critiquaire 1 for @ prishaJuni

hello! first of all, i want to say that your writing is amazing! i tried to point out as much as i could, i just hope im not being too picky <33

Lily stood backstage, knees trembling under the folds of her velvet dress. It was uncomfortably tight, but Lily had been adamant on not spending any more money than they already had. Dahlia had helped her with her makeup, insisting that she should look her best.

Lily stared at herself in the mirror, gaping at the stranger staring back. The makeup was caking on her cheeks, making her look like a granite statue. Her ugly black hair was askew everywhere.

Lily’s lip trembled as she took in herself. She was thin and pale and broken and scarred.

She would never be beautiful.

I liked the opening a lot! We get to know Lily immediately, and how she’s self conscious and doesn’t think she’s pretty. For me, having three paragraphs starting with “Lily” felt rather choppy and eliminated the smooth transition. I do like how you described her appearance though

The tears came easily, spilling down her cheeks in waterfalls. The makeup washed away, dripping down her neck.

This was what she really was. A scared, ugly little girl.

And now everyone would see that.

What had she been thinking? That she would win first place?

Poor Lily ahhh, I really like how you’ve been showcasing her nervousness and state so far. A suggestion I have is to maybe add a peek into her thoughts: is there a specific reason as to why she’s like this? It’d be interesting to see. And also, the one liners seem a bit too much, and by that I mean that they could be put together in a paragraph so it flows a little better? I hope I’m making sense haha.

“What are you doing?” asked Dahlia, rushing towards her. Upon seeing Lily, her alarmed expression morphed into one of pity, gently wiping away her tears with a cloth.

“It’s okay. Breathe with me, Lily. In and out. In and out.”

Lily hiccuped and nodded, her despair replaced with crippling shame.

“I’m sorry,” she hiccuped. “I’m ruining everything. How will we perform?”

“It’s okay. I’ll make it work. You just calm down, kay?”

Also we stan Dahlia, what an icon <3 Anyway! I like this section, especially the parts describing the facial expressions going on here. Just a small thing, the “kay” part should have a apostrophe before it (‘kay).

Lily nodded again, watching Dahlia leave and talk to the announcer. She stared at herself again, dragging the comb through her hair. The tangles slowly disappeared, soothing Lily.

She looked in the mirror a final time, trying to convince herself that she looked better. It didn’t work, but it passed the time.

Dahlia came back, looking at Lily and giving her a nod of approval.

“I’ll put a little bit more makeup on you, but not too much. I put on too much last time, didn’t I?”

Lily nodded. Much to her relief, her hiccups had disappeared.

Dahlia began to work her magic once again, dabbing creams and powders on her cheeks with expertise. Lily couldn’t recognize any of the products, but she certainly looked better after Dahlia was done.

“Thank you.” Lily’s voice was barely a whisper, but she knew that Dahlia heard it.

“We’re the third-to-last going on stage.”

Lily nodded.

She hoped Hawthorn wouldn’t be too mad about her decision.

She would take the blame for it, she decided. She had to support her family in any way possible—after all, she couldn’t be more of a burden than she already was.

I love how you’re showing and not telling, and even though this is an excerpt, I somewhat know what’s going on. My only thing is that in the first paragraph, you don’t need Lily’s name at the end, just replace it with “her” to make it smoother <3

basically the rest of the story lol, i dont wanna copy paste the entire thing. i had nothing specific to note here, which is really good! so im just gonna summarize the main issues of the story for me

My main “issue” for me is how you’re kind of just mentioning names without, like, any background information. For me, it feels like these are supposed to be important characters, but for me as the reader, they seem like they’re just random characters. I’m not saying they need to be round characters, they can still be flat while still having some traits to them. For example, this Abel person, I have no idea what to think of them. Maybe a mentor figure? I have no idea. This also applies to that Hawthorn character.

What also got me was how Lily and Liaxe’s POV felt almost entirely disconnected. I almost thought I was reading a different story when I got to Liaxe’s part, because to me it was like Lily lived in normal universe, and Liaxe lived in a fantasy world.

I guess what I’m trying to say is flat characters are perfectly fine, but if you make them too flat, then they seem really unnecessary to the story <3 But other than that, I really liked this! I hope I haven’t been too picky haha, I’m not that good at critiqueaires <3

(436 words)

writing comp entry (fanfiction)
fandom: bungou stray dogs

—

revenge, the perfect weapon (i used to carve your name)

—

“Revenge is a destructive, yet perfect weapon.” At least, that’s how you described it.

I told you, “Revenge is for fools. If we have justice, then we don’t need revenge.”

And then you laughed.

–

The mission was clear. One Order, the weapon that the Armed Detective Agency, the terrorists, so desperately craved, would be arriving in Japan’s airspace on an unidentified aircraft. All we had to do was intercept the plane and keep the most devastating man-made weapon from falling into murderous hands.

“Teruko, cover Runway W with Tecchou.” The Commander’s voice echoed through my radio. “Jouno, meet me near the South Gate.”

Teruko frowned as soon as she heard her assignment, like a child trying to hide her jealousy, unironically. Her ability to switch ages was a confusing one. So was her obsession with Fukuchi. “Yes sir!”

She then turned to us. “One Order cannot reach the agency, at all costs. I imagine that some of their members are hiding in plain sight. Don’t be cowards and keep your eyes peeled.”

“Strong words coming from a little girl with a silly crush on our leader,” Jouno sighed.

Teruko could have stabbed him right there and then, because of course she had her sword on her. But the crowds of people just staring at us, wondering why the military police were here, was enough to deter her. So she muttered a brief “shut up” and walked away.

Jouno whistled in amusement. “Well Tecchou? You’re supposed to be going with her.”

“I’ll wait for her to calm down. Tachihara’s the one that deals with temper tantrums, not me.”

“Sure. He can calm her down from the grave.”

I glared at him. “Shut up. He isn’t-”

“He’s dead Tecchou,” Jouno interrupted me with a calm look on his face. “You heard what Fukuchi said. The Armed Detective Agency didn’t even give him a chance.”

“… Tachihara trusted the agency. Are you saying his trust was misplaced?” I asked, already knowing what the answer was.

“Are you doubting Fukuchi?”

“We never saw the body.”

“The agency killed him,” Jouno repeated with a grim look on his face. Despite how calm he usually looked, he could never hide the impact these types of things had on him. Not to me. “He placed his faith in their innocence and was proven wrong. It's not our fault that he decided to go on his own little side investigation.”

“We were never told the results of that investigation, were we?”

“Tachihara's death is the result. That's why we can't let it go to waste.”

“There will be justice once we arrest the agency,” I told him.

The words fall on deaf ears. “Justice cannot do what revenge can. We can’t remain on the defensive side.”

My eyes widened. “We can’t kill them.”

“Did they give Tachihara that option?”

“We don’t know-”

“It’s Fukuchi’s word. The agency is responsible for Tachihara’s death,” Jouno snapped, clearly irked. “And as a Hunting Dog, I will hunt the agency down and get revenge. So stop believing in stupid things like justice. Justice doesn’t exist in this world.”

“Tachihara would have begged to differ,” I said harshly. “Revenge is for people like you.”

“Revenge is a destructive, yet perfect weapon.”

“Revenge is for fools. If we have justice, then we don’t need revenge.”

A smile broke out on his face. Then he laughed, he laughed so loud that it could have been an announcement, a declaration. The obvious hints of sarcasm and disbelief in such a hideous laugh agitated me. It was haunting.

Exactly the way Jouno wanted it to be.

—-

“Attention Flight 404, Mission Control confirms that you’ll be landing on North Runway W.”

“Clear, preparing for landing.”

Mission Control's messages to the pilot showed no sign of interference from the terrorists. The aircraft was just within sight. In just a few moments, it would touch down on the runway, bringing One Order into Japanese territory.

“Can you believe it Tecchou?” Teruko reclined against the passenger seat. “They’re really giving a mind-controlling weapon to the Commander. After that, the detective agency’s vampires will be nothing against the world’s military forces.”

“But why did the United Nations decide to give it to Fukuchi?” I asked, looking at the plane approaching the airport. The view from the truck was perfect in order to spot any incoming threats.

“Who really cares? All I know is that the Commander is the most admirable, courageous and self-sacrificing man I’ve ever met,” Teruko’s eyes sparkled as she drifted off into Fantasyland once more. “And if anyone should control the world’s army, it’s him.”

“He’s thirty years older than you.”

“Do you want me to kill you?”

Another message came in through the radio. Not a pleasant one.

“Flight 404, what is the situation on board? Flight 404?”

“Help-! …vampires! Abort-”

The radio cut off. And the sky was rocked with flashes of white, red and yellow, the plane instantly brought down by about two hundred feet.. Teruko and I immediately exchanged glances.

“Finally, some action!”

Teruko stepped on the gas, and soon we were driving straight towards the rapidly descending plane. “Slice it into pieces, Tecchou!”

I kicked open a hole in the roof and jumped outside, sword in hand. The truck gained speed as Teruko gunned straight towards the burning plane, until we were just underneath it. I unsheathed my sword.

“Ability. Plum Blossoms in the Snow.”

My sword came alive instantly, extending into the sky and wrapping around the plane tightly. Tight enough for the plane to break into multiple pieces, assuring not only the death of any threat onboard, but the safety of the world.

The truck came to a fierce halt. I looked behind me, watching the parts of the aircraft crash onto the runway. In the middle of the chaos was Fukuchi.

In his arms he held the box containing One Order.

He stood alone.

Why was he alone?

“Hurray! You did it Commander!” Teruko jumped out of the and ran towards Fukuchi. “The world is saved!”

Fukuchi turned towards us. I could see the fire raging in his eyes, his grip tightening on the box. “There’s a seal.”

“What?” Teruko exclaimed. “Those rotten terrorists! They sealed the weapon by using an ability!”

“No, the agency caused the explosion, but they did not seal One Order,” Fukuchi interjected. “It can only be sealed by a specific ability user in the United Nations. Meaning, they purposefully sealed it.”

Suddenly, Fukuchi threw the box down in fury. “The Armed Detective Agency must have intercepted the plan. They convinced the U.N not to unseal One Order until the vampires officially begin their strike. We’ve been bested.”

“Commander, isn't that a good thing?” I asked suddenly. “The vampire outbreak only just began, but there’s been no reports of any attacks. The terrorists only want One Order in order to prevent the military from winning against them.”

“Are you talking back to the Commander?” Teruko yelled. “Are you insane?”

I ignored her. “If the terrorists were to attack now, it would greatly inconvenience them, as the seal would break and they lose. If they try to take One Order from us, it would be foolish. So why would the detective agency seal off the one thing they need?”

Fukuchi glared at me, with an intimidating smile on his face. “Are you implying something officer?”

“Have we ever considered the possibility that Tachihara was right? That the Armed Detective Agency is innocent?”

The silene was deafening. I knew that nearly everything was against my resolve. Fukuchi, his loyal dog Teruko, the real terrorists, and maybe even the world. But to me, and to Tachihara, everything made sense.

“You have a very commendable sense of justice, Tecchou,” Fukuchi nodded, despite Teruko burning with anger beside. “I wish Jouno was able to see it.”

I couldn’t move. His laughter flashed in my mind.

“What?” It was all I could manage to say.

“Jouno wondered why your sense of justice was so strong yet blind,” Fukuchi continued. “Your words right now would have proven his point.”

“Where’s Jouno?”

“Although he would have disagreed-”

“Fukuchi, where’s Jouno?”

Teruko unsheathed her sword. “That’s Commander to you.”

“Shut up!” I snapped. “Where the hell is Jouno?!”

Fukuchi bowed his head at that moment, taking a deep breath. “I knew you wouldn’t take it so well. Contrary to what you said before, there has been an attack. Jouno and I were ambushed by vampires. Officer Jouno fought valiantly.”

“No. That isn’t true.”

“He’s missing in action. The vampires dragged him away.”

“You were there,” I seethed. “You didn’t save him.”

“Use your brain,” Fukuchi sighed. “Do you think really Jouno would let me choose him over the safety of the world? You know the answer better than anyone.”

“It’s those terrorists!” Teruko cried. “First Tachihara, and now Jouno! How could we let them do this?!”

I took out my blade once more. “You said they’re hiding in the airport, yes?”

“Are you doubting the words of your Commander?” Fukuchi asked.

I didn’t answer. I walked off, with Jouno’s laughter ringing in my ears.

—-

They’re just children, but brave ones. And terrorists.

The red haired girl carried the bottomless King of Vampires, Bram Stoker, like a backpack. Next to her was a blond boy in overalls who reeked of soil. As vampires attacked him, he tossed them aside like pillows. A strength - based ability user.

A mindless terrorist.

“…Mr. Headless Vampire, since you like farming, you know that sometimes sheep will be followed by wolves, right?”

I pointed my sword directly at the boy, and he turned around to face me. “Well, it looks like a wolf just showed up.”

The little girl went pale from fright, backing away slowly.

“Run away Aya. I don’t think this is a fight I can win, but you need to get away from here.”

“What about you?”

The boy smiled at her. “Another agency member will find you.”

The girl ran off, taking the man controlling the vampires with her. I remained unmoved.

“Hello!” The boy waved at me. “You’re apart of the Hunting Dogs, right? You have the cool sword that can extend really far?”

“Where’s Jouno.”

“Who?”

“Jouno is apart of the Hunting Dogs like me. He’s gone missing,” I explained. “And I have reason to believe you and your gang of terrorists took him.”

The boy crossed his arms, looking pitiful. “Me and the Armed Detective Agency aren’t the bad guys. The bad guys are Fukuchi and the Decay of Angels. We’re actually here to stop Fukuchi before he unlocks One Order.”

He was just a teen, but that didn’t excuse his lies. “Then why did you let the King of Vampires get away?” I said.

“You also let him get away.” The farmer boy said. “Why is that?”

Jouno’s laugh pierced my ears.

“Usually, I would have gone ahead and captured him and the girl,” I responded. “But for just five minutes, I will place Jouno above justice.”

“You really care about him Mister!” The boy grinned. “Okay, then I can help you look for him! Then we can go stop One Order from being used!”

I smiled. “Thank you.”

My sword pierced right through him, as Jouno’s laughter echoed through the air.

(1879 words)

—-

a/n:

hey, welcome to part 5763 of luka writing bungou stray dogs fanfiction ;D thank you so much for reading! i wrote this for the part 1 of the 2nd weekly involving three-word-stories, the prompt being: (you described revenge/as a weapon), and it immediately reminded me of tecchou and jouno's dynamic, so i decided to write about <3
this is more so canon-divergence. the plot is the same, but i wanted to do my own take on how jouno's death and tecchou's revenge could have played out hehe, and yes there was a vampire outbreak, bear with me :sobs:
a million thank yous to alia (@–tranquility) and @prishaJuni for critiquing!
okay im starting to yap a lot so i'll end it here, byeee!

july 23: weekly #4 - IslandSWC

a/n: this ENTIRE weekly is gonna be a fanfic about blue lock x class of 09 crackfic bc idk what else to write lol also emphasizing CRACKFIC so like dont take this seriously i wrote all this at 3 am

proof for non-writing prompts:



——–

Life is… dumb.

It’s not like all lives are dumb. Some of them are, and most of them are so dumb that if they never existed, humanity wouldn’t be one big load of *.

My life is a great example of this.

I’ve moved fourteen times, to seven different prefectures. And because my mom’s been married six times, life’s just been one hell after one, those hell's coming in the form of her “husbands.” Yeah right, husbands, more like people that really need to die.

Since we moved a lot, I’ve gone to nine different schools. That’s right, nine. My shortest stay was in grade five, and I was only there for two months until Mom decided she needed another divorce.

So I’ve always just hung around in school, never wanting to make a presence. But then one year, in grade seven, I actually made a friend. And people actually noticed me. Like I was getting added to group chats, hanging out with people, and even going on a date?

And this went on for one, two, three years, but life said “lol, screw that.”

My mom was caught driving under the influence and since she lost her job, we were being evicted and now we had to move. Again.

And enough was enough. I threw the moving boxes aside and said “who cares about you? I’m going to live with Dad.” And he lived right beside us too, so I stormed over, opened the door, and BOOM, a gunshot.

I was standing in pools of blood, and my dad was dead, gun in his hand. He’d decided to end it all. And his note was hanging on the fridge with a cookie monster magnet.

It read: “Hiori’s fault.”

Hi, I’m Hiori by the way, and how the hell is this my fault?

Maybe I missed one of his office golf parties or whatever? Gosh, men are so into revenge. Ignoring the fact that I’m a guy.

Anyway, we’re moving. I guess I can’t have anything in this life.

But this time, when I was leaving, it was on arrival.

(intro - 350 words)

—


Oct 2nd, 2006

Dear journal,

No, I’m not calling you a diary, obviously. That’s something I’d say in my emo phase. God I hated that phase.

Anyway, we moved in last week. Obviously, since it’s been a while since the last time we moved, I now had way more boxes to unpack, compared to having just two in the past. I don’t even know if I’m going to unpack all of this. Who knows how long I’m gonna be staying here. I’m gonna say one month. My mom is DEFINITELY going to get arrested again soon.

I found out the school I’m going to. It’s called Blue Lock (who names their school that anyway? Did they just find a blue lock and go: oh hey! this seems like a great thing to name a school after!) And it’s a school for guys only.

In other words it’s a school full of gays.

This feels like a direct attack from my mom because I made the mistake of coming out to her as aroace last month plus the fact that I’ve dated a guy before, but my problem isn’t that there’s going to be gay people. My problem is if those gay people start hitting on ME. I really don’t need the stress of romance and wild teenagers all up in my business.

Whatever, I’m starting school tomorrow. I feel like from this moment onward, my life is over.

Hurray for the education system!

(non-fi prompt: include multimedia - 243 words)

—–

“Yo, for the senior prank this year, we should park our cars in their spots.”

“Dude, that's so smart.”

“Dude, that's so smart,” I muttered under my breath in a mocking voice. “Jeez, it's like everyone laughs to avoid getting punched in the face.”

As you could tell, I was already starting to hate this school. I just got here and I'm already wanting to jump in front of a car

Just kidding.

Not really.

“Hey, watch where you're going, blueberry head.”

“Blueberry head?” I glared at the imbecile that shoved me aside. “I really don't want to hear it from a guy that looks like he could fit the description of “emo” in the dictionary. And what’s with those lashes? They say all people with long lashes are .”

That sure got him. “What kind of person has light blue hair? I bet you're one of those woke trans blue haired people.”

“Woke? What are you, fifty?” I rolled my eyes. “You're needed back at the retirement home grandpa.”

“Maybe I should punch your lights out. Will that shut you up?”

“Oh? Try it Mr. Underlashes. I’ll beat the living daylights out of you.”

“Oooh, Rin’s getting in another fight!” Someone cheered, as more people gathered around us. Before I knew it, I was trapped in a human circle with a taller, angsty dude with anger issues. Fine with me. He doesn’t know that last year I stuffed my ex-boyfriend in a dumpster and let the garbage truck take him.

Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.

My opponent took the first swing, and I dodged it easily, until he kicked my feet off the ground and I fell over. Okay, that was a lame move.

I grabbed his feet and yanked him to the ground. Then he slapped me, and I slapped him, then he yanked on a fistful of my hair, so I did the same. I pushed him on the ground, face up, and took my bag, and swung at him. He somehow rolled away, got up, and lunged at me, throwing me into a locker (fun fact: I think this was the start of my chronic back pain).

So I spat in his face. And that’s when I heard another voice.

“Excuse me, what is going on here?!”

Everyone looked at me and the guy, who’s name was apparently Rin based on what I heard. The lady, who totally looked like she could pass for a high schooler, was definitely furious.

“You two, my office. NOW.”

“What?” I pretended to look innocent. “Lady, if a guy called you a blueberry head, you would throw hands too-”

“I said now!”

(thriller prompt: increase the pace - 443 words)

—-


“You both know why you’re here.”

“Because sadly, our parents and the education system have failed both of us, and now we have to resort to violence to vent our anger and frustration,” I said. “Okay, thanks for the pep talk-”

“Sit down,” the woman snapped, and I was back in my seat before I knew it. “The school year just started, and you two are already causing trouble. Rin, I remember telling you to keep this behavior in check last year.”

Rin shrugged. “Sorry Miss Anri.”

The woman turned to me. “You’re Yo Hiori, right? Our new student.”

“Oh don’t worry about me. I’ll be gone in a month.”

“Thank god,” Rin muttered.

“Don’t even start eyelashes-”

“Quiet!” Miss Anri yelled. “Look, I don’t care how long you’re here. As long as I’m vice principal, you follow my rules, or you can face the consequences. This is a warning. Now get to class.”

She waved us off. Fine by me, I was more than ready to get out of there.

As soon as we left, I turned to Rin. “…She’s vice principal?”

“Principal Ego barely shows up, so she basically handles everything,” Rin explained. “Are you done asking questions? If so-”

“How many fights did you get into last year?”

“Eleven.”

“*. I could tell. That slap you gave me was personal.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“Yeah.”

“Thanks.”

We stared at each other for a bit in silence.

“Do you wanna skip class?”

“Hell yeah. I’m not going to Math.”

Somehow, the whole fight turned into something pretty good. Rin and I skipped the whole day, and spent it at the mall, and I learned that he was a rich kid and his brother, Sae (who he hated for some reason), was a grade above us and went to his school. I also learned that Rin is great at shoplifting. The guy snuck out thirteen MCR CD’s and some horror movies. Then we talked about how much we hated our folks and guess what, Rin has a whole stash of meds hidden in his car. I’ve never felt so high in my life.

We were friends from that moment on. In fact, I was so delirious after popping all those prescriptions, that I had a “vision” where Rin and I won 1M from a settlement, dropped out of school, and moved to LA. Was I seeing the future?

Yeah, that’s how I knew I was being delusional.

(sci-fi: incorporate a flash-forward - 403 words)

——


A week later, I was in gym class. I honestly wasn’t going to go, but there was no way Rin would let me leave me all alone. So he single handedly dragged me there.

“Alright boys, let me tell you something,” My gym teacher, Mr. Luna said. “Last year we had a lot of skips and a poor performance rate. This year that’s going to change. We’re going to whip your lazy bums into shape, whether you like it or not.”

I raised my hand. “You know, you look like you haven’t been whipped into shape in a while. Are you teaching a gym class or an anti-diet class?”

“Look at that, we already have a talker,” Mr. Luna snapped. “Congratulations Hiori, you’ve earned the entire class ten rounds of workouts.”

“Jeez, someone doesn’t know how to shut their mouth,” Reo mumbled.

“Quit it rich boy. This will be good for you, you could stand to lose a few pounds.” I rolled my eyes.

Reo sighed. “You always have to add some snarky comment, don’t you? Would it kill you to be a decent person for once.”

“Nah, being a decent person is for people that have basically given up on themselves and think people-pleasing will save them,” I said. “Besides, you really can’t be talking. I saw you take our English teacher on a date the other day. Yep, you put her inside your limo and everything.”

Reo didn’t respond, only turned a shade of red I’ll never forget.

“Huh? Reo, aren’t you dating Nagi?” Bachira asked.

“Nagi’s no good either. He’s been seen with the entire soccer team,” I laughed. “I think I saw him kissing Isagi this morning.”

“What?!” Reo finally yelled. “He’s with that good-for-nothing?!”

“Buddy, you’re cheating on him too,” Chigiri reminded him, but it fell on deaf ears. Reo already stormed out of the gymnasium, no doubt looking for Nagi.

Mr. Luna turned to me. “You just hate seeing people happy, don’t you?”

“I’m so glad you finally noticed.”

(dystopian prompt: impure motives - 335 words)

——

“Yocchan?”

“What now Mom, I’m busy making a depression playlist.”

My mom stood in the doorway, frowning. “I just got a call from your gym teacher, saying that you delayed class by starting a bunch of pointless drama. Is this true?”

“Duh, it’s a lie,” I said. “It was totally not pointless. We got to see Isagi get jumped by Reo, and then Isagi started chasing Nagi throughout the halls ‘cause Nagi told him that he broke up with Reo when he didn’t. And then Nagi and Reo started yelling at each other and I think someone got sent to the hospital. That’s not pointless.”

“Yo!”

“Okay, so I delayed gym class, but that’s not a big deal,” I shrugged. “Gym is for try-hard guys that’ll turn into abusers in the future.”

“I thought you loved gym!” Mom sighed. “You used to tell me about it all the time.”

“Yeah, in grade three, and that ended after I got three teeth knocked out. Can I go back to my playlist now?”

Mom started tapping her foot, and that’s how I knew she was mad. “Listen her young man, I know moving to a new school is hard, but you need to get your act together. I told you to behave before you get yourself suspended or even expelled.”

“Why should I care?” I snapped. “You’ll probably find another husband in Kyoto or something in a week, and then we’ll move.”

“You’re on thin ice, Yo Hiori.”

“And you’re on your sixth husband because you can’t seem to stay away from divorce lawyers!”

(gothic: change the setting - 262 words)

—-

“…So, I think the photography teacher is a serial killer.”

Rin glared at me. “All I said was hi and you started ranting about photography and dead bodies.”

“I’m not kidding!” I said. “In class today, we had to go through crime scene photos and see what was distinguishing about all of them. And then, we had to see what was the common theme, and I did some digging and found out all the photos are from the 1990’s, with guys that went to our school. And guess who was their photography teacher?”

“Hiori, there’s no way Mr. Smith is a killer.”

“You never know. In fact, you have him in the third period, right? Then you can look into him for me.”

“I’m not doing that!” Rin snapped, finishing his food. “Jeez Hiori, did you hit your head on something?”

“Honestly, maybe when I ran into the door thinking it was open.”

“…What.”

“What’s up guys?” Coming in unannounced (and more importantly, uninvited), Nanase sat down beside me.

“I’ve now fallen into depression now that you’re here,” Rin deadpanned.

“Aww, don’t be like that RinRin,” Nanase smiled. “Hey, did I show you guys the thing I found in the garden this morning?”

I sighed. “Are they earplugs? I’d love not to hear you talking right now.”

“Nah, this!”

Nanase pulled out a knife.

“What the hell?!” Rin stood up, grabbing his plastic fork and pointing it at Nanase like a weapon. “Don’t you dare try anything!”

“What? This is just what I found.”

“You don’t just pull a knife on people you idiot!”

“Hey, what’s that in your other hand?” I asked. “A book?”

“Oh, that's the other thing I found. It’s a journal,” Nanase answers. “They were both hidden under a stray old brick in the garden. I haven’t read it yet though, but the journal belongs to someone with the initials A.S.-”

“Gimme that,” I snatched the journal from him and started reading. And then I gasped.

“OH MY DAYS I WAS RIGHT!”

I showed the others the pages. “See that? That is a very detailed account of a murder that happened here years ago, written by the murderer themselves.”

“I’m confused, what does this make you right about?” Rin asked, still not putting down the fork.

“A.S. Who’s initials could that possibly be? Maybe… a certain Mr. Smith? Adam Smith?”

Rin and Nanase looked at each other, then back at me.

“Oh, so our photography teacher is a killer,” Nanase said blankly. “What else is new?”

Rin glared at him. “There’s no way you’re taking this that well.”

“Meh, my mom is in jail for killing my dad. And my dad was supposed to go to jail for killing fifteen people. Death isn’t that scary anymore.”

“…”

(mystery prompt: story-changing object - 462 words)

—–

“Join the 5th annual nature walk! Help raise funds for the new mental health center!”

I walked up to the booth, where Bachira and Isagi were waving around fliers and writing down the names of those signing up.

“Hey Hiori,” Bachira smiled. “Do you wanna sign up?”

“Why would Hiori sign up? He hates this type of stuff,” Isagi huffed.

“Wow, someone here with common sense,” I nodded. “Actually, I’m more interested in what this new mental health center is.”

Bachira nodded. “Well, the city is finally building a help center for those struggling with their mental health. By the way, did you know that depression and anxiety are the leading causes for why high school students dropout of school?”

“Wow, is that why I’m on track to dropout?” Isagi asked.

“Yeah, same here.” I added.

“Please, that's why our whole school is gonna dropout.” Bachira rolled his eyes. “But, did you also know that nature is a very therapeutic and perfect way of improving your health?”

“Last time I went outside, I was chased down by a Mormon trying to convert me,” I deadpanned.

“That’s a person. Not nature.”

“Same difference. It happened outside. I think I’ll just stick to bed-rotting.”

Isagi shoved a box in my face. “Well, you can at least donate. It’ll help people like you.”

“…What?”

“Don’t deny it. I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw you in a mental asylum next week.”

“You know what? Fair point.” I said, dropping a bill into the box.

(solarpunk prompt: something with nature i guess - 251 words)

——-

Life sucks, because Mr. Luna somehow decided that he was talking to the whole class on the annual nature walk. I tried protesting and said this was against my rights, but then he asked me if I even had my citizenship yet and uh yeah, he got me there.

So now we were two hours into a grueling walk on an abnormally hot day. Did I care to mention that my feet were killing me?

Somehow, Rin managed to talk his way out of it, claiming that going on walks actually triggers some mental thing for him because it reminds him of being abandoned on the streets. Which was actually MY excuse that HE stole.

While we were walking, the day grew hotter and hotter, and it wasn’t long before people were almost passing out. But of course Mr. Luna and Miss Anri said we had to keep going.

You know what’s even more funny? The fact that Isagi and Bachira weren’t even here. Even though they were doing all those dumb promotions. Life is just one big scam.

At least the fairies got to have some shade under the leaves. I didn’t even have any, and I was pretty sure I was past the point of sunburn.

Maybe I could just, like, grab one. Do they have healing powers? Because if so, then they could be doing me a huge favor.

I wish I was a fairy….

“Hiori, wake up!”

“Ehh?”

I sat straight up. Suddenly it was a lot cooler, and my feet weren’t killing me anymore.

“Hey, where’d the fairy go?” I asked. I soon realized that I was in the nurse’s office, and Rin was sitting right next to me.

“Fairy? What does this look like, Fantasyland?” Rin scoffed.

“But I saw them! They were hiding under the leaves and they have healing powers. I saw them during the nature walk!”

“Yeah right. At the start of the walk, you complained about how you had no right to do this, and then you passed out after three steps. You’ve been out for two hours.”

“…Oh.”

(fantasy’s prompt - magical realism: 349 words)

—–

…Remember when I said that life was dumb?

It still is. But it also feels less dumber.

This month marks five months since I got here, and thankfully my mom has made no signs of moving anytime soon. Surprisingly, me and Rin are still friends, I hang out with others sometimes, like Isagi, Bachira, Nanase and Chigiri. And also, our photography teacher was arrested, so that’s cool.

So, right now the goal is to survive until graduation. Easy, right?

I thought so too. Until the entire school died.

But, uh, we’re gonna talk about that another time.

(Being a ghost is super cool by the way. Mom, if you’re wondering what those noises in the vents are, you know now.)

(ending - 120 words)

ButterPopcorn8's submit code: | order of cabins visited: 8, 11, 13, 10, 6, 2, 9, 3, 1, 5, 7, 4, 12 | prompts chosen: 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 1 | we love the POLAR BEARS <3

(TOTAL: 3218 WORDS)

cabin wars proof

—————

“Tell me something, Dazai.” Oda peered at the man’s nonchalant expression. “Is there anything you regret in life?”

Dazai hummed, tapping his foot. “Of course.”

“Do you regret killing all those people?”

The bandaged man smirked.

“I regret not making them suffer even more.”

══════════════════

Oda Sakunosuke isn’t anything special. He works for the Public Security Intelligence Agency, but only really sits around in the office. He writes(somewhat) in his free time and is the adoptive father of five kids. Therefore, he never expected to be asked to take care of Yokohama’s most infamous serial killer and death-row prisoner.

It’s been five years since Osamu Dazai was found guilty on seven counts of 1st degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and sentenced to death by lethal injection. Just one week before his scheduled execution and after a failed murder-suicide, he’s assigned a PSIA agent as his caretaker.

When Dazai offers to become the perfect muse for one of Oda’s works, the man sees it as a perfect opportunity. However, in order for that to occur, he must first learn the truth behind Dazai and his victims, the man behind the deadly mask, and the events leading up to his sentencing.

This is the story of how seven people died at the hands of a killer. And how Oda may know Dazai more than he thinks.

—-

Chapter 1 : Rainy Days, A Meeting, and A Week
–

Black leather shoes sound against the wet cobblestone path. The rain assaults all those who walk beneath it, yet one man has not been deterred.

No. That’s not good at all.

“* weather,” the man in all black sighs, walking along the cobblestone path. People run the opposite way, seeking shelter from the storm.

Terrible. Try again.

Ozai hated the rain. Such weather always managed to mess up his perfect attire, a fitting of all black nature. It greatly contrasted the numerous colors dashing past him, trying to find their way back to cars and houses.

Oda sighed and deleted the text once again. He rubbed his temples in sheer frustration and annoyance. He hadn’t been able to rid himself of writer’s block for a month now.

“Oda? Are you done with those files?”

“Hm?” He looked at his co-worker(technically boss), Sakaguchi Ango, with a confused expression. “What files?”

Ango lowered his glasses. “The files I requested an hour ago. You were supposed to compile them and email them to me.” Then he took a good look at Oda’s computer screen. “Are you writing on the job? Again?”

Oda nodded. “I think so.”

“Oh god,” Ango held back the opportunity to rudely berate him. “Oda, how many times have I told you to focus on work? Your writing hobby can come during your break and after working hours. This is the PSIA, not a publishing house.”

“I thought I finally had a good idea,” Oda mumbled. “But I ended up spending fifteen minutes trying to write about a guy in the rain.”

Ango leaned against the door, eyes still on the screen. “So you still have writer’s block?”

“Exactly.”

“Well, have you tried one of those plot generators online? Or asking around?”

The auburn haired man shook his head. “There’s no good plot generators out there. All the ideas are either too generic or too extravagant. And I asked the curry shop owner if he could help me out, but his suggestions were very out-of-touch. For example, he suggested that I write about a man who left five annoying kids in his care and almost never pays for his curry. I wonder where he got that from.”

“I think I might know,” Ango muttered, sympathizing with the poor shop owner. “Well, I’m sure something will come to you sooner or later. But right now, I need those files. There’s an urgent meeting today.”

Oda opened up his email and started uploading files to a new message. “Don’t worry, I already gathered the files.”

“And you never sent them to me all this time,” Ango muttered under his breath.

As Oda sent the files, his eyes landed on something.

“Hey, what’s with all the ‘death row’ stuff?”

Ango adjusted his glasses, like he was somewhat uncomfortable. “We’re discussing a situation with a particular death row inmate.”

“Am I allowed to know what the situation is?”

“Based on your position, no.”

“What about based on our friendship?”

He watched as the black-haired man’s eyes twitched in visible anger. Oda knew Ango hated when he used that tactic to get info about anything pertaining to the division. Be it top secret missions, or pointless gossip and rumors.

The tactic always worked. “A prisoner attempted a murder-suicide just a day before his scheduled execution. Two officers were injured, and the inmate was fortunately stopped before causing himself more bodily harm. His execution has been rescheduled, but there are some concerns around the possibility of another event happening.”

“Sounds interesting,” Oda mumbled. “What’s he in for?”

“Murder,” Ango responded. “A serial killer. I can’t specify his name right now. And it would be nice if you don’t try to look into it either.”

“I respect your wishes.”

Ango gazed at the clock affixed on the wall. “Meeting starts in five minutes. I should go prepare.”

“Good luck,” Oda said. “Once you’re done, we can go for drinks. Bar Lupin is open today.”

“Sure, I’ll call you once it’s over.”

Ango nodded and left, leaving Oda face to face with a blank page on his computer screen. Little did Ango know, Oda would spend the rest of his work day trying to figure out how to write about a guy in the rain.

══════════════════


“I got you, I got you!”

“No you didn’t! I was on timeout!”

Katsumi positions his hands to form the letter “T”, much to Kosuke’s frustration.

“No fair!” He fumed. “You never said that before I tagged you!”

The latter stuck out his tongue. “You never said I had to. That’s not in the rules.”

“Huh?! Now you’re just making things up! Yu, help me out here!”

Yu looks up from his intense work of picking at blades of grass and tossing them aside. “Kosuke’s right, Katsumi. You always do that when you don’t wanna be tagged.”

“Teeheehee!” Sakura, the only girl among them, laughed as she played with her teddy bear. “Katsumi’s a coward!”

“Coward, coward!” Shinji repeated, although he didn't know what the word really meant.

Katsumi sat on the grass and pouted. “You’re all just a bunch of meanies. I'm telling Odasaku once he gets back.”

“Another problem with tag?”

“Odasaku!”

This was the part of the day Odasaku treasured the most, when he got back from work and was tackled by five hyperactive kids. Technically his kids, although he didn’t father them.

Kosuke, Katsumi, Yu, Shinji and Sakura all lost their families in the terrible Dragon Head Conflict, a terrorist-incited bombing that affected practically all of Japan. Oda, newly hired by the PSIA, was on the scene that fateful day, when he came across each child, orphaned. He knew he had to do something, even if that something involved a lot of police checks, house hunting, and paperwork.

“Odasaku, Katsumi isn’t playing fairly again,” Kosuke complained. “He keeps changing the rules.”

“Because you’re always making me play tag with you!” Katsumi retorted. “We never play any of my games.”

“Hide and Seek is boring though! And you’re bad at it!”

“Am not! Yu’s the one who’s always being found first!”

“Hey, I didn’t say anything mean about you!”

Oda sighed. “Come on, it’s not good to fight about things like this.”

“Yeah guys, Odasaku said we shouldn’t fight,” Sakura repeated proudly. Shinji just looked at her with a confused expression.

“Katsumi, you need to play fairly,” Oda said sternly. “If you don’t, then the game will no longer be fun at all.”

Katsumi sulked. “Okay, sorry.”

“And Kosuke, it’s not nice to only play the games you pick,” Oda continued, turning to the other boy. “You’re not including the others.”

“But Odasakuuu,” Kosuke pouted. “My games are always better!”

Oda frowned. “But let's say everyone in the world played only your games all the time. It would be fun at the start, but then it would get boring very quickly. That’s why there are lots of games to choose from, so everyone has fun. Am I making sense now?”

“I guess so,” Kosuke mumbled, defeated.

“I’m hungry,” Shinji cried. “I want curry rice today!”

“Ooh, me too, me too!” Yu’s hand shot up. “And sushi too!”

All of a sudden, all the kids were chanting and begging for curry rice and sushi, completely forgetting about their previous ordeal.

Oda laughed. “Calm down, calm down. I came prepared. There’s five plates of fresh curry rice courtesy of Mr. Shop Owner just waiting inside.”

“Hurray!”

Without a moment to spare, the kids dashed inside, their little feet carrying them as fast as they could. Except for Sakura, who tugged on Oda’s beige coat.

“And the sushi?”

Oda patted her head softly. “I’ll order some right now.”

“Yay!” Sakura jumped and hugged her father. “Thank you Odasaku!”

She ran inside after the others, holding her little teddy bear in her arms. Oda smiled as she disappeared inside. Oh how he loved every single one of those kids.

He pulled out his phone and quickly placed an order for sushi on his food delivery app. As he finished paying, a pop-up notification appeared and his phone started buzzing. It was Ango.

“You finally called,” Oda teased him. “Just how long was that meeting?”

Ango grumbled. “Too long. All the back and forth arguments and discussion gave me a headache.”

Oda scoffed. “All that over one prisoner?”

When Ango didn’t respond immediately, Oda wondered if he had just said something wrong.

“…not just anyone prisoner,” he heard Ango say. “In fact, that’s why I’m calling you right now. Taneda wants you back at the office. He needs to speak with you.”

The older man’s heart skipped a beat. “Is he mad at me?”

Ango chuckled a little. “Not at all. But this is important, so it would be great if you could get back here as soon as possible. Can you make it?”

Oda felt his heart deflate a little. Not because he had to drive back, but because that meant he and Ango probably wouldn’t be heading to the bar today.

“I’ll leave right now,” Oda confirmed.

“Good, we’ll be waiting for you.”

Ango hung up after that. Oda, slightly confused, went back inside the house/curry shop and into the diner area, where the kids were happily munching away at their food.

The shop owner frowned at Oda from behind the counter. “You look troubled.”

“I’m needed back at the office.”

Yu overheard this conversation. “Are you gonna be back soon?”

“As soon as possible,” Oda replied. He then turned to the shopkeeper. “Hey, I have a delivery on the way for sushi. It should be here in five minutes. Do you mind taking care of it.”

“I always mind whenever you make me do something,” he grumbled. “But I’ll let it slide this time.”

Oda took that as a yes. He said his goodbyes and was out the door in seconds and in his car before he knew it.


══════════════════

He got there in record time. For once, there wasn’t much traffic on the road, which allowed him to breeze through the roads and arrive at the PSIA building.

When he entered the building, the secretary gave him a nonchalant glance. “Mr Taneda is waiting for you in his office. I’ll let him know you’re on your way there now.”

“Thank you,” Oda said before making his way to a nearby elevator.

A million questions floated in his mind. Taneda was not the sort of boss, or person, to call someone back to the office after work hours. Unless they were being fired. Oda was pretty sure that wasn’t the case today, but who knows? Perhaps his days as a PSIA agent were over.

But, Ango also mentioned that the reason he was being summoned was related to the meeting earlier that day. If so, then whatever could it be?

The elevator chimed and the doors slid open. Oda made his way to Taneda’s office. Once he got there, he felt a chill run up his spine, but didn’t know why. Regardless, he knocked on the door.

“Hello? It’s Oda Sakunosuke.”

“Come in.”

He pulled the large door open and stepped inside. Already there was Taneda, sitting at his furnished wooden desk, a large, slim glass window behind him. Ango stood by the right side of the desk, arms crossed. For once Oda couldn’t read the look on his face.

“Good evening Oda,” Taneda said. “I apologize for calling you here after work hours. Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you,” Oda replied as he sat down in the chair in front of the desk. He felt like a teenage degenerate who was about to be expelled by the principal.

Taneda caught wind of this. “No need to be scared. You’re not losing your job or being demoted. Nothing like that.”

Oda sighed in relief. “I’m glad.”

“Good,” Taneda smiled. “I called you here to take on a special task, Oda. At first, I was concerned as to whether you’re the right man for the job, but Ango here has smothered my worries. Ango, give him the file please.”

Ango nodded and moved over to a shelf full of books and folders, from which he pulled out a black folder with some red words on the front. He handed the folder to Oda.

“You can read it,” Taneda gestured.

Oda looked at the red words: “SECRET : AUTHORIZED ACCESS ONLY”. He proceeded to open the folder, taking out the first page he saw. It had a photo on it, along with a name and some other information.

A criminal record.

The man’s face was bandaged on the left side, leaving only his right eye revealed. His brown hair was proper, shaping his sickly looking face. He held up a black name plate, the ones used for criminal photos. However, the creepiest part was the cat-like grin plastered on him.

When the man’s face and name finally registered in his mind, Oda almost dropped the file.

First name is Osamu. Last name is Dazai. A half a decade ago, Oda had seen his name everywhere on television.

“Pardon me if I’m wrong,” Oda finally spoke. “Isn't this man… a serial killer?

“Yes,” Ango confirmed his thoughts. “Otherwise known as the Devil of Yokohama.”

Taneda nodded. “So you’re familiar with him?”

“I suppose,” Oda said. To be honest, he was only slightly acquainted with the name. He never tuned into the news back then because he couldn’t afford a TV, so his source of information was the local gossip. And for many years, Dazai’s name was on everyone’s lips. The serial killer called the “Devil of Yokohama”, who killed seven people and almost claimed the life of another. Back then, Oda was a simple postman who didn’t care about those sorts of things. One thing Oda did remember was how surprised he was that a young man like Dazai, only twenty-two at the time of his sentencing, could have done something so blatantly wrong.

“His execution was scheduled to be tomorrow,” Taneda informed him. “However, he was somehow able to escape his cell and attempt a murder-suicide. Thankfully, no one died and Dazai is back in custody.”

Ango sighed. “However, the execution was terminated. Which is why we had that meeting today.”

“I see,” Oda said. He already knew that, and Ango knew that, but he just didn’t want Taneda to realize that Oda already caught wind of what the meeting was about.”

Thankfully, Taneda didn’t catch on. “In the end, we decided to push Dazai’s execution to next week. It will take place exactly one week from now. But, there are some problems. See, Dazai was placed on maximum security alert, but that ends tomorrow, the day he’s supposed to be executed. And we can’t extend that alert. Do you understand what that means, Oda?”

Oda cleared his throat, wondering where this was going. “It means that he'll stay in a regular prison. And based on his charges and the murder-suicide attempt, he’ll be a danger to everyone there, right?”

“Exactly,” Taneda confirmed. “Dazai is known to be unpredictable and uncanny. It’s why he was able to remain uncaught for over five years. We just can’t risk placing him in a minimum security area for even a week.”

“And that’s where you come in, Oda.”

“Huh?”

Taneda straightened his glasses. “Oda, our best option right now is to have someone with Dazai 24/7, making sure he does nothing out of the ordinary. Therefore, I’m asking you to take up the role, both as a PSIA agent, and as a caretaker.”

If there was ever a time Oda showed emotion, it was now. His face turned into one of visible confusion, shock, and dizziness. Which was definitely an appropriate response.

“You want me to take care of him?” Oda said, gobsmacked. “A serial killer? 24/7? Like a nanny?”

“More like a supervisor,” Taneda told him. “Of course, Dazai will be handcuffed, wear anklets and a tracking device, have a curfew, and won’t be able to leave the premises. All you have to do is make sure he abides by those rules.”

“The premises?” Oda questioned. “He’ll still remain in jail, right?”

Ango shook his head. “No. He’s still in custody, but he won’t remain in a correctional facility. Instead, we’re sending him to a remote villa in the outskirts of Yokohama, far away from any urban areas. And you’ll be staying with him.”

Out of all the possibilities Oda had thought of on his way here, in the elevator, and in the past ten minutes, having to stay with a killer in a remote area for a week was not one of them.

“I understand that you have kids,” Taneda interrupted his thoughts. “Ango and I will personally attend to their wellbeing and even take care of finances.”

“You’ll also be compensated for all work hours you miss,” Ango added.

Oda bit his tongue. “That is very helpful. But, I’m still uneasy about this. What if Dazai tries anything?”

“You may restrain him however you see fit,” Taneda answered. “If anything happens, you can also call for backup. And, if all else fails and the situation worsens, then you have my permission to immobilize him, even if that requires fatal harm.”

Ango tried to reassure Oda. “You can call me anytime you need. And I’ll come over to check on you two at some point during the week.”

Oda shifted in his seat. “Well, can I talk to him?”

“I don’t see why not,” Taneda said.

“Do I have time to think about this?”

“You’ll be potentially leaving tomorrow. Time is the last thing we have.”

Oda sat up. “I have one more question. Will there be food or entertainment?”

“Certainly,” Ango said.

“Curry?”

“Yes.”

Oda paused.

“Then I’ll go.”
——————————

more cabins wars proof lol


It was dark. And when I say it was dark, it was really dark. Although, that wasn’t what scared me. It wasn’t the tiny space I was trapped in with five other people. Not even the murky water rapidly filling up the room, helplessly bobbing me up and down like a floatie. Heck, it wasn’t even the fact that we probably had three minutes left to live.

What scared me the most, was the fact that out of the 7 billion people that live on Earth, I was about to die with these people.

“Is now a good time to mention that I haven’t gone to the bathroom in forever?” Hunk mumbled sheepishly.

“No! There’s never a good time!” Lance snapped back.

“I mean seeing as we’re going to die soon-”

“Shut your mouth before I do it for you,” Keith interrupted whatever he was going to say next.

“Can we all calm down?” Allura yelled, in a voice that was definitely not calm. “We have to figure out a way out of here. There has to be a way.”

“Can’t you just teleport us out of here Princess?” Hunk asked.

“Oh, for goodness sake, how many times do I have to tell you that I don’t have magic anymore?! I’m useless!”

Oh yeah, that one was personal. I could tell. More and more, the waters rose, and soon I found my head against the brick ceiling, taking in the air I had left before it was too late.

I couldn’t even see underwater, couldn’t see the helpless bodies squirming and floating around in states of panic. Oddly enough, I felt calm. Like I knew this was going to happen.

After all, we weren’t the amazing paladins of Voltron anymore. We were cheapskates, cast aside by the world, and weirdly enough, failed by no one else by ourselves.

My breath left my lungs, but I didn’t care. My last sense of hope had disappeared a while ago.

—

“Yes I know. I’ll pay them up.”

“Pidge, this is serious. I can’t keep vouching for you. And you can’t keep slouching either.”

“I’m not slouching Matt. It’s not my fault the government keeps ripping us off.”

“You have the Galaxy Garrison, remember?”

I really wanted to slam my phone down on the counter at that moment.

“The Galaxy Garrison stopped caring about Voltron a while ago,” I was reminded by my brother for what I think was the fiftieth time. “I’m only working for them because it’s a decent paycheck that at least gets me a house and some food on the table.”

I could hear Matt sigh on the other side of the call. “Pidge, you’re the best IT gal I know. The Galaxy Garrison would be in hell right now if it weren’t for your skills. And I know that you’re still mad about their decision, but look on the bright side, you’re still making a living.”

I stayed silent for a bit. Yeah, I had a house, food on the table. Still no car but public transit always made up for that. And I had my family: my brother, my mom and my dad. Life couldn’t be better, right? To everyone else that would be right. To me, it was just flat-out wrong. But I didn’t want to ruin Matt’s mood with my complaining.

“Katie, just pay the fees okay? If you find yourself in a deficit then I can cover for you a bit more, okay?”

“Yeah, okay. Thanks Matt.”

“No problem, sis.”

“Hey, how’s the trip going?”

“Pretty good actually. We’re actually on our way to the Olkarion.”

“Lucky,” I muttered. You heard that right. My brother was currently on a road trip throughout the universe on behalf of Earth. It was a trip to strengthen ties with all the other planets, mainly the ones that had been in the alliance. And my brother got to go. Hey, can you tell if I’m mad yet? “Well, say hi to them for me. I’m off to work. Talk to you later?”

“Of course. See ya.”

Honestly, it was pretty cool that Matt could make calls from space. And it was all thanks to that cellular company the Galaxy Garrison helped create. And me, obviously, but did my paycheck reflect that? Nope.

I miss recognition.

I grabbed a few more things, shoved them into my bag, and stepped outside. Walking to the bus stop, I put on my headphones and decided that today I felt like tuning into a news radio station. These days they were all boring, but I didn’t really have a problem with it.

I tapped on the first podcastI found.

Person A: “Good morning listeners! Thank you for tuning in! And now, we bring you a story that obviously, none of us have forgotten about. Today marks the fifth anniversary of Voltron’s victory over Galran forces, saving the universe from perilous hands…”

I raised an eyebrow. “That was today…?” Honestly, I stopped paying attention after the second anniversary.

Person A: “…Although Voltron has since been disbanded, to many, it still remains an important part of history. However, with the fifth anniversary comes more questions. Where are the former paladins of Voltron today? And will they ever come back?”

Person B: “We don’t need them, do we? There hasn’t been a threat in a long while thanks to the Galaxy Garrison’s new technology, including the force field.”

Person A: “That’s true, but it does bug me how the paladins aren’t like celebrities and all that. They did save the world.”

Person B: “Meh, that was five years ago. There’s a point where you stop being relevant.”

That’s where I stopped listening to the podcast. It hurt, somehow it still hurt, but the annoying guy was right. Voltron just wasn’t a relevant thing anymore.

The paladins weren’t even relevant in my life anymore. The last time we even spoke was three years ago.

I switched over to some music and boarded the bus. No one even recognized me, as usual. To them, I wasn’t a savior. I was a complete stranger.

And I thought it would stay that way. I thought wrong.

—-

“Good morning Katie!”

“Hey Claire,” I quickly finished typing up an email to a higher-up about some malfunctioning servers, and turned to my co-worker. “What’s up?”

“Ah, nothing much,” the redhead girl shrugged. “Today’s been so tiring though. They spotted another weak spot in the force field.”

I rolled my eyes. “Where was it this time?”

“Somewhere over the Bahamas,” Claire sighed. “Luckily we got it patched up pretty quickly. But it’s put everyone on edge now. This is the fourth one in two weeks.”

“Well, that’s not my issue. I told them the force field should have been updated last week, but who listens to me anymore? I’m just a manager in such a big company.”

Claire crossed her arms. “I wish they listened to you more. Or at least put you in charge of the entire building at this point.”

“I’m already in charge of IT Claire. I think that’s enough for me.”

“Clearly the others don’t realize that. You weren’t even briefed about the weak spot!”

“Force field isn’t an IT issue.”

“The code for it is.”

I sighed heavily. “Claire, I appreciate your concern, but I stopped caring about my status here a while ago. These days it’s about the money, and not about who the hell knows how to patch up a force field.”

“But they should at least treat you with the respect you deserve!” Claire insisted. I hated it when she did that. “You were a paladin of Voltron and know more about this space stuff than half the company. You deserve so much better, Katie.”

“That’s the thing. The Galaxy Garrison doesn’t like anything more powerful than them. AKA Voltron. When they shut it down, who do you think became the target of their jealousy? They took away our earnings and now we have to pay fees to cover damages.” I took in a mouthful of coffee. “No one cares about Voltron anymore.”

“I do,” Claire said. “All those things you tell me about defeating fleets and saving planets? They’re amazing.”

“Thanks Claire.”

“You know I meant that, right? You’re amazing too, Katie.”

I smiled. “Yeah, I was just fishing for more compliments.”

“See! Now you’re happy!” Claire rejoiced. “You haven’t smiled in the office in a while.”

“…Is there anything to smile about here?”

“Me, duh!”

“Sure,” I said. “And by the way, you’re my friend, remember? You can call me Pidge.”

Claire gasped. “But, didn’t you stop using that name a while ago?”

“You can use it,” I said, clearly making Claire an excited mess.

“Good morning ladies.” Jaime came up to us, with a tired expression on his face, the default look on everyone these days. “What’s going on?”

“I was just talking to Ka- I mean, Pidge,” Claire answered. “I was telling her about the force field, which, by the way, you guys didn’t brief her about! What is wrong with you people?! She’s in charge of the IT department for a reason!”

“Hey, you’re acting as if it was my decision!” Jaime rebutted. “I would have briefed Katie immediately if it weren’t for-”

“Right. Charlotte,” I interrupted him. “No worries Jaime. I got the memo.”

“Speaking of the devil, she wants to talk to you,” Jaime said, giving me a look that meant I should probably prepare myself for the most annoying minutes of my life.

Claire frowned. “That woman. Some days I wish she could be run over by a car. More specifically, my car.”

“Don’t be like that Claire,” I got up from my seat, straightening my outfit. “I’d run her over first.”

swc thank you notes!!

Hey, Luka here! It’s been such a long time since I actually did and finished thank you notes, so here we go haha.

First off, I think this session has been one of the best, most memorable and most amazing sessions I’ve been in (okay it’s sorta tied for Nov 2023 but still-). Everything from the IKEA theme, the dailies and weeklies, the cabins, campers, hosts, leaders, basically everything has been so amazing, and I’m so glad I was able to participate in this session <3 My goal this session was to be active and to meet new people, and I can honestly say that that goal was achieved. SWC is such an awesome place to be, and it wouldn’t have it any other way.

So I guess this is a thank you to everyone who participates, has participated, or maybe even will participate in SWC. Because I’ve never met an SWC-er who isn’t really cool and a great person to be around. I also want to mention that you all have the best writing that I’ve ever seen, and I’m not even kidding. Whenever I had the chance, I read through some dailies and weeklies, and WOW, they blow my mind. And don’t even get me started on the writing comp entries. You should all be so proud of yourselves <3

Alright, now to some more specific thank you’s(warning i suck at compliments haha and like the only compliments i could think of were “amazing person” a lot so :sobs:, i tried to thank as many people as i could, but if you didn’t get an individual one, just know that i still appreciate you very much <33 )

(warning 2: I’m a yapper. So like if none of these thank you’s make sense then you probably know why lol :zany

Hosts:

As always, SWC isn’t possible without your hard work and dedication <3 You know, I’ve always been in awe of you guys just because of how much time you put into SWC, and the spectacular results that come out of it.

Luna: Luna, you’re literally the slayest person I’ve ever met /pos. You’re super funny and kind and it’s so nice chatting with you <3 Not to mention that you’re also like, really dedicated to hosting and it’s honestly so admirable <33

Sun: Hey sunachable ;D I think I should say this now but your writing is literally *chef’s kiss*, and you’re really really cool. It’s always a blast talking to you, and by the way your singing is amazing :0 I loved Folklore’s theme so much, you did amazing with it <33

Robin: Robin!! Thank you so much for being an amazing QUAIL and taking care of the sorting-aspect of SWC You’re a literal icon and an amazing hostie and person

Moonlit: Hi Moonlit! I don’t think we really talked much this session, but we have in the past and I can say that you’re so so so cool (i’d add a million so’s in that but im too lazy to type them all out-) You’re very kind, thoughtful and just an amazing person overall. So glad I met you <33

Moss: Mossaroo gasp, I just want to say that your art is so cute?? Like the mini comic in the fourth weekly was so good, I think I stared at it in awe for 30 minutes before actually playing lol. And you are one of the kindest and sweetest people I’ve ever met in my life eee, and I love what you did with Gothic this session!!

Polar Bears (Activity Team)

The activities this session have been the best ones I’ve ever seen throughout my time at SWC <3 You guys do so much for this camp and you’re all so amazing!! The Fourth Weekly was literally the best weekly ever and the best thing I’ve ever seen, and you should all be so proud of yourselves! Thank you guys for everything <33

Zai: HI LEMME GET THIS OUT OF THE WAY YOUR WRITING IS SOOO COOL AND AMAZING :0 Your poetry and your stories always leave my jaw-dropped because that’s how beautiful they are!! The fourth weekly was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen and omg the code must have taken forever… Thank you so much for putting so much time and effort into it because it turned out amazing <33

Alia: AHHH ALIA YOU’RE REALLY COOL <33 I love reading your writing so much, and you’re such a nice and amazing person <3 Again the fourth weekly was amazing and the fact that you spent so much time on it is just wow, I can’t believe you and the others pulled it off so well. Thank you!! (and also mini thank you for helping me with my writing comp entry, your advice was so helpful <33)

Memory Book Committee

The memory book isn’t out yet but like I have to give you guys a million thank you’s in advance because I know that’s how awesome it’s going to be! You guys spend so much time designing the most beautiful pages and sorting out cabin subthemes, mlt’s, quotes, stats, polls, etc. and we all appreciate so much for that <3 Thank you!!

Leadership Team As A Whole

Hey leadership team! It always breaks my heart when I don’t get to talk to some of you, but all of you are so cool! This session was such a hit, and every single cabin was so cool! Everyone’s leader apps were literally so amazing and diverse with the themes, no wonder it was the most difficult decision for the hosts. It was a blast working with you all, every single one of you deserved to be on the team this session, and whether or not you’ll be on in November, I hope to see you all around camp Cheers to another amazing session!!

(Co)Leaders:

Bi-Fi

Alana: ALANAAAA First off, your leader app was so amazing that I think I started shedding tears of amazement /pos You’re really kind and thoughtful and funny (and send out a lot of wars pfft-), and I’m so glad I met you! Bi-fi was so fun to stalk this session, you, Pepper and Summer did such an awesome job!

Pepper and Summer: Bi-fi was such a slay, thank you so much for making it happen! Pepper, you’re honestly one of the funniest people I’ve ever met and it’s such a blast talking to you <33 Summer, I think we chatted about Blue Lock that one time, but in that one convo I could tell you were a really nice person! Hope we can talk more <33

Mystery

CJ: ugh nothing to say about this one, next person- ceeslayyy :starstuck: Mystery Market looked so cool! And you are such a good leader and a really cool and funny person. It’s always fun and nice talking to you btw you should totally divorce lee kay byeeee

Sandy and Crim: Mystery was amazing and we have you guys to thank for that! Ahhh Sandy you’re such an amazing person and the most skibidi alpha person I’ve ever met :wolf:, and you know so much about history I’m like, mind blown. and Crim, ahh when I said I’m your biggest fan I. Did. Not. Lie. <33

Horror

Em: Hi Em, Horror was such a cool cabin deserving of such a cool leader! Thank you so much for adding all those points even when it can be such a daunting task haha. I hope we can get to know each other more in the near future!

Sarah and Silky: I WISHED WE TALKED MORE UGHHH </3 Once again, Horror was a really cool cabin! And you’re both very wonderful people, and it was fun being on the leadership team with both of you!

Sci-Fi

Poppy: POPPY AHH I WAS SO HAPPY WHEN YOU WERE CHOSEN TO LEAD SCI-FI!! Your app was amazing just like how you are! You’re such a fun person to be around and, and Sci-fi was a hit this session! ALSO HHHHH YOU’RE LEAVING??? (cries in a corner) I will miss you so so so much! </33

Snowy and Summer: woah, I just realized your names are opposites :0 Anyway, thank you guys so much for co-leading Sci-fi this session! You’re both so wonderful and really nice <33

Dystopian

Ave: Ave!! Dystopian’s theme this session was so so so cool! It’s so nice talking to you and I’m glad we met! You’re a really great leader and I hope you see that <33

Vi and Recca: I JUST WANNA SAY DYSTOPIAN’S THUMBNAIL WAS SO BEAUTIFUL <33 Recca Recca Recca you’re honestly really funny and so positive, and Vi I am also your biggest fan and once again. I. Did. Not. Lie. Thank you both so much <3

Non-Fi

Finley: FINLEY <33 I loved Non-Fi so much! You’re such an amazing leader and a really really great writer! <3 I really enjoyed being on the leadership team with you this session and hope we can talk more in the future

Willow, May and Soki: Three co’s heyy :0 Ahhhh each of you are so cool in different ways, Soki you’re like the most responsible and wisest person I’ve ever met, and you’re so passionate about the topics you love :0 and May your writing is AWESOME AND LITERALLY MAKES ME CRY OMG and getting to know you has been so amazing <3 And omg Willow!! We led Steampunk together and you literally slayed so hard and you’re still slaying

Poetry

Lora: hi lora!! Poetry’s theme this session was so cool! I know we didn’t really talk but seeing you around in the main cabin, you seem like a nice person to be around, and you did a great job leading poetry! I hope I get to see you around in November <33

Fi and Amethyst: hellooo :0 Poetry this session was so cool just like the both of you!! I’ve never really chatted with you before Amethyst but from what I can tell you’re really nice and sweet <33 and Fiiiiii you’re one the most awesome and coolest people on this planet and it’s been amazing hanging out with you! <3

Solarpunk

CD: FIRST SOLARPUNK LEADER YAYYYYY and you did such an amazing job with it!! You’re a really chill and nice person, and you should be really proud of yourself for how solarpunk turned out! *gives you 1000 mangos*

Alex and Rae: ahhh once again I wish we could’ve talked more this session, but I’m very glad I got to be on the leadership team with you guys!! Rae I think you led hi-fi(?) last session and I remember being absolutely in love with your app and the way hi-fi turned out(AND SOLARPUNK’S PFPS THIS SESSION ARE SO AMAZING AHHH) and Alex I’ve always thought you’re really funny, chaotic and nice and I continue to stand by that <33 Thank youu!

Fantasy

Rockie: ahem, first off, A CHARLIE THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY THEMED CABIN IS LITERALLY ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! Okay, now that that’s out of the way, you’re such a cool and really nice person, and I'm glad I was on the leadership team with you! rock on rockie ;D

Reese and Sienna: Eeeek you both are so so so amazing! Reese(‘s pieces) you are super duper nice and chaotic and I love hanging out with you sm <33 You’ve always been so nice to everyone and I am graced to be in your presence bwahahaha, and Sienna I didn’t really see you around much but we’ve talked in the past and you’re so kind, sincere and really really funny!!

Thriller

Inky: (another scream sesh incoming), A GHOST HUNTING AGENCY THEME CABIN IS ALSO LITERALLY ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I HAVE EVER SEEN!! Thriller was such a fun cabin to stalk, and you did an amazing job leading it this session! You’re really chill and nice and it’s very nice talking to you! Can’t wait to see you around <33

Gabbie and Kiara: Hello!! It’s a shame we couldn’t chat this session but I just wanted to say that you both deserve a million plus + one thank you’s for everything!!

Folklore

Aurora and Chocolate: I was so so so excited when I saw that Sun sent you guys offers! And I mean that because your leader apps were so amazing <33 Auroraaaa your art is stunning like I wish I had that talent aha, and Chocolate, from the times we’ve talked a bit before, you’re really really nice and kind and supportive! (i still remember your comments on my leader app it really made my day <3)

Gothic

Lio, Mouse and Veni: incoming yap sesh lol. Gothic was so cool and we have all you guys and Moss to thank for that!! Lio you’re such a cool person and it’s always a blast chatting with you (and your writing is so amazing!), Mouse ahhhh you are one of the most chaotic people I’ve ever met /pos and it’s so fun being around you, I do wish we could’ve done the episode collab but oh well, maybe another time :0 And Veni omg where do I begin, the gothic pfps were so pretty!! and your art always eats, you’re so talented <33

Script:

Co-Leaders

Maia: MAIA AHHHHH YOU ARE LITERALLY HANDS DOWN HANDS UP SO SO SO SO SO AMAZING AND AWESOME AND COOL AND LIKE I COULD SCREAM FOREVER BUT AT SOME POINT I GOTTA STOP- okay hi lol. First off, your leader app was so so so pretty and I love it so much, I knew when I saw it that I was gonna need to ask to have three co-leaders just so that I could lead with you! To be honest I was kind of nervous because I’d never met you before and I was screaming in my head, but omg I am so glad I got to know you this session <33 Ahhh you’re such a nice and wonderful person, and working with you this session has been such an amazing experience <3 Not to mention playing clocktower with you is always so much fun (even though I now have major trust issues lol). Thank you so much for everything! <33

Blau: I AM SO MAD WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU’RE LEAVING IN AUGUST??? You owe me a million dollars for making me cry a million tears and causing me so much pain /lh Okay anyway, can I just say that your leader app is probably the best one I’ve ever seen in my life omg, the amount of effort you put into it is insane and I knew that I just had to offer for you to lead with me! And I’m so so so grateful for everything you’ve done for Script, and your art?? The episode art and the pfp maker are so amazing and literally made my jaw drop, and you’re literally a coding genius *. And you’re such a cool and awesome person and I stand by that ahhh. The point is, I am so happy I got to know you, and I will miss you so so much </3 I hope what life has in store for you is amazing (blau im crying why must you do this to me-), thank you for everything Blau! <33

Yume: YUME YUME YUME YOU’RE SO AMAZING I’M LITERALLY YOUR BIGGEST FAN D When I first saw your app, I was like “OMG PROJECT SEKAI” and then I was like “THIS APP IS AMAZING I NEED TO SEND AN OFFER ASAP-” and I am forever thankful that I did! What you did with Fairy Tales and Epistolary was so cool and I knew I wanted to work with you <33 The graphics you designed were s t u n n i n g omg, and ahhh you’re literally amazing for helping with the episode scripts and the pfp maker too. You’re so good at cabin planning and brainstorming ideas, sometimes I was like “you know what, maybe Yume should take my place lol,” because you’re that good!! I’m so glad that I’ve gotten to know you these past few sessions and that we’ve had some amazing conversations <33 Thank you so much Yume! <33

Campers

Bookie: AHHH I SCREAMED WHEN YOU GOT IN MY CABIN BECAUSE I WAS LIKE “OMG THE BOOKIE IS LITERALLY IN MY CABIN”, and you did not disappoint! You have been such an amazing camper and person, no matter how long you were active for <33 Thank you so much for being in Script!!

Tilly: (WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS MIGHT BE YOUR LAST SWC SESSION YOU’RE LYING-) Tilly you’re so nice and sweet and literally one of the best campers ever! You literally carried that one cabin war like a boss and you’re a really nice person to be around! It has been so fun having you in Script <33

Crocs: When I say that I’m so happy you were in Script, I mean it a million times over. You’re so positive and funny and super nice, and experiencing this session with you has been a blast! I hope we get to talk more in the future <33

Chris: You are one of the nicest people I have ever met! <3 It’s been amazing having you around in Script, and I hope this session was amazing for you! I hope I can see you around in the future <3

Nini: Your writing is amazing :0 and it’s been such a blast having you in Script! I hope I get to see you around for future sessions <33

Cat: It was really really fun having you in Script this session! Thank you so much for sharing some episode ideas and for being an amazing person <33

Ember: Ahhh, it was so nice to have you in Script, even though you couldn’t be too active. Seeing you hype up Script was so nice, and I hope you’ll be around in November!

Lulu: I hope your first session went really well!! It’s been amazing, and I’m glad you were able to join us in Script! <3

All campers: If I haven’t mentioned you specifically, don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that I’ve forgotten about at all <3 Script would not have been a success without each and every one of you, and I can say for sure that this is surely one of the best cabins I have ever led. It was such an honor and an amazing, memorable experience leading you all, and it’s you guys that helped save the Script Podcast and helped make such fantastic episodes <33 Even if we don’t make the top in the end, for me, we’ve already won this session. I love each and every one of you, and I would love to see you all in November! #ScriptFTW!!

Other Notes

Dawn: Hi Dawn!! I’ve mostly gotten to know you outside of Scratch, and I’m really glad I did! You’re really nice and so fun to talk to and hang out with <3 And omg I have to mention your art because it’s so cool and so pretty!! It’s so fun playing clocktower with you and the others as well, and I’m really looking forward to hanging out with you more

Ember: Ember!! My beloved parent :0 Chatting with you is always so much fun and it’s so nice being around you <3 You’re very kind and chaotic and silly (in a good way hehe), your singing is amazing and I love your art! <3

Vee: AHHHH VEE :starstruck: first of all your art is so amazing?? Like I feel like I always say that but I really mean it ahhh it’s beautiful <3 and writing that fic with you is so fun (which btw we need to continue it akjsdkjk) and anyway you’re so cool and nice and awesome and like a bunch of other adjectives but my brain cant think of any other ones lol :sobs:

Wave: It’s crazy how we met in like the middle of July and immediately I knew we were gonna get along so well :sobs: playing clocktower with you is always so fun (+gives me trust issues), and you’re so cool and amazing ahhh, so glad I met you <3

Matty: Just wanna say that your singing absolutely eats!! oh my days call me when you drop the album and win a grammy please <3 I also wanna say that you’re really cool and so funny, like the things you say sometimes actually has me rollinggg xD

Raye: RAYEEE AHH YOU’RE ACTUALLY SO AMAZING AND A LITERAL ICON <3 I’ve known you for a long time now and I’m so so happy we’re friends <33 You’re so funny and cool and your pickup lines are so smooth bye- I’m so glad I met you and so thankful for all the fun memories we’ve had <3

If you didn’t get a personal thank you note, then just know that I’m still very thankful for each and every single person I’ve ever met in SWC and outside of it <33 I hope I can get to know more people in the near future, and that I can see you guys in November!

Lots of love,

Luka <33

SWC NOVEMBER '24

_______________________

Daily #2 (11/03/2024) - Story based off bio/wiwo

used “i worry about nothing / because nothings on my mind" from gigi's bio <3

I wouldn’t say “nothing” is on my mind.

I think about things. Like how I saw the limited photobook for the movie “Oh, Sweetie,” on sale and immediately thought of Billy. I also saw one of the loan sharks we owe and thought of Nicole thinking of another way to extend her debts. Whenever I see a stray cat, I think of Nekomata and if she really can cough up a hairball. I shouldn’t share that last thought with her.

The other day, I watched a movie in my head. More specifically, “The Heartbeat”. The Proxy, Belle, came up to me and asked what I was doing , and then she watched the movie in her head too. At least she tried to, but I could tell she was easily distracted and wanted to go to the arcade.

So I think a lot. I never found myself worrying though. The only time I will ever worry is when it’s about her. But I don’t think she would do the same for me, so I try and keep it to a minimum.

I don't even worry about going into a Hollow, despite all the risks involved. After all, there are a lot. For example, there's a disease association with Hollows that causes you to gradually lose your memory. Extended ether exposure can turn you into a mindless Ethereal. There are violent criminals and gangs that use the Hollows as transportation and bases for illegal activities. And as a Hollow Raider, you could be arrested by Public Security. And every time you enter a Hollow, you could be killed Ethereals or other Hollow Raiders if they so desire.

I've never worried about these risks though. I'm capable of taking care of monsters, and I've had a lot of experience with raiding Hollows. Plus, I have the Cunning Hares and the Proxy siblings, so I think we'll be alright.

It's like she said. I have nothing to worry about, not because there's nothing on my mind, but because it's simply not worth it. (She wouldn't agree, but honestly, we never agreed on anything.)

(349 words)

Weekly #1 - Dialogue
—-

Part 1: Consistent character voices

“Alright, time to get to work!”

Belle closed his back panel and powered him up. In seconds, the little Bangboo was wide awake, somewhat confused as to why he was right outside a Hollow inside instead of comfortably inside the video store or running errands.

As soon as Eous saw Qinqyi though, he ran up to her excitedly. The officer smiled, bending down and petting her former partner in commission.

“It’s good to see you again,” she said. “Hopefully this commission won’t be as much trouble as last time.”

“Ehe-nah!”

“Wow, love the favoritism,” Belle said sarcastically. “Anyway, let’s all remember that there is basically no Hollow or Carrot data except for what Fairy got from old security cameras. So if we run anything really bad… let’s just hope we don’t!”

“How annoying,” Qinqyi sighed. “Alright, I can sense Ethereals before we run into them.”

“And Eous, you’re gonna be getting Hollow data for us, alright?”

Eous nodded, while still enjoying the petting experience.

“We’re going in now,” Qinqyi said. “Both of you, stay close to me in case we get ambushed.”

“Is this what it’s like having a bodyguard?” Belle asked snarkily, earning her a sharp glance from Qingyi.

The officer stuck her hand through the Hollow entrance, testing for the pressure. When she felt that there was no risk, she nodded to Belle and Eous, and they walked right into the Hollow.

As soon as they stepped inside, it was like the environment hadn’t changed at all. They were still in a back alley, except the air had gotten heavier, reeking of Ether residue. Going even further, Qingyi could see a car that had been sliced clean in half, its top half already growing Ether crystals, probably from the oil inside.

Wait… it was sliced clean in half?

“An Ethereal,” Qingyi mumbled under her breath. And by the looks of it, it was NOT very welcoming.

Belle pulled out her console from her bag and started to sync it with Eous. “Wow, this Hollow is more stabilized than I thought.”

“Yeah… that’s bothering me. Hollow stability depends on the people inside, which is why almost every single one is at least mildly unstable. There should be PubSec officers, trapped civilians and Hollow Raiders in here. But this one just feels like the outside world.”

“Well, I do know that a lot of people were evacuated before the Hollow formed, so that could play a factor.”

The console beeped, and Belle’s eyes turned a shade of neon light blue, along with Eous’. Qingyi was always curious about this part. Syncing with a Bangboo was unheard of until Phaethon showed up— not even PubSec was able to perform it. Another reason why Qingyi should've locked up the Proxy a long time ago.

“Okay, so now Fairy will be able to process every step we take, and convert it to Hollow Data!” Belle smiled. “In other words, Eous and I are walking data nodes right now, isn't that cool?!”

“Shhh, are you trying to raise the Ether activity here?!”

“Chill out~ We aren't even in the depths of the Hollow yet! And the truck location is nowhere near there.”

They kept going, with Belle occasionally stopping to collect more data and process it. They saw a few groups of Ethereals on the way, but those were easily avoidable. What bothered Qingyi the most was how they still hadn't seen anything remotely more dangerous yet. Was the Hollow really that stable?

Finally, Belle pointed to a truck slammed against a wall, flipped onto its side. “We're here! The medical supplies should be in there. I'll contact the client, and you and Eous can start getting out as much as you can! … I hope you brought a bag.”

Qingyi rolled her eyes. “I'll just drive the truck out of here. Let's check if the supplies are still in good condition though.”

Belle nodded and began to connect with the client. Meanwhile, Qingyi approached the truck, and immediately had a weird feeling about it.

“Belle, you said there's medical supplies, right?”

“Yep!”

“And what company did this driver work for?”

“A non-profit aiding Hollow and Corrupt victims. HollowAid I think. Why?”

Qingyi continued to stare at the truck. She began a scan of the truck, and found no logo indicating that it belonged to any company at all.

“Nah-eh nuh! Nah-nah!”

The officer hurried over to Eous, who had opened the back of the truck. He was pointing inside, jumping up and down with worry. Qingyi peered inside, confused about what could possibly be sparking Eous’ senses like this.

And she gasped.

“Belle!”

“Ugh, the client didn't respond. What's up…?”

She trailed off as soon as she saw inside the truck.

“What in the world?!”

“Belle, I just checked my database. There's no company called HollowAid. There are, however, gangs that are running a smuggling ring for banned drugs containing Ether residue. So when you look in this trunk…”

Qingyi picked up a box and took out a bottle containing dark green powder.

“… do you begin to wonder what your client’s true motives are?”

(851 words)

————–

Part 2: Using Dialogue Effectively

“Is there something you want to tell me?”

His eyes dart away from that daunting glare. He was sweaty, breathing heavily, the sounds of the police sirens matching the pace of his breath.

“Sorry.” The only thing he could say, of all the words to exist, was a pathetic sorry.

“Don't be,” she spat, her anger boiling over despite her attempts to hide it. “Go on and run. Flee from them. Flee from me. I won't stop you this time.”

“Eve–”

“Go! Get out of here and never come back! … so you can never break my heart again. ”

(99 words)

——————

Part 3: Foreshadowing

Something is wrong with him.

At least, that was my first impression upon seeing him. He sat reclined against a chair, drinking his coffee and clearly admiring the waiter that was doing everything in her power to avoid his table.

I took a breath to steady myself and approached him.

“Sorry I'm late.”

“You sure took your sweet time,” he teased, leaning back and resting his feet on the table like a high school delinquent. “Did those little orphans take your keys or something?”

I shrugged, but I was surprised, because that was exactly what happened. “Just some traffic on the roads.”

“Mhmm~” He hummed with a tone I couldn’t discern.

No wonder no one else wanted to do this.

“I'll get right to the point,” I said. “Dazai, your life–.”

“Uh-huh…” Dazai remained unbothered. “Hey, do you think that waitress is single?”

“Dazai.”

“Just look at the way she pours that coffee Odasaku~”

“Dazai.”

“I wanna be held like that…”

“You really don't want to take this seriously, do you?”

“Hey, hey,” Dazai turned back to me. “Have you ever wondered if it's better to end yourself? Or to be killed?”

“I'm not sure how to answer that question,” I said. Knowing Dazai, this was another one of his antics, and we didn't have time for that. “So, back to–”

“Look at how much sugar she's adding!” Dazai cooed at the waitress. “I bet that's my order, with all the sweetness…”

I sighed. There was no point, I already knew where this was going. “Have you asked her yet?”

Dazai looked surprised. “Asked her what?”

“What you always ask.”

“Ah, I have something better planned,” Dazai smiled confidently. “Something a woman like her surely can't resist.”

As he said that, the waitress came up to our table, glaring at Dazai. She had obviously seen his antics.

“Here’s your coffee sir.” She set down the cups. “For you and your friend.”

“Thank you miss,” I said.

“Would it count as ending myself if I drank this?” Dazai said calmly.

At that moment, a cold feeling ran down my spine. And suddenly, I didn't want to touch my drink.

“Excuse me sir?” The waitress said, with a hint of distress in her voice. “Is there something wrong?”

“I mean I would be the one drinking it, but at the same time…”

I said nothing, but could only wonder what the heck was going on.

“You put so much sugar in here, miss. Even though I’m not one with a sweet tooth.” Dazai said. “Perhaps to mask the real taste?”

It was as if the atmosphere visibly shifted.

“Hey Odasaku~” Dazai grinned. He didn’t even bother to acknowledge the disappearing presence of the waitress. “What was it you were trying to tell me before?”

I sighed. “Your life’s in danger.”

(468 words)

————

Part 4: Script

Nicole: Hey, is this thing on?

(Nicole taps the mic, only for it not to make any noise)

Nekomata: What a terrible microphone, where’d you get it from? A dollar store?

Anby: I wonder if Nekomata used it as a chew toy…?

Nekomata: Huh?!

Billy: Hold on, Anby has a point! Last time it was my limited edition Starlight knights figurine. I’m still mad about that…

Nekomata: It’s not my fault you left it lying around! Plus a cat thiren like me has her needs, so you guys should’ve realized that when you hired me.

Anby: Maybe we should fire you then

Billy: On behalf of my Starlight knights figurine, I second it

Nekomata: You’re not supposed to go along with it!

(Belle shakes her head, disappointed)

Belle: Nicole, you didn’t plug in the microphone…

Nicole: …seriously? And we wasted all that time because Billy couldn’t do his job?

Billy: Ouch, that hurts, even though I wasn’t even in charge of the technical details…

Nicole: Alright whatever. How do we start broadcasting this?

Anby: Broadcasting?

Nekomata: You already forgot, Anby? This is supposed to be a promotion for the Cunning Hares seeing how broke we are. If more people know about our Hollow raiding services, then we can get more money!

Nicole: Ignoring that blatant comment about our financial situation, Nekomata’s right! And we even got the Proxy to help us broadcast this on InterKnot.

Belle: Only because you got me those coupons to that all you can eat buffet!

Nicole: What can I say? A girl like me has her ways.

Belle: And yet you don’t have ways to pay back those loan sharks…

Nicole: Okay! Moving on!

(Suddenly the door opens and Wise enters, carrying grocery bags. He looks at everyone in surprise, specifically his sister Belle.)

Wise: …okay, what’s going on?

Billy: You’re just in time Manager! We’re about to do a promotion for the Cunning Hares on InterKnot’s video service!

Wise: What?!

Nicole: Billy!

Billy: Uh, was I not supposed to say that?

Anby: Nicole means that we only got approval from one of the Proxy siblings, Belle, and not the other one. Which is why we were supposed to keep this a secret from Wise.

Wise: What?!

Nicole: Anby!

Anby: Is something wrong, Nicole?

Nekomata: You’re so dumb Anby! Wise doesn’t know that we were gonna use his InterKnot account and that by broadcasting this, we’re risking exposing Belle and Wise as Proxies!

Wise: What the heck?!

Nicole: Nekomata! You can’t just expose Belle like that! Wise doesn’t even know that she’s doing this for food coupons!

Belle: Oh my gosh.

Wise: Belle! Are you crazy?!

Belle: Okay, I know this looks bad, but Fairy pressured me! She said it would be sad if I didn’t accept the deal because I’ve been getting skinny and I need to eat more!

(The TV screen comes on, with a voice coming out of it)

Fairy: Master, you should know I’m just an AI, meaning I only observe what I see.

Belle: Right! And this is sort of your fault too Wise. If we didn’t always go to the noodle shop for dinner, I wouldn’t be complaining about food, and then I would eat more, meaning I would have never accepted those coupons in the first place!

Wise: … I am so done with all of you.

(Silence)

Anby: Does this mean we can start broadcasting?

Wise: No!

Nicole: Well, looks like I need those coupons back Belle.

Belle: Come on, it’s not my fault Billy’s a snitch!

Billy: Why am I always being blamed?!

Nekomata: Hahahaha!

Belle: Put a cork in it Nekomata! You are never getting the fish leftovers in my skewers ever again!

Nekomata: Come on, I didn’t even do anything!

(628 words)

————–
TOTAL: 2046 WORDS

Daily #3 (11/05/2024) - Flower Daily

The flower shop in Lumina Square.

It was nestled between the cozy smell of coffee beans and the tunes of the sea birds out for a daily catch. Blooming lucernes rested in patches of grass, which were becoming quite a rare sight these days.

She wore an orchid in her hair, fitted elegantly and emphasizing her mysterious charm and alluring navy eyes. She carried herself with grace and poise which was uncommon in Lumina. Orchidea spoke with a calm yet authoritative voice filled with eloquence, which made one wonder why she was not named Lotus.

The aesthetic of the flower shop changed daily it seemed, along with the atmosphere that surrounded it. On a busy work day, where citizens forgot to mind their language thanks to work deadlines and car horns, the front porch of the shop was decorated with xanthiums and hellebores. When the sun broke through, and the children of New Eridu ran around the sidewalks chasing poor Securityboos and playing hopscotch, Orchidea placed buttercups in the vases, and even let the kids take some home with a discount. One day, when Orchidea saw a couple walking by the shop, she took the time to decorate with ambrosias, tulips, peonies and lilacs. With all of these instances, it could be said that a flower was Orchidea’s pen, her flower shop being the paper, and her surroundings being the muse.

At the end of the business day, when the hustle and bustle in the streets of Lumina slowed down, Orchidea always went over to the coffee shop and ordered some chamomile tea, her personal favorite. Tin Man always prepared it with a hint of joy, knowing that Orchidea truly was one to take meanings to heart. And so she drank her tea, while putting chamomiles on the front porch.

She would repeat the process tomorrow, depending on how the day greeted her. No matter what the situation was, she always had a flower for it.

Such was the life of a flower shop owner.
——–
(335 words)

Daily #4 (11/06/2024) - Role Reversal

(To celebrate the release of ZZZ Version 1.3 , this fic will be reversing the roles of Section 6 and Phaethon + Cunning Hares :D)

“Breaking news coming to you from the Janus Quarter on Sixth Street! We have received word that the infamous Red Fang Gang have been surrounded by officers inside this building! There seems to be a confrontation looming, as–”

“There they are!”

“After them!”

The sounds of sirens drowned out the heavy footsteps of several angry thugs clad with weapons and twisted faces. They had their sights set on aimlessly chasing their targets: three Hollow Raiders who seemingly had nothing to do with them.

Despite the speed she was going at, Tsukishiro Yanagi managed to spot a hidden crevice around the corner. She grabbed her teammates and pulled them in.

The gang members ran right past the crevice, despite obviously losing their targets…

“Alright, this way,” Yanagi ordered, pointing in the direction they came from.

“These Red Fang Gang dudes sure are relentless,” Asaba Harumasa tugged at his bandana. “It’s so annoying, annoying enough to make me want to shoot myself with an arrow.”

“Shh! Let's go.”

The three raiders ran across the halls, up two flights of stairs, and finally into a giant storage room, with the moonlight beaming on them through the window.

“It’s 3XL-A7 glass, meant to withstand severe force,” Hoshimi Miyabi deadpanned without even touching the surface. “I doubt even my sword could break through.”

Harumasa sighed. “Well, looks like we're dead.”

“So there you are…”

It didn't even take a split second to see that the Hollow Raiders were surrounded by the Red Fang Gang members, their presence heightened by a man with sleek white hair and golden teeth.

“If it isn't the infamous Cunning Hares,” the man held his face in his hands, sounding like he was crying. “You know… we didn't have to do things this way. We could have all gone home happy, but no! You raiders just had to be selfish and take what isn't yours!”

Yanagi frowned. She tossed up the pocket-sized iron box in her hands. “Apologies, but this was a commission we got to retrieve the contents in this box. Your desires aren't our concerns. Money is money, after all.”

“You…!”

“The infamous Miguel Silver. Leader of the Red Fang Gang,” Miyabi recited with excellent precision. “I did not expect him to be so sensitive. Do all gang leaders cry this much?”

“He cries more than me whenever I don’t get a sick day,” Harumasa added.

“Enough! So you’ve decided to be stuck up, hah?” Silver gritted his teeth and raised the metal bat in his hand. “Then I guess we have to do this the hard way. And one of us isn’t walking out of here alive!”

Yanagi glanced down at her watch. “And that’s our cue.”

Suddenly, a bright light shone through the windows, accompanied by the sound of heavy helicopter blades whirring. The Cunning Hares members put their hands straight up in the air.

“Red Fang Gang! We have you surrounded!”

Silver’s jaw dropped. “What-?!”

“Don’t look at me,” Yanagi smiled. “I was just doing my job as a citizen of New Eridu. Nothing personal.”

“Drop your weapons and surrender now!”

From the corner of her eye, Yanagi noticed an overhanging TV that had been broadcasting a news channel. In the camera’s vision was a fuming news reporter that wasn’t minding his mouth, and the chief of Public Security.

“Chief, what are you doing?! Get rid of them already!”

“Hold on, we can’t just-”

“Does it look like I care!” The news reporter grabbed the chief’s walkie-talkie and yelled into it. “You guys better use all weapons at your disposal to get rid of those wastes-of-space now! Blow up the entire building if you have to!”

Everyone in the room froze.

“Wait, are they actually gonna kill us?!” Harumasa gasped.

Miyabi sighed. “We are going to die.”

For a brief second, the tip of a missile could be seen heading right at the window. Yanagi simply wished in her head that she could’ve gotten some red bean buns before she died.

The next few moments went by in a flash. Glass exploded inside the room, followed by flashes of red white and yellow, and the ground giving away beneath them.

When Miyabi opened her eyes, she was freefalling towards the ground. Staring upwards, she saw Yanagi and Harumasa above her. Except Yanagi had managed to grab a hold of a wire as she fell, and she now dangled from it helplessly, and had no choice but to watch her teammates fall to their impending deaths.

“Chief! Harumasa!”

“I want to speak to my lawyer about this!” Harumasa yelled as he fell. “I deserve compensation for all of this!”

Miyabi’s eyes widened. “Harumasa. Look below.”

She pointed directly below her, at the circular mass of distortion forming under them. And it was getting much larger.

“The explosion triggered a Hollow. We’re about to fall in it.”

“Are you kidding me…”

And they shot right into it. Yanagi could only watch with dread.

———

“Breaking news! A Hollow has formed in the Janus Quarter on Sixth Street, after PubSec destroyed a building that allegedly housed the Red Fang Gang. Witnesses report seeing multiple individuals fall into the Hollow, although PubSec has not confirmed anything yet–”

Anby Demara stared right into the TV as she gulped down a burger. “Boss, there's a new Hollow on Sixth Street, Janus Quarter.”

“Of course it did, after that stupid reporter called for that missile and the chief did nothing to stop it,” Nicole Demara frowned, tossing a coin in her hands.

Wise looked up from his laptop. “It looks like they're going to need us there.”

Nicole groaned and in her anger, roundhouse kicked the first thing she saw. Which in this case was Billy Kid napping on his chair. “These people are always causing problems for us, jeez! This is totally a valid reason for me to get my paycheck up.”

“Ow! What was that for?!” Billy said in pain, clutching his head.

“Billy, time to wake up~” Wise sang with a playful voice. “We have another job to take care of.”

Billy sighed. “I was having the best dream! Too bad it's over…”

“You dream about Monica from “Oh, Sweetie’ every day,” Anby deadpanned.

“It’s the closest I'll ever get to meeting her…”

“Oh get up already!” Nicole snapped at him. She picked up Amillion from its charging pod and powered the Bangboo on. “Let's just get this rescue over with so I can use my coupons for the noodle shop on time.”

“Nicole, you're always complaining about this job,” Wise commented with a laugh. “Makes me wonder why you're the Boss of Section 6.”

Nicole flashed him a smile. “Because it's the closest I'll get to being rich, duh.”

————-

Meanwhile, in a certain Hollow…

I guess this is it.

Miyabi wandered through the streets lined with decimated buildings and overturned cars with claw marks in them. Her sword dripped green with Ethereal blood.

She realized when she first landed inside the Hollow that she had been separated from Harumasa, probably by the space distortion. She also remembered that Yanagi never fell in, and she wondered if she was able to get away from the scene.

She also observed that the Ether concentration here wasn't as high, so she didn't have to worry about the effects of pressure, but she did need to be conscious that spending too much time in here would leave her as 1: an Ethereal or 2. Ethereal first. Whatever came first. And she'd already spent an hour here.

“This is Hoshimi Miyabi. Chief of the Cunning Hares,” she mumbled into a recording device. “I am now recording a log of my experience in a Hollow. When I am found, I give permission for this recording to be used for data and exploration purposes. If I am dead and have not turned into an Ethereal, please donate my body parts to science, and unnecessary parts should be turned to ashes, stored in an urn, and kept next to my mother's memorial.”

“Chief! There you are!”

“A lifeform that resembles my teammate, Asaba Harumasa, is approaching me.”

Harumasa frowned. “Come on Miyabi. It's me, Harumasa!”

“What is your favorite thing to do?” The fox thiren asked.

“Hang out with you guys obvi– Ouch Ouch Ouch! Okay okay! It's skipping work and sleeping! Now put your sword away!”

Miyabi sheathed her blade, smiling. “Lifeform identified. It is nice to see you Harumasa.”

“Same here…” Harumasa sighed in relief. “Remind me to never get on your bad side. Ever.”

“So, what do you think we should do now?”

“Ugh, no idea,” Harumasa looked around helplessly. “I was running around for an hour and killing Ethereals, but the space distortion here is crazy. The exit could be anywhere.”

“I just hope Yanagi got away safely,” Miyabi said. “Knowing her, she would get us some help immediately.”

“Do you think she'll even hire a Proxy?”

“I am not sure. Right now, we need to try our best to survive.”

Harumasa crossed his arms. “Some of the Red Fang Gang members fell in here too, including Silver. I’d imagine that most have turned into Ethereals with their low Ether Aptitude.”

“Meaning we have to deal with more monsters,” Miyabi frowned.

And the universe decided to prove her right. Multiple Ethereals began to appear from alleyways and surround the duo. Many of the monsters still had human parts, confirming Harumasa’s theory.

“I really need a sick day…” Harumasa said as he pulled out his bow and arrow.

Miyabi unsheathed her sword and gripped it tight. “Standard procedure. I strike in front, you support from behind.”

“Aye aye, Chief.”

“PSST!”

The two Cunning Hares looked at each other in confusion, until, from behind the Ethereals, they could see a Bangboo peeking it's head out from behind a car. It waved to them, then ducked behind its cover again.

They understood immediately.

Miyabi carved a path through the mass of Etheric bodies in front of her with her sword, dodging their incoming attacks. Harumasa followed her, shooting at Ethereals from behind.

It took little to no time to massacre the monsters. The two Cunning Hares dashed behind the car where the odd Bangboo was.

“Yuck, more green stuff,” Harumasa gagged, wiping off a slob of green liquid on him using the tip of an arrow.

“Are you a Proxy?” Miyabi asked suddenly, directing her question to the Bangboo.

The Bangboo, dressed in a white shirt with a black scarf, nodded enthusiastically. “I’m glad you're both okay. We’re here to get you both out of here.”

Harumasa smiled, his face lit up.

“You’re the legendary Proxy! Phaethon!”

From behind the screen, a man with white hair smiled.

————————-

1 hour ago…

“Breaking news! A Hollow has formed in the Janus Quarter on Sixth Street, after PubSec destroyed a building that allegedly housed the Red Fang Gang. Witnesses report seeing multiple individuals fall into the Hollow, although PubSec has not confirmed anything yet. Citizens are being warned to evacuated the area–”

Jane Doe reclined against the couch, stuffing another handful of potato chips in her mouth, whilst patting a Bangboo . “Seth? Come take a look at this.”

Seth Lowell appeared from behind the door, carrying some papers. “Oh, I saw that earlier. Apparently a bunch of people fell in there.”

Jane hummed. “Which means, we'll probably be receiving a visitor soon~”

The door slammed open, causing the Bangboo, Selene, to jump up in fright.

Yanagi took a moment to catch her breath, clearly exhausted from running for so long. “Miyabi and Harumasa are stuck in that Hollow! I need Phaethon to save them!”

“Yanagi, it's like every other day you need our assistance,” Jane teased. She stood up and picked up Selene. “Your debt is just gonna keep getting larger…”

“Seth, tell your girlfriend that now is not the time!”

“I'd rather not deal with a girl fight right now…” Seth avoided her gaze. “But anyway, what were you guys doing with the Red Fang Gang?”

“It’s a lot to explain. The Cunning Hares received a commission to retrieve a strongbox from the gang, so we did,” Yanagi explained. “But then PubSec got involved and…”

Seth raised an eyebrow. “Why don't you file a Hollow victim's report with PubSec?”

“You’re so dense,” Jane laughed. “She’s a Hollow Raider. The last thing she can afford is to bail her teammates out of jail.”

“Which is why I need you guys,” Yanagi exclaimed. “My commission for you is to go into that Hollow and guide Miyabi and Harumasa out of there. I'll even pay upfront this time!”

Jane and Seth looked at each other.

“That’s a deal I'm willing to make,” Jane grinned. “Are you alright with that Seth?”

“I was gonna go for a workout… but this is definitely more exciting. I'm in!” Seth's tail visibly wagged a bit.

Yanagi sighed in relief. “Thank you, both of you. I already found an entrance to the Hollow you can get through, but I won't be able to see PubSec has closed it off.”

“No problem.” Jane handed the Bangboo to Yanagi. “Just take Selene there, and we'll do the rest.”

Yanagi nodded and quickly left. Jane turned to her boyfriend, who was already taking a seat in front of the Hollow Deep Dive System, or HDD for short.

“You’re a little excited, aren't you?”

“Duh!” Seth grinned. “Sensory syncing is my favorite part of this.”

Jane smiled and began flicking on switches and connecting power cords. “Then let's begin, shall we?”

She hit a button, and immediately Seth's eyes lit up neon blue. A text appeared on screen.

Sensory Sync complete. Welcome, Phaethon.

(2303 words)

Daily #5 (11/07/2024) - ten word prompt

symphony, dolphin, rainbow, sea, wolf, moon, charisma, aura, ring, king

(this is gonna be a chatfic lol)

—
11:35pm

Burnice: from the screen

Burnice: to the ring

Burnice: to the pen

Burnice: to the king!!!

Caesar: WHERE’S MY CROWN??

Caesar: THATS MY BLING

Burnice: ALWAYS DRAMA WHEN I RING!!!!

Lucy: its 11:35pm!!!

Lucy: s t o p

Burnice: then why are you awake huh?

Caesar: HAH GOTTEM

Lucy: SHUT YOUR MOUTH

Lucy: I AM GOING TO COME OVER THERE AND DO IT FOR YOU

Caesar: you can’t even beat me in a fight hehe

Lucy: STOP

Lucy: i am sick and tired OF ALL OF YOU

Piper: you youngins are blowin up my phone

Piper: does sleep not exist in your vocabulary?

Lucy: piper

Lucy: why are you of all people awake?

Piper: i think i had too much nitrofuel

Burnice: AND THE NITROFUEL STRIKES AGAIN!!

Caesar: RAHHHHHHHH!!!!

Lucy: PIPER LOOK WHAT YOU DID

Piper: …yikes

Piper: i’m not even here i’m just a hallucination

Piper: an old ghost…

Burnice: idea!

Burnice: we should tell ghost stories!

Lucy: with all due respect we all suck at telling ghost stories

Caesar: we do NOT.

Lucy: okay.

Lucy: Burnice always uses her flamethrowers as special effects and something ends up being set on fire. usually MY BOARS

Burnice: whoops

Lucy: Piper cannot stay awake to tell a story for the life of her, and when she does, they’re about the stock markets crashing

Piper: what can i say, it’s the scariest thing in the world

Lucy: and you, caesar, always mess up the sayings when you’re telling a story!

Caesar: in my defense, city people are weird

Burnice: also lucy, your stories are always about the makeup stores running out of makeup

Lucy: okay but thats scary!

Piper: by the way, where’s lighter?

Lucy: sleeping

Lucy: as we ALL should

Lucy: SO GOODNIGHT.

Caesar: night everyone!

Burnice: bye bye~

Piper: i’m so tired….

——–

2:01 am

Lighter: weird question

Lighter: do you ever look up at the moon

Lighter: and howl

Caesar: bro you are so real for that

Piper: a good howl never hurt anyone

Burnice: let’s go do that right now!

Lucy: NO.
———————
(348 words)

Daily #6 (11/08/2024) - Science experiment
——–
Experiment Log #1 - (??/??/????), 2:01 am

Hello, my name is Caroline Arna, the Head Researcher at Helios Academy, and if you're hearing this, it means that I've probably died.

The Heads of Helios Academy have no idea, and have not authorized the experiment I am about to conduct. This could have severe and life threatening consequences, which is why I am currently in an isolated and regulated location on campus. If anything were to happen, I'll probably die, but the program will automatically shut down without fail.

The purpose of this experiment is to create a like-minded environment similar to a Hollow, yet the complete opposite of it. This anti-Hollow environment would interact in a Hollow space and completely nullify it's Etheric properties. In other words, it would be able to get rid of a Hollow completely.

The foundation of this anti-Hollow technology is its key element. You see, in order for a Hollow to function properly, it relies on Ether, an elemental property exclusively found there, and acts as its power source. Therefore, in order to counter and nullify Ether, a substance that is like it in shape and properties, but also unlike it, is needed. This has been the focus of my experiment.

I’ll report further findings soon.

—-

Experiment Log #2 - (??/??/???), 11:45pm

I've successfully acquired an Ethereal for the first test trial, thanks to an old friend and Hollow Explorer.

Ethereals are made up of pure Ether, and are mindless individuals with no biosignals or feelings, meaning they are the perfect test subjects for my experiment.

Using years worth of data and research on Ether, and with a lot of Ether crystals, I've managed to alter its chemical composition and hopefully create a new elemental counterpart: Synergy.

I will update this log when the test is complete.

——-

Experiment Log #3 - (??/??/???), 4:39am

It's perfect.

The Ethereal, who was exposed to the Synergy given to it, dissolved instantly. And yet, that was not the end of it.

The Etheric properties of the Ethereal are transferred into the Synergy, proving that the Synergy element acts like a sponge and soaks up Ether until it simply isn't there anymore, like a sponge.

I must present my findings to the Heads. This could turn out to be humanity's saving grace.

——–

Experience Log #4 - (??/??/????), 11:55am

“It’s getting out of control!”

“No… What's going on? Why is it creating that…?”

“Arna, shut that thing off!”

“It should be a Synergy Hollow, not an Etheric one! There should be no Ether in there!”

“I don't care Arna! Shut it off!”

“Caroline, listen to him!”

“No… I can fix it. If I can put more Synergy on there–!”

“…Professor Arna? I… brought what you asked for… what's going on?”

“No, kid, get away from there! Run!”

“Miss Arna–!”

“Shut it off! Abort the program! My kid's being corrupted in there!”

“It’s not responding–!”

“M-Mom!”

“No…! Please shut down. Please just shut down–!”

———

Search Query: Caroline Arna

Top Results from the Eridu Archives:

“Professor Caroline Arna, the Head Researcher at the former Helios Academy. She is infamously known as the sole reason for the Fall of the Old Capital, Eridu, where over ten thousand citizens perished, and the city was absorbed by an out of control Hollow now known as Hollow Zero.”

He put his hand on the screen, shaking.

“Mom…”

(556 words)

Daily #7 - Story based off a song

Song: all my friends know - PinkPantheress

—-

Is that why you think the worst of me?

I’ve always known there was something wrong with me from the moment I first placed my hand in yours. You were perfect, I could tell with just one touch. And it made me ashamed.

“You’re beautiful,” you said with words dipped in the sweet taste of lies. “I never want to leave your side.”

I knew it couldn't possibly be true. How could it be? Behind those loving eyes, were the assassins who worked for me, laying in wait for their master. Behind that false face, was a realm of misery brewed solely by me.

Was it my fault for trying to prove you otherwise? For trying to find a reason to deserve your love? All those dates, the time I set aside for you and you alone. I tried darling, I tried. Because I needed your love. I needed a reason to truly feel. I needed, for just once in my life, to enjoy the pleasures love could give.

I failed you. My sorry attempts to live up to the expectations of your love fell beyond short. Despite the stinging pain of each strike, despite the constant reminders you gave me, I failed. Someone like you never deserved someone like me. I failed to meet the standards you deserved.

I know now that I didn't deserve to receive the loving side of you. I only managed to obtain the loathing one, the side meant for me all along.

Is that why you think the worst of me?

(257 words)

Weekly 3: Journalism

—–

Part 1: Fictional event

“What a long day.”

Zhu Yuan sighed heavily, finally signing off on the last of the paperwork for the day. Even the Lieutenant of Public Security hated paperwork, the absolute worst thing about her job. Usually, most higher ups would have let their interns handle petty issues like this, but she wanted them to enjoy their holiday as much as possible. So Zhu Yuan had set her own desires aside and sat down for two hours, filing through papers that should have been filed months ago.

It was dark, with the moon high in the sky by the time Zhu Yuan finally got up from her desk. She glanced at the clock. 7pm, two hours past when she usually got off work.

She grabbed her keys and, after doing a final check of the office, headed for the exit.

Until she heard a crash.

Zhu Yuan's immediate instinct was to place her hand on her pistol. She knew very well that not a single employee stayed in the office late today except her. And from the sound of that crash, it sounded like something was broken.

She kept quiet, inching towards the break room, where the sound came from. If this was a burglar, she wondered how they were able to get past the security guards.

Zhu Yuan pointed her gun at the door, and then swiftly kicked it open.

“Freeze! Hands where I can see them!”

“Wahhhh!”

“…Huh?” Zhu Yuan lowered her weapon in disbelief.

The object that had crashed to the floor was a now-shattered plate, with ramen noodles and broth joining in on the catastrophe on the floor.

The culprits?

“Wah! We've been caught!” Nekomata exclaimed in fright, her tail shooting straight up.

“Uh… hey Zhu Yuan!” Belle said nervously.

Qingyi just looked away and shook her head in sheer embarrassment.

The culprits were the Criminal Investigation Response team, aka, Zhu Yuan's squadron.

Zhu Yuan could do nothing but sigh heavily. “Why am I not surprised… Alright, what are you three doing here? Work ended at five, and I don’t remember if you guys needed extra hours.”

Nekomata calmed down a bit, although her tail was still a bit frizzy. “Well, you see Lieutenant… It was Belle! It was all her fault!”

Belle looked at her with bewilderment. “What?! You’re the one that was agreeing on my plan before! Don’t act so innocent!”

“Belle, you just admitted that it was your plan…” Qingyi rolled her eyes.

“Okay, hold on!” Zhu Yuan interrupted them. “Enough chit chat, can someone please explain what’s going on here?”

Qingyi raised her hand. “I was powered off and charging in my office, seeing as I don’t really need a holiday. Then all of a sudden, I’m powered on by these two. Belle then asked me for the keys to the break room, which I was confused about. I asked why her and Nekomata were still here so late, and they said they were sent here by you, and that they needed to break room to make you some ramen. And based on your reaction just now… I don’t think that was the case.”

On that last sentence, she glared at Belle.

“Okay fine~!” Belle whined. “So we lied. But it was for a good reason!”

“Yeah, the noodle shop is overloaded today!” Nekomata said. “And there’s no more ramen packets back at the dorms.”

“So… you decided to sneak into the higher-ups breakroom to get ramen noodles?” Zhu Yuan said, even more confused. “You know, it’s not that hard to go into a convenience store and buy what you need- hey, aren’t those my noodles? The ones I’ve been saving for weeks?!”

“Hey, they’re still edible!” Belle pointed to the ground. “…You just gotta excuse the bacteria.”

Zhu Yuan, although she felt like slapping her officers across the face, kept her cool. “This is coming out of your paychecks.”

That definitely affected Belle and Nekomata. “What?!”

“How funny…” Qingyi smiled. “In the end, all you got was a shattered plate, wasted noodles, and a paycheck deduction.”

“Qingyi, I love you, but can’t you see we’re in visible pain here?” Nekomata sulked.

Just then, there was another crash. Zhu Yuan immediately looked at Belle suspiciously.

“Don’t look at me!” Belle exclaimed. “The only person I brought here was Nekomata!”

“Then what was that?” Zhu Yuan frowned.

Suddenly, Qingyi pulled out her staff and rushed out the door. In surprise, the rest of the team followed her out and up the stairs, until they reached Zhu Yuan’s office. Qingyi noticed the slightly open door and ran inside…

…only to be met by a complete mess. Paper was scattered everywhere, a table overturned, and the frames were all hanging off the wall.

“What the?!” Zhu Yuan exclaimed. She turned to Belle and Nekomata, who understood the assignment immediately. The two of them raced out of the room.

Qingyi surveyed the mess. “Looks like Belle and Nekomata weren’t the only visitors we had today.”

“Jeez…” Zhu Yuan began looking around, picking up papers. “Thieves. But what could they have possibly stolen?”

“Zhu Yuan! The evidence from that case we handled with the Mountain Lion Gang, where is it?”

“In the safe behind that pic-”

Her voice fell short when she saw the picture she was talking about smashed to pieces on the floor, and the safe wide open with nothing inside.

“Zhu Yuan… Public Security’s been robbed.”

(901 words)

———-
Part 2: Articles with/without bias

Breaking News! Scandalous, Rebellious Thieves responsible for Ice Cream Heist are Caught!

After a long and thorough investigation by Sugarville police, the culprits responsible for a heist at Frozen Dreams have been arrested and charged with unarmed theft and robbery and breach of trust.

Jenny and Max were both employees at the legendary ice cream shop, Frozen Dreams, which provides the best ice cream in town. The owner, Mr. Cream, went on a trip for business affairs and allegedly left the business in the hands of his two formerly trusted employees. Unbeknownst to the poor man however, the two have had a history of mischievous deeds around town, along with a criminal record associated with attempted robbery at their former place of employment. The owner of this establishment declined to comment.

According to police investigations, the two thieves, having garnered Mr. Cream’s trust, began to steal ice cream for their own selfish personal gain little by little. Customers had begun to notice the lack of ice cream, but associated it with a delay in restocking. However, by the time that the robbery began to come to light, the thieves had made a run for it.

Thanks to Sugarville’s police, Jenny and Max were arrested after a detailed investigation, and are currently in police custody awaiting trial. When asked for a statement, Mr. Cream had this to say:

“I’m absolutely broken by how my trust was misused. However, I will work to restore Frozen Dreams, and I look forward to serving my loyal customers once again.”

(255 words)

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Your Feel Good Story of the Day! Local 12-year-old wins Mango Eating Competition, says that she can only give credit to “her love of mangoes.”

Good morning readers, and welcome to our feel good story of the day! Today we bring you to Mangano, where a local 12-year-old has just won the National Mango Eating competition, and taken home 1000 dollars! We were able to catch up to her and ask for a mangolicious story on how it all went down! Read more below…

Interviewer: Hello Avery! How are you doing today

Avery: Woah, I never thought I’d be in an interview… oh, hello! Um, Thank you for interviewing me!

Interviewer: The pleasure is all ours! Now, we are all dying to hear about your recent feat, winning a mango eating competition! Please, tell us, how did you prepare for this moment?

Avery: Well, it was really hard! I’ve always loved mangoes, and always ate so much of them. One day my parents saw a flyer for the competition and told me about it, and I knew I wanted to sign up! So I started training every day leading up to the competition.

Interviewer: And what was the competition like?

Avery: Difficult! I was starting to get sick of mangoes, but I knew I had to keep going for my prize, and the other competitors were putting up a fight. And then I saw that one of them had finished their last seed before me, and I was scared that I had done all this for nothing. But then I heard they were disqualified, so I won, and I couldn’t believe it.

Interviewer: What an amazing moment. So Avery, what will you use the money for?


Avery: A new typewriter! I’ve always wanted to be an author, and now’s my chance!

(301 words)

———————

Part 3: SWC Article

Welcome to the SWC daily readers! For today, we’ll be diving into a developing story that has everyone on edge: a strike! That’s right readers, the beloved SWC is now facing a strike from many parties: leaders, campers, and polar bears! If you are looking to see just how it all went down, then we have got you covered! Our expert team at the SWC daily have done tremendous work in order to get the full scoop, and we’re excited to share it with you.

The now grandiose strike actually started very small, all with one of the usual dailies: the Polar Bear strike. The purpose of this daily was for campers to write a letter persuading the Daily Team (aka the Polar Bears) to come back on the job after they walked out. This has been a daily occurrence for many sessions, and so it seemingly was not much of an event. Until one person made a very peculiar comment:

““The Polar Bears quit this” and “The Polar Bears quit that” WHAT ABOUT THE LEADERS?? WHERE’S OUR PAY??? I'M CALLING A STRIKE! IF THE HOSTS DON'T MEET OUR DEMANDS WE’RE WALKING OFF THE JOB.”

This comment came from one of the SWC leaders, Luka, who was seemingly fed up with the Polar Bears' antics, and so decided to express her angry and rebellious attitude. We asked for a comment on the background of her statement, however she replied with: “Uh, I’m trying to speedrun this weekly AND get all of these profile pictures done. Come back later!”

(Which is very relatable, but let’s get back on track.)

The statement ended up sparking outrage in other leaders, who also expressed the same desires as Luka. Leaders such as Chuey, Yume, Finley and Yume all joined in, lobbying for the hosts to meet their demand, and when that evidently did not happen, the strike began. Chuey, a leader in Fantasy, founded the apparent leader cabin alongside Luka, Yume and Luna, and garnered attention and support from various leaders, and a growing list of demands were collected, calling for various food items, money, and…fingernails?

What was unexpected however, was when the campers began to follow suit, inspired by the brave actions of the leaders and angered by their exclusion from the strike. This led to the creation of the camper cabin, along with the creation of a list of demands for the hosts. It is unknown whether these… interesting demands will be met anytime soon.

In the meantime, a symbol of solidarity has arisen from the chaos, known as the “on strike” profile pictures. Coined once again by Luka, to this date, over fourty campers and leaders have ordered their respective profile pictures, and they are now becoming a prominent symbol in the community.

(466 words)

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Part 4: Critique

Camper promotes Competition and Motivation Amongst SWCers
Written by: Eevee Lastname
Even in Scratch Writing Camp, where friendly competition is fostered and cabin relationships are tossed around, there can be a disproportionate amount of effort put into your cabin. A camper’s dedication at gaining points for their cabin may not be seen up on the leaderboard when the rising of ranks relies on many. That is why when Claya, the host of the SWC Trackbear leaderboard, introduced this to the SWC community, it raised up an extra layer of competition.
When we talked to Claya, she mentioned that she discovered Trackbear as a Nanowrimo alternative and thought introducing it to SWC would help add to the chaos. “It blew up way bigger than I thought it would, which was super awesome!” she said. It certainly brought more chaos and attention, as even after the initial SWCers joined, many more joined later on as they heard about what was going on the leaderboard.
On a leaderboard where you are representing yourself, you can accurately see where you lay, thus encouraging you to write more, work harder, and see where your fellow cabinmates are on this graph as well. This brought many to compete for the coveted first place on the leaderboard.
Most notably would be when the Trackbear was first starting off in the beginning of the session. There was a good handful of SWCers on, and Luna and Claya sparked the first rivalry. Claya was at the top of the leaderboard at the time, but was soon topped by Luna in a few hours. After bantering and tossing the spot of first between the two of them, they began to write just to beat the other at the end of each day. This brought about both positive and negative results.
In an interview, Luna mentioned that this competition helped her to push her boundaries and motivated to stay on top. “I was only intending to go to like 50k this session,” she stated, going on to say that the Trackbear and being on first helped her to write thousands of words per day. This has clearly been the case, as of November 19th, when her word count is past the initial goal of 50k, resting at 58,473, nearly 8 and a half thousand words more, with a third of the session left. However, she has also said that it has been stressful, though she enjoys writing, due to overworking herself and leading to a few days of no writing.
Claya’s incorporation of Trackbear into the SWC friendly competition has brought about a new wave of motivation and enthusiasm among participants, allowing writers to see where they rank among others, or to crank it up a notch and fight for first. As we can see from Luna and Claya’s rivalry, this has helped to exceed personal expectations and strive to do more, but we can also overwork ourselves. As we enter the last week of SWC, let’s remember to build up those friendly relationships while staying healthy.

Hi Eevee! Sorry if this is short haha, I’m speedrunning the weekly

Anyways, I really like how this article reports on something different! I’ve seen a lot about the strikes and not a lot about anything else (at least the ones I’ve read), so this is like a breath of fresh air!

I also like how you mentioned how and why Trackbear was brought into SWC, and Claya’s intentions behind it, and how you also showed both the positives and negatives of Trackbear: it serves as a motivator, but also being very stressful and generally unhealthy to write so much.

My favorite part of this was about the rivalry between Luna and Claya, and I like how you gave us the inside scoop on it ;D Finally, you also reminded your readers about the consequences of writing too much, and gave a perfect reminder on how we should all remain healthy <33

(152 words)

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Weekly #4 - CultureSWC

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(GOD I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO THIS - okay so this weekly will be The Great Gatsby (loosely) x Genshin Impact and I KNOW thats a weird combo but im just such a fanfiction girlie and i love the idea behind the great gatsby :>)

(Intro)

Cyno came home exhausted that day, stressed and rocked with problems arising from scandals in his line of work. It was the last thing he needed, and yet the archons did not seem to favor him.

It was dark, the stars serving as guides for all those who were still outside. As Cyno approached his house, he noticed a figure standing on the sidewalk, close to the railing which boarded the sea.

Cyno knew this man as Kaveh, his rich next door neighbor.

He debated saying hello, however something in the other man’s movements told him he was content to be alone.

Suddenly a hand was outstretched, past the railing, and Kaveh shivered with fear. His eyes were illuminated by a faint green light, which shone from the end of the sea, as if it were calling for him.

Cyno looked as well, and saw the light, which he had always seen before. When he turned back, with the resolve to talk, Kaveh had already disappeared.

(166 words)
—-

(Prompt 1: Origin story)

Kaveh was about seventeen years old when that boat first lowered its anchor onto the shores of Sumeru.

He didn’t remember why exactly he was there, except for the fact that he was walking to no particular destination. He was just walking. There was nothing more to it than that.

He could vividly remember the ship, which attracted many curious onlookers. The ship had ended its journey on one of Sumeru’s many unoccupied beaches, which was an unusual place for travelers to lower their anchors. In addition, this ship was decorated with gold outlinings which complemented its posh look. It was clearly a boat that belonged to the rich.

Kaveh loved the rich. More truthfully, he loved the idea all for himself.

He heard yelling from the dock, on which there was a fair, blond man in his mid-forties, clearly displeased with his crew members. The man wore an extravagant black coat decked out in precious gems, the cuff links crafted from gold.

It was then that the young man noticed the problem with the ship. It did not ground itself willingly, the anchor had slipped from its hold and had forced the ship to remain on Sumeru’s shores, unwilling to move.

Kaveh walked over to one of the crew members. “There’s a problem with your anchor’s hold.”

“You think I can’t see that?”

“It’s an easy fix.”

And Kaveh fixed it. And that one moment where he toiled for once in his life did not go unnoticed under the eyes of Callas, the old man of golden cuff links.

When the ship left Sumeru once more, it took Kaveh with it, as its newest engineer.

It traveled throughout the seas of Teyvat, roaming wherever the currents took it next. Kaveh learned that the ship was the property of the Spina di Rosula, Callas’ organization. They mainly operated in Fontaine, but were currently on an expedition on behalf of the land of Hydro. Kaveh translated this into one word: money.

It became apparent that Callas favored Kaveh above all of his other staff, so much so that he became his right hand man. He provided for the man, he gave him clothing and food, he spoiled him. Perhaps it was because of Callas that Kaveh became reckless, eventually being bailed out of jail cells more times than he should have. And yet, while everyone wondered why Callas would provide for such a man like Kaveh, who wanted nothing more than to achieve the fleeting Sumerian Dream, their partnership remained for three years.

And it ended at three years, with Callas’ arrest for murder of a Fontanian man of whom he had done business with. Kaveh wasn’t there, not for his trial or his duel with the Champion Duellist which led to his ultimate demise. Kaveh had already wandered off again.

Callas’ property and worth had all gone to his daughter. As for Kaveh, all he inherited was the spark of money.

(541 words)
—–

(Prompt: Incorporating a symbol)

Tighnari had been walking along the cobblestone road, the wind occasionally perking up his ears and blowing his jacket up just a bit that the trees looked at him disapprovingly. The cool breeze of autumn brought relief from the relentless Sumerian heat, which punished its citizens for their sole existence.

He walked alongside a lane of houses, a neighborhood he was familiar with because he practically lived there. Houses crafted from expensive woods and decorated with floral patterns that wouldn’t be explainable by those living there.

Alhaitham’s house was on the end of the street, an embodiment of beautiful dark jade green, and a reflection of Mother Nature itself, if Mother Nature were rich and always bombarded by the calls of men and women who yearned to hear a melodic voice.

As Tighnari approached the house, he noticed its owner sitting on its steps under the shade of the trees, accompanied by a blonde man with his braided hair slumped on his shoulder. Their faces were pressed together, as if they were the only ones in the world.

He had never seen that man before.

“Tighnari,” Alhaitham suddenly called in an indescribable voice. “Come over here please.”

Which surprised the former, because of all the Sumerians that Tighnari knew, he respected and adored Alhaitham above all, which was applicable to everyone that knew the silver-haired man.

Tighnari was able to get a good look at the other man’s face now, and it didn’t do much in terms of recognition, only that he was probably a soldier drafted for the war(judging solely by his badge). Moreover, he looked dazed, not towards Tighnari, but towards the lover he had just been spending quality time with.

“Are you going to the Akademiya to pack kits, Tighnari?” Alhaitham asked.

“Yeah, they said they needed extra hands today,” Tighnari responded. “It’s late notice today.”

“Tell them I won’t be coming today, will you? I really apologize.”

“Of course,” Tighnari said. He noticed that the man had been staring at Alhaitham the entire time, in the same way that everyone would want to be stared at: in love.

His name was Kaveh, as Tighnari would later find out from local gossip. However, present times told him to make his leave, and so he did, leaving the daring couple in their own invisible house of love.

Later on, local gossip also told Tighnari about how Alhaitham was stopped from seeing off a “soldier boy” at the docks. Alhaitham was not on speaking terms with his family for weeks after that, and he never did mess around with any of the military men again. Whether that was his own decision, or that of social pressure, was unsure.

The next time that Tighnari walked by Alhaitham's house, its owner wasn't there, and wouldn't be there for months, or so he had heard. In the meantime, Tighnari spent his own time going to (and winning) archery competitions, while also avoiding the unsettling gazes of need that were shot his way.

Five months later, Alhaitham came back, engaged to a man in Fontaine. A beautifully crafted silver ring was around his finger.

And in the same year, the wedding was held at a luxury hotel in Fontaine, with five floors rented out for the guests and entertainment. Tighnari was one of the men of honor.

A day before the actual wedding, when the silver-haired man to be wed had not shown up to his own party, Tighnari was sent to his room to check on him. When his knocks went unanswered, he used the key provided to him by staff.

Alhaitham sat on the bed, staring straight at the ceiling with hazy, tear-stained eyes. In one hand was a glass marked with wine drops, and in the other was a letter, opened but crumpled up.

“Tighnari…” Alhaitham mumbled with slurred speech. “ ‘Grats to you! ‘Grats to me! I won't get married today or tomorrow until he's back. Tell ‘em Haitham's changed his mind! Haitham’s changed his stubborn mind~!” And he broke down in tears once more.

The silver ring had been tossed aside.

Tighnari slumped Althaitham over his shoulder and led him to the closet, where he began to pick out clothes for him. While the incoherent man changed from his wine-stained clothing into fresh ones, Tighnari called for one of the staff members of the hotel, and ordered a bag of ice, water, and cleaned the room on his own, getting rid of wine bottles and used cups.

“Alhaitham, put away that letter,” Tighnari told him when he had finished changing. “You don’t need it.”

“I need to wait…” Alhaitham muttered. “I can’t get married. No, I can’t get married… not yet…”

Two hours later, Tighnari and Alhaitham walked out of his room. The ring was back on the groom’s finger, his hair and appearance was fixed, and the supposed letter was no longer in his hands. Not a single soul knew about it. The day after that, Alhaitham was married. The incident was never brought up again.

The next time Tighnari saw his friend was in the summer, during a beach party back once again at Fontaine. Occasionally, Alhaitham’s eyes would go wide, and he would ask: “Where’s Wriothesley?” over and over until his husband came back into the room moments later, and Alhaitham would cling onto Wriothesley and look at him in the same way that the soldier boy had once looked at him back in Sumeru. And he would receive the same look back, except it was one that was not solely for him. And the newlyweds would sit on the beach, Wrio’s head on Alhaitham’s lap, and the latter would twirl his fingers in his hair and whisper words in that melodic, enchanting voice of his that the world would never hear.

A week later, Tighnari got a hold of a newspaper with a developing story. Wriothesley had gotten into an unfortunate crash, although only injured slightly. As for the girl in the car with him, her arm was broken. She worked as the Champion Duellist of Fontaine.

After these happenings, Alhaitham and Wriothesley went away to Liyue for two years, and Tighnari occasionally wrote letters to his friend, describing his success in archery and wondering what Liyue was like. He received letters back, telling him about the scenery and the antique shops that sold books Alhaitham always wanted to read. In one letter, he described how Wriothesley had bought out an entire bookstore just for him.

And then they came back to Sumeru that summer, staying in a vintage mansion in the east, and Tighnari often frequented the place. It was near the beginning of the summer that Tighnari met Cyno at that same mansion for a dinner party. Perhaps, without his presence, the following conversation would have never occurred:

“Cyno, you live in West Sumeru, right?” Tighnari asked. “Next to the Akademiya? It’s a nice place, you know. You probably know of another person that lives there then.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever-”

“Kaveh. His name is Kaveh. He owns a mansion near there.”

“Oh, that guy’s my neighbor. It’s a little embarrassing though, living next to such a giant place.”

And Alhaitham’s ears had suddenly perked up. “Kaveh? What Kaveh?”

The conversation had been swiftly ended by Wriothesley after that, and Althaitham would not have his question answered until the next day, when he drove over to Tighnari’s house and asked him: “What Kaveh were you talking about yesterday?”

Tighnari answered. He was a Sumerian man that lived in the West. Alhaitham pressed a finger to his lips, closed his eyes, and muttered something…

(1272 words)

————-

(Prompt 3: Decipher writing)

… “And it was only then that I realized that Kaveh was the same man I saw Alhaitham with under the trees that day.” Tighnari said, turning to Cyno. “The same man that Alhaitham once loved.”

Cyno crossed his arms. “So, why did I need to know all of this before you asked me for a favor on Kaveh’s behalf?”

“Because he wants you to understand,” Tighnari said. “He doesn’t want you to see him as a greedy man, but rather someone who just wants to feel the same love he once did in the past. That’s why he wants to see Alhaitham again, and he wants you to arrange it at your place.”

“Why not your place?”

“You live right next to him. He wants Alhaitham to see where he lives now.”

“I see.”

An eerie silence fell upon them. Tighnari then pulled out from his pocket a paper, with nothing written on it.

“And what’s this supposed to be?”

“It’s the letter I talked about in my story. The one that caused Alhaitham to act up the way he did that night.”

Cyno took another good look at the paper. “Tighnari, that paper has no words on it.”

“Yes? I can see that.”

“Then how did Alhaitham read a blank letter? Unless… it caused him to ‘go blank’.”

Tighnari glared at him. “I didn’t call you over just to hear another one of your unfunny jokes. Haven’t you seen these types of letters before? They’re called Sumerian blank letters. Their sole purpose is to keep a message secret. They were used mostly during the war, which is probably how Kaveh got his hands on one.”

“Kaveh wrote that letter?” Cyno asked, confused. “I guess it makes sense now, why Alhaitham no longer wanted to get married after reading it.”

“I inferred just as much,” Tighnari said. “Kaveh wants to show Alhaitham this letter again. However, we need to decipher it first.”

“And how do we go about that?”

“Close the blinds slightly. Also, can you pluck a leaf off of that plant for me?”

Cyno nodded and did as he was told, shutting the blinds so that all but a little light could disturb their moment, and then carefully grabbing a leaf off of a potted plant, he brought it to Tighnari. Tighnari placed the leaf against the paper and closed his eyes, and suddenly, as he slid the leaf across the page, the words began to glow.

Cyno watched intently.

“It’s a trick used by many Sumerians,” Tighnari explained. “Especially Dendro users. Being able to reveal words through a leaf. I imagine that Alhaitham was able to do this since he’s also a Dendro user.”

He continued to trace the leaf across the paper, until all the words came to light.

“It’s… a poem,” Cyno realized.

(469 words)

(Prompt 4: Write a poem)

Autumn breeze, Sumeru comes alive
Through your words like music
Words which hold different meanings with every shift of your voice
Every melody, every emphasis
A unique melody that can only be heard once

A man like me was blessed upon hearing it.
A gift from the archons themselves,
Your voice
Your love
Our love

Winter snow, Sumeru dies
Through your tears like weeping willows
Tears which hold unfilled promises
Every desperate cry, every begging tone
A distasteful voice which sang out through bloodshed

A man like me was haunted upon hearing it.
A reminder from the archons themselves,
Your voice
Your love
Our love

Spring rain, Sumeru stills
Through your absence like an undiscovered treasure
An absence weighing on my heart
Every missing melody, every missing kiss
A presence which now belonged to another

A man like me was broken without it
A curse from the archons themselves
Your voice
Your love
Our love
Now his

Summer heat, Sumeru thrives
Through a love waiting to be revived
A love promised by a man coming home
Every future embrace, every future moment
A love which brings me home to you
Your voice
Your love
Our love
Forever

Like the breeze that fateful autumn

(208 words)

(Prompt 5: Unwanted Decision)

After reading the poem, Tighnari looked at Cyno thoughtfully, which was more than surprising, because Tighnari was not the type of person to give anyone such looks.

“Well? Cyno?”

“Hm?”

“Are you going to host the tea party or not?” Tighnari asked again. “You never gave me a clear answer.”

“Tighnari, I appreciate the story, and I will admit that it did make me sentimental,” Cyno began. “But I don’t see why this man, Kaveh, is basically using me to get closer to his crush. I don’t like that one bit.”

“You and Alhaitham know each other from your days at the Akademiya.”

“That’s not a valid reason. Plus, I don’t want to be caught in unnecessary drama”

Tighnari sighed. “Cyno, I’m going to be blunt with you. I think Kaveh and Alhaitham deserve to have a moment together again.”

He folded the letter neatly and slipped it into Cyno’s hand. “Alhaitham deserves something in that miserable marriage of his. Wriothesley has it, so why can’t he?”

“…”

“Don’t think of this as a favor for Kaveh anymore. Think of this as a favor for me. Please.”

Perhaps it was that little break in his voice, that small shift in his tone, that made Cyno’s heart squeeze up like lemons. He wondered if this was Kaveh’s intention, to use the man Cyno loved in order to get his own way.

How annoying. And Cyno hadn’t even personally met the man.

“I’ll do it.”

Tighnari’s face lit up. “You will? Ah, I knew I could count on you!”

Cyno just nodded painfully.

(260 words)
——-

(Prompt 6: Barter/Trade)

“Come up to Fontaine with me. I want you to meet my girl.”

This is what Wriothesley said to Cyno on Saturday afternoon, a mere three days before the day where Alhaitham and Kaveh were fated to meet again. A meeting hosted by Cyno, without Wriothesley’s knowledge.

Tighnari had told Cyno previously about Wriothesley’s alleged affair(and his habit many across the years), and Cyno had semi-believed it until the rich man had called him that day and practically dragged him to Fontaine without even a second thought.

“Does Alhaitham know about this girl?” Cyno asked while they were on the commercial ship, which was a rather imprudent question considering how they were travelling all the way to Fontaine for this.

Wriothesley shrugged. “Yes.”

“Excuse me?”

“He’s known ever since we moved back to Sumeru,” Wriothesley said. “Does that surprise you?”

“I always imagine affairs as being more secretive,” Cyno told him.

The response was a short, hefty laugh. “I’ve never seen love as a reason to be secretive.”

They arrived at Fontaine, whose streets were littered with people that went to and fro. Unlike Sumeru, Fontaine was more similar to a kingdom, being very fortified under its walls.

After moments of walking and looking around, Wriothesley stopped Cyno at a restaurant which sold pies. Wriothesley peered through the display window.

“Are you craving pies?” Cyno asked.

“It’s for her,” Wriothesley responded. “She wants apple.”

They entered the shop, filled with the aroma of freshly baked delicacies. A middle-aged man with a worn face, similar to all who worked to make a living in Fontaine, approached them.

“Good morning gentlemen,” the man said. “Are you interested in anything?”

“I’ll take two apple pies,” Wriothesley said, opening up his wallet.

The man nodded. “Sure do, but you gotta wait at least twenty minutes. We’re just making a fresh batch right now.”

Wriothesley eyed him, and then pointed to the pies sitting on the counter. “I see three apple pies sitting right there, mate.”

“Those are reserved as an order for another customer,” the man informed him. “Sorry ‘bout that.”

“I don’t see that customer in here right now,” Wriothesley frowned, his voice becoming more commanding. “Unlike me, who is willing to pay for them right now.”

“Look here good sir, I don’t like your tone,” the man huffed. “I got people to attend to, and I’m definitely not lowering my standards just to serve a rude customer such as yourself. So unless you’re willing to wait, I suggest leaving my store at… ah.”

Wriothesley slammed multiple bills and coins down on the counter, and they kept coming. The man could only look on with shock and money-hungry eyes. Cyno had to admit that he also felt the same way.

“Oh! Actually, the customer did say they would be a little behind schedule,” the man said joyfully. “I’ll wrap those pies for you right now, sir.”

He rushed behind the counter eagerly, while Wriothesley just sighed.

“They always sway to the rich. It’s a little saddening when you think about it.”

“Saddening indeed, but necessary.”

The statement came not from Cyno, but from a woman behind them. She was a tall woman with dark purple hair that curled around her face and ended at her shoulders, accompanied by a stylish hat which suited her formal yet daring clothing.

“Are you not getting anything for your friend there?” The woman batted her long lashes and shook her head. Every word from her mouth was spoken with a stoic tone of elegance. “How inconsiderate of you.”

“Clorinde,” Wriothesley said. “I thought we were meeting near the plaza.”

“You were taking too long,” Clorinde replied, narrowing her eyes at Cyno. “Good afternoon.”

“Good afternoon miss,” Cyno replied, somewhat nervous. The tone and presence of Clorinde was commanding, similar to Wriothesley’s and perhaps even more so.

“This is the friend I was going to introduce you to,” Wriothesley explained.

It was then that it clicked for Cyno, that Clorinde was the alleged mistress.

“Welcome to Fontaine,” she said. “I hope Wrio has not been a terrible guide. I never trust him with these sorts of things.”

“Don’t embarrass me in front of my guest…” Wriothesley sighed.

The shop owner then returned with two wrapped pies, placed them in a bag, and handed it to Wriothesley. He immediately began eyeing the money on the counter right after.

“Thank you, good sir! We hope you come again! There will surely be a discount reserved for you!”

The party of three said nothing and simply left, entering the streets of Fontaine once more.

(764 words)

(Prompt 7: The supernatural)

They spent the rest of the afternoon wandering about, mainly for shopping. Clorinde revealed that she was inviting some guests over for a little “hang-out” (in Cyno’s mind, it was basically a small party, seeing the amount of food and drinks she bought for the event)

“I don’t like the word ‘party’,” Clorinde explained to him later on. “Parties imply uncivilized and immoral behavior. Or perhaps that is just my view on things. I’m sure Sumerians have another perspective. Am I right, Wrio?”

“I’ve seen it firsthand,” Wriothesley nodded, carrying five shopping bags willingly. “The get-togethers of Fontaine are more formal, as they should be. That’s why I stay in East Sumeru, which has more civilized practices. The rich folk in West Sumeru host the most atrocious parties known to man. Such as that one man, Kaveh.”

When they had arrived back at Clorinde’s house, a coral-white structure with an intricately decorated interior, Clorinde left to go call up the guests, while Wriothesley and Cyno set up the delicacies.

“I did not expect her house to be so big,” Cyno noted.

“What did you expect mate? A trash bag?” Wriothesley laughed. “The girl has taste.”

It was not long before the guests began to arrive.

One thing Cyno noted about Fontanians was their habit of dress, which was always very professional and was an exemplary reflection of Renaissance culture.

The first person to arrive was a woman named Navia, with elegant blonde hair, a steampunk-inspired dress, and hands adorned with jewellery. She had a smile that lit up the room, yet also seemed to imply that she was always thinking of misfortune upon others. She was the only guest that Clorinde exchanged a hug with, hinting at close friendship.

More guests arrived, and a first round of drinks was served. Navia, clearly a lightweight, was leaning against Clorinde and giggling gleefully.

“Oh darling!” Navia exclaimed. “You truly outdid yourself this time. I hope Wriothesley helped out a little, you know how stubborn that hunk of metal can be.”

“No more glasses for you, Navia,” Lynette brushed her ashy-gray hair aside, addressing Navia with a soft voice. “We can’t afford to have a stir today. We have a special guest.”

“The Sumerian!” Furina announced, pointing at Cyno. She had been introduced as a famous actress to him. “You have such an interesting fashion choice. Is it hot in Sumeru?”

Cyno nodded. “So hot that even the desert lizards beg for mercy.”

“Hahahaha! Did you hear that Neuvillette? Even the desert lizards!”

“I hear Furina, you do not have to repeat it again.”

Furina slumped in her seat. “There goes the great Hydro dragon, once again killing the mood, just like how he kills criminals with his hand of justice!”

Neuvillette (Cyno was intimidated by his stature, considering he was someone that was the superior justice of Fontaine) couldn’t stand for that. “Also similar to how Clorinde kills criminals with the edge of her blade.”

“Kill?” Cyno repeated the word.

“Oh, don’t be so worried,” Wriothesley said. “Clorinde is the Champion Duellist of Fontaine. It’s her job to engage in duels given to her by notorious criminals that want to battle for their freedom.”

“What a terrible bunch,” Clorinde scolded them. “Do not make it seem like my job is to kill. My job is to uphold the justice system. It’s why I was gifted with an Electro Vision in the first place.”

“I heard Electro visions are gifted by the gods to those that must fulfill a duty or promise,” Lynette added. “Dear guest, I notice you also have an Electro vision.”

“I have a duty,” Cyno explained. “I suppose it’s for the Akademiya, to oversee the research department and catch anyone using illegal or immoral means to conduct their work. Although, they don’t really like me.”

“Meanwhile, Geo users are given their visions for leadership,” Navia said excitedly. “I received mine once I took over my father’s organization, the Spina di Rosula. Perhaps you’ve heard of us? We’ve been all over Teyvat in Fontaine’s glorious name.”

“Are we talking about visions now?’ Furina said suddenly, as she had not been paying attention to the conversation at all. “Don’t you dare forget about Hydro visions! Hydro is the symbol of healing and justice. Do you want to know how I got mine?”

“Your story is a confusing one,” Neuvillette shook his head. “Including mine.”

“What- boo! You didn’t even let me finish!”

Navia picked up her glass once more. “We don’t have Dendro, Pyro or Anemo right now. If only Emilie or Lyney were here, they would cover those last two. Which means Cyro is last!”

“I have heard about Cyro,” Cyno said. “From what I remember, it’s the saddest one.”

Lynette bowed her head in somberance. “Earned from a fight, whether physical, mental, or emotional. I would say mine was more emotional, but that was a long time ago.”

As if on command, everyone turned to Wriothesley, who’s Cryo vision was visible on his belt, near his pocket. The man looked back at them amusingly. “I won’t shy away from my vision’s story. You all know it, I attempted to kill my abusive folks to save some kids. Nothing more to it, you know?”

(876 words)

(Prompt 8: Dreamtime character)

Navia approached Cyno. “This is a good story. Keep telling it Wrio! I love this one.”

“Me too!” Furina clapped her hands together like a child. “Don’t hold back, I want to hear it again!”

Clorinde sighed, then looked at Cyno. “They like it because it’s when I met Wrio. He had been sentenced to thirty in prison, and immediately requested a duel with me afterwards. And so we duelled. And it is the first time and only time in Fontaine’s history that the duel was declared a draw.”

“I’m still proud of that moment,” Wriothesley teased her. “You remember it, right Neuvillette? I remember that dumbfounded expression of yours as you sat in the front row. You were practically shocked when you had to reduce my sentence to five years ‘cause of it.”

“We are focusing on you and Clorinde, not me,” Neuvillette deadpanned.

“I couldn’t get my mind off him after that duel,” Clorinde continued, her elegant voice fitting her words perfectly together like a puzzle. “I kept seeing him in that prison, although at first it was just to figure out where exactly he had learned to fight like that. Then it became something more. I still remember the first time we kissed, don’t you Wrio?”

“How could I ever dare to forget it?” Wriothesley said softly, the softest that Cyno had ever witnessed him be.

“Aww, how cute! It’s just like a fairytale,” Furina cooed. “You two are truly meant for each other.”

It was then at Navia let out a shrill scoff. “It’s so unfortunate, darling. So unfortunate how those crazy people from Sumeru came and ruined it, along with that awful Dendro lad.”

Cyno’s ears perked a little

“I wouldn’t call him awful,” Lynette objected. “He was in the same position as our beloved Wriothesley. Forcefully married in order to bring union to two of the richest families in Teyvat.”

“Still, that other guy should have gone to another region,” Furina frowned. “Not come here and complicate matters. In fact, I overheard that before he came here, he had a little fling with someone else. One of those Sumerian soldier boys.”

“I absolutely detest Sumerian soldier boys,” Navia sighed. “Especially the West ones that cause so much trouble. My father trusted one once, so much so that he made him first made of La Rosa! And that stupid boy, well, he always got into trouble with the law! I’m relieved that none of my father’s fortune went to such an irresponsible man.”

For the first time in a while, Neuvillette was actually interested in the conversation. “The name of Wriothesley’s husband, what is it again?”

“Oh Neuvi dear, you are so forgetful,” Navia laughed.

However, no one dared to answer the question, not until Wriothesley cleared his throat.

“Alhaitham, that’s his name.”

At once, the tension snapped, which seemed to be like a burden lifted off the hearts of the guests. Cyno noted it as an unspoken rule: don’t mention Althaitham’s name, until his own husband clears it first.

“Ah, I have heard of that name,” Neuvillette said. “His family founded the Sumeru Akademiya.”

“And they’re full of snobs,” Navia snorted. “They remind me of… ah, a Bunyip! Those ugly creatures that prey on the unfortunate, like poor Wrio and Clorinde.”

Clorinde frowned. “Watch what comes out of your mouth dear friend. That man should not be judged based on his family. I imagine that he is just as unfortunate to be born in that lineage.”

Cyno noted another rule: Clorinde never said Alhaitham’s name.

“…Do you think you’ll ever meet him, Clorinde?” Furina asked curiously.

Clorinde looked at Wriothesley, then answered the question.

“When the time is right.”

(615 words)

—————————–

(Prompt 9: Play/Script)

Cyno was too hungover to even move the next day, and even had to call in sick for work. Still, he managed to remember some of the events that followed that conversation. More rounds, more hearty laughter and a moment of dancing. At some point, Navia and Furina had gotten into a spirited argument surrounding the entertainment industry, and Lynette assured Cyno that this was a regular occurrence.

At some point, Wriothesley and Neuvillette had gone to the dinning room to catch up on “important affairs”, and Clorinde joined them afterwards. Furina had taken it upon herself to start announcing that she was the Hydro Archon, which actually turned out to be true when Cyno did his research later on.

Finally, the night forcefully ended when Navia, a little too excited to show off the new weapon she bought, broke a table and a vase. It was then that Clorinde decided it was time for everyone to return to their own affairs (thus supporting how she believed Fontanian get-togethers must remain civil.)

Clorinde took Wriothesley and Cyno back to Sumeru on Navia’s private vessel. Cyno had blacked out on the ride home, but he faintly heard a few sentences roam into his ears.

“Well then, I think we should talk about him soon. Truthfully.”

“Address what? We’ve already talked about him enough.”

“…There’s something I want to ask you.”

Cyno never heard the question. What he did remember, though, was that when he had regained consciousness near the end of the trip, Wriothesley and Clorinde were sharing a kiss.

————-

That same day, when Cyno was picking up the newspaper (delivered by the ever reliable Kirara), he spotted a man dressed in like a butler approaching him. The man walked over to him and bowed.

“Good day, sir.”

He shook hands with Cyno and cleared his throat.

“My master would be delighted to have you at his party this evening. Consider this your formal invitation.”

“Master?”

In response, the butler pointed to the mansion beside them.

Kaveh’s mansion was well lit up later that evening. Cars filled up the driveway and surrounding area, and many people had already arrived. Many of these people had not received invitations at all, and many did not even know the host. Unlike the events in East Sumeru, West Sumerian parties did not require a guest list at all. Such was the nature of Kaveh’s notorious parties: wild, obnoxious, and a breeding ground for unspoken acts.

Cyno approached the doorsteps, with his arm wrapped around Tighnari’s. He'd brought him as a plus one, and Tighnari was more than happy to accept, under the pretense of “needing something to help him unwind.”

“I'm not surprised,” was what Tignari said when Cyno told him about the invitation. “Kaveh must want to meet you before you two go about the tea party tomorrow.”

“At least he's actually made an effort,” Cyno huffed in response.

As they arrived inside, it could be clearly noted that it was much more lively. People were in every corner of the house, and by the looks of things, the first round of drinks had already been passed around. Tighnari grabbed a glass of water from one of the passing servers.

“I'm not in the mood for drinks today,” Tighnari said. “My trainer said too much impacts my performances.”

“If you aren't drinking, then I won't either,” Cyno responded.

“How gentlemanly of you. It makes you more handsome.”

“…Are you absolutely sure that you haven't drank anything?”

Tighnari touched the tips of his ears, which was often a sign of embarrassment. “Fine. One glass before I came here.”

“Oh dear.”

Tighnari began to take Cyno from room to room, introducing him to various people he had never met before, or had only seen briefly. When they walked into the home theater, which resembled the interior of an amphitheater, Tighnari dragged Cyno into the front row and towards two women.

“Well look what we have here!” One woman, with long black and blond hair, looked Tighnari up and down. “It’s been a long time, hasn't it?”

“Hello!” The other woman exclaimed. “Congrats on your win Tighnari! It was very exciting to watch.”

“Thank you,” Tighnari smiled. He gestured to his partner. “This is Cyno. Cyno, this is Dehya and Candice.”

“You work at the Akademiya, right?” Dehya commented. “I've seen you before. You always wear that Sphinx-looking hat.”

“I haven't,” Candice remarked. “But I love your hair! How does it get so white? And your eyes! They're so purple! And yellow!”

“Ah, uhm, I don’t know how to answer all of that,” Cyno admitted.

“Oh enough of that,” Tighnari said. “Hey, have you two seen Kaveh?”

Dehya and Candice looked at each other in surprise.

“Why are you looking for him?” Candice asked. “That’s the first time I've ever heard anyone personally look for Mr. Kaveh!”

“Well, I was invited by him,” Cyno told her. “And it would be rude not to thank him, I suppose.”

“Invited!” Dehya repeated the words with shock. “Well, that's new. A lot of us weren't invited by Kaveh at all. I think you might be the first.”

“Have you seen him?” Tighnari asked again.

Dehya shook her head. “Nah, and I’m not sure if anyone has.”

“Well, he usually comes down to the amphitheater to watch the plays,” Candice added. “Did I tell you? Nilou is dancing in one today, as requested by Mr. Kaveh himself.”

Tighnari nodded. “Then I suppose we'll have to wait for him here.”

They took their seats, and right on time as well, as the lights dimmed and the curtains flew open. Some actors waltzed onto the stage.

Actor 1: Oi, you there!

Actor 2: …

Actor 1: You! In the obnoxiously large overcoat, trying to look like a rich boy when you're not. Come here!

Actor 2: Don’t just call me out like that! Jeez, don't women know their place anymore?

Actor 1: How funny coming from a man that tries to look rich yet belongs in the circus

Actor 3: Can you quiet down, eh? This is a time of happiness! We live in an era of peace and prosperity!

Actor 2: …

Actor 1: …

Actor 1: Are you stupid?

The audience erupted in laughter.

As the play went on, Tighnari elbowed Cyno gently. “Mind getting us some drinks? They’re serving exotic fruit punch at the bar.”

“…This place has a bar?”

Tighnari laughed and slapped him across the shoulder. “Oh, Cyno! It's right outside, just turn right and it will be right there.”

“Order three of them!” Candice said joyfully. “Mango, cherry, and grapefruit. Order for yourself as well, dear friend!”

“I want mine to have extra lemon,” Dehya added. “Mine's the cherry one. Thanks.”

Cyno got up reluctantly and headed towards the bar, which was very busy with many who were eagerly waiting to get their hands on drinks that would carry away their worries for the night.

He caught the attention of one of the bartenders. “Three glasses of fruit punch please. Mango, cherry and grapefruit. Extra lemon in the cherry one.”

“Alcoholic or none?”

Cyno shook his head. The last thing he needed was to unknowingly spike the drinks of his companions.

“Three drinks? You must have an interesting stomach.”

The remark came from a man taller than Cyno, with mid-length blonde hair.

“Oh, they’re not all for me,” Cyno assured him. “I’m ordering them on behalf of some others. I certainly could never manage to gulp down three fruit punches.”

The man chuckled a little. “I like your humor. Although right now I feel the complete opposite. I feel as though I could scarf down five and not feel a thing.”

They continued to chat while they waited for the drinks to arrive. At some point, the man realized that Cyno had not ordered anything for himself, and therefore insisted on letting him have some of his own.

“I’m afraid not,” Cyno shook his head. “I’m still a little hungover from my last party, and any drink other than water would not sit well with me at the moment.”

“Hungover?” The man frowned. “I’m sorry about that. You really should have stayed home then.”

“Well, I was invited by the host,” Cyno informed him. “Kaveh. It’d be rude to turn down a personal invitation. I live right next to him, by the way. Over there.” He pointed right, as if anyone would be able to see his house at all.

The man blinked twice. “I’m Kaveh.”

“…What?” Cyno also had to blink away the disbelief. “Oh! I’m sorry, I had no idea until now.”

“Don’t mention it,” Kaveh waved off his concern. “I should have introduced myself. I’m afraid I’m a terrible host.”

And then he flashed him a smile, a smile that was like a trademark, which invited you into a safe space and never let you out. It had the fingerprints of pursuit marked all over it. Then, just as quickly as it had appeared, it was gone.

At that moment, Tighnari tapped Cyno on the shoulder and spun him around. “Are you kidding me? Does it really take that long for these bartenders to serve some simple fruit punch- ah! It’s you!”

“ ‘Evening Tighnari,” Kaveh shook his hand. “Glad you could make it. Congratulations on your win, by the way.”

Tighnari quickly retracted his hand. “Where have you been, you man of mystery? Don’t you know that you should take it upon yourself to meet those you personally invite as soon as possible? Or did you just want us to be walking around forever?”

“Weren’t we just watching the play and not walking around…?” Cyno trailed off.

“Shh, Tighnari, a quick temper isn’t good for your health,” Kaveh said with a hint of amusement. “Just look at Cyno, he didn’t start scolding me unlike you.”

Tighnari just muttered a quick “Hmph!”

Kaveh got up, sliding his glass across the table. “Now that we’ve met, let’s talk about the plans, shall we? Somewhere more… private.”

His eyes darted around nervously.

“I’m going to stay with Candice, Dehya and Nilou,” Tighnari announced. “You and Cyno can finally have the opportunity to get to know each other very well.”

“But your drinks-” Cyno tried to get the word out before Tighnari spun back around and left, but his partner was too fast, and had soon disappeared back into the theater.

(1731 words)

(Prompt 10: hero)

“He’s a very blunt guy,” Kaveh noted, practically to himself. “He never beats around the bush at all. Maybe that’s why a lot of people can’t handle him.”

“Can’t handle him?” Cyno repeated.

Kaveh nodded. “Mind you, I’ve only heard this from rumors. But Tighnari’s never dated someone before. Some people, mostly women, have chased after him, but he’s never been the type of person to reciprocate, you know?”

“I see.” The words admittedly left Cyno a little deflated.

“Oh, don’t look so down. I’ve never seen him act more open with anyone else but you. You should take that as a sign.”

“-!” Cyno wondered how exactly Kaveh was able to know all of that just by looking at him. It was almost like he’d been watching him this entire time.

“It’s fine, let’s not focus on your problems right now,” Kaveh laughed. “Come, I’ll take you to the library. I have to admit, it’s a little too loud here to have a proper discussion.”

Cyno found it odd. As Kaveh led him away from the bar and up a flight of stairs, he continued to rant about other minor topics, such as the guests that usually came to his parties, and what he himself had been up to. It was almost as if he was attempting to make a name for himself, like a servant proving their worth in front of their master. And the way he spoke was constantly changing, from being sly, to embarrassed, to humorous, and sombre. Unlike Alhaitham’s voice, whose voice sparked intimacy and closeness, Kaveh’s was as if with every word, he was attempting to relate to you. What was similar for both of them, however, was that smile, that inviting smile not a single soul could ever refuse.

They arrived at the mansion's library, where a man with glasses much too big for him was peering at the bookshelves in delirious awe. Kaveh cleared his throat to alert him of their presence, but also to assert the fact that he expected the guest to vacate the library immediately.

“Hello!” The man said joyfully. “Have you seen this library? I've never seen a library quite like this one!”

The man shook Kaveh’s hand, blissfully unaware of who he was. Kaveh replied with a grim smile. Meanwhile, Cyno pretended not to notice the wide-eyed man.

“Come see.” The man grabbed one of the books and began flipping through its pages. “Real words! This one is called the Great Gatsby. Have you ever read it before?”

“No, sir,” Kaveh shook his head.

“Oh, what a strange library! It actually has books!”

While the strange man rambled on about his findings, Kaveh led Cyno away to a less occupied and more private part of the library.

“He’s certainly had too much to drink,” Kaveh said to himself, although Cyno managed to hear it. “Alright, we're alone now.”

“So what did you want to talk about?” Cyno said, acting oblivious.

Kaveh looked a little flustered, as if he wasn't expecting that question so soon. “Right. You see, well, I assume that Tighnari’s told you, correct? About my proposition.”

“A favor. It's a favor. Yes, he's told me.”

“Yes, a favor. You see, Tighnari asked on my behalf because I hadn't really gotten to know you yet. Even now I don't know much about you. Although I would like to.”

It was that very statement that bothered Cyno so much. Why ask a favor of someone you barely know?

“I told Tighnari yes, but I’m still unsure,” Cyno revealed. “I don't want to be involved in anything dramatic.”

He would have added “especially after last night”, but felt that was not needed.

“I think you're mistaken,” it was as if Kaveh read his mind, again. “I don't wish to start an affair with him. I just… I need to see him again. If only one more time. I can’t give up on us.”

“You mean you haven't spoken to him ever since you came back?”

“How could I?” Kaveh huffed. “Alhaitham lives in the East, and I live in the West. His husband, well, that is a problem in itself. Sometimes I hope that Alhaitham would miraculously show up to the parties I host, but that hasn't happened. I'm… I'm tired of waiting for something to happen. I hope I make sense.”

It did not, at least in Cyno’s head it didn't, for a man to be telling these things to someone “he didn't know all too well.”

“I understand,” Cyno nodded. “This tea party, I'll host it.”

Kaveh’s face distorted into one full of shock. He took a moment to regain his composure. “I- thank you, thank you very much. I hope this isn’t too much trouble.”

“It’s alright.”

“I’ll supply everything. You needn’t stress yourself out over anything.”

“With all due respect, I can’t possibly ask you for that much,” Cyno objected. “As the host, it’s my job to make sure everything goes smoothly. You just need to show up.”

Kaveh nodded, and Cyno could see a hint of childlikeness in him, as if he were unwrapping a toy on Christmas Day. It was almost hilarious, how the roots of one simple tea party stemmed from two lovers nearly four years ago. Lovers who once had the whole world in their hands.

————

Cyno rejoined Tighnari near the front entrance of the mansion, as two in the morning approached, and the partygoers began to leave their secret lives behind and retreat back into their daily routines.

Contrary to his plans when he had first arrived at the party, Cyno ended up hanging around Kaveh the entire time, almost like a lost child. It was due to Kaveh’s insistence that he would show him around the place properly, and that consisted of being introduced to people he would most likely never talk to again. Finally, it was near one ‘o clock that a butler informed Kaveh that he was to attend to a business matter on the wire, and the blonde man excused himself for the rest of the night, leaving Cyno with that irresistible smile of his.

“My head hurts,” Tighnari complained as he put on his jacket. “I can’t believe I stayed here so long. I originally wanted to leave at eleven, but Dehya and Nilou, oh my, they kept taking me to and fro. At one point I was on the dance floor, shoes off, and Nilou tried to teach me some dance steps. How embarrassing.”

“If only I were able to see that,” Cyno joked around. “I would never erase such a memory from my mind.”

“What a vulgar boy!”

They made their way outside, where a swarm of people were surrounding a carriage, which had crashed against the gates. The driver, the same owl-eyed man in the library, was being bombarded with questions and scolding, while he scratched his head in confusion.

“I’ll ride to town and get a new wheel.”

“How? The wheel’s off!”

“I know. I’ll drive to town and buy a new one. Maybe one of those fancy green ones!”

“But the wheel’s off!”

“What a joke,” Tighnari huffed. “Come along Cyno, I’ve had enough for one day.”

They made their exit through one of the gates that wasn’t occupied by a broken carriage, and started off towards Cyno’s house.

“If you don’t mind,” Tighnari said suddenly. “I want to stay at your place today. I’ve been staying with Alhaitham and Wriothesley too much now. I think Wrio is at his wit’s end with me. And my house is all the way in the Dendrian Forest.”

“Of course,” Cyno answered. “I can take you back in the morning.”

Tighnari smiled. “What a gentleman.”

Suddenly, Cyno felt a warm hand touch his, and along with it, a jolt of electricity he had never felt before. He didn’t pull away.

(1310 words)

————–

(Prompt 11: Morally grey)

One day before the tea party, Kaveh had been staring at the sunrise through his bedroom window, when the spectacular view’s spotlight was abruptly taken away.

It was the silver hair that first caught his eye, followed by those green-yellow eyes that lit fireworks inside of him. That slender, attractive figure rested upon a white open-roofed carriage, pulled by a horse. The man was staring at the sunset as well.

Kaveh’s heartbeat paced rapidly.

There was another figure in the vehicle as well, a hulking man who was staring impatiently at his watch. The carriage had come to a complete stop right in front of the house.

Alhaitham suddenly jerked his head towards the trees, and hopped out of the carriage. Wriothesley looked at him oddly, but didn't go after him. Both he and Kaveh watched as Alhaitham went over to the trees and squatted downwards, extending one hand towards the bushes.

A mass of white bounded at him, and began to lick his hand. Alhaitham smiled softly, picking up the cat and stroking its fur. He turned back to his husband and began to say something, although Kaveh certainly couldn't hear it.

Wriothesley got out of the carriage. approached his husband, and began to pet the cat’s ears.

Alhaitham set the cat back down, waving it off as it leapt into the bushes once more. The two then got back into the carriage under Kaveh’s watchful gaze.

It was at that moment that Alhaitham leaned in, turned Wriothesley’s head towards his, and kissed him. It was for a few seconds only.

But in those agonizing moments, Kaveh wished it was him sitting in that carriage, back in the past where time was still, solely for them.

Oh how Kaveh wished he could go out there, take Alhaitham’s hand, and lead him back…

(302 words)

(Prompt 12: Helping an animal)

…To that breezy summer evening, four years ago.

It was all too common for the soldier boys of Sumeru to come down to Alhaitham’s house after a hard day spent on military drills and fitness tests.

It was Kaveh’s roommate and training partner who invited him to tag along with about six others. At first, Kaveh assumed they would be heading off to a tavern, as per habit. Therefore, he was surprised when he found himself walking into a yard decorated with extravagant lights, a large porch, a swimming pool and perfectly cut grass.

One of the soldier boys grabbed a pebble and chucked it at the second floor window with such impeccable aim, as if this came naturally to him. The group waited around for a bit, until the window opened gracefully, and someone called from below.

“Just how many times do you plan on visiting this week?”

It was a voice that pulled at Kaveh’s heartstrings instantly. Every word formed notes which played a delicate melody, and each word had such an unique tone to it, that it could only ever be heard once. They pulled you into a warm embrace and never let go, making you feel as though you were the only person in the world meant to experience it.

This was the first time that Kaveh had truly heard money.

“Come down Haitham!” One of them called out, and the other soldiers cheered. “Grace us with your presence!”

And so he did, with a childish pout on his face, combined with a trace of mischievousness. Alhaitham looked at the group curiously, as if he were seeing aliens.

“I’ve been waiting,” he said. “You were supposed to indulge me in those battlefield stories of yours yesterday. Did you boys forget again?”

It was like every time he spoke, the soldiers were hypnotized with pleasure. “Chief makes us do drills everyday, Alhaitham. We’re so hungry that we’ll collapse from malnutrition soon. Are you really going to let us die?”

“You’re using that as an excuse for food,” Another soldier cried. “What a disgrace to the Army.”

Alhaitham put a finger to his lips. “The kitchen staff restocked our pantry today. It has some of my favorite foods, from Natlan to Mondstadt. Have any of you ever been to Mondstadt? It’s called the City of Freedom now.”

“One day I’ll take you Haitham,” a soldier said. “And we’ll go to every store possible.”

“As if, you don’t have a single ounce of Mora to your name,” said another in a low, mocking voice.

“And sit on the windmills?” Alhaitham’s face lit up. “Oh, how I would love to sit on the windmills, and just let the breeze carry my worries away…”

At this point, Kaveh had noticed an important pattern. It was that every soldier in that yard currently had a look, a look that every lover wanted to receive. And all those looks were going straight for Alhaitham.

“Although, they brought no fruits at all,” Alhaitham continued, now dismayed. “I’m craving sweet berries. The ones you mash up into a smoothie and drink on a hot summer day. Like this one.”

He looked at the group as if he were expecting something. “If only someone could bring me sweet berries… I would do anything for them. We could eat sweet berries on the porch, and then you guys can tell me what it’s like, shooting down enemies and being stuck in a war-torn city.”

It was this sentence that sent bold ideas flying into the heads of the soldiers, and one by one, or rather in a heap, they ran out of the backyard in search of sweet berries, mentioning having a stash back at the base.

The only person who didn’t leave was Kaveh. His eyes were transfixed on his fellow armymates scurrying away.

“Hm? You’re not going with them?”

That intimate voice again. Alhaitham was gazing at the blonde with curious eyes.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have a single sweet berry to my name,” Kaveh sighed, and then whispered. “I wouldn’t even trust the ones they bring you. I can’t remember the last time those guys even stored their food properly.”

Suddenly, Alhaitham started laughing. “Oh… good one!”

Kaveh laughed as well.

A butler rained on their parade, whispering something in Alhaitham’s ear. He nodded with a blank expression, and the butler walked off again.

“Do you have something to attend to?” Kaveh asked, forgetting that in etiquette, it was rude to ask about personal affairs.

Although that didn’t seem to bother Alhaitham at all. He looked around cautiously, as if he were being watched. Then he leaned towards Kaveh, close enough that it felt as though there wasn’t enough air for the two of them to breathe.

“Have you heard about the butler’s nose?”

“I haven’t. But I would like to.”

“His nose is really black, didn’t you see?” Alhaitham tapped the buttons on Kaveh’s uniform. “As black as these buttons. They say that he used to shine shoes. And he would shine them with all that icky black polish. The ones that have a distinct smell. And because he would smell them so much as he kept shining shoes, the tips of his nose went black as well! After that he stopped shining shoes.”

“You’re making me scared of shoe polish now,” Kaveh said teasingly. “I suppose I should throw mine out before my nose turns black.”

“You would look like a cute little mouse with that black nose,” Alhaitham laughed again. “Suppose you started to have an addiction to cheese? Would that be a sign?”

“What a wild imagination you have…”

At that moment, Alhaitham swiftly turned his head and shock crept up in his eyes. He pointed to the top of a tree.

“Did you see that?”

“See what?”

“In the tree!”

Kaveh looked up as well, and was met with the sight of a white bundle of fur, along with high pitched meowing.

“It needs help,” Alhaitham noticed. “Look at its paw. It's stuck on the branch.”

“I can climb up there,” Kaveh swiftly offered, and the words were out of his mouth before he could take them back. “It’s not a very tall tree after all.”

“Are you sure?”

The blonde man nodded in confirmation. He ran up to the tree and gripped one of the branches, testing its strength. When he was sure, he hoisted himself upward and began to scale the tree, inching closer to the distressed animal. He looked down and saw Alhaitham with his hands folded and pressed to his mouth, watching anxiously.

A few more pulls, and Kaveh managed to reach the cat, which didn't seem to notice him. He outstretched one hand and slowly freed the cat's paw. The cat took notice at least, and it stopped meowing and simply stared at him.

And then it jumped into his face, and Kaveh, startled, lost his grip on the branches.

There was screaming for a few seconds, and then it stopped. The cat was on the ground, licking its paw. When Kaveh had gotten a hold of himself, he opened his eyes and saw a pair of green ones staring right back.

Kaveh and Alhaitham stayed there, the only noise seeming to be their breaths. Looking in those beautiful eyes, Kaveh found himself entranced, dazed even. The latter looked at him, and in that moment, Alhaitham seemed to be an entirely different person. One who, in an alternate universe, would have held Kaveh tight, and never let go.

This was the first time Kaveh felt love.

“…I’ve just realized something,” Alhaitham whispered intimately. “I don’t know your name.”

“My name,” Kaveh repeated. “Kaveh.”

“Kaveh…”

He suddenly stopped and cleared his throat, which Kaveh expertly read as a sign to get up and dust himself off. He helped Alhaitham to his feet, just as the group of soldier boys came running back into the yard, with a basket of sweet berries.

“Ah, you’re back already!” Alhaitham exclaimed. “Is your base really that close?”

“Actually, we saw a vendor down the street,” one of the men said. “And we combined the Mora we had on us in order to buy enough berries.”

“Eh? What have you been doing here this whole time, Kaveh?” Another said. “We could have used your Mora too!”

Kaveh cleared his throat. “Don’t you knuckleheads know that it’s rude to leave your host unattended just like that? I was just making up for your mistake.”

“Let’s sit by the fireplace today,” Alhaitham smiled, taking the sweet berries. “I want to hear everyone's stories today. I want to be paralyzed with happiness.”

And so the rest of the evening was spent under the stars of Teyvat, smoke rising from the fire into the dark expanse above. The night evolved from sweet berries, to heavy drinks, to merry dancing. Every second of it, Kaveh could not manage to keep his eyes off the silver-haired wonder, no matter how much he pathetically tried.

It was near midnight when the butler came out from the house and boldly declared, with unhidden disdain, that it was time for the surprise visitors to leave. Reluctantly, the soldier boys said their goodbyes while being chased out of the house by staff.

Kaveh got up to leave as well, until Alhaitham grabbed him by the hand.

“You’re amazing,” were the words that came out of Alhaitham’s mouth. “I’ve never met someone like you before. You… you make me feel a way.”

“I…” Kaveh could barely respond.

“It’s all your fault,” Alhaitham whispered in his ear. “Now you’re going to leave, and I’m going to be left in the dark, wondering if you’ll ever come back.”

“I’ll always come back,” Kaveh whispered. “How could I ever leave someone like you?”

They sat back down on one of the benches, as the fire seemingly burned even brighter. Kaveh couldn’t even process the head that had come down on his shoulder, and his hand that was gliding through his hair.

And all Kaveh could do was think: You can’t live forever. You can’t live forever.

——–

That thought played through his brain that fateful summer, as nights spent alone were dwindling, and with every day, came the fresh scent of love. Late-night walks, secret dates, conversations through windows, and kisses exchanged behind the protection of tree trunks.

Kaveh thought of him every day, without ceasing.

“I want to marry you,” Kaveh said one September night, as the couple had found themselves wandering on a Sumerian beach. “And I’ll take you on a boat, and we’ll travel the world together, with nothing to take us apart.”

“Then do it, I beg you,” Alhaitham responded, his eyes gazing at the endless ocean in front of them. “Make our dreams come true.”

That night was the last kiss they would share.

It was funny how the world worked, and how it could be taken away, even through a slip of paper that determined your place in a newly-erupted war, far away from the place you once called home.

The last time he saw him was the day before he was scheduled to leave. They had sat on the beach, the waves oddly still, making room for the tears that fell from Alhaitham’s tears and into the salty waters.

I’ll come back. Kaveh repeated it a hundred times, as if he needed something to hold on to, anything. If fate had hated him up until this point, he prayed that he could change its mind.

The next day, Kaveh stood on the deck of a navy ship taking him to foreign land.

Amidst the crowd waving the soldiers off, Alhaitham was not there.

(1945 words)

———-

(Prompt 13: Dark day)

Cyno woke up early, feeling refreshed for the first time in weeks.

Despite his perfect start to the day, it did not eliminate the major task he had to accomplish: hosting Kaveh’s “tea party” (or in Tighnari’s words, the perfect excuse to see his lover again).

The first thing Cyno did was to head over to Alhaitham’s house, where he conveniently found him sitting on a lawn chair, a glass of water in his hand.

“Good morning Alhaitham,” Cyno waved. “I hope I’m not bothering you.”

“Oh! Good morning,” Alhaitham said, surprised. “I didn’t expect you to see you here so early. Don’t you live in West Sumeru? It’s awfully far away, isn’t it?”

“Don’t worry about that,” Cyno said. “I just came here to invite you over for tea today. By three o’ clock.”

Alhaitham blinked twice. “For a party?”

“No, just us.” And then he added in a hesitant voice. “Please don’t bring Wriothesley.”

“Who’s Wriothesley? The Fontanian man?”

After leaving Alhaitham to his own affairs, Cyno made his way back home, where he was surprised to find maids entering and exiting his house. Kaveh stood on the lawn, hands in his pockets. He was dressed in a beige suit, and his hair was done neatly for once.

“What’s all this?” Cyno said as he approached the man. Kaveh turned to him and smiled.

“I told you that I would come through, didn’t I? I didn’t want you to worry about setting up. Don’t worry, they should be finishing up shortly.”

And then he added in a lowered voice:

“Is Alhaitham coming?”

“Yes. I’m just coming from his place.”

Kaveh’s staff soon finished up their business, and the two men made their way inside. Cyno’s house had been tidied from top to bottom, and the living room had been decorated with floral decorations. The table in the middle was covered in a white cloth, where white tea cups and a teapot rested upon it. There were tea bags and cookies as well.

“Isn’t it fancy?” Kaveh poked him. “It has to be perfect, right?”

“It looks good,” Cyno said flatly. “Cleaning up afterwards will be a hassle though…”

They chatted for about an hour or so after that, during which Cyno began to boil hot water for the tea. During the same time, a soft drizzle had befallen Sumeru.

Kaveh stared at his watch, sweating profusely. “What if he doesn’t come?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Cyno sighed heavily. “Alhaitham isn’t the type to do that.”

“Have you ever experienced the rich lifestyle before?” Kaveh retorted suddenly. “They always say they’ll show up, however in reality they couldn’t care less… no, what am I saying? Alhaitham’s always been so nice. I refuse to believe he’s changed.”

It was at this point that Cyno noticed the faint eyebags under the blonde male’s eyes.

“I’ve done a lot to get to this point, Cyno,” Kaveh continued. “That house, it took me a while to buy it, just to be as close to Alhaitham as possible. Right across the sea that separates east and west- I can even see his house lights. And I host those parties, just with the hopes of seeing him turn up to one. And now, getting you and Tighnari to agree to all of this just for my sake…”

Cyno said nothing.

“I saw him yesterday. Him and his husband were on a ride and they stopped right in front of my house, because Alhaitham saw a cat. I watched the entire situation unfold, and when he kissed his husband so affectionately, I couldn’t help but feel broken.”

Finally, he looked at Cyno, eyes wide. “Was this all for nothing?”

It was then that a knock came at the door, and Kaveh froze in place. Cyno whispered some quick, silent words of reassurance, and then went to go get the door.

When he opened it, a chauffeur stood at the entrance, with a stoic look on his face. “Good afternoon. I’ve brought my master here for you.”

He turned back around and walked to the carriage, where he opened the door, and out stepped Alhaitham, dressed in jade green, with a hat that dropped a white veil in front of his eyes. Cyno stepped outside and shook hands with him.

“I wonder why you asked me here alone,” Alhaitham said. “Is this a secret date? I never realized you saw me that way.”

“Tell your chauffeur not to come back for three hours.”

Alhaitham turned to his chauffeur. “Three hours. Thank you.”

The man bowed and drove the carriage away.

Taking Alhaitham’s hand, Cyno led him inside the house, which was eerily quiet. They made their way into the living room, which was empty.

“How strange,” Cyno muttered.

“Is something the matter?” Alhaitham asked.

A knock came at the door again.

“Please have a seat,” Cyno said, gesturing to the couch. “I’ll go get the door.”

He left hastily and opened the door once again. Kaveh stood there, soaked and his eyes wide. Without a single word, he marched past Cyno, stopped a little, and then entered the living room.

Cyno remained transfixed in his spot for a few moments, as the atmosphere had gone quiet. Suddenly, there was a sound, like a broken sob, and then a voice:

“It’s lovely to see you again, Kaveh.”

(888 words)

——————-

proof of completion:



TOTAL: 11347 WORDS

nov '24 writing comp

i have never.

I have never seen someone more lost, than the girl I saw that day.

Her eyes were red and hazy, rubies that had lost their sole purpose: their beauty. Rubies surrounded in a mess of mascara and eyeliner spilled across on her ugly, twisted face. Rivers of salty black liquid flowing effortlessly down her skin, until they joined together at the peak, and dripped down as raindrops and became pools of oil.

Those ebony hands turned pearl white, gripping the counter as if it were life itself. As if somehow, if she gripped it hard enough, God would finally acknowledge her, as if she deserved it. Yet, no matter how much she begged, God would never reach her.

The ugly mistuned chorus of voices barely broke through her raspy sobs, cries for help that were broken once let out of their prison.

I have never seen someone more broken, than the girl I saw that day.

As I watched her through blank eyes, she gritted her teeth in a pitiful attempt to censor her cries. It's what God wanted, right? Her father was always right.

How could someone be reduced to such a state, where even despair seemed to be more pleasurable? As though she had become, in a sense, a new feeling. A feeling the world resented.

The world screamed at her, the world marked her with its distasteful gaze, under the orders of the Heavenly. A genocide of her own self. The holocaust was complete. The rapture of her soul had begun.

I have always wondered what I could have done that day. If I reached out, and embraced the girl with the love she wanted, the love she needed. Would I have changed a single thing for the better? Instead, I remained inside my own cell, watching an innocent young lady fall apart like the flowers in a merciless winter.

I failed her.

Aimlessly, her soul reached for love. It never obtained it.

I have never seen someone more lost than myself that day.

(337 words)

nov '24 writing comp - fanfiction

all your fault(that i loved you)

It was all too common for the soldier boys of Sumeru to come down to Alhaitham’s house after a hard day spent on military drills and fitness tests.

It was Kaveh’s roommate and training partner who invited him to tag along with about six others. At first, Kaveh assumed they would be heading off to a tavern, as per habit. Therefore, he was surprised when he found himself walking into a yard decorated with extravagant lights, a large porch, a swimming pool and perfectly cut grass.

One of the soldier boys grabbed a pebble and chucked it at the second floor window with such impeccable aim, as if this came naturally to him. The group waited around for a bit, until the window opened gracefully, and someone called from below.

“Just how many times do you plan on visiting this week?”

It was a voice that pulled at Kaveh’s heartstrings instantly. Every word formed notes which played a delicate melody, and each word had such an unique tone to it, that it could only ever be heard once. They pulled you into a warm embrace and never let go, making you feel as though you were the only person in the world meant to experience it.

This was the first time that Kaveh had truly heard money.

“Come down Haitham!” One of them called out, and the other soldiers cheered. “Grace us with your presence!”

And so he did, with a childish pout on his face, combined with a trace of mischievousness. Alhaitham looked at the group curiously, as if he were seeing aliens.

“I’ve been waiting,” he said. “You were supposed to indulge me in those battlefield stories of yours yesterday. Did you boys forget again?”

It was like every time he spoke, the soldiers were hypnotized with pleasure. “Chief makes us do drills everyday, Alhaitham. We’re so hungry that we’ll collapse from malnutrition soon. Are you really going to let us die?”

“You’re using that as an excuse for food,” Another soldier cried. “What a disgrace to the Army.”

Alhaitham put a finger to his lips. “The kitchen staff restocked our pantry today. It has some of my favorite foods, from Natlan to Mondstadt. Have any of you ever been to Mondstadt? It’s called the City of Freedom now.”

“One day I’ll take you Haitham,” a soldier said. “And we’ll go to every store possible.”

“As if, you don’t have a single ounce of Mora to your name,” said another in a low, mocking voice.

“And sit on the windmills?” Alhaitham’s face lit up. “Oh, how I would love to sit on the windmills, and just let the breeze carry my worries away…”

At this point, Kaveh had noticed an important pattern. It was that every soldier in that yard currently had a look, a look that every lover wanted to receive. And all those looks were going straight for Alhaitham.

“Although, they brought no fruits at all,” Alhaitham continued, now dismayed. “I’m craving sweet berries. The ones you mash up into a smoothie and drink on a hot summer day. Like this one.”

He looked at the group as if he were expecting something. “If only someone could bring me sweet berries… I would do anything for them. We could eat sweet berries on the porch, and then you guys can tell me what it’s like, shooting down enemies and being stuck in a war-torn city.”

It was this sentence that sent bold ideas flying into the heads of the soldiers, and one by one, or rather in a heap, they ran out of the backyard in search of sweet berries, mentioning having a stash back at the base.

The only person who didn’t leave was Kaveh. His eyes were transfixed on his fellow armymates scurrying away.

“Hm? You’re not going with them?”

That intimate voice again. Alhaitham was gazing at the blonde with curious eyes.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have a single sweet berry to my name,” Kaveh sighed, and then whispered. “I wouldn’t even trust the ones they bring you. I can’t remember the last time those guys even stored their food properly.”

Suddenly, Alhaitham started laughing. “Oh… good one!”

Kaveh laughed as well.

A butler rained on their parade, whispering something in Alhaitham’s ear. He nodded with a blank expression, and the butler walked off again.

“Do you have something to attend to?” Kaveh asked, forgetting that in etiquette, it was rude to ask about personal affairs.

Although that didn’t seem to bother Alhaitham at all. He looked around cautiously, as if he were being watched. Then he leaned towards Kaveh, close enough that it felt as though there wasn’t enough air for the two of them to breathe.

“Have you heard about the butler’s nose?”

“I haven’t. But I would like to.”

“His nose is really black, didn’t you see?” Alhaitham tapped the buttons on Kaveh’s uniform. “As black as these buttons. They say that he used to shine shoes. And he would shine them with all that icky black polish. The ones that have a distinct smell. And because he would smell them so much as he kept shining shoes, the tips of his nose went black as well! After that he stopped shining shoes.”

“You’re making me scared of shoe polish now,” Kaveh said teasingly. “I suppose I should throw mine out before my nose turns black.”

“You would look like a cute little mouse with that black nose,” Alhaitham laughed again. “Suppose you started to have an addiction to cheese? Would that be a sign?”

“What a wild imagination you have…”

At that moment, Alhaitham swiftly turned his head and shock crept up in his eyes. He pointed to the top of a tree.

“Did you see that?”

“See what?”

“In the tree!”

Kaveh looked up as well, and was met with the sight of a white bundle of fur, along with high pitched meowing.

“It needs help,” Alhaitham noticed. “Look at its paw. It's stuck on the branch.”

“I can climb up there,” Kaveh swiftly offered, and the words were out of his mouth before he could take them back. “It’s not a very tall tree after all.”

“Are you sure?”

The blonde man nodded in confirmation. He ran up to the tree and gripped one of the branches, testing its strength. When he was sure, he hoisted himself upward and began to scale the tree, inching closer to the distressed animal. He looked down and saw Alhaitham with his hands folded and pressed to his mouth, watching anxiously.

A few more pulls, and Kaveh managed to reach the cat, which didn't seem to notice him. He outstretched one hand and slowly freed the cat's paw. The cat took notice at least, and it stopped meowing and simply stared at him.

And then it jumped into his face, and Kaveh, startled, lost his grip on the branches.

There was screaming for a few seconds, and then it stopped. The cat was on the ground, licking its paw. When Kaveh had gotten a hold of himself, he opened his eyes and saw a pair of green ones staring right back.

Kaveh and Alhaitham stayed there, the only noise seeming to be their breaths. Looking in those beautiful eyes, Kaveh found himself entranced, dazed even. The latter looked at him, and in that moment, Alhaitham seemed to be an entirely different person. One who, in an alternate universe, would have held Kaveh tight, and never let go.

This was the first time Kaveh felt love.

“…I’ve just realized something,” Alhaitham whispered intimately. “I don’t know your name.”

“My name,” Kaveh repeated. “Kaveh.”

“Kaveh…”

He suddenly stopped and cleared his throat, which Kaveh expertly read as a sign to get up and dust himself off. He helped Alhaitham to his feet, just as the group of soldier boys came running back into the yard, with a basket of sweet berries.

“Ah, you’re back already!” Alhaitham exclaimed. “Is your base really that close?”

“Actually, we saw a vendor down the street,” one of the men said. “And we combined the Mora we had on us in order to buy enough berries.”

“Eh? What have you been doing here this whole time, Kaveh?” Another said. “We could have used your Mora too!”

Kaveh cleared his throat. “Don’t you knuckleheads know that it’s rude to leave your host unattended just like that? I was just making up for your mistake.”

“Let’s sit by the fireplace today,” Alhaitham smiled, taking the sweet berries. “I want to hear everyone's stories today. I want to be paralyzed with happiness.”

And so the rest of the evening was spent under the stars of Teyvat, smoke rising from the fire into the dark expanse above. The night evolved from sweet berries, to heavy drinks, to merry dancing. Every second of it, Kaveh could not manage to keep his eyes off the silver-haired wonder, no matter how much he pathetically tried.

It was near midnight when the butler came out from the house and boldly declared, with unhidden disdain, that it was time for the surprise visitors to leave. Reluctantly, the soldier boys said their goodbyes while being chased out of the house by staff.

Kaveh got up to leave as well, until Alhaitham grabbed him by the hand.

“You’re amazing,” were the words that came out of Alhaitham’s mouth. “I’ve never met someone like you before. You… you make me feel a way.”

“I…” Kaveh could barely respond.

“It’s all your fault,” Alhaitham whispered in his ear. “Now you’re going to leave, and I’m going to be left in the dark, wondering if you’ll ever come back.”

“I’ll always come back,” Kaveh whispered. “How could I ever leave someone like you?”

They sat back down on one of the benches, as the fire seemingly burned even brighter. Kaveh couldn’t even process the head that had come down on his shoulder, and his hand that was gliding through his hair.

And all Kaveh could do was think: You can’t live forever. You can’t live forever.

——–

That thought played through his brain that fateful summer, as nights spent alone were dwindling, and with every day, came the fresh scent of love. Late-night walks, secret dates, conversations through windows, and kisses exchanged behind the protection of tree trunks.

Kaveh thought of him every day, without ceasing.

“I want to marry you,” Kaveh said one September night, as the couple had found themselves wandering on a Sumerian beach. “And I’ll take you on a boat, and we’ll travel the world together, with nothing to take us apart.”

“Then do it, I beg you,” Alhaitham responded, his eyes gazing at the endless ocean in front of them. “Make our dreams come true.”

That night was the last kiss they would share.

It was funny how the world worked, and how it could be taken away, even through a slip of paper that determined your place in a newly-erupted war, far away from the place you once called home.

The last time he saw him was the day before he was scheduled to leave. They had sat on the beach, the waves oddly still, making room for the tears that fell from Alhaitham’s tears and into the salty waters.

I’ll come back. Kaveh repeated it a hundred times, as if he needed something to hold on to, anything. If fate had hated him up until this point, he prayed that he could change its mind.

The next day, Kaveh stood on the deck of a navy ship taking him to foreign land.

Amidst the crowd waving the soldiers off, Alhaitham was not there.

(1945 words)

daily 2 - 5 word story (candy, melancholy, love, chew, naive)

—–
“I really like you, I’m sorry.”

What the heck. What does one even say to that?

Maybe it was his fault. He wasn’t making sense that afternoon. He barely even understood it himself, why all of a sudden he was slamming my fists on the table and storming out of the tavern in an angry whirlwind… such an embarrassment. Upon remembering it, he smashed his face against the pillow and nearly screamed.

“I’m such an idiot. This might just be the worst day of my entire life.”

At least he wasn’t needed anywhere else today, thank Lesser Lord Kusanali. Avidya Forest wasn’t facing any new issues, and Collei had enthusiastically volunteered to take over the cleanup efforts at the marsh below the Statue of the Seven. So for the head of the forest rangers, today should have been a relaxing day.

Precisely why he wanted to spend this day with him.

Knock knock! Knock knock knock!

“Master Tighnari~! Are you there? Um, it’s Collei!”

“Don’t come in.” He muffled against the pillow, except he forgot that he was the one with the large fennec fox ears and Collei couldn’t have heard that. So, after a few seconds, she opened the door.

The bubbly green-haired girl was carrying a small cardboard box, unmarked. She scuffled over to the hammock with a surprised look on her face. “Master, are you okay? …You’re not unconscious, are you?”

“Welcome back.” Immediately, Tighnari whipped his head around to face her, making her jump a little. “…Couldn’t you at least close the door if you were going to barge in? Just leaving it open for all to see?”

“Ah, sorry!” Collei bowed and quickly closed the door. “I’m sorry, I got carried away. I didn’t hear you when I knocked, so I thought something happened… Are you sick?”

“Sure, let’s go with that.” Tighnari yawned and sat up, rubbing his eyes. His gaze fell on the box. “Collei, what’s that you’re holding?”

Collei looked down and remembered what she came for. “Oh, this? I actually came to deliver it to you.”

“Huh, I don’t remember ordering a package so small.”

“Actually, it’s not mail or anything,” Collei said. “You see, after the cleanup, I went to the tavern to stock up on food supplies, and I saw Cyno there! I went over to say hi but he looked really bothered.”

Maybe he should have pretended to be unconscious, just so he could have avoided those words.

It certainly didn’t help that Tighnari began to imagine the exact “bothered” look Cyno would have had on his face, and only felt more embarrassed than before. He hoped that Collei hadn’t picked up on anything.

“Oh. Did he say what was bothering him?”

“No, you know Cyno, he never likes to worry people with his own problems,” Collei shrugged. “But we did talk for a bit! He said he was on his way to give this to you, actually, but he also had something urgent to get to, so I offered to bring it to you instead! At least that’ll make him feel less stressed, right?”

Tighnari wished it were that simple, but he knew Cyno more than anybody, especially in this situation. If it were that simple, he wouldn’t be hiding himself away in his hammock. If it were that simple, he’d still be on that date. If it were that simple, he wouldn’t have run away.

“Let’s hope it does,” Tighnari sighed. “He better take care of himself.”

“Aww, you really care about him Master!” Collei smiled like a schoolgirl. “By the way, are you going to open the box?”

“…You’re not going to leave before I do?”

“…”

“Fine.”

Tighnari shifted over and patted down beside him, the space being quickly occupied by an overly excited Collei. A nervous feeling came over him, as he took a deep breath and ripped open the box in one movement.

A bunch of clear-wrapped, multicolored candies stared back at him.

(660 words)