, and I refuse to stop doing it until I ca n't do it anymore.''
`` Heh, I'm kinda like that too,'' said the trucker, `` so where are you headed?''
`` That's the thing; I have no idea,'' replied the'rang, `` I'm trying to find my owner. He threw me through a window by accident a while back, then ran off. I was recently purchased, so I did n't know where he lived or anything. By the time I found out, his family had apparently moved already. Been searching for him ever since.''
The trucker frowned.
`` No shit?''
`` Yeah, it's been about 15 years now I'd say, give or take.'' It squirmed in its seat, `` I rufuse to give up, though. I was made to return, and goddammit I will return, y'know?''
`` Do you have any leads on where he could be?''
`` None. I do n't even know his name. I'll know him when I see him though. At least, I hope I will. He's probably grown a lot since then.''
`` Well, I got ta wish you luck, then. You must have some stories, huh?''
The boomerang laughed, `` yeah, a few. Even met a girl once, a frisbee. She was sorta like me, a traveller, except she was constantly running from this one dog. Things did n't really work out between us, though. We were just too different.''
`` I bet.''
`` Plastic and wood, y'know? Besides, her family would never approve.''
`` Ah,''
The two sat in silence for a while as the desert lining the highway began to give way to farmland, and then to the beginnings of a commercial district.
`` What about you?'' asked the boomerang, `` I bet you got some stories. Most truckers do.''
`` Heh, well, sorta. But I'm sure you've heard stories like mine before,'' said the trucker.
`` Try me.''
The trucker but his upper lip in thought.
`` Ah, this one is kinda funny, but it's not related to trucking.''
`` Oh? What is it?''
`` It's actually a really weird coincidence, but when I was a kid, I got this boomerang for my birthday.''
`` Really?''
`` Yeah. Looked kinda like you, too. Anyway, I was a little shithead back then, so as soon as I unwrapped it, me and the guys took it into the city late one night and threw it through this old lady's window.''
`` No way...'' said the boomerang.
`` Yeah, she was a bitch. Always callin' our parents and telling'em things we never did. Or, at least, things I never did. Not sure about the other guys,'' the trucker stroked his stubbled chin, `` come to think of it, I guess she was kinda justified with some of her phone calls. I was a bastard.''
`` So what happened next?''
`` Next? Oh, I moved outta town. That's why I wanted to break the window in the first place, actually. Never would get another chance.''
The trucker laughed to himself for a while, before he realized the boomerang was silent.
`` Say...'' he said, `` you do n't suppose...''
`` I mean, it would n't be unlikely...'' said the boomerang, `` I mean, it's not impossible that I...''
`` You're my old boomerang!'' shouted the trucker, `` You actually came back, just like the box said!''
`` Oh my God!'' exclaimed the'rang, `` it is you! I ca n't believe I found you, after all these years!''
`` This is unbelievable!''
`` This is incredible!''
`` Wow, you came back! You actually came back!''
Tears began to form in the trucker's eyes, and the boomerang started to quiver like flan.
`` Of course I came back,'' it said, `` it's what I do!''
`` So... now what?'' asked the trucker, `` still wan na go to Linda's?''
`` Are you kidding? Let's play again!'' yelped the'rang, and the trucker yipped in agreement. He grabbed his wooden passenger, rolled down his window, and hurled it out behind the truck onto the highway as he sped on. It laughed.
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[ WP ] A well-dressed man politely enters your home . He asks you to do something horrible .
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The man introduced himself as Arlington Steward, but he said that was n't important. He was kind, but in a sterile manner. They sat at the dining room table and mister Steward placed his jacket over the backside of his chair, his bowler hat on the table, and his suitcase on the floor by his side. On the table he placed a small device.
It was a button installed in the center of a wooden fixture. Covering the button was a glass lid fixed with a hinge so that it could be easily opened and closed similar to the lid of a jewelry box. The device had no markings, no warnings, and strangely enough it had no imperfections.
`` I will leave this box with you for three days. Understand that this is no game.'' Mister Steward opened the glass lid and presented them with the button underneath. `` If you press this button two things will happen. First, you will receive one million dollars...''
`` SMACK!!!''
The woman had slammed her hand down on the button as though she had been playing hungry hungry hippos. The look on mister Steward's disfigured face was nothing short of shock.
`` I'm going to let that one slide because you did n't yet know...''
`` SMACK!!!''
The man's hand slammed down on the button this time.
`` What the devil do you think you're doing!? I just told you I would let that one slide and you did it again?'' Mister Steward stammered.
The man replied `` Yeah, you said you'd let it slide. But I want that million dollars so I did n't want to miss out.'' He sat back looking confused.
`` I'm not done explaining the rules yet!'' Mister Steward said angrily.
The couple looks at each other uneasily as if they were a bit embarrassed.
`` Now, as I was saying. You will receive one million dollars. However, someone you do not know will die....''
`` SMACK!!!''
Both of their hands slammed down on the button this time.
`` Damnit! Do n't you care about the consequences of that?!'' Mister Steward asked.
`` Well you said we would n't know who it was'' The men replied.
`` Yes, but you're killing someone! Does n't that mean anything to you!?'' Steward demanded with a look of offense on his face. The couple looked at each other and then back at Steward and they shrugged. `` What the fuck is wrong with...''
`` SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!''
The woman began pounding the button like pizza dough.
`` What the fuck! Stop it!'' Steward yelled as he reached out and grabbed the box and pulled it out of her reach.
`` I hit it three times, that's three million dollars you owe us!'' The woman squeaked.
`` Not to mention the three times we pressed it previously'' Her husband added.
Mister Steward looked shocked and appalled. `` I'm not paying you for that, I had n't finished explaining the rules!''
`` If I'm bound by the iTunes terms and conditions even if I never really read them, then you're bound by these terms even if you did n't get a chance to explain them fully'' The man said like a half assed lawyer.
`` Are you fucking serious?'' Steward asked, more of a proclamation than a question. Mister Steward grabbed up his things and dragged himself out the front door with the box in tow.
`` I want my money or I'll see you in court, bitch!'' Yelled the man from the front stoop.
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[ WP ] A woman slips into a coma during the birth of her first son , never meeting the child , who dies within hours . The father adopts a child to cope with his pain : you . Your adopted father later dies . You must now break the news to your mother that you ’ re adopted .
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This was it. The funeral was over, and sooner or later, I had to break it to her. My heart, shattered already at the death of my father, pounded in my chest like a goddamn jackhammer. This was not the time. There was never going to be a time until I can shake off the anxiety. I decided to wait.
Six months passed, and there I was, sitting at the dinner table with my mother. Dad's death was a shock to both of us. The entire family, in fact. Time passed, and we all moved on, I guess. The jackhammer in my chest was starting up again, I had to fight it. Trying to hide the cracks in my voice, I said, `` Mom, there's something you should know... about me.''
`` What is it, hun?''
She was n't concerned. She did n't even look up from the newspaper. This was normal for me, even for the littlest thing. Maybe she was still numb from the insane series of events surrounding Dad's death. I'd bet money on them both. News stories, mountains of paperwork. Constant mention of a vague, tragic series of events desensitizes people. There would be none of that now, though. We're supposed to have moved on.
`` I... I'm not your daughter,'' I forced the words to come out of my mouth, they were quick and staccato, rolling off my tongue at random intervals.
`` What was that?''
Oh god. I ca n't do this. I'm about to be sick.
`` I'm. Adopted.''
A little louder that time. More direct.
`` Oh, I know. Your father told me after we brought you home.''
`` Oh. Okay. I think I need to use the bathroom. Excuse me.''
I'm about to throw up. That was intense. At least she knows.
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[ WP ] You live in a world where love and relationships have a `` credit score '' . If you 're a good SO it makes it higher , if you cheated on someone it 's plummets . You just went on a date with someone and you 're convinced they 're perfect . You look up their score that night and it 's -500 and tells you why .
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I sat with my boyfriend, Damian, and talked to him about life, movies, jobs, *anything. *
Damian was so charming, I did n't even know his score, but I knew it's gon na be up there! He was just so....Perfect.
`` Hold on, babe. I got ta go to the bathroom.'' He said. `` Okay, I'll wait here.'' I replied while awkwardly twirling my spaghetti slowly with my fork.
I noticed his food was all gone. *Damn! He's a fast eater! *
As he walked away, I whipped out my phone to check his credit score. It said... -500? That ca n't be! I checked the reviews.
`` *That asshole walked away from lunch and did n't pay*''
`` *He was charming, but just dates girls for food! *''
`` *That fucker ate an ENTIRE box of my fucking twinkies. *''
I stared at the reviews, then looked to my left, and saw Damian exiting the restaurant.
Fuck.
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[ WP ] The world 's greatest hero and most infamous villain put their differences aside and team up against a great evil : a dude being a douche to someone on public transport .
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“ We meet yet again Ultra-Mecha-Hitler, and here I ’ d thought you were destroyed back in Argentina! ” he said, his red cape following him in as the doors behind him in the subway.
“ Ah, you have found me at last, Perfect Gentleman-Man, mein persistent foe, and right before I enact mein final plan, or should I say, final SOLUTION. ”
UMH stood up and sneered. He had given up on trying to hide his oversized robotic frame behind a newspaper and old-timey tan fedora, and he shuffled to the aisle. His dual chainguns had not yet begun to spin, but Perfect Gentleman-Man was at the ready anyways.
All along the sides of the subway, people more or less reacted with minimal interest. They would move out of the way of danger of course, but this sort of spectacle had lost all of its glamor a long time ago, they lived in Dire-City, after all. A name like that has its fair share of foes and villains and even celebrities like UMH and Perfect Gentleman-Man were up to business as usual.
“ When we last met, I thought that mein self-destruct had obliterated you and your allies! ”
“ That ’ s where you were wrong! You and your Ultra-Ubersoldats couldn ’ t possibly fight a war on two fronts with the Incredibly Considerate Posse and Band of Extra-Special… ” Perfect Gentleman-Man trailed off, looking to one seated near him. The entire subway car glanced over at the person, who was blaring some obscure alternative music through his phone near the aisle.
“ Excuse me, sir. Hey, Hi. This lady here has been standing since I got on, and there is an empty seat next to you that she could take if you let her past, it ’ s becoming a full car. ”
“ But not as full as mein railcars were! ” -Ultra-Mecha-Hitler shouted, not willing to lose the center of attention so easily.
“ UMH, I ’ m busy. ” Perfect Gentleman-man exclaimed, flabbergasted by the subway man ’ s inconsiderate behaviour.
The man looked up and scoffed, then turned up his music even louder. He was middle-aged, and wearing what appeared to be a recently used running outfit, which smelled terrible.
“ Oh that ’ s fine, I ’ ll just go back to saving lives and she can stand. ” Perfect Gentleman-Man dejectedly said, turning back to UMH.
“ I ’ m sorry miss. ” he added to the girls before turning back to the villain.
“ And I won ’ t be sorry to have missed you! ” UMH spun up his chainguns at last, letting loose a salvo that tore into the doors at the end of the subway car ’ s doors. They would have hit our Hero had the train not started moving adding to his momentum as he spun to the side. All around people shuddered at the sound of gunfire, but ultimately did nothing else.
“ Drat, I ’ ll have to have Doctor Chancellor Wehrmacht adjust mein aiming collaborations and... Oh mein Gott, now he is clipping his nails. ” UMH was now the one to lose his focus, as the inconsiderate man began to let his fingernails fly across the compartment. One of them even landed on an old lady ’ s lap.
“ Wow, excuse, SIR, hey, it ’ s me again, you just got pointed by literally Hitler for your sick behaviour. ” Perfect Gentleman-Man added.
The man made no reaction other than to take off both of his shoes and begin to trim his toenails. He sniffled deeply and grossly without looking at the hero and villain.
“ I wake up in ze morning and think of people like him when I want to remember why I am trying to exterminate ze world. ” UMH remarked to himself and the nearest passengers.
UMH ducked just in time to miss a yellow immobilization beam from Perfect Gentleman-Man ’ s gloved wrists. Perfect Gentleman-Man did not expect to hit UMH, only keep him focused, otherwise he would have warned the villain like the gentleman he was.
“ Your axis of evil is at it ’ s end! ” he said, trying to finish the matter. “ If you turn yourself in I ’ ll make sure you get your fair consideration at your trial!
“ I ’ m never going back to ze courts! Not after Nuremberg 2.0! And after this train runs its course, ze courts will be obliterated with ze deathrays I never had ze chance to finish during my first life! ”
“ I won ’ t let you! You are about to have your own person D-Day Hitler, and I ’ m not talking about the one coming to you in jail... JESUS CHRIST DUDE. Did you just cough into that guy ’ s face? Alright UMH, let ’ s push the pause button for a sec. ”
“ You mean start a Molotov Cocktail-Ribbentrap? I will for him, this is ridiculous. I can not concentrate, and you know how good I am at concentrating. ” UMH lurched over and bent down to stare at the man alongside Perfect Gentleman-Man.
The subway car ’ s occupants again turned to the man clipping his nails. He finally turned towards the present company and spoke, whereupon they both found he also had not brushed his teeth in a while.
“ What? ”
“ You have been a douche this entire ride. ” Perfect Gentleman-Man said coming to a rest from this brisk walk over.
“ Look at this. You put your bag up on ze seat and there are still many, many others around. This fraulein has been standing since she came in. I ’ m not one for Perfect Gentleman-Man ’ s manners, but come on. ”
“ Well, I like me and my personal things to be comfy and close. ” The man said in the dumbest voice imaginable.
Ultra-Mecha Hitler could not hold in his rage at the audacity ( and clearly poor grammar ) and began to spin up his chainguns. But Perfect Gentleman-Man held up his hand.
“ Look, this is public transportation. PUBLIC transportation, which means you don ’ t clip your nails, you don ’ t cough in other people's face and you don ’ t blare your weird music for the world to hear. Get some headphones. ” he said, his patient nature shining through.
“ In mein vastly superior country, we would know to be better than this to others, no matter what ze ‘ caust. ” Only UMH knew he has spelled “ cost ” incorrectly the way he did, but the effect was the same to his twisted mind.
“ Did you just get done exercising or something? You smell like horrible. How hard is it to wash yourself before you leave the house. Good God, it smells like the liberation of one of UMH ’ s death camps. ” Perfect Gentleman-Man said.
“ What I do is none of your biz-ness!'' He said it exactly like that. `` And I ’ ll have you know, I haven ’ t had a chance to shower yet. ” the inconsiderate man said in futile defense.
“ Then trust me mein friend, I will give you a shower to remember. ”
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[ WP ] The aliens have arrived to colonize us with giant spaceships . We suddenly realize space-travel is the only thing they outdiscovered , all their weapons are medieval-ish
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The longship crashed into the ground, spewing up a monstrous wave of dirt around it as it plowed a new furrow. It came to a stop near the giant banner proudly proclaiming that today was the day of the Alabama-Mississippi Regional Skeet Shoot. A wide plank was thrust overboard and thumped down on the edge of the hill and an orange-skinned alien sauntered down the plank.
As armed men began to pour out of the front of the fairgrounds, the alien raised his battleax and bellowed out with a loud commanding voice, `` Kneel before Zode and you shall be forgiven of your sins!''
The only answer was the simultaneous click of over 80 shotguns snapped back into alignment, ready to fire.
`` Very well,'' the alien called out. `` Release the catapult!'' Two flags on top of the alien longship suddenly started gesticulating furiously in alien semaphore. Up in orbit, the message was received, transcribed, and transported to the Admiral. Shortly thereafter, a good-sized boulder was ponderously rolled into the airlock.
`` Hey, Jasper,'' one of the Alabaman men said, pointing into the sky, `` That there looks like a shooting star a'coming right at us.''
> There are three parts to every story. The beginning, the middle, and the twist.
> [ More by me ] ( https: //www.reddit.com/r/kj6bwb/ )
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[ WP ] Self Portrait . Write a description of yourself from the perspective of a stranger on the train who took notice of you today .
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I went through the spinning thing at the train station and boarded. I took my usual seat in row 6, which by luck happened to be open in the crowded mid morning train. I sat closest to the window, like always. I sat my briefcase between my legs on the floor, as always. I leave the seat next to me open, as always. I stick to my path and I do n't weave from it. Everything I do is for a precise reason. Today that changed.
She had stepped on the train carefully, almost as if she was testing it's sturdiness. Damn she was tall. I'd guess six foot and kinda hefty. Imagine Melissa McCarthy but taller and younger. I would n't say she was a day over twenty.
She began looking around for a seat. I knew the only open seat was beside me. It was that or stand, and by the looks of her, she'd stand. It was obvious she had never rode in a train before. I simply smiled at her and offered the seat beside me. She thanked me quietly and sat down.
She placed her purse between her legs on the floor and laid her jacket on top of it. She was dressed for what I could only assume is an interview or a first day. Her make up was immaculate, soft pink lips and a rosy complexion, and her hair braided with such precision. Definitely an interview.
I smiled at her again. `` First train ride?''
She nodded, but said nothing. Her cheeks turned a soft pink.
`` It's always a little nerve wracking. I'm Tom.'' I held out my hand.
`` Bap.'' She shook my hand. God she was warm!
`` So, uh, we are you headed to? I, myself, am headed to Jacksonville.''
`` I am too. For a college interview.'' She pushed her big frames up her nose.
`` Well, it's nice to meet you.'' I said.
`` You too.'' She smiled.
I noticed the dimples in her cheeks and the blue of her eyes. She sure is fascinating...
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[ WP ] You have just dug yourself out of a grave after having been buried alive .
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I was gon na kill that son of a bitch.
It was the thought that kept me going through six feet of earth and a pine box. It was what kept me going when I was being smothered by loose dirt, bloody fingers clawing blindly.
That pure, crystal thought like a diamond was his laughing face, smug son of a bitch with his fat chin and drawl. I would wring his neck until the life was gone out of his body. When air flooded my lungs again I laid on my grave like a beached whale, like a newborn foal.
I was n't reborn, though. I was undead. I was ghoul-like, my clothes were streaked with foulness from the hours before I was buried. I knew my fingers were broken, knew it from how they felt twisted against my face, numb from fighting their way to the surface. From head to toe I felt numb except for my thought.
Kill. Eat his fucking brains out. Murder him in front of his children.
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[ WP ] Just write a fucking normal story , about a normal situation , that could actually happen . Being interesting is optional
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She got in her car and waved at her son through the open window. He was smiling, thank goodness, it was too hard to see him cry day after day. Turning up the radio, she listened to the news on NPR. Yes, the election coverage had been biased for a while, but at least most of the overseas news provided by the BBC was correct.
She started driving, her commute was short but still long enough to get stuck behind a few school buses. As she drove she considered where she was headed. There had been rumors for what felt like ages, it did not make for a pleasant work environment. Mostly, she kept her head down and got her work done. Sometimes she speculated on when they'd know for sure. She had been wrong with her prediction the last 5 times but there were only a few days left.
Pulling into the parking lot, the familiar chime of her cellphone snapped her out of her thoughts. A text from her breakfast friend, a welcome distraction. She tapped out a quick `` be right there,'' and entered the building.
`` Did you hear anything new?'' Her friend Sarah asked without giving her a moment's pause to set her things down.
`` No, nothing since yesterday,'' said Maggie, `` honestly, I'm probably not right this time either...''
`` Everyone here thinks you are correct today.''
`` But we still do n't have actual numbers, so it might not be us...''
Maggie looked at her travel mug of coffee, went to take a sip but stopped and put the mug back on the table. The tension headache was already setting in, it was time to head upstairs and just start the day.
`` I'm headed up, text me if you end up in the room.'' Maggie said to her friend.
`` Good luck!'' Said Sarah.
Most of the early morning passed without notice, normal work activities, the usual gossip in the cube next to hers, the typical passerbys, a few nervous looking managers too. That last group was to be expected afterall, they knew something was coming just not how many people were impacted.
Maggie's phone buzzed on her desk, another text from Sarah; `` I'm out: (, meet at Mahoney's later?''
Tears filled Maggie's eyes, work would n't be the same without Sarah. Maggie responded she would be at the bar and they would drink away their sorrows and perhaps a celebratory drink to begin the new job search.
Another hour or so passed, then lunch, a somber feeling throughout the building. A lot of people seemed to be missing, or perhaps in far hidden corners, talking about who lost their job.
During her last hour, it seemed like she might make it. She could go back home to her son and give him a big hug. Her manager came over and asked if she had a few minutes. Not even taking another moment to think about it, she went with him. They walked through the hallway, speaking of the weather and a few documents she had left to file. Then they were there, the room and Maggie realized what was about to happen...
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[ Prompt ] Dead cow on the road out in the country .
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From the golden crop field, Farmer Joe saw Bill bopping along the country road in those long slow strides of his. Bill was his neighbour who lived on a farm next door but hired out his acres for parties and special occasions like weddings; loud gatherings that kept Farmer Joe up at night. He nodded across the field upon seeing him.
`` How's it going?'' yelled Farmer Joe, in his deep hoarse voice.
`` Yea not good, Wrinkles is dead. Just on my way to buy a shovel now.''
A farmer who does n't even own a shovel, thought Farmer Joe. How pathetic! `` Utterly terrible, terrible news, Bill. Loved that cat I did,'' he lied.
`` Yea,'' Bill shrugged.
`` How come you're walking?''
`` Ah,'' said Bill, glancing away to the horizon. `` My car's getting fixed.''
Farmer Joe shook his head. `` It's been a bad few days for you hey?''
`` Certainly has,'' answered Bill. `` Anyway, have a good one.''
An hour or so later, on his way back from down the hill, Bill was n't surprised to see the police parked outside Farmer Joe's farm. He rested his new shovel on his muddy boots.
`` Is everything ok Joe?'' asked Bill.
`` One of me cows have been found dead on the road.''
`` Oh no.''
`` Yea, it'd been there for a day or two. Probably run over. Poor Beefcake. Say, how's whiskers?''
`` Wrinkles you mean?'' scoffed Bill. `` Still dead. The vet rang, said the same as I did, that he was poisoned, by fertiliser.''
`` Yea?'' said Farmer Joe, squinting.
`` Yea,'' Bill squinted back.
`` So,'' Farmer Joe swallowed. `` How did you damage your car?''
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[ WP ] Create an origin story for your reddit username .
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It had been a valiant battle. The guardian stood at the gates, and I had to decide. Decide the path that would change the fate of the world.
Would I choose Dome, the symbol of power, lust, and hatred?
Or would I choose Helix, the symbol of love and compassion?
I thought as the Super Nerd awaited my response patiently.
And suddenly, the Lord commanded me from above. My feet began to move, as if compelled by a force of a thousand men, and I had stopped with the Great Relic, the Helix fossil, before me.
The Super Nerd nodded solemnly and picked up the Dome fossil. He spoke clearly, `` Far away, on CINNABAR ISLAND, there's a POKEMON LAB. They do research on regenerating fossils.'' And he disappeared, to seal away the Dome fossil forever.
I continued upon my journey and I felt the power of Helix surge within me. Whenever I required guidance, in times of peril, He would come to my aid. His voice conveyed to me divine counsel such as `` SELECT,'' and `` CANCEL.'' Such clarity often brought me to my knees in humility.
In following the teachings of the Lord, I had been led to a Holy Place in the Isle of Cinnabar. A fellow brother there spoke to me the words I shall never forget...
`` Oh! That is HELIX FOSSIL!'' he cried with great reverence. `` It is fossil of OMANYTE, a POKEMON that is already extinct! My Resurrection Machine will make that POKEMON live again!''
I had learned the name of the Lord, and within a few minutes, I had met with Him. O! How glorious He was! It was at that moment I knew that I would follow the Lord as he pleased, through the bowels of Victory Road or the peak of Mt Silver. I would spread the word of our Lord in order to fulfill my duty as his vassal and hail our dear Lord Helix.
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[ WP ] In an evolutionary jump , piranhas spontaneously become amphibious , and ruin someone 's day
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What did this mean? Who was responsible? Most of all, why? Those were the questions the scientists asked, scratching their heads at the impossible question. Nobody had expected this strange occurrence, a squiggle on the linear pathway of evolution. But it had happened.
The fish themselves did n't seem to mind. In fact, they seemed to *like* being able to breathe out of water, gills furiously flapping in the air. Nobody had told them they could n't, so they did.
All in all, it was an isolated incident that was n't followed by any other strange quirks of evolution. No pigs began to fly, and soon it was filed away as one of nature's jokes.
The piranhas were n't a threat, after all. They were amphibious, sure. But they were *fish*. All they did was flop about on dry land; struggling to propel themselves along with stubby little fins.
If only they had grown wings...
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[ WP ] You blast yourself out the airlock to make a heroic sacrifice for your ship and it 's crew . As the endless black of space begins to fill your vision , it occurs to you- you 're breathing just fine .
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And with that first breath everything became, suddenly, so clear...
Memories of all those stories; Stories that seem to be woven out of nothing, stories to match the number of stars I could see whizzing dizzyingly past my head. Was I told them as a child? Were they a distant memory of a life once lived? Or were they memories of the stars and galaxy's that she seemed to be inexplicably and so suddenly apart of.
The pressure and weight of the knowledge became unbearable, I could breath, but I could not take a breath. Fear and emotions were swelling, the lives I had just saved seemed somehow pointless, like ants, viewed the wrong way round in a microscope.
Taking a shuddering, calming breath, I close my eyes to shut out the darkness, brightened only by distant solar systems. Feeling a stillness steal over me I open my eyes, I had not only become still inside, but I had stopped the endless spinning motion. How was this possible?
Once again, closing my eyes, I look for those stories, the information they can give me, until one memory or story, I'm not sure which, grips me. My mind reaches out further, I no longer need to open my eyes, I can see every movement of the universe around me, waves of motion, full of colour never seen by the human eye and beauty beyond description. I open my mind further, I can feel the currents of the universe, I want to become apart of it...
I am a part of it, I have no corporeal form left, my body is no more, I am one with the waves of the universe and the dance of existence.
Who
am
I?
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[ WP ] write a cyberpunk themed story
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Richard Pearson, HKPD, and his companion, Raymond Harris, were on the night shift at their local station playing some non-VR videogames to stay awake, when they got a global ECP alert.
FROM: alert @ cyberpol.gob.hk2
TO: * @ hkpolice.gob.hk2
STATUS: 487 ( Grand Theft, Androids ), completed.
SUSPECTS: 5 windowless white vans, full-cyborgs, heavily armed.
LOCATION: Sectors D-10 to H-15
INDICATIONS: Stop and search. 30 units min.
`` Holy shit, Pearson, that's a wide area! The fuck's going on?'' asked the young black policeman.
`` I do n't know, Harris'', said the grey-haired caucasian, `` but to ask for 30 units, this must be big. Let's go.''
The policemen got in their car, and started to drive towards one of the bridges that crossed the Saang River and joined East and West Hong Kong.
`` I do n't get it'', said Harris. `` Full cyborgs? Armed to the teeth just to steal a bunch of androids? Does n't make sense, man.''
`` Why do n't you inquire for answers? I'm driving here.''
`` You could use the autopilot, man. Say... I've never seen you use telepathy in a while. Your implants broken or something?''
`` I do n't trust the net.''
`` Man, that's bad! Do n't tell me you got virtuphobia or some shit.''
`` Paranoia more likely.''
`` Um. Story time?''
`` Yeah. When I was at the Cyberpol...''
`` Oh yeah, you were a Cyber, I forgot.''
`` I was, but they kicked me out.''
`` What? Why, man? Everybody in the force keeps telling you rock and shit. Ya do n't get bribes, help the poor... why'd they kick you out?''
`` It was n't always like that, but that's not why they dumped me. So, here comes the story. Did I tell you about my former teammate, Inoue?''
`` Inoue, Inoue... is that Japanese?''
`` Yeah. She was a full-cyborg from Nippon. Best fighter you could ever meet. She beat the shit out of everyone in karate, judo, kung-fu, muai thai... even with all their martial arts upgrades, nobody in the force could beat her. You'd never see her cry or show any weakness. Even at 60 years old, her mind was clear like a pond. She even aced real time strategy.''
Harris whistled.
`` So - she was involved in this case. Big scientist, Lailah de la Fuente. She was at Babylon since its inception, and kept working there until she got killed by Chinese terrorists, the'Black Dragon Alliance' for her support of Android Rights.''
`` Black Dragon Alliance? Never heard of'em.''
`` That's because they do n't exist. Imagine, Chinese terrorists hiring a Mexican to kill a scientist. Just does n't make sense: No Chinese terrorist would trust a Mexican. Hong Kong? Maybe, if we stretch it. And by stretching it I mean get a rubber the size of a thumb and stretching it as long as a motherfucking sea dragon. But definitely not the Chinese nationals. Too proud of their race and all that shit to hire a Mexican.''
`` Wait, what Mexican?''
`` Margarita García. A coworker of the scientist, supposedly. I had seen the video of the murder. Everyone did. Inoue was the witness, and she shared with me the full video. The scientist asked the girl to get killed.''
`` What? She asked to get killed?''
`` After watching the video, I realized that it was n't murder after all. It was assisted suicide. But they were running away from other people. So the scientist needed to die in a certain way before the killers got to her. Ca n't say anything more. Anyway, Inoue then tells me that she's worried about me. She tells me that this is a case I should n't pursue. She would never say something like that. So that got me even more curious. I just had to know the truth. So I began searching for this girl on my own, on my free time. Not because I wanted to arrest her, but because I wanted to know the truth.''
`` Okay, gotcha.''
`` The official data said she was born in Mexitlan 30 years ago – no I mean, 30 years before the case, that'd be... 40 years ago. She had a family there. So I began to look for her, hired a detective overseas.''
`` And?''
`` Dead end. There was no Margarita García, her address did n't match her memories. More important, where the hell did she get neuroscience training? So the conclusion was that this girl got fake credentials. Which still does n't make sense.''
`` Why?''
`` The Chinese hate Mexicans. Much more the Chinese Mafia, and Lao Xu would never trust a Mexican; much less provide a fake ID for her. So let's suppose this `` Black Dragon Alliance'' wanted to get her an Id. They would have to negotiate with the Mexican Mafia. Which does n't make sense either. The Mexican Mafia has strong ties with the government, and they do n't trust the Chinese, either. So whoever this girl is, either got the fake Id on her own and then got hired by the terrorists. But why would a Mexican girl get a fake Id? And why would she get hired by the terrorists? I began to search for the girl in the Midorian face databases, and got nothing. So I got back to the evidence. I got lucky, they managed to get her DNA samples.''
`` And?''
`` No registered match. Of all the 200 million registered Mexicans, there was no family match for her DNA.''
`` So the DNA is fake, or she's an immigrant.''
`` Correct. The next thing I did was getting a pass for the Space Ring, and began inquiring there. Guess what I found.''
`` What?''
`` Her records were there. But not as Margarita García. Just Rita García. She arrived in 668. So if the Space Authority knew about it, why did n't they publish this data, when everybody was searching for her? Why keep it hidden?''
`` Beats me.''
`` Well. Guess what. They were never asked for the data. The Space Authority did n't even know about the terrorist attack until I mentioned it to them.''
`` What???''
`` The Hong Kong government never filed the papers. Does n't make sense, does it?''
`` Nope. No sense at all man. If you ask me, they're hiding something.''
`` Yeah, I'm getting to that. But here's another thing. Her job. Her immigrant papers said that she paid for the trip with her own money. Not a relative, not a government grant, all with her own fucking money. She was n't just rich. She was filthy rich. Turns out she worked as a Courier. One of the best on Earth. After paying for the trip, she still had like two hundred million credits to spare.''
`` Hey, pass me some. With that money I could get a mansion on the top of the citadel and buy like 50 androids to work for me.''
`` Yeah. So why did n't she do that? She's an immigrant, obviously. Now think about this. You come from Earth, where androids ca n't work legally. What's the first thing you look for?''
``... a job!''
`` Bingo. So I inquire more, and the first thing she does is get a bunch of implants and new bionic limbs. Not just the standard models, but top of the line. Combat models, biomechanical, with compartments for covert weapons. So what do you think she's gon na do with those?''
`` Rogue hunter?''
`` Bodyguard. Her first and only job. I showed my credentials to the job agency, and check this out. Her employer was none other than Diana Motherfucking González de la Vega.''
`` Hey, I see her name on the news all the time.''
`` Exactly. So I gave her a call and when she found out who I was, she began to ask me questions. She kept asking why she was n't informed of the events in Hong Kong and why she had been restricted to the evidence, given that she was Lailah de la Fuente's top employer. Furthermore, she and Lailah were lovers.''
`` And the plot thickens.''
`` Yeah. She reminded me that her romantic situation with Lailah gave her legal right to at least see the body, and she had been denied access by the Cyberpol HQ.''
`` Whoa whoa whoa... first the government, and then the Cyberpol?''
`` You heard it. So she tells me the story; she hired Rita García as a bodyguard for Lailah; she had given her the memory implants, and even provided the papers to let her work in Babylon. She then told me that it was n't safe for her to keep giving me data, and that she feared for her life.''
`` Well, she's a rich woman, she's got to have enemies.''
`` Of course, but she's one of the most powerful people in the planet. And then she tells me that she fears for her life. Does n't make sense, either. I only asked one question. If she knew who could be the suspects for Lailah's murder.''
`` And what did she say?''
`` She told me that there was no Black Dragon Alliance. Then she said, her own words.'If you wanted to arrest the one who planned this, you'd need to make a deal with the United Nations.'''
`` Oooohh man.''
`` Exactly. She's implying that the top got to do with it.''
`` Yes. But why? Why would the top want to get rid of a scientist?''
`` Think of a sci-fi movie. A mad scientist does... underscore sign... and people suddenly want to kill him. What did he do?''
`` She... discovered something.''
( cont'd )
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[ IP ] All research efforts have been abandoned ...
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Melvin finally passed today. He was 57. He was probably one of the last doctors left on the planet. We tried to go through his notes, but most of them were shorthand. Whatever was legible could not be understood by even those who had worked in the makeshift lab we'd established.
I do n't know why we bothered trying to find a cure in the first place. Even when there were still millions of scientist still living and the most high tech laboratories still stood, there was no cure in sight. What did we have? A torn up college class room, an average medical worker, and a carrier of the virus? What good was that going to do for us?
Who would even be left to be saved?
I dropped my rifle in the doorway of the classroom. She was a great rifle. Everyone else's always jammed or misfired, but mine always liked to behave. It was one the only things left I knew was constant; The Sun would rise, the earth will turn, and my rifle will fire when I tell it to.
I slowly stepped into the classroom. Faded green paint chipped from the walls and ceilings. When not covered in layers of dirt and rubble, the tiles had been pulled out of the floor. There were 4 large, wooden workstations with marble counter-tops on each side of the room. All had an assortment of cabinets and drawers that had been looted for whatever supplies they had. Of the 8 work spaces, only 3 were cleaned. The rest were covered broken glass and beakers, dust, discarded research papers, wooden boards, pain chips from the ceiling, unrecognizable science instruments... rubble. Remains of what once was, and what could have been.
What could have been...
To think it all happened so quickly, and to think it had all been so long ago. 3 months was what I heard the last time I was in the god-awful shantytown for water. It only took 3 months after the first infection for the governments of the world to be declared as `` in a state of collapse''. How could such a collapse even be possible in 2015? All the technology, the communication, the advances. We had come so far from living in straw houses, and from having a simple infection be our demise. How could this had happened to the world? To me?
I felt an emptiness I had n't felt since the day the quarantine broke. It was as if my entire torso was filled with nothing but breeze. The bones in my legs felt like the were made of feeble twigs. All hope had abandoned me and gone off to a better world probably. This was a feeling I had n't felt for many years, but it felt all too familiar.
I bolted to one of the porcelain sinks attached to a work station as I felt something gush up my throat. For the first time in an eternity, liquid slid smoothly on the curvature of the faded-cream porcelain. That liquid was a deep, blood red. I pushed myself so hard against it that I could hear the wood it was attached to creak.
My strength faded after that. Vomiting blood was always the first sign of infection. I remember the day things really started going to shit, the streets were rivers of blood, lined with corpses. Sometimes family members would not leave those corpses, they would only weep. I should have done that too. I would have gotten just as far as I am now that way.
I curled my body on the floor, trying to conserve my body heat as it seeped out of me. Blood was dripping down my chin and onto the tiles. It dried up almost instantly as it dripped against the dust... the dust of what could have been, but what could n't happen. I looked up towards the doorway, and started dragging myself with what little strength I had towards it.
The Sun would rise, the earth will turn, and my rifle will fire when I tell it to. The Sun would rise, the earth will turn, and my rifle will fire when I tell it to. The Sun would rise, the earth will turn, and my rifle...
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I 've been seeing a lot of really good dramatic pieces . What I really want is action . Write me a death battle .
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She was gon na be gunnin ’ for me eventually, I supposed it was only really a matter of time. One can only be an extremist and avoid fate for so long. I also knew she wouldn ’ t be bothered with actually killing me so she sent someone else, however, I figured it would have been someone I could take.
I remembered Grandad answering the door; “ Oh hey cutie pie! ” without seeing her I figured it was just some girl he met online. “ Whachu doin ’ here? ” his voice was that sickening flirtatious that was so frequent my brother and I often tuned it out. I didn ’ t recognize her voice at first but, to say the least, I was confused when Grandad went; “ Huey! You got a visitor, boy! ” and heard him mumble “ The hell does a pretty girl like that want with a ten year old? ” I got up from the couch and looked over and our eyes met. There was a distinct memory of mine widening as she remained completely cool. Grandad asked this girl, who wore an out of place schoolgirl outfit; “ So, uh, what ’ s your name cutie pie? ”
She gave a tiny smile and showed her teeth; “ Gogo. ”
“ Grandad look out! ” I shouted but before he could react she had roundhouse kicked him into the wall, slamming him through the plaster. I could think about how angry he was going to be later but now all I had to be worried about was—
“ Damn Grandad you got your ass beat! ” my brother cackled from the couch.
“ Riley shut up! ” I barked at him, never breaking eye contact with Gogo who had now reached into her bag. Things were only going to get worse.
I charged at her, blood pumping in my ears, becoming aerial while my foot nearly slammed into her chest. She swiveled to the side and spun the hammer. A meteor hammer was something that took years to learn how to use let alone master, yet, this girl could use it with ease and was hardly seven years my senior.
I now stood outside quickly getting my stance ready and made sure that she struck first. The last thing I wanted to do was die, but, the second to last thing I wanted was to get hit by that hammer. The crisp Fall air was cut in half by Gogo ’ s weapon flying towards me. I dodged to the left and then hopped over the chain as it was still extending. I decided her upper body would have been no good and went for the leg. I was still shorter than her and this height advantage might just save my life. I swiped my leg down at her ankle and she faltered, though the hammer was descending on the doorway, and myself, faster than it should have.
I rolled out of the way and did a backflip onto the first landing of the staircase. The space was too narrow for her to spin the weapon and she would have to relocate. I took this moment to do a flying roundhouse kick to the face. She dodged like water flickering around a rock and I was now at her mercy.
Her eyes were crazy, a kind of crazy I hadn ’ t seen since Mr. DuBois got possessed. I rolled out of the way just before her meteor hammer smashed into the floor where I once crouched. I was going to attempt something that could win me the fight but was risky. I sprung off of my feet as my shoe touched the wall only to use it as a springboard and smash down on the soft spot between her shoulder and clavicle.
Gogo didn ’ t hit the ground like expected but she faltered just enough for the impending ball and chain to slam her in the head. She fell backwards and stumbled out of the doorway, attempting to get to her feet.
I wouldn ’ t let her.
I jumped forward and landed my foot right in her throat, she gargled and her eyes rolled back. I put pressure on it; “ If I let you live I ’ d have you tell O-Ren an important piece of info, however, I don ’ t think I can let you leave this lawn. ”
Just then she chopped me in the throat and I was flung off. She was swinging the weapon again, attempting to get the perfect hit on me. All of a sudden a saw blade popped from the metal ball. One hit with that and I ’ d have bigger things to worry about than if Riley was gon na be a dick tonight.
It was now or never.
I moved as fast as I could in those jeans, avoiding the bladed ball, and prepped my fingers with speed I wasn ’ t even aware I had. All of a sudden I slammed her in the chest five times.
Gogo seemed taken aback as she moved backwards in a jagged fashion. The hammer hadn ’ t been recoiled as she young Japanese woman slowly took her fifth step.
She quickly collapsed.
I went back into the house as Riley commented frantically; “ Yo you just kill that girl?! ”
“ When Grandad comes to tell him she had a heart attack. ” My voice was solemn.
I went up to my room and took out my phone, punching in the numbers I had come to know so well, waiting for her to answer. I spoke slowly and with purpose; “ Beatrix, if you ’ re gon na strike, do it soon. ” I hung up before she could respond.
This was gon na be a blood bath.
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[ WP ] It was a dark and stormy night ...
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So dark that you could n't see past your nose and so stormy that it was, well, very stormy. The wind howled like a hungry wolf from a Duran Duran song.
And Jennie sat curled up in her slightly-too-small blanket like a poorly wrapped Taco Bell burrito, you know, when all of the fillings spill out everywhere. The power was out. Jennie cried and whimpered to herself like mewling kitten. Wait... no... it was her kitten, Mr. Mugs, who was curled up in her taco-blanket who was doing the crying. Jennie was fine. Mostly fine, anyway, her feet would n't stay under the blanket if she wanted to have her shoulders covered.
She held her phone in one hand, idly browsing the Internet with thousands of things to read, look at and watch, but instead spent her time mindlessly refreshing her Facebook page. Jennie's mom would be angry about using all of her data with no Internet but surely Jennie's mom would understand that this was an *emergency*. With her other hand she stroked her cat ( this is not a metaphor or bad analogy unless you really want it to be, I'm sure there will be rule 34 of this story in about 5 minutes so, y'know... and I mean for the record Jennie's 18 and in her last year of high school and I do n't know what she does in all of her spare time but I digress. ). The only light in the entire house emanated from her phone, illuminating her face in a pasty white light.
The high pitched wail of Mr. Mugs was barely audible over the non-stop crash of thunder so loud that it could drown out the sound of a tiny, whimpering kitten and the rain against the window was also loud enough to drown out the sound of a tiny, whimpering kitten. It was mostly pretty loud but Jennie just ignored it, constantly hitting refresh on her browser.
Mr. Mugs did not like the noise and he did not like the dark. Just because a kitten can see well in the dark does not mean he has to like it. A particularly loud clap of thunder ( is that the sound of no hands clapping? ) spooked Mr. Mugs so badly that he dug his claws into Jennie. `` Mr. Mugs! No! Leave me alone I want to update my Facebook status about the storm like everyone else has. How will they know it's a dark and stormy night if I ca n't tell them all how dark and stormy it is? Which it is very dark and stormy.''
Mr. Mugs cried some more, he was very unhappy and did not need Facebook to tell him how dark and stormy it was. Mostly because he was a cat and cats do n't use Facebook. `` Ugh, fine. Are you hungry?''
`` No,'' Mr. Mugs thought, `` I am miserable because its noisy and it hurts my ears and I'm scared of the dark,'' but all that came out was a horrible wailing noise to compete with the shrieking wind. Well, the wind was n't actually shrieking so much as just being very noisy like the rain and the thunder and the cat. But I think you understand my hyperbolic metaphors by now.
`` Oh no!'' Jennie said while making no motion to feed the cat that she thought might be starving, `` My battery's at 5 %! How can I tell if other people know it's dark and stormy if my phone is dead?''
Mr. Mugs was not amused but he thought better of saying anything. Jennie was a girl with a fragile sense of self-esteem so he just curled up next to Jennie and waited for the storm to end. He tried to fall asleep but it was short lived because soon Jennie was shrieking. And this time I mean shrieking in a literal sense of the word. Mr. Mugs burst forth from underneath the blanket into the darkness of the house. And it was very dark. Dark even for Mr. Mugs.
Soon the kitten was panicking just as much as Jennie, terrified of the pitch black that he felt could swallow him whole - and since he was a cat he absolutely did not know that darkness is just an absence of light waves and not some monster and can not swallow him or anyone else. Jennie shrieked some more, louder than the storm. Her phone was dead. Nothing could salvage the rest of her evening now, not even a professional salvage crew who had been paid more than make in an entire year.
And so the teenage girl sat there screaming and the kitten was frozen in the middle of the dark room, which this time I am almost literally speaking because Jennie had a blanket on for a reason, the house was freezing. But of course not literally freezing, not that anyone could tell because they could n't see their breath because it was so dark and so stormy.
Just then the power came back on. Jennie happily got up to charge her phone and Mr. Mugs came rushing back to her lap as she sat down. Because even though he was essentially a prisoner in her home at least she fed him and only yelled at him sometimes. Besides, he figured he could plot an escape. Door handles did n't seem so hard to figure out.
Once the power was back on Jennie turned out any of the lights that had been on and resumed her Facebook refreshing just in case she missed any notifications. Mr. Mugs drifted off into a peaceful sleep while plotting his escape.
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[ WP ] You open the door to find a balloon , a needle and a note : If you keep the balloon inflated until the deadline , you get 1 million . If it bursts , you die .
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The day was finally here. I had been selected to participate in the most dangerous game in human history. I did n't know what challenge awaited me beyond that door, but I did know that I would be set for life if I completed it. With the cameras watching, I took a deep breath and opened the door.
I found myself in a barren room with four gray walls. The only anomaly was the small table in the center. On the table was a balloon, a note, and a needle. Curious, I walked over to the table. Before I could examine it further, the door slammed shut behind me with a resounding clang. I jumped and ran back to the door. It was locked.
I took three deep breaths to calm myself. This was just part of the challenge; I could do this! I walked to the table again and picked up the note. It said:
`` Greetings, contestant! Your challenge is simple. If you stay one year in this room without that balloon popping, you win a million dollars! If it bursts, you die! The clock starts now. Good luck!''
Time seemed to slow down as I reread the note. One year? In this room? I could n't imagine a more boring place to live. Going insane was a definite possibility. But I needed the money. My family needed it, and I was n't going to quit now. I clutched the balloon that was now my lifeline and sat on the floor.
Six months later, a letter arrived with my daily food package. Excited by the break of the long monotony, I tore open the letter. It was from my wife. In shaky handwriting, it read:
`` Dave,
It's too late. Cassandra is dead. Six months without the surgery was too much. I just wish her daddy could've been there when she died.''
Tears filled my eyes. I had been too late to save her. But I needed to stay in this room. I could still pay off my debts and make life comfortable for my wife. I could n't let Cassandra die in vain.
Four months later, another letter arrived. The wretched balloon made a squeaking sound as I reached for the note. It read:
`` Dave:
I'm sorry it has to be this way. I ca n't do this anymore. It's been nine months, and I ca n't wait any longer. I've found someone else. Please do n't try to contact me.''
Rage filled my heart. How could she do this to me? After everything I did for her! Well, I'd show her. I'd win the money and live a better life without her than I ever did with her.
The last day of the year. My food package arrived with a short memo. I looked it over with haggard eyes.
`` Mr. Peters:
Your property has been seized by the federal government due to lack of payments. You will report to court for alimony hearings after your game is complete. We apologize for the inconvenience.''
I was numb by this point. I did n't know what I even wanted to do with the money anymore. Everyone I'd ever loved was gone.
It was at this moment that I glanced at the needle, still laying on the table, untouched. I realized why it had been put there. What I had to do.
I seized the needle with shaking hands, and glanced with loathing at the pathetic, limp balloon, the one that had ruined my life. Before I could get cold feet, I stabbed it. The air squeezed out one final time.
As the gas secreted from the roof, I breathed in peacefully. I was going to see Cassandra again. I hoped she could forgive me.
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[ WP ] A society where visual art and music are illegal
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`` C'mon'' He said, eager to walk the 45 minutes to a seemingly mysterious place for a reason I did n't know. He had a backpack with him, two bottles of water for me and him, but something heavy in the inside; I could n't tell what it was. It was about 1 in the morning and had no idea why I was even up for this in the first place.
`` Ugh, fine. It best be worth it.''
My friend Zane smirked and had a wide grin across his face. `` Great,'' he said. We started heading out toward the beach and had to walk across some of the sand until we got under the harbor. Ht was a pretty big harbor, so it took us a while to get through that. We ended up in what seemed like an old yet still populated town I've never been in before, but we kept on going. But we were jogging this time. When I saw him trying to avoid lights and taking alternate routes rather than going in a straight line, I knew we were n't supposed be here. I thought it was best to keep my mouth shut anyways. We finally arrived in what seemed like a giant, brick cubical with a pathway leading to a big, open dam with no flowing water.
`` This. This is what were here for.''
`` Yep.'' He set his backpack down and I heard a shaking of hollow metal cans inside.
`` What was that?''
`` Art in a can.'' He said tossing me 2 blue and red cans. `` Let's get on with it, I'm about to go insane.
`` Woah woah woah, this is vandalism. Is n't this illegal?!''
`` Nope. It's art.'' He said smiling. He walked to the nearest slant in the dam and stared spraying. And I started smiling. I ca n't remember the last time I drew a picture, sang a song, or even saw a movie. No one was aloud to express any form of personality anymore. Just plain, boring, dull routine everyday except for Saturday, where I would sometimes just hang out or sit home with work. That's all we seemed to do now-a-days. I walked up to the slope opposite Zane's, and was unsure as I sprayed the first line of paint onto the concrete This was also llegal and I could easily get arrested or even killed for this, and I was n't sure if I was willing to die for something like this. Knowing Zane and his eagerness, he would easily not mind. I felt an idea surge through me, & I smiled, because I do n't remember the last time I felt that feeling either. I sprayed away until the sun rose. I stepped back and gazed at my creations, and Zane gazed at his. They were both beautiful, consisting of many fluorescent neon colors in a perfect artistic sequence. When was the last time I've seen any beautiful color sequence before?
But we could n't stand around forever. `` We have to run home. It's almost 5,'' Zane said. I moored and we jogged back home. Some cars passed but hopefully they just saw this as a extremely-early morning jog. We slipped back into our apartment at around 5:30 and just flopped on our beds and looked up laughing. That's when I heard Zane say, `` We did n't forget the, you know...''
`` What's up?
`` The backpack.'' Oh my god. We'd left almost all of our remains at the dam, and the backpack could possibly be traced back to our names written on the tag inside the front pocket. We had to go back and get it before somebody noticed. But it was too late. We would have to wait until the next night. For now I was tired and would kill for any form of rest. We must have dozed off until about 12.
We met the next night around the same time after a little night out, but this time Zane had something with him. `` You would n't believe what I found in the dump'' He said, holding the box-like object up. It took a while to identify it, but I found it was an old, scratched up radio. `` I do n't know if there's a CD or not that's still even good to play, but we should be going our way.''
I just nodded. What luck. We jogged, almost ran this time, toward the old dam, and to our horror there was change. Our sneakers screeched to a stop on the old concrete. Our art was still there. But we only found more. And a lot of it at that. But that did n't stop us from going on. The fact that someone knew we were here still itched at us. Zane played the old radio, and there was surprisingly an old 90's rock tune. Zane and I laughed loudly. When was the last time anyone had heard an actual beat before? He turned it up loudly and we continued on with our art, dancing at times, constantly smiling. But that was until we heard the sirens we froze to. And they were only getting louder until we heard a screech by the brick cubicle. Zane quickly kicked the radio and broke it.
We wanted to run, but we could n't. There was nowhere to run to, and we would be dead either way. We just stayed frozen until the numerous amounts of police came. They reached for their guns, but froze as their mouths dropped open from our work. Then a couple pointed their guns at us and one said, `` I'm sorry, but we have to get this done with.'' We saw a couple with what seemed like graphite removal solution.
Zane had his hands up right by mine. He whispered `` Well worth it.'' And he was right. I saw now that I was actually willing to die for this, like he was, and I saw why.
The world was too dull of a place to live on anyways.
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[ WP ] You 've found yourself holding an ancient coin in your hand . The last thing you remember was the phrase `` Penny for your throughts ? ''
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The subway was crammed. People were crushing into me from all sides. Just your typical evening rush hour. I had been doing this for the past three years, going back and forth from school, and I still hated the commute as much as I had on the first day.
Eventually, as the subway moved along, the crowd started thinning. As it got closer to my stop, there were only two people in the car, me and an old lady, who got up from her seat and came and sat opposite to me. To be honest, the old lady looked like a hobo, so I pretended to be busy with my phone.
`` Penny for your thoughts,'' the old lady said to me.
`` Umm?'' I looked up from my phone to see her unsmiling face inches away from mine. I recoiled in surprise.
`` A penny for your thoughts,'' she repeated, not backing away.
*Get the fuck away from me, * I thought. `` Err..Terrible commute, yeah?'' I replied, my voice sounding tense and high pitched.
The old lady nodded. She grabbed my hand, and my phone slipped out of my fingers and fell on the floor. Before I could protest or move, she pushed something into my palm. She let go of my hand and started walking away.
I stared at her in disbelief. I watched as she walked to the far end of the car and walked over to the adjacent car, talking to herself the whole time.
I looked at the thing in my hand. It looked like a video game coin, golden and covered in symbols. The symbols did n't look mathematical or scientific. I turned it around. There was an image of a medusa like head there. The coin seemed to be old and, to me, seemed to be made of real gold.
I looked up to see if the old woman was around, but she was n't. I thought of going over to the other car and returning the coin to her, but my stop was close and so I decided against it, and put the coin in my bag.
I realized my phone was still lying on the floor, and bent down to pick it up. My stop came and I exited the subway.
I was too busy staring at my phone to take in my surroundings. I had walked this path for so long that my feet automatically headed towards the stairs.
Today, however, there were no stairs. I looked up from my phone and did a double take. I was n't in the subway station. In fact, I was n't at any kind of station at all. I was alone in a large and empty corridor that seemed to stretch on for miles and miles. There were no train tracks, or doors, or stairs, or turnstiles anywhere in sight.
I felt a moment of pure panic. My hands and feet turned numb, and I could n't think. Slowly, my senses started returning. *Maybe I got off at the wrong station? Maybe I should retrace my steps. *
I started walking back to where I though I must have gotten off the train. But it was impossible to do so. I was walking in a straight line, but was sure I had taken at least two right turns earlier.
`` Is anyone there? Hello!'' I shouted. My own voice echoed back at me.
I was about to give into panic again, when I thought I saw a person walk by in the corner of my view.
I turned to get a better look. It was indeed a person, dressed in a chicken costume, who was walking perpendicular to the hall. As I watched, the person walked up to the wall and then walked *through* it.
My jaw dropped. I actually rubbed my eyes and pinched myself to make sure I was n't hallucinating. I ran over to where the chicken-costume person had disappeared and inspected the wall. It *seemed* to be a normal red brick wall. I took a few steps back, and then started walking briskly towards it. It was worth a shot. As the wall came closer and closer, I closed my eyes and kept walking.
I did n't collide with the wall. When I opened my eyes, I was standing in my own bedroom.
There was a knock on the door, and my father popped in. `` I though I heard a noise in here. It's funny, I did n't hear you come in at all.''
I was too shocked to speak.
`` Well, you're late. Dinner's ready. Be down in five.'' He left.
My room, and my father, seemed real, *normal*. I remembered the old lady, and the coin. I searched my bag for the coin, but could n't find it. I searched frantically, upending all the bag's contents onto my bed, but the coin was nowhere to be found.
My mother called out for me, asking me to come down for dinner. I ran downstairs to grab some food and bring it to my room, so I could continue to search. As I walked into the kitchen, my mother spoke up.
`` What's that around your hand?'' She was looking at my wrist.
It was the coin! Only, it was attached to a thick black thread and I was wearing it like a bracelet.
`` Well, take it off. Did you wear that to school?'' my mother asked again.
`` May I be excused. I am not hungry,'' I lied.
My mother and father exchanged glances. `` Yes, alright.''
I ran back upstairs. I grabbed my wallet from the bed, and then walked over to the wall.
I closed my eyes and walked through it. When I opened my eyes, I was in a pizzeria.
*This is going to be amazing! *
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[ WP ] I made a deal with Death . An exchange of another 's soul for 50 more years . It 's been Ten Thousand Years ...
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`` Alright, but only 50 years,'' Death leaned back in his chair and puffed on his cigar.
I had died, but due to a contractual agreement made by one of my ancestors, my family has the right to negotiate the terms of their afterlife. I've just convinced death to extend my lifespan.
`` So, you'll just take someone else's soul? What happens to it?'' I leaned forward onto the table. We were sitting in a cafe in limbo. It's a weird place. Picture the movie Beetlejuice but more Tim Burton. That's the only way I can explain it.
`` It goes to heaven or hell I suppose. I just reap the souls, I do n't manage them afterwards,'' He was bored. He has had these conversations with my ancestors going back two thousand years.
`` And I can pick anyone?''
He nodded, `` Anyone.''
`` Absolutely anyone? No restrictions?'' I sat a little straighter in my chair.
`` No restrictions. Hell, you could even pick m...'' his eyes got wide and I interrupted him.
`` Okay. You.''
And that's how I've managed to live ten thousand years. Of course, so has everyone else what with Death being gone, but that's beside the point.
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[ WP ] In 1984 Apparition made the first personal grimoire anyone could use , the Merlintosh . People connect to nethersites on the Dreamweb using orbs . Now it 's 2015 . And you work as front-line magic support for the dumbest damn users .
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With sarcasm contained behind the friendliest of smiles,
I turn to face the woman in the line.
I tell myself the paycheck will be worth all of these trials,
That in the end it all will be just fine.
`` I can not get the screen to work, I tried all that I can.''
The woman frowns, and slams her grimoire down.
`` There must be something wrong with the motherboard or the fan,
And you're the only Merlintosh in town.''
I listened to her tale without the slightest hint of glee,
And asked some simple questions when she stopped.
I knew this time I'd hardly be collecting any fee,
That all my hopes of riches had been dropped.
`` There never was a problem with your Grimoire 7, ma'am.''
I barely could contain a quiet scoff.
`` The reason that you thought your new equipment was a sham,
Was that the power switch was turned to off.''
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[ WP ] Time Travel has just been discovered , and with it , the discovery that our world will be destroyed in 200 years by an invading Alien force . the United Nations are deciding what to do . What is their decision ?
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`` Mr. Clarke, this plan is insane.'' The President looked down at Jon from her seat at the United Council. `` It simply could not work, and I'm not sure I would want it to.''
A wave of murmuring agreement swept the room. China and Germany formally announced their agreement with the US. Jon's plan was n't any good. This was terrible. Jon was losing them.
`` Council members, I know that this plan sounds bizarre. It's comic. Unthinkable. But I really think it's our best option.'' Jon combed his hair nervously with his hand. `` This has been proven to work on the terrestrial scale, and I believe we can adapt the strategy to the alien threat.''
The secretary-general stood up. Jon had won his agreement earlier. He had complete confidence in the plan. `` I think we can all agree'', he began in his affected Korean accent, `` that we have few options. It's true that the enemy will not be here for hundreds of years, but we can not afford to bet the safety of our species on technological advancement. As of now, we are vastly outmatched. Mr. Clarke's plan will allow us to have a chance, even with our current disadvantages. I fully support his plan.'' He sat down.
Jon continued. `` And, anyway, do any of you have any better ideas? If this does n't work, if I die, just try again. I'm staking my own life on this, and I believe it will work.''
He was right. They had more machines, and if he was lost they could try to find another plan. Germany, along with about half of the EU, remained in opposition, as did the US and Canada. But the rest of the globe was mostly swayed. It was put to a vote, and Jon's plan was voted for.
Jon put on period accurate clothing. He was going back in time. It had been done before, of course, but never to this degree. Always a day or two at most. He walked down the concrete hallway to the secret basement where the devices were held. A technician scurried up behind him.
`` Sir, I must advise you that once you carry out this plan, there's no going back. The devices can go back once and then forward once, and then they are unusable. Once you go to the time of the war, you will not be able to return here.'' The technician looked at Jon's outfit and laughed a little to himself.
`` I am aware. I have made arrangements already. I will be effectively dead in this time period. Just make sure after I leave that you check in the designated place to see if our plan worked.'' They reached the door to the basement. Jon took out his key, and placed it in the keyhole.
`` Of course, sir.'' The technician did the same with the other keyhole, and they went in.
`` Make sure you wait at least a day before checking to see if this works. I do n't want anyone to see anything change before their eyes.'' He took a deep breath, and entered the metallic box.
They needed someone with experience. Someone that had a systematic way of dealing with problems. Jon turned the dial that set the years counterclockwise. The decades fell down. Early 2000s, then the 90s, the 80s, et cetera. So many things that could be stopped. But this was the only right way to deal with the problem. 1907. There it was. Jon scrolled through the onscreen map and zoomed in on Europe, then on Austria. He tapped Vienna, and pushed the big red button.
The alien menace deserved to be exterminated. Killing two birds with one stone, this was. After all, what's the first thing you think of when you get a time machine?
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[ WP ] You are a child , born into slavery via artificial insemination , in order to pay off your dead parents debt .
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“ Can I have it? ” His voice sounded small and unsure, the oft silent child sounding as though he were too afraid to make a noise.
Liara nodded, trying to plaster a bright smile across her face as she gazed down at her fellow squadron soldier, who already had his hand outstretched towards her.
He looked up with round gleaming crystal blue eyes, his head tilting back as he struggled to peer up at Liara from underneath his army helmet — the hard hat all too big for his tiny head.
Placing the small square piece of chocolate in the palm of the little boy ’ s grubby hand, Liara shook her head, chuckling as Tien all but inhaled the treat.
“ Be careful you don ’ t choke on that, ” Liara said, raising her voice a little so as to be heard over the din of the other chattering nervous children gathered around them in the main hall.
Liara reached out and resettled Tien ’ s helmet more snuggly on his head, letting loose a downcast sigh as she took in Tien ’ s full military attire.
Despite the propaganda in civics classes she ’ d been forced to attend, even Liara recognized that Tien was far too young to be sent out to war. Far too innocent to be made to pay for his parents mistakes, with his own short life.
Taking a forlorn step back, Liara let a grimace creep across her face as she gazed down at her own clothes. The emblem of the Retrium Earth Squadron was placed front and center over the lapel of her own soldiers uniform.
‘ At least Tien knew his mom and dad, ’ she thought to herself soberly, plucking at one of the shiny buttons of her army jacket, ‘ I ’ ve never even met mine. ’
“ Thank you, Liara, ” Tien said, his mouth full, distracting Liara from her gloomy thoughts. Oblivious to the older girl ’ s bleak reverie, Tien offered her his widest open-mouthed grin, giving his friend a full and disgusting view of the melting mess of chocolate in his mouth.
“ Eat with your mouth closed, ” Liara said with a genuine laugh, just as the chattering din around them dropped down to a low hum. Liara dropped her voice to a whisper as she searched the room, quickly finding the reason for the sudden quiet in the form of her units commanding officer entering the small hall. “ Don ’ t let the grownups see you eating chocolate, ” she hissed, before straightening up.
Liara and Tien then quickly mimicked their fellow unit soldiers, standing to attention, as they fervently — and fearfully — eyed the hard-bitten man who had now moved to stand behind the podium at the far end of the hall.
Resting forward against the speaker stand, Commander Grayson — Grizzly Grayson as Liara called him in her head, on account of the fact that he reminded her of a scarily big bear — dipped his head down, his mouth nearing the microphone placed atop the stage.
“ My fellow soldiers, ” Grayson boomed, his deep voice ricocheting through the tannoy speakers nestled in the far corners of the hall, “ my brothers and sisters in arms. Today you will find deliverance, not death… ” Grayson let his voice trail off, the vacuum of sound that followed nudging the audience to fill in the rest of the oft-repeated mission statement of the Retruim Earth soldier recruitment program.
“ Liberty, not loss! ” The hall of ram-rod straight children chanted back loudly without hesitation — none-more-so than Liara and Tien, “ freedom, not failure! ”
Once the hall fell silent, Commander Grayson smiled, a crooked expression that in Liara ’ s mind nestled uncomfortably on his features. She ’ d learned long ago that Grayson wasn ’ t a man for shows of emotion — other than anger of course.
“ You have been given yet another opportunity to earn back the freedom that your parents took from you. Your parents carelessness in life, need not haunt you long after their deaths. ” Grayson gave the crowd a grave shake of his head, “ I earned my own freedom fifteen years ago. I was just like you, a young soldier sent to the badlands to fight in this seemingly never-ending war. However, for you, the lucky ones, there is a way out, ” Grayson paused, his dark brown eyes roaming the crowd, as though searching for someone, “ but first you must earn it. ”
Grayson straighted up off the podium, clenching his fist and raising it so that it rested across his chest.
The crowd of children mimicked his stance, their head ’ s all held high. Out of the corner of her eye, Liara could see that more than a few of the children had tear tracks streaked down their cheeks.
This squadron may have been young, but they were not naive. They ’ d all heard about Grayson ’ s escape from Retrium program, but they also understood that his freedom was by far the expectation to the rule.
Many who went to the badlands to fight, either returned badly injured — or didn ’ t return at all. And the younger you were, the worse your chances.
“ May you fight well, ” Grayson said.
“ May we return victorious, ” came the reply from the children.
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[ EU ] Tell the legend of Ven Mar'r , Darth Caedus , who abandoned the Jedi and the Sith to find true balance within the Force
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This message is for the common man.
The Jedi, seekers of truth and peace. Sith, seekers of power and passion.
They pretend they are so different, so antithetically opposed. No matter how much they refuse to admit it, both are merely antiquated religious orders abusing their military and political power for selfish gains.
Those Jedi claim to be keepers of the peace, and yet they are the martial force that people fear. The Jedi KNIGHT, soldiers not saviors, no matter how much they pretend otherwise; they are WARRIORS, violent and dangerous. The Sith are little better. They strive for freedom through the dark side, but remain slaves to their own arrogance and gluttony. There has never been a sith who has died happy and truly free. In the end, both dogmatic institutions merely fumble blindly endorsing their own blind ideology never really progressing or growing.
I have watched these two `` great'' powers fail repeatedly and drag the universe down with it. Every nation dragged into the endless wars between sith and jedi. The jedi raise republic, the sith destroy it. The sith build an empire, the jedi destroy it. The world in a constant state of destruction and recovery, but never growth, never progression. And what happens to the slaves and the workers, the common man. They die in misery, neither saved by the light, nor liberated by the dark. They call themselves light side or dark side, pretending their is a difference. Their is no light or dark, there is the force.
My name is Ven Mar'r, and I am neither sith nor jedi any longer. I have watched as both sides have vied for control of this universe, with little regard for the lives of others. I have watched as both sides, so xenophobic, failed to embrace the true nature of the force, true balance.
The Jedi and Sith seek only `` purity'', true light or dark. They care not for individuals, and they will let this universe burn in their endless wars for dominance. I have seen their crassness first hand.
As a padawan, I learned from a great Jedi master, who, I thought, loved me. But I was betrayed. In order to save his life, I used the `` hated'' dark side, and because of my `` betrayal'' he stabbed me leaving me for dead.
But I did not die. No, for the first time since I entered the Jedi academy, I lived. I felt rage, love, hatred, joy all in full blast. I felt life coursing through me, and I was found, through the Will Of the Force, by a sith lord who had sensed me.
This man nursed me to health and taught me to harness my anger, but his lessons were weak and shoddy. He ignored love, joy, and even sorrow. I quickly outpaced him, and his jealousy, like most sith, was his downfall.
He, like my former master, said that I was impure. I was not just driven by anger or hatred, thus I could never be a `` true sith''. He tried to destroy me, but how could he ever hope to compete with me, drawing only from anger, when I could draw from all manner of feeling. I crushed him easily.
Many have said that I have mastered both sides, but they are wrong. There are no sides to the Force. There is no light and there is no dark, there is balance, and there will be peace. At this point, word of my power has spread throughout the galaxy. I have now crushed the sith emperor and his dark council, all are now dead. I have killed Jedi grandmaster Svi Kenbi, and I will hunt down their council. I am the only true master of the Force, not stunted by blind dedication to either side, and no amount of jedi or sith can oppose me.
Like I said before. This is a message for the common man. I will bring you peace, and I will bring balance. No more sith, no more jedi. No more dark, no more light. No more wars. Only the force.
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[ WP ] The main character explains in detail the story of his/her murder . He/she later reveals the killer : the reader .
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The world seems unbelievably simple when you're at the top of it, you know. Serving one with omniscience of being truly placates the turmoil of a troubled mind, silencing the worries about the strife of the world.
Little did I know that proximity to omniscience can not grant protection from one's own arrogance, even if that arrogance is rooted in one's own wisdom as an angel. My master's plans were so clear, so elegant, so beautifully woven, that it was all almost too easy to take for granted. Looking at the puzzle of life from the perspective of a finished model makes it look so easy to understand for yourself.
Yes, I truly thought I had you humans all figured out, despite all your shortcomings. For every wrong turn you creatures took, reveling in your free will, the dominos always fell justly, righting your wrongs through the goodness of another one of you. From where I stood, it was the easiest thing in the world to believe in your innate goodness.
Yet in the end, the cruel truth is that it was that very faith that doomed me.
...
`` You're a fool, you know,'' Reynard scoffed at me.
`` Ah, yes, because insults is the wise man's first resort,'' I retorted. The corner of his mouth bend upward slightly in a playful smirk at the accusation. `` Rant all you wish, but most humans are not so corrupted as you were in your lifetime, Reynard.''
Reynard's brow creased, jaw set tightly frustration. `` You've sat on a feathery pedestal too long, it seems. If only Martin the holy -- angel of wisdom and friend of mankind --'' Reynard mocked, `` had the chance to spend a while with the portion of humans in the fire to which I've been so benevolently banished, you'd laugh at your notions of humanity's heroism.''
`` I imagine it's that very line of thinking that brought your fate upon you, my dear Reynard,'' I replied gently to the devilish spirit.
Reynard's eyes flashed. Whether with malice or joy or some unholy mix, I could not tell. `` Ah, so perception shapes the individual? How noble, to offer up the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps you'd like to back your bold words, oh holy angel?''
`` I would n't mind it in the least.''
`` A wager, then. You join the mortal world for one day under the guise of a crippled beggar, and get to select a normal human off the street. It matters not who, pick the most average person you run across if you like. If they are willing to house you for the night, you win the bet. I shall relinquish my love of fiendish acts, never to torment another human for all eternity.''
`` I look forward to it,'' I laughed.
`` Ah,'' Reynard interrupted, `` but if you should be spurned by your precious human? I get to strike down Martin, the scorned beggar, and am to be restored my life to be lived as I please once more, while you take my place in these accursed fiery pits.''
`` You underestimate the depth of the human heart,'' I chastised. `` Humans may trip, but I've seen enough to know that most will choose a righteous path at a crucial crossroad of human decency. You have a deal, demon.''
`` I look forward to your selection, my dear Martin. I hope for your sake your pedestal granted you a proper view of humanity.''
...
Must I continue? For as you know, my once trusted reader, this is where you take up the ending to my tale.
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[ WP ] Thanks to a typo , you end up selling your soul to Santa .
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***The Santa Clause***
It was just plain awkward. Two men sat directly across from each other in a vibrant, seemingly pulsating room of red. Between them paced what appeared to be an equally red demon in a flashy business suit. The larger of the men, wearing a coat of the same thematic red color, was hunched forward rubbing his temples nervously. The smaller of the men shifted back and forth anxiously as his hopeful eyes followed the demon.
Following a long silence, the small man spoke. `` Well?''
His nonspecific question startled the room. The demon was first to reply.
`` Well, you're his.''
`` What the hell does'*his*' mean?''
The demon cleared his throat. `` Due to negligence in writing up your contract with me, I am now obligated to fulfill your, Jonathon Ivan Streker's, wishes in return for your soul becoming, erm...''
The large man spoke up. `` Saint Nicholas'.''
`` Right.'' The demon continued. `` Property of *Santa*.''
Jonathon's head was reeling with anger, confusion, and the sense of inevitable and impending changes to his life. He did n't want to go down without a fight, but what could he do?
`` B-But,'' Jonathon began. `` I wo n't be his until I die, right? That's how this typically works!''
The demon clicked his teeth. `` Well, unfortunately... This was one of my more devious contracts calling for... Immediate and unconditional liquidation of the assets. You understand?''
`` What if I relinquish ownership?'' Santa blurted.
The demon paused for a moment, tapping his chin as he pondered this. He mumbled some comment before conjuring the contract with the snap of his fingers. Jonathon's heart skipped a beat as he watched the demon thumb through the pages. Then, with a sigh, the demon spoke once more.
`` The contract clearly states that only Satan himself may dissolve the contract once signed.''
`` That does n't make sense!'' Jonathon cried. `` I'm Santa's!''
`` These types of otherworldly contracts tend to fly in the face of mortal senses. I would n't expect you to understand how ownership works with higher beings.''
Santa shrugged and nodded with a sigh. Jonathon gaped at the two of them. `` So, what the hell does that mean?''
The demon thumbed back a few pages and pointed to something Jonathon could n't see. `` Well, in accordance with the contract, the owner of your soul must keep you consistently occupied with profitable ( for the owner, of course ) work.''
`` You'll be a toymaker.'' Santa added excitedly, though retreating his gaze sheepishly downwards to avoid Jonathon's own.
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[ WP ] `` They 're generally very peaceful animals . I do n't think I 've ever heard of one being this violent before ''
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*First post and first time posting my writing publicly. Critique is more than welcome! *
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Carter was a reasonable man who lead a reasonable life. He had a reasonable job working at the prestigious Royal Perdumdelthazar Hotel as a bellhop, where he made a reasonable living. He did find it rather boring transporting luggage and the like from one floor to another, but he was a rather boring individual, and being a bellhop was a lot safer than being a policeman like his uncle, or a used sofa saleswoman, like his mother.
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Five hours and fifteen minutes ago, Carter woke up to find himself more naked than usual. This was odd, considering he usually slept in his pink polka dotted purple onesie, and could remember doing so last night. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, got up from his cot ( which smelled stronger than he ’ d remembered ), and stepped out onto the cold concrete floor with his bare feet. Now Carter was never the brightest bulb in the box, especially not after the tragic sofa accident in his childhood that had left him permanently mentally impaired, but even he suspected something was very wrong. First of all, he never slept naked- his mother ’ s house had no heating, and he was sure to freeze to death in the night if he did so. Secondly, he was certain that there was no concrete flooring present anywhere in the house, as his mother had a fatal concrete allergy. And finally, most importantly, Carter couldn ’ t recall ever seeing the gigantic red sun looming in the east from his mother ’ s living room before.
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Not just anyone could work at the prestigious Royal Perdumdelthazar Hotel. They were as selective as they were hard to spell. Fortunately for Carter however, he had the luck to be related to his uncle, Sir Lunchbox, a mighty and respected policeman. Almost everyone had heard of the legendary battle between Sir Lunchbox and the fearsome Dragon of the East, a hulking eight-foot-tall juggernaut of rippling muscle and moustache. They say the Dragon fell that night, downed from a single bullet to the forehead; his uncle was last seen soon after, riding his Segway into the night. The Royal Perdumdelthazar Hotel wouldn ’ t dare turn away the blood of such a prominent figure, and Carter was employed as bellhop with little resistance.
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Four hours and twenty-five minutes ago, Carter had exhausted the small open aired cell that held him. He ’ d gathered that he ’ d been transported to a zoo of some kind that, bizarrely enough, seemed to be on a different planet. All around his modest enclosure were dozens of other, similar cages, each holding otherworldly creatures. Each cage was separated from the other by a lattice of roads, and on each road patrolled creatures that strongly resembled his mother ’ s living room lamp. These creatures meandered slowly between the exhibits, each gawking in turn at the marvels held within. Carter watched as a large group of these creatures led by another walked toward and stopped at his cage. The one in front cleared its throat and, facing the crowd, spoke in perfect English,
“ So we see in here the endangered Terran Sofa. These docile creatures are best known for the myriad of different colours they could take on, from plaid to polka dotted. The one you see here has recently shed its pink polka dotted purple skin, and is in the process of growing a new one. ”
“ Um, excuse me, sir? ” Interjected Carter, “ I ’ m not sure where I am, but I think there ’ s been a misunderstanding. I have to get to work soon and I ’ m probably horribly late already so… ”
“ Ah, the call of the Terran Sofa. It ’ s known to sound remarkably similar to our own Inglish language, but it ’ s completely coincidental. I ’ m sure this little guy ’ s just hungry for breakfast. ”
“ Well, yes, I ’ d love some breakfast. But could you let me out soon? See, I work at the very prestigious Royal Perdumdelthazar Hotel, I ’ m sure you ’ ve heard of it, and they don ’ t tolerate lateness at all. ”
“ Alright guys, let ’ s move onto the next exhibit! This guy ’ s a cat from… ”
The tour group moved away from Carter ’ s exhibit, and he began to feel the pangs of anxiety already. He can ’ t be late for work! He has to do something about this immediately!
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Sir Lunchbox was never heard from again after that fateful evening, even though the people of Terra searched far and wide. While most had speculated the valiant police officer had gone with purpose into the night to fight crime from the shadows, what really happened was far stranger. After his failed attempt to arrest the Dragon for possession of a moustache, Sir Lunchbox rode off into the night. However, as he had difficulty seeing in the dark and even more difficulties controlling his Segway, he promptly fell into a ditch and knocked himself out. This was the moment Sir Lunchbox got abducted by aliens.
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Carter slammed against the clear membrane dividing his cell from freedom, but it was no use. He was too weak to even dent it. Looking around, he saw larger and stronger creatures than he imprisoned in the same exhibits. It was clear he had no chance of opening it by himself. Defeated, he slumped back onto the smelly cot, the only furnishing in his bare cell. How could this have happened to him? He was such an excellent employee, such a reasonable person! Oh god, he found himself thinking, if you exist and you truly are kind, please let me get to work on time!
God seemed to be listening apparently, because no sooner had he uttered his silent prayer, a hole opened up in the membrane and a lamp alien sauntered in, holding a bowl of what appeared to be kibble. The alien zookeeper, apparently expecting Carter to be both docile and a pink polka dotted purple sofa, had no fear of being mauled or eaten alive. Unfortunately, Carter was neither docile nor a pink polka dotted sofa, and fueled by fear and anxiety, mauled and ate the zookeeper alive. He had no idea why he had to eat the poor creature, but it seemed appropriate in the moment. It tasted a bit like Ikea. But never mind that, Carter was free! Now he just needed to find the exit, and get to work on time! Although it would be nice to find some clothes first.
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Part 2?
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[ WP ] Color turns out to be a non-renewable resource . It can be extracted and transferred from one thing to another , and can also be used up .
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She stepped out of the spacecraft and planted her foot in the red dirt. “ We did it. We made it to Mars, ” Kate Ford said. She hop stepped away from the landing craft.
Brandon Trainor came out next. He took a leap off the top step and landed with both feet on the ground. “ Second person on Mars. First man, ” he laughed.
Ford looked back at Trainor. “ You ’ re an ass. ” She laughed. It didn ’ t really matter. They had made it to Mars. Over a decade of training, months in space and hundreds of billions of dollars spent and they had made it to Mars.
Trainor looked around. He pulled out a camera, held it up and began to turn in a slow circle. “ First panorama made by a human on Mars. ”
“ Loving One this is Ground Control. Do you read me? We have received your initial communication. It took thirteen minutes fifty-five seconds to reach us. Everyone here is extremely happy you made it and have touched down. ” Trainor and Ford nodded in agreement as they both received the communication from Earth.
“ Remember, I ’ ll respond unless they specifically ask you something, ” said Ford.
Trainor rolled his eyes. “ I know. You ’ re the superior officer. ” He knelt down and pulled out a scoop from his tool pack.
“ We need you to first test the soil. Over, ” came the rest of the message.
“ Ground Control this is Commander Ford. We read you loud and clear. Thank you for the congratulation. We wouldn ’ t be here without you and your hard work. Team Member Trainor is currently doing soil sampling. ”
Trainor had scooped up dirt while Ford talked. Lights flashed on his scoop letting him know that its reading was done. He smiled and gave thumbs up. “ All good. We can make RGB value 240,0,24 from the soil. ”
Ford nodded and continued her message. “ Ground control. All is good. Soil is perfect. RGB value 240,0,24 can be made from it. ” She looked around. “ There is a near limitless supply of red here. The red drought is over. Over. ”
“ Do you want to do it? ” said Trainor. He pulled out a collapsible flagpole with flag attached.
“ We ’ ll do it together, ” Ford said. She grabbed the pole with one hand.
Trainor nodded and the two of them planted the flagpole deep into the ground. A red flag with golden arches unfurled in the wind.
“ We claim Mars for the people and benefit of McDonald ’ s Corp. ” they said together.
______________
Thanks for reading! If you liked this check out my subreddit /r/Puns_are_Lazy.
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[ WP ] You turn over a sheet of white paper , only to find the other side is green . Puzzled , you turn it over again , and now it is red . You decide to tear the paper apart .
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Science. It's our tool to prove things. To create a truth, *the* truth. To learn the facts of the universe. That's what I reminded myself of when I stepped forward into the spotlight. The room was lighted brightly, but no apparent sources for the bright rays could be detected. *That could even be part of the test. Remember that for later. *
The men and women covered in silk clothes, sat in a half circle facing me. I walked forward to a comfortable distance and sat down. I crossed my legs and waited.
''Welcome'' the man in the middle started. I nodded down with a slight gesture, and waited again.
''This is your final trial. We call this our science. It might not be familair to you, or maybe it is. Your answer will decide if you are fit to join our order.''
''I'm ready.''
''Then let us begin'' the man said, as he turned a quarter and reached for a package next to him. He lifted it, and turned back to me.
''In this box is your test. I want you to tell me what this means. And we will decide if you understand the signifance of this final ordeal'' he finished, and pushed the box towards me. It came to a slow stop before I reached to it. It was light, it almost felt empty. *Could it be empty? Maybe a trick question? * I opened it and reached for its content.
It was a single sheet of paper. There was nothing written on it. It was completely empty. While slowly turning it around to check the backside, I looked upwards to see if there was any clue attached to this mysterious, yet simple object. Their faces were blank. I was on my own.
As I looked downwards to unriddle the mystery, the page had turned green. My eyes lit up as something changed, but they faded as quickly when I realised I might have missed an important clue. *Is it that you always have to look at the thing that deserves your attention the most? No, that'd be too vague. It has to be something else*, I asked myself while staring into the nothing that surrounded the company.
I looked into my hands again, and the front side of the paper had now turned red. *Things adapt? They change? But change is an accepted rule of the universe, we covered that by the previous test. This is not the answer they're looking for. *
But what if it was n't about the paper? Their previous tests had tried to make us aware of our surroundings and to sharpen our ability to influence them. So what if it was n't about the paper, but what I had to do with it?
I tried to fold it, but the paper resisted. I tried to roll it up to form a tube, but it unwinded just as quickly. I put them paper down in front of me and thought.
*The universe has given us materials to create new things. We can build, we can create and that allows us to change, to improve, to develop. But something is missing here. We can not only build. There are sides to every coin. *
My hands were steady as I lifted the paper again. I put both of my hands on one side, closely together. And with my thumbs and forefingers I slowly ripped it. I took the two pieces of paper, put them on eachother and ripped them apart again. I continued the process until the paper was split up in tiny parts, hundreds of them sticking together in a single stack.
I cleared my throat.''Mankind creates, the universe creates. But as we have learned that everything has its counterpart, we can follow the way of mankind in that line of reasoning. Mankind destroys. And so does the universe. Things are not forever. The universe will cease to exist one day.''
The man nodded, but he did n't speak yet. He was waiting for something.
''But more importantly, the universe is not as black and white as mankind would want it to be. Science, our science, is limited in its approach. It's not always as clear we think it to be. The paper was n't white, our red, or green. Or maybe the paper was all of them. The fact is that we ca n't know for sure.
The lesson I learned today is that not everything is what it seems.'' I said calmly, as I smashed my hands together in a rapid motion. The pieces scattered through the air and slowly fell towards the ground, the colours of the rainbow reflecting off them.''The paper was n't red, or green, or white. The paper was all, and it was none.'' I concluded. And to add to my words, I motioned my arms to the ground. There was nothing there.
''Good work.'' the man smiled.''Welcome.''
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[ CW ] Write a love story using lyrics from at least 10 different Led Zeppelin songs .
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In the light you will find the road, but
No comfort has the fire at night that lights the face so cold.
A minute seems like a lifetime, baby when I feel this way
Sittin, lookin at the clock, time moves so slow.
Poor Tom, Seventh Son, Always knew what's goin on
Ai n't a thing that you can hide from Tom
Sitting round singing songs'til the night turns into day
Used to sing on the mountains but the mountains washed away
Now I'm singing all my songs to the girl who won my heart!
Oh, yes, I got a fine sister, She warmed my blood from cold,
She brought my blood to boiling hot!
Dancing days are here again as the summer evening grows
You are my flower, you are my power
You are my woman who knows.
Sweet as sweet as sweet can be
You do n't know whatcha do to me
Let me say you're my one desire
You just set my soul on fire
Well there's a light in your eye that keeps shining
Like a star that ca n't wait for the night
I hate to think I've been blinded baby!
You got the love I need
Maybe more than enough.
Oh Darling... walk a while with me
You've got so much...
Drop down, baby, let your daddy see.
Drop down, my lady, just dream of me
Gon na work my way, round the world. I ca n't stop this feelin' in my heart
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[ WP ] Sitting by a café a melancholic wall suddenly hits you as you notice something uncannily familiar with the shoes of a stranger passing by .
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Every lunch break, Erin would walk a few blocks away to a small cafe where she would sit on the patio and observe the hectic city life pass her by. To distract her from her own worries, she liked to make up stories for the people she saw. For instance, that man with the expensive three-piece suit and the heavy briefcase was on his way to impress some very important people that would forget about him in a week's time. That woman over there with the bright pink, too-short skirt was simply the victim of a tragic washing machine mishap. Little stories like that, nothing elaborate, but enough to pass the time. Erin takes a sip of her coffee and continues people-watching.
The shout of a child attracts her attention, and she smiles when she sees a little girl loudly begging what must be her dad for a hot dog from the nearby vendor. The dad tells her a stern `` No,'' but the look on his face betrays him when the daughter begins to pout. He rolls his eyes at her and caves in, handing the vendor a few bills in exchange for the food. The two walk over to a bench and sit down, the dad placing a protective hand on her shoulder. As the girl takes a large, hungry bite from the hot dog, Erin's stomach grumbles in response. She looks at her watch impatiently.
*Should n't my sandwich be here by now? * she wonders. As she looks up, something catches her eye and she ca n't look away, suddenly transported back in time to the point in her childhood where everything changed.
She hears her front door being broken off the hinges. A man's muffled voice. A woman's quiet whimper. An explosion.
A thud.
Erin feels the carpet burn on her elbows as she struggles to fit under her own bed. She feels the vibration of the intruder's heavy footsteps slowly approaching her room until he gets to her door.
She holds her breath as he walks over to her nightstand and opens it, then closes it again. His shoes are so close to her that she can smell something metallic on them. It makes her gag.
He freezes.
She feels herself being pulled from her hiding place and being blindfolded before she can see her attacker.
She smells something like nail polish and then she remembers... nothing. Nothing except those shoes. They were the only thing she could describe when the police finally found her, and with basically nothing to go on, there was little they could do.
Erin slowly returns to the present and the shoes are nowhere to be seen. She stands up frantically, spilling coffee all over her skirt in the process, but he's gone. He and the little girl are gone, vanished just as easily as she had all those years ago.
Now, she feels nothing.
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[ WP ] You are trapped inside a toy store with a murderer . How do you survive ?
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`` I know you're here!'' the maniac screamed out as he laughed. I took a deep breath as I heard the footsteps come closer to the aisle I was in. The lights in the store had all been cut - courtesy of my murderous friend - and in the darkness it was very hard to see what exactly was around. But I had gathered everything I needed, and as I stood against the back wall or the aisle I waited for my would be killer to find me.
`` I can smell your fear...'' he said aloud. I shook my head. This guy. He'd been saying ominous things like that the entire time we've been trapped in here. The police had been tracking this guy for days and he holed himself up in here. Apparently, the police also know that I, the manager, was in here as well. They took it as a hostage situation and wanted to protect me by not doing anything rash. Little did they know that the criminal was actively trying to kill me regardless. Since I was positioned at the back of the store I had no chance to make a break for the entrance without being caught.
Eventually I saw a silhouette pass by my aisle. Even in the darkness I could see his long, knotted hair and the machete in his hand. Real innovator this guy. He turned into my aisle and saw me cowering at the back.
`` Nowhere to run now!'' He shrieked and began to walk towards me. It would be very grim and scary, but this man did n't understand the power of toys.
I knew the power of toys. I've worked here all my life. The first years I was a custodian, then I worked up front. Even as a child I spent a lot of my time here looking at the toys and playing. I was only twenty nine now, but this was my place to take care of now. And I was n't about to let some Jason knock off take me out on my turf.
*Step, step, * the man continued to walk forward. Right into my trap.
Too focused on being ominous, the killer kept walking forward. With all my strength, I heaved the giant bouncy ball I has beside me right at him. It hit with a great impact and with a *boing* it shot back to my hands. With years of experience, it was easy to make the catch The man was flung to his back and his machete flew from his hand. He looked startled to say the least. He rolled over to try and get back to his feet but as he began to push off the ground he cried out in pain. Scattered all over the floor were legos, metal parts and child sized darts. He carefully began to stand to his feet, slowly keeping away from the sharp points and edges of the toys. Just as he got to his feet and turned to me *boing*, the ball slammed into his face and sent him back to the floor.
`` God dammit!'' he cried out as he hit the ground and I flew past him. Quickly, as I did n't have much time before he got back up, I took the duct tape from my belt and taped a line from aisle to aisle just at ankle level. I taped over it thrice just as the maniac began rushing towards me. He ran into the tape, one ankle getting caught and causing him to fall face first into the ground. He swore again as he landed with a *smack*.
`` I'm going to kill y-'' he tried to say but another *boing* to the face cut him off. He screamed in what must have been a mixture of anger, frustration and confusion. I began to walk towards the door where the police no doubt where waiting. *And now, * I thought, and on cue the man pushed forward to stand up and get past the tape, causing the two aisles to fall over. I knew how unsteady my store was. Kids had knocked the aisles over and created disasters more than once. With a resounding crash the aisles fell over, covering the man in a variety of toys and boxes. His scream echoed once more as I exited my store with my hands up.
The police reported that after his trial in the store the killer had surrendered without any resistance. I was offered a medal for subduing and defeating the maniac.
Just another day at the job. My only concern was the mess to be cleaned up afterwards. It was a bit of work and we ended up having to start early the following day to get everything organized again, but business boomed. People flocked from all over to see the toy store that defeated the Machete Murderer.
All in all it was a pretty good week. Besides, I deal with maniacs everyday. They're called kids.
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[ WP ] `` Good morning . The other doctors and I do n't know how to tell you this but there is no time to wait . The results are back . You 're completely healthy ... except the next time you fall asleep , you will not wake up . We 're so sorry. ``
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No one knows what day really will be their last. Those with terminal illnesses know that they have a limited amount of time, those who are so old that they can not even breathe without assistance know that they have a limited amount of time. But no one knows exactly when that day will come, until it does.
I'm the exception, apparently, to the rule. I had what they call an aneurysm, `` a weakness in a blood vessel in the brain that balloons and fills with blood'' according to Mr. Google. I woke up this morning with three doctors standing over me with looks of utter disbelief on their faces.
`` I know you have a lot of questions, son, but first try and relax.'' `` Okay...'' I responded shakily. `` Where am I?'' The doctor seemed to be at a loss for words with that same stupid look on his face that was starting to irritate me. I looked to my right and saw my family staring at me. My mom and dad were holding each other with tears streaming down their faces, my fiancée shot out of her chair and got in the bed with me and laid there softly sobbing, and my other various relatives had varying degrees of disbelief and sadness on their faces as well.
`` What is going on???'' I asked forcefully. My fiancée buried her face into my chest as far as it would allow and whispered softly, `` we thought you were n't going to wake up.''
`` What do you mean?'' I asked, gentler now, `` what happened?''
She looked up at me with those blue-green eyes that I had fallen in love with the first day I met her in school and sobbed, `` you fell... you hit your head so hard and you would n't wake up.''
By this time the lead doctor had regained his ability to speak and told me what had been told to him by my Allyson and my family. He explained that I had seemingly passed out at my rehearsal dinner and could n't be revived. I was brought to the hospital where the team of surgeons, standing in front of me, had diagnosed the problem and `` fixed'' me that evening.
`` What we ca n't explain however, is that, despite you being perfectly healthy, you only have a limited time to live.'' he finished.
`` I do n't understand'' I started slowly, trying to process what I had been told. `` I'm completely healthy, but I'm going to die?''
`` Yes'' he responded.
`` When?'' I asked.
`` It appears, that when your body enters REM, it shuts down and does n't wake up'' he said.
I turned back to my parents. `` What day is it?'' I asked. `` The 20th baby'' my mom managed. My wedding day.
I looked down at the blonde head still buried in my chest, `` you okay darling?'' I asked. She laughed in spite of herself which just led to more crying and less talking. I was always the strong one in our relationship, she was the emotional one. We fit together in that quirky way that couples do and we worked. Yin and yang I guess you could say. We could n't have been more different yet after five years plus of being together, we were just as strong as any other couple.
I reached down and lifted her chin to face me and asked, `` you still wan na get married?''
She smiled and tearfully nodded.
I sat up and everyone in the room took a collective gasp. Not the `` oh shit'' kind of gasp you take on a near-miss, no this was the sucks all the air out of the room kind of gasp that only members of my family can somehow conjure.
I looked at them, `` y'all heard the Doc, let's get moving!''
I brushed past the team of doctors and asked the nearest nurse the way to the chapel. She pointed off to my right and I took my fiancée into that chapel and had the chaplain marry us right then and there.
I glanced back to my now mother-in-law and asked, `` what time is it?''
She looked at her phone, `` quarter to eleven at night'' she said.
`` Fantastic!'' I exclaimed. `` We leave in three hours for the airport.''
`` What?!'' My fiancée blurted. `` What?'' I asked, a bit confused. `` You think I'm not going to go on the honeymoon that I just dropped six grand on getting us?''
She looked at me incredulously, `` you ca n't fly like this... can he?'' She was looking back at the doctor now.
`` He should have no issues as far as we can tell'' he muttered.
`` That settles it then'' I said, `` I'm going to die in St. Lucia and that'll be the end of the discussion!''
One of our main differences was in how stubborn I could be. When I wanted to do something, I did it. I did n't just deliberately do things out of spite but one of the core things we based our relationship off of was not trying to control the other person in the relationship.
I looked to my mom and dad who, had n't let go of each other since I woke up, and smiled at them. It was funny because they had been divorced for so long that seeing them hold each other like that was like seeing a memory from my childhood. Being the oldest of three I was able to remember some things about them being married and most of those memories were n't the most pleasant.
I looked at them both for what seemed like ages and asked softly `` would you mind if I took my wife on our honeymoon and spent my last day with her?''
My mom smiled back in only the way that a mother can and said `` of course baby, I love you so much.''
I hugged her and dad for what would be the last time and looked to my brother and sister. `` I love you both so much, I ca n't wait to see what your lives become and how happy you both will be.''
I turned to my now in-laws, `` would either of you be opposed to my taking your daughter on our honeymoon?'' They both simply shook their heads that they would n't and we embraced.
`` Thank you both so much for bringing the love of my life into this world and allowing me this brief time with her.'' They continued to smile tearfully and her father barely managed a `` you're welcome.''
I turned one last time to the rest of my family, grabbed my wife's hand and said `` I hope none of you feel as if I am trying to steal any remaining time with you away by doing this, you all are so precious to me and I hope that I have been as much to you in my 25 years with you. I love you all and ask that you not mourn, but celebrate, should what the doctors tell me is true.''
The ride to the airport was uneventful, most rides to the airport at three o'clock in the morning on a Sunday are. The whole ride there I was thinking back over all of my life and wondering what could have led to this. I was n't overly religious so I did n't try to blame God or the Devil, I was n't exactly a believer in predestination, so I resigned myself to the old saying `` it is what it is.''
The whole trip to St. Lucia took all of eight hours and we found ourselves in our beachfront hotel room staring at each other.
`` Do you wan na go to the beach?'' I smirked. She nodded.
We sat on the beach for what seemed like hours. She snoozed for a while, I read my Kindle and stared at her.
Just as the sun set behind the ocean we got up, headed back to our room, showered, and headed to dinner.
We ate at one of the restaurants at the resort and ordered almost one of everything. ( It was an all-inclusive so why not? I already paid for it right? ) We laughed and drank and she seemed to forget all about the events of the last 36 hours. All the while I sat and memorized every feature of her face. I had never died before and I wanted to make sure that if I kept my memories, that hers would be the clearest. She seemed to realize this and stared back. We sat there forever until we were forced to leave by the staff. We walked back to our room along the beach holding hands and trying to go as slow as possible.
When we got back I picked her up and carried her across the threshold and laid her gently in the bed. `` I love you,'' I whispered. `` I love you too'' she responded.
I leaned into her and kissed her as deeply and as passionately as I could. It was the kind of kiss that combines a lifetime of kisses into one final kiss and conveys the wants, needs, and desires to your partner. I knew that I would never kiss her again and that drove me even further and deeper into her. Her kiss back was every bit as fierce and primal but with a hunger that would never be satiated no matter how long I had left on this earth.
I sat on the edge of the bed watching her breast rise and fall gently with each even breath she took. Her skin flickered with the fire and her hair cascaded down her naked back like a river of molten gold.
I etched that in with the memories of her face from earlier, snuggled up behind her, and closed my eyes.
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[ WP ] A serial killer wakes up to find themself in a zombie apocalypse . Give me his/her story .
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I had methods. I had plans. I reveled in making the high-and-mighty beg for mercy inches away from my blade. No riches or power could stop me as I poured their viscera upon countless floors, watching the vigor fade from their eyes. Their whole empire of corruption and deceit, vanished from the world while i sat there, smiling with child-like glee.
Slice to the gut, stab to the heart.
They said i was a monster. The `` Equity Exterminator'' as some called me. A man out for vengeance against the way things were. And in a way, they were right. I sat for ***YEARS***, observing the public crumble under medical debt, financial ruin, starvation and the notion that your life'mattered' to some fatass making a month's wages in twenty minutes.
Slice to the gut, stab to the heart.
Each time was different. Maybe it was some cutthroat businesswoman who just lowered wages so she could finance her fourth divorce with child six in tow. Other times it was old money men taking potshots at the world for a laugh. Each death was the same.
Slice to the gut, stab to the heart.
Watching TV reporters and newscasters stumble and question who could have done these'atrocities' was the pinnacle of entertainment. All those years of college learning, and they still did n't understand things were wrong. Or they were paid to keep their mouth quiet. It was the most orgasmic elation to deal justice when the courts and the laws and the general public did n't have the mettle to do.
Slice to the gut, stab to the heart.
Now, it did n't matter. The rich and the poor, the haves and have-nots were all huddled together, trying to survive the madness. The reanimated hammered against the barely reinforced door. They were n't really'dead' like the movies made them out to be. They died like every other person. It was their numbers that made it dangerous.
Slice to the gut, stab to the heart.
It used to MATTER when I did it. It was a sign that things would *CHANGE*. Or at bare minimum, a warning to change before it got worse. Now, it was a trivial survival challenge. There was no satisfaction of leaving your mark. It was only to keep your head above water.
Slice to the gut, stab to the heart.
Some knew who I was before the madness started. They kept their distance. It did n't matter anymore. It was now my job to keep them safe from this new evil.
The system had changed, and my actions did nothing.
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[ WP ] A tweenage boy notices his older sister sneaking out , follows her , and discovers her witch coven . Write about the deal he makes to remain alive after seeing their ritual .
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I was expecting better blackmail material when I followed my sister Cassandra on equinox. Instead, I got a lot more than I bargained for. I ca n't describe what I saw there; she'd kill me as easily as she skinned the neighbor's dog with her friends. ( God, I ca n't believe I thought some of them were hot once ).
This could've been great blackmail material, if anyone believed me. I managed to sneak away -- apparently whatever demon they summoned had a sense of humor or just did n't care -- but there was no one to turn to. I tried bringing it up with my father.
`` Dad,'' I said, `` Is magic real?''
He laughed. `` Come on. You're thirteen. Of course it's not real!''
`` So... if I saw someone sacrificing a dog and summoning a demon...''
He smiled, but he asked, `` What, a demon? What did it look like?''
I could tell that his jocularity was a facade. His eyes were narrowed very slightly, his old twisted nose twitching slightly.
`` Um, a red deer with wings.''
He paled. `` Well,'' he said, trying to keep his voice steady, `` I would n't be surprised if you were just imagining things, but...''
He pulled open a cabinet and gave me a crossbow.
`` Dad,'' I said, `` I'm thirteen.''
`` It's fine, it's silver'' he said. `` This is more important than mundane law. But you promise me one thing. The next time you think you see a demon being summoned, shoot it. Shoot it and its summoner. Do n't even try to negotiate.''
Well, I was n't going to for obvious reasons, so I looked up a few things online ( thanks wikipedia! ). A few weeks passed with nothing happening, but then Cassandra snuck out on Halloween.
She met with her coven, had some sort of triangle on the ground, and she threw a packet of blood into it. This time, she did n't sacrifice anything, though I wondered if she had robbed a blood bank.
The blood boiled into a red mist, and the deer with wings appeared again. Cassandra said, `` O mighty Furfur, I have fulfilled the terms of our agreement. Now, give me knowledge unknown and divine.''
The deer spoke. I ca n't describe his voice. It does n't really matter anyways. `` Your brother,'' he said, `` is watching you.''
I shot the deer, but my hand trembled when I pointed it at Cassandra's face. `` Omigods! Samuel!'' she said. `` What are you doing here? Why do you have that?''
I could n't say anything.
`` You're not going to shoot me. It would n't hurt me anyways.''
`` It's silver.''
She paled. `` No. No, no, no! How do you know about that?''
`` Dad.''
Her eyes were pleading, almost desperate. Her friends had no idea what was going on, which was a blessing. This was a family matter.
`` You ca n't tell him. You ca n't! This is why mom left, and I'm just trying to get a boyfriend.''
I looked her in the eye, crossbow still in hand, thinking for just a moment. Dad had said not to negotiate, but he'd also said magic was fake. He'd also said to shoot on sight, and I doubt he'd have wanted me to do that in this case. There was potential here, potential I would n't deny. `` You're trying to get a boyfriend through consorting with demons?'' I asked.
Her eyes shifted. `` Maybe.''
`` Can you... get me a girlfriend?''
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[ WP ] All of the major organs in your body are sentient beings . Every morning they have a council meeting to discuss the previous day and make new plans . The Brain presides as leader .
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`` Gentlemen, we have urgent business to discuss.'' Brain said with a commanding tone. `` Lungs, heart and liver ca n't work properly when you are behaving like this. Yesterday we had to take a break in the middle of the stairs, and the day before that we did n't even get out of bed.''
`` Indeed.'' Heart replied. I have to work twice as hard to pump the same amount of blood. Legs have to do some work too.''
`` But guuuuuuuys'' Legs complained. `` This sofa is so comfy!''
`` I do n't care, you're making this harder for all of us. Just go for a walk, it ca n't be so hard.'' Lungs pleaded.
`` Screw you guys! I'm not going anywhere!
Brain sighed. `` Arms, how about some pushups?''
`` Too busy holding this bowl of cheetos, bro.''
`` We ca n't go on like this!'' Brain said angrily. `` Soon we'll have to use a scooter to get to the bathroom!''
`` Good.'' Legs said. `` Less work for me.''
`` Speaking of which...'' Anus chimed in.
`` Not now, Anus.''
`` No but seriously, let's go'' Bladder said.
`` Fine.'' Brain sighed. `` Come on legs, take one for the team.''
`` Allright, but that's it for today.''
`` Oh jesus, a lego!'' Feet yelled.
`` AAAARGH''
`` Heart! What happened?'' Brain yelled.
`` Too much...''
`` Oh god, Heart is gone!'' Lungs screamed. `` This is your fault, Legs!''
`` Do n't blame me, It was you who smoked all those cigarettes.'''
`` Bloody hell, I'm giving up.'' Brain exclaimed.
And so they gave up.
I'm new to this sub, also english is n't my first language, so constructive critisism is welcome!: D
I also noticed I did n't follow the prompt exactly so I hope you can forgive me.
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[ WP ] It was discovered that the internet has a MASTER FULL RESET button . 4 months ago it was pushed
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At first, it was bad. Real bad.
Imagine every single important, secure connection in our world being completely severed. Every ounce of social media, news, and information once at our fingertips just suddenly yanked away from our grasp. Even TV and phone services were cut due to their reliance on our cyber infrastructure.
Naturally, complete pandemonium ensued.
No one could contact their loved ones. No one could contact emergency services. Which initially led to a striking amount of vandalism worldwide with no one able to report anything quickly. Humanity was afraid of the world turning into the Wild West.
Cable companies, such as Comcast, Verizon, and others had no idea what had actually transpired for the first month or so. No one could call for assistance with their connections, and no one could shoot them an email. They noticed nothing but a massive drop in web traffic. With no way to contact them, people had no way to give information about their troubles. So, people did the only thing they could to bring their troubles to their attention. They went to the front doors of these companies, and asked for assistance. By the millions.
And then, Comcast pulled a scumbag move.
Comcast and NBC learned how to fix their connections first. The problem was, *nobody knew what the problem with the connection was in the first place. * So, Comcast and NBC decided to profit a little from this situation.
Comcast decided to charge an exorbitant amount to fix the Internet connection — for one household. At first, it worked. Comcast was raking in massive amounts of cash from wealthier families who wanted their Twitter accounts back.
Unfortunately for them, they forgot that most of the crowds in their lobbies were desperate, middle-class people, hungry to be connected to the world once more. And so, the crowds rioted.
Comcast buildings across America were trashed within two weeks.
With the connections broken more than ever, Verizon decided to move into regions that Comcast once had a hold over. Thanks to the now-destroyed Comcast centers across America, Verizon was able to procure the secret to restoring the connections. Moving more intelligently, they decided to provide the renewal services for free.
America was back online after two months.
As the Internet connection was slowly restored, we learned that none of the actual information on the web was destroyed. It was only the networks connecting one server to another that were destroyed. And thus, the world was almost back to normal, none worse the wear for it.
About fifteen days later, once we were all able to send and receive information, the world learned that the entire network was actually simply blocked by a single malicious worm program that spread like wildfire through systems worldwide completely undetected as a group of extra bytes that just suddenly blocked off all connections at once, like a hyper-efficient firewall. After tracking the spread of this virus, it turned out that it originated in a Comcast server farm. The former CEO of Comcast, who had gone into hiding, called a press conference for a half-hour to say that this whole fiasco must have been caused by a disgruntled employee.
Well, he was half-right. It was caused by a disgruntled customer.
Ai n't nobody fucks with how much data I can download in a month.
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[ WP ] intergalactic territory disputes are settled by designated champions fighting to the death in unarmed combat on the disputed territory , amongst aliens with stingers and claws , venoms and horns , humans are the most feared .
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To be unique is taken for granted. If something has occurred once, it has probably occurred twice, and it's the same for planets. Habitable planets rarely form alone. When they do, the result is scary. Without another species to have a rivalry with, to fight and eventually intermingle with, a species can fester. It's the same with individuals of a species. If an individual believes themselves to be the only intelligent being on a planet, the results are never pretty. If a species thinks they are the only species in the universe for too long, the results are worse.
This is exactly what happened to humanity, originally of planet Earth. They thought themselves alone in the universe for longer than anyone else that has ever been told otherwise. When they were discovered, they were still left alone, out of fear that they might react *unconventionally* to the news of their unoriginality. This was seen as cruel, however, and some small group of activist alerted them anyways. Damn Hippies. If they had just listened to reason we would n't be in this mess.
There awareness has proven far worse than we could have imagined. They have no honor, but they are very good at pretending otherwise. This duplicity can only have been bread by their extensive isolation. They have a strange fascination with themselves, locked in a room with only themselves to contemplate has left them incapable of being interested in anything else, at least of understanding anything else.
This was not proven, but still everyone had already guessed, until they entered their first land dispute. They had no right to the planet they were claiming, it was very clearly in Alpha Centurion's territory. They sent representatives to fight it out on the planet, the Centurions sending a young man with large claws, and horns that revealed some Alpha Crucis blood. The humans sent over a freak of a man, clearly chemically aided, probably genetically modified ( something that is n't even legal in their galaxy ), and clearly barely able to think past the blood lust. God knows what they had been doing to that thing.
The planet they fought on was ice cold, way colder than anything even fathomable on Earth, I do n't even think they wanted it that bad, they just wanted to see how bad they could destroy another planet's champion. The champions entered the field they had decided on, and the freak of a man was n't even wearing a coat. The Centurion had on a wool sweater that even his Mom had to have thought was a bad idea.
There is usually a circling at the beginning of a land dispute, but the freak could not be contained. He charged right at the Centurion, and went straight for it's leg. The Centurion had been expecting an upper body attack and had blocked instinctively in the face of that terror. The freak then ripped its left leg clean off of its body. The centurion immediately lost balance, and fell over. He began to signal that he could not continue, tapping away at the ground, when the freak ripped it's claw off. It was a bloodbath that did n't stop until there was nothing left to rip to shreds. Even the most strong stomached of Centurions had looked away far before it was over, the weak stomached had all but fainted.
That was when the fundamental difference about humans was discovered. They had televised it. It was all a game to them. Millions of human's had been watching from home, been glued to there televisions in some sort of freakish pride in their own brutality. I do n't know why they even felt kinship with that freak on the battleground anyway. That thing resembled a human about as much as a centurion.
Since then most species do n't even enter disputes with humans anymore, some would say for the better. The practice was a bit barbaric anyways. Every species also always has their eye on humanity, the way you might keep your eye on an insane person in the subway that you're worried might murder you and have their way with your corpse.
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[ WP ] Of all spacefaring species , only humans can use magic
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'We need to do something about these humans. This magic which they wield is too strong to be left unchecked.' The Admiral of the Andromedan fleet proclaimed, closing the video down.
'What are we to do Admiral? They can summon objects from thin air and disappear and reappear without us knowing. It defies belief, this magic.' The General replied, flabbergasted by the scenes he had just seen.
'We need to steal some of their equipment. If we can gain access to something from their arsenal, we can surely discover their secrets.' The Chancellor of Science said, sketching some of the humans' magical items.
'But what to steal? Their arsenal of magical relics is so vast. Do we steal the animal containment helmet or the rending box?' The Admiral asked, looking back at the video.
'No, I say we steal the magic interface stick. It seems to be the source of their power, the way they make the card we're looking for come to the top of the pile, or the balls to appear under the cup.' The Chancellor replied, enamoured by the humans' technology.
'You're both wrong. I say we steal the rings of binding. They can stick together and then suddenly be separate. It is a complete marvel!' The General answered. The group began to argue, unsure of which magical item to pilfer from these tricksy humans. Their arguing was interrupted by the Spymaster, who had found a lead.
'I believe I have found a way. The humans, in their arrogance, sell magic kits to their young in order to teach them their secrets. It contains all of the items we fear. If we master these relics, the human race can not hope to threaten us.' the Spymaster said, showing a hologram of this magic kit.
'My god man! They would give this power to their children! They truly are ruthless.' The Admiral replied.
'Secure one of the kits Spymaster. Once you have it, I will start training my greatest warriors in the ways of magic. We will have our soldiers summoning creatures from thin air and guessing cards correctly in no time.' The General stated, his plan coming together.
'This meeting is adjourned then. We will become masters of this magic, and all will tremble at our ability to conjure currency from behind peoples' ears.' The Chancellor announced, saluting the others. They all saluted back and filtered out of the room, except the Spymaster. Checking that all had left the room, he clicked back on the view screen. He would learn how those two master magicians caught that bullet, even if it killed him.
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[ IP ] create a story off this image .
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The crumbling ruins of a society lost surrounded them, seeming to cry out with the ghosts of everyone who'd ever lived there'Turn back!'.
The group pressed on.
These monolithic towers that blocked out the sun were scarred from war and the ages. How long had it been since someone had lived here? How long since someone had even walked on this ground, or gazed upon the last vestige of human civilization on this side of the world?
No one in the group could have answered such a question, certainly none of them had ever penetrated this far into the Old City. None of them really knew what to expect. None of them much cared.
To tread in the Old City is to tread in the footsteps of a god, the old man had chided them, and now- standing in the middle of this metal and stone jungle, they realized the true enormity of those words. Of the very task set before them.
It took five days from the edge of the city to reach its dark heart. Five days without seeing any animals but birds, with no water but what they brought, with no rain in the sky or cool breeze in the air. Five days of being suffocated by the ever constricting city around them.
But on the sixth, as the sun rose weakly in the distance and the city began to go from black to grey, they found it: the ancient house of knowledge. It looked like an egg, only somehow segmented into six-sided squares, like armor or glass. The orb was barely a fraction of the height of the city around it, but it still towered above the group as they approached. Like a broken shell the outermost layer of panels was cracked and falling to pieces, and from these cracks came tendrils of plant matter that appeared to have stretched into the area around the orb, until finally spiraling upwards into a tree that would look more at home on the Savannah than here in a city.
The group set up camp in the warm shadow of that white orb, all too stunned to dare enter it. None were so superstitious to think that some uncontrollable force dwelled within, waiting to vaporize them, but there was not a soul there that did not feel the pure energy radiating from it, and though no one said anything they could all hear it: soft and sweet, a song poured forth from that place. Like a chorus of angels it filled them each with such a light that they dared not open that orb yet, for fear the voices would stop.
So for a night they camp near the orb, and dream dreams of the old world, and of a soft sweet song just for them. When they awaken the singing is done, and they have never felt so rested in their lives.
They finally make their way into the orb around one in the afternoon, popping open the only door with ease. Inside is machinery that has long died. Not a single light glows, not a single button press yields results, but the machinery is not all there is.
The orb itself is split into four distinct areas, the control room, storage, sterile storage, and the Library. From the storage they gather water and food, from the library they take every book they can find- one in particular strikes their interest, covered in pictures of leaves and plants but written in a language they've never encountered. But the greatest wealth of all comes from the sterile storage.
This place was a vault of the Old City. They did not lock away their treasures, they did n't take their gold and their silver and their honey and lock it away forever, nor did they build some secret bunker- their vault was one of knowledge. A seed embedded in the corpse of the Old World, so that a new one might begin.
They find seeds. From plants all across the world, gathered in this one place. Pumkin seeds, corn seeds, seeds for cotton and seeds for wheat. Seeds for things the group had never imagined seeing, and for things they'd never dreamed of being able to cultivate- they took them all. Every single seed, labeled and carefully stored.
Only one type of seed was gone, its contents having spilled over and grown to its full. The seed of a savannah tree, its drawer ripped open labeled'Baobab; Tree of Life'.
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[ WP ] Pyromancers burn their enemies . Necromancers raise the dead to do their bidding . And you ? Well , you 're a biomancer . Your magic involves a lot more squick ... and tentacles .
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I closed my eyes and waited for the attack.
I reached out with my senses and the world shimmered around me. I counted six roaches, three rats, fifteen spiders and a rattlesnake within my immediate vicinity, and a myriad of other insects and smaller organisms in a radius stretching out for two kilometres beyond the confines of my cave. Slivers of my brain tissue lay surreptitiously in the nooks and crannies of the craggy grey-scaped rocks, extending my range and perception far beyond what I could see. Biomancy takes time and preparation. I was prepared.
Heat licked the edges of my perception and my neural network started to shrink as brain tissue burst into flame. Typical Pyromancer; walls of flame were intimidating but had no finesse and gave away their position. My burning brains tracked their steady progress towards me.
I knew what I was up against. Biomancer hit teams always had a Pyromancer, a Terramancer, two Aeromancers and a Necromancer. They used to send Aquamancers with the team, hidden inside roaring torrents of rain. That didn ’ t work. There ’ s just so much pliable biomass in water that I used to grow tentacles from bottles as a party trick. Most Aquamancers died before they could scream. They know better than to use them now.
I pushed with my will and my Children ran out from the mouth of the cave. Twelve of them. Humanoid in shape. Each built with muscle and sinew and jagged protruding bones, and flooded with adrenaline, cortisol and amphetamines. Each had the face of a five year old child. I did love psychological warfare. They charged and leaped at the hit team, now running in a diamond behind a roaring wall of incandescent flame. Ten didn ’ t make it and fell burning. Two broke through, tearing at the lead Aeromancer with teeth and claws. The Aeromancer fell with a cry and the children were blasted to shreds by a combination of azure fire and heavy rocks. I let out a sigh of relief I didn ’ t know I was holding in. One down, four to go.
The team burst through the mouth of the cave. I stayed low behind a couple of stalagmites. If the Aeromancer caught a glimpse of me he would pump oxygen through my nostrils and the Pyromancer would throw a spark. Instant shish kebab. Not a nice way to go.
I started running interference, trying to shut down their sight and hearing. That was difficult; I needed to be really close to really strike them deaf and blind. My powers were based on proximity. But at present they needed to squint to see and strain to hear anything.
I felt a subsonic rumble and a rush of air. Dammit. They ’ re getting smarter. Instead of charging into my ambush, the Terramancer was collapsing the cave behind me, and the Aeromancer was pumping fresh air into the cave for a Pyromancer firebomb. Scorched Earth, I thought and would have giggled if I wasn ’ t so nervous.
I licked my lips and steadied myself. I spiked my adrenaline and physical senses. I had done my homework. My two hearts, one in my chest and one where my left kidney used to be pounded blood through my body. I gathered all my will and with a supreme effort, flooded the Pyromancer ’ s body with morphine. He stumbled and fell, eyes rolling up the back of his head.
I charged on muscle bound legs and unsheathed my sword. The Terramancer saw me coming and shouted a warning. Rocks grew around me, threatening to encase me and root me to the ground. My wrist blurred and I flicked a dagger at him but the surviving Aeromancer tossed it aside with a stray gust of wind. But that was all I needed. I was close enough. I struck them blind and overloaded their nerves and pain receptors for good measure. The Aeromancer and Geomancer fell howling in pain. The Necromancer remained standing. His face was a rictus of pain and desperation, and his emancipated body was doubled over in agony. I approached with caution. Never let down your guard when fighting a a Necromancer. They don ’ t play fair. This one might have rigged his body to keep fighting after his death.
By then, he had fallen to his knees and was scrabbling at the ground. I crept closer and prepared to sever his head with one clean stroke of my sword. He crawled around in apparent desperation. His hand seized the Pyromancer ’ s head and he cried out in triumph. He pulled a dagger from his robe, drove the knife into the Pyromancer ’ s eye, and dropped flat on the ground. What? I thought blankly before a rush of flame enveloped me in searing heat, burning through my carefully crafted body. Bloody Necromancer killed his teammate for his pyromancy. I screamed in desperation and pain, trying to shut down my nerve endings but I couldn ’ t concentrate. I fell to the ground as a charred cinder.
Not all was lost. The Necromancer was exhausted and his team was incapacitated. If I regrew my limbs before they came to, I might still escape. I concentrated. No, limbs were too complex. Maybe tentacles instead.
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