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- reallybigwords
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
Part 1: The people of the country come from all over, and have a mix of multiple cultures. After their borders were closed down (mainly to keep people from leaving), all cultures and languages started to merge into one unified culture.
There is no real deity in the country, and the majority are atheist and do not believe in a God. The minority exists, and holds pieces of their old religion in secret, because practicing in public would be deeply frowned upon by other citizens. While it’s not technically illegal, practicing religious beliefs in public around the wrong person would lead to punishment.
A popular view in the kingdom is that the afterlife is available to those who follow the laws, probably an ideal spread by kings. While many do abide by the rules of the kingdom, most prefer the idea that the afterlife isn’t real, an atheist standpoint that grew in popularity a little more than a few decades ago.
Before the current king came to the throne, many things within the kingdom were a bit different. While it never was quite a cheery, patriotic country, they never used to have such lacks. Traditions happen every few months, including the sun festival on the longest day of the month. The tradition dictated that everyone wear a shade of yellow or orange, usually in their finest. While they were required to wear their fanciest dresses, they are not allowed to wear jewelry for this event, for respect that the sun is the only thing that should shine on her day. The festivities include feasts of food, parades and dancing, although after the disappearances it became more and more impossible for the festivities to be at their full.
Another forming tradition is monthly to light a candle along with belongings of those you know who were taken monthly. Whether this is to mourn a loss or to help lead the missing back to the city, most are unsure. However, the tradition gains more popularity as streets fill with these items, somehow being avoided by beggars and homeless out of respect. In the smaller cities, almost daily you can find these items filling every available space. (362/350)
Part 2: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1144330985/
Part 3: In the most recent times in the city, the king has been able to develop a special serum to enable people to access the powers of the occult. While this may have seemed like a good idea, he quickly came to discover that only some could actually wield it, and those who couldn’t often died trying. He quickly ran out of test subjects, leading him to slowly kidnap citizens from his cities to experiment on.
This injection had a purpose though. His yearn to be leader and distrust of everyone led him to pursue the idea of immortality, which he planned to use by accessing the occult. The subjects who were able to use the magic were forced to use their powers to create an unshakeable shield for him, guaranteeing untouchability and preventing assassination or something else. He discovered this technology from old tomes stolen from an isle kingdom, and formed a team, who were promised prominent positions and immortality in return for their help, who created the technology required for this.
Originally, the occult users had to directly use their abilities on the king for it to work. However, they developed a special ring that was connected to a gemstone that linked together, causing the ring to become what the king calls the immortality stone. For as long as the wearer has the stone, and as long as the gemstone itself is being casted on, the wearer will be untouchable.
As a tyrant king, this makes it impossible to overthrow the king. While more and more citizens disappear daily, and more revolt, no matter how much the kingdom wants the king off the throne, it is not possible with his ring. The rebellion is aware that he has some kind of magical protection, however they do not know what it is or how to dismantle it. Without access to the books necessary and the technology required to even make or dismantle the injections, their only hope is to imprison the king in an inescapable prison.
However, there are ways to stop the king, without simply removing his heavily guarded ring. While the most simple would simply be breaking out those imprisoned, only those highly trusted by the king know where they are located. More difficultly, even gaining access into the camps set up deep in the Earth seems to be close to impossible. Most guards assigned to guard it aren’t aware of what they are guarding, and those who do are in the same hot seat that those who wield the magic are in.
There seems to be no physical pattern to who can wield, learning to wield it is easier in children than in older people. Along with that, an extremely strong will is required to even survive the harsh conditions provided to them. These magical abilities can vary in strength from person to person, the weakest being able to perform weak telekinesis, and the strongest able to perform the healing spells necessary to fuel the stone.
In short, this magic-technology hybrid seems to pose two problems: problems for the citizens who are taken and given harsh conditions, and citizens who want to overthrow the king and put a just king on the throne. (536/500)
Part 4: The transport slowly bumped over the terrain, abandoned towns slowly passing through her vision. Worst of all, she knew that she was abandoning her town. The place she had grown up was little more than a ghost town now, left to rot without its citizens to occupy it. The disappearances had started months ago, leaving each town with gaping holes. Without citizens to occupy them, the buildings slowly grew into waste, plants overtaking them and growing dirty. Her own family had been taken, starting with her parents and ending with her sister. She was the only one left of them, and was determined to get them back. She wasn’t even sure if they were alive, but she refused to give up hope. The thought of getting her sister back was the biggest fuelling factor, it was what had led her to join the rebellion.
And apparently not just join the rebellion, also join the castle staff. They had informed her she would be most helpful on the inside, especially with her magnetic ‘aura’, as Cassian had called it. Her goal was to get access to the king, however she needed to. The king, and the princes.
They hit a bump in the road, sending her and Lylah, another rebellion member flying across the truck into sacks of flour and packages of meat. She repositioned herself in her spot, gripping the seat tightly to prevent from flying again. As they neared the castle, the buildings became more sparse and the landscape became more prominent. Old forests seemed to loom around her, casting shadows on the road and blocking the sun from view.
Then she could see it, the castle peeking through the trees. She angled her body forward, trying desperately to catch a glimpse of the castle she had dreamed of as a little girl. A cloud blocked the sun from reaching the castle, making the huge stone building seem as cold and uninviting as the vibes she was getting were. She wasn’t sure what she felt, whether it was disappointment or fear. The entire environment somehow felt wrong, although she wasn’t quite sure what was off about it.
The transport continued to approach, and she was shocked that there were no gates, or any protection around the castle at all. That either meant the king was incredibly cocky, or incredibly stupid. They were waved forward by straight-faced uniformed guards, each guard unbothered by the unmarked truck entering the castle.
She shifted nervously in her seat, growing more antsy the closer they drew to the castle. Lylah shot her an annoyed look, but said nothing about her movements. No doubt when she had come to the castle, she had been just as nervous.
“Chill, nothing is going to happen for a while.”
They docked at one of the loading gates, and it only took moments before guards were effortlessly hoisting the sacks of ingredients toward the kitchen, the same ingredients Lylah and her had struggled to load into the truck in the first place.
Now that she was next to the castle, she could see the towers looming above her, posts looking out for some attacker sneaking through the trees, although with the castle located in the middle of a forest, it was likely they would detect any attackers much earlier than that. As she entered the stone walls of the castle, she sent up a prayer to whatever Gods were left to listen to the wasted kingdom.
The same kingdom that would never acknowledge that Gods may even exist, which made her feel even more foolish for doing it. But she would need all the help she could get for her plan to succeed, and if that meant relying on supernatural beings that probably didn’t exist, so be it.
She followed Lylah through the stone halls, these halls still outdated enough to have torch holders placed along the walls, although as they went deeper into the castle, electric lights started to emerge more often and soon the torch holders were completely replaced. As they went deeper into the castle, she noted that the castle seemed to be more and more modern, and although they retained the same stone walled look, the stones seemed to be painted on rather than actually being the walls. The castle was built in a square, all four separate halls surrounding the garden she had heard of often.
They passed by windows, and some of her childhood self was satisfied at the gorgeous garden, gazebos and fountains strategically placed in the same place every king had been crowned, every gala had been held and every romantic love story from the legends took place in. She smiled a bit, enchanted by the gardens.
This infatuation caused her to disregard her spacial awareness, which she realized when she crashed into someone. She glanced upward and was shocked by the face she was greeted by. And not just the face, the crown.
She had just crashed into the prince, heir to the throne and the person she was meant to assassinate. (842/800)
There is no real deity in the country, and the majority are atheist and do not believe in a God. The minority exists, and holds pieces of their old religion in secret, because practicing in public would be deeply frowned upon by other citizens. While it’s not technically illegal, practicing religious beliefs in public around the wrong person would lead to punishment.
A popular view in the kingdom is that the afterlife is available to those who follow the laws, probably an ideal spread by kings. While many do abide by the rules of the kingdom, most prefer the idea that the afterlife isn’t real, an atheist standpoint that grew in popularity a little more than a few decades ago.
Before the current king came to the throne, many things within the kingdom were a bit different. While it never was quite a cheery, patriotic country, they never used to have such lacks. Traditions happen every few months, including the sun festival on the longest day of the month. The tradition dictated that everyone wear a shade of yellow or orange, usually in their finest. While they were required to wear their fanciest dresses, they are not allowed to wear jewelry for this event, for respect that the sun is the only thing that should shine on her day. The festivities include feasts of food, parades and dancing, although after the disappearances it became more and more impossible for the festivities to be at their full.
Another forming tradition is monthly to light a candle along with belongings of those you know who were taken monthly. Whether this is to mourn a loss or to help lead the missing back to the city, most are unsure. However, the tradition gains more popularity as streets fill with these items, somehow being avoided by beggars and homeless out of respect. In the smaller cities, almost daily you can find these items filling every available space. (362/350)
Part 2: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1144330985/
Part 3: In the most recent times in the city, the king has been able to develop a special serum to enable people to access the powers of the occult. While this may have seemed like a good idea, he quickly came to discover that only some could actually wield it, and those who couldn’t often died trying. He quickly ran out of test subjects, leading him to slowly kidnap citizens from his cities to experiment on.
This injection had a purpose though. His yearn to be leader and distrust of everyone led him to pursue the idea of immortality, which he planned to use by accessing the occult. The subjects who were able to use the magic were forced to use their powers to create an unshakeable shield for him, guaranteeing untouchability and preventing assassination or something else. He discovered this technology from old tomes stolen from an isle kingdom, and formed a team, who were promised prominent positions and immortality in return for their help, who created the technology required for this.
Originally, the occult users had to directly use their abilities on the king for it to work. However, they developed a special ring that was connected to a gemstone that linked together, causing the ring to become what the king calls the immortality stone. For as long as the wearer has the stone, and as long as the gemstone itself is being casted on, the wearer will be untouchable.
As a tyrant king, this makes it impossible to overthrow the king. While more and more citizens disappear daily, and more revolt, no matter how much the kingdom wants the king off the throne, it is not possible with his ring. The rebellion is aware that he has some kind of magical protection, however they do not know what it is or how to dismantle it. Without access to the books necessary and the technology required to even make or dismantle the injections, their only hope is to imprison the king in an inescapable prison.
However, there are ways to stop the king, without simply removing his heavily guarded ring. While the most simple would simply be breaking out those imprisoned, only those highly trusted by the king know where they are located. More difficultly, even gaining access into the camps set up deep in the Earth seems to be close to impossible. Most guards assigned to guard it aren’t aware of what they are guarding, and those who do are in the same hot seat that those who wield the magic are in.
There seems to be no physical pattern to who can wield, learning to wield it is easier in children than in older people. Along with that, an extremely strong will is required to even survive the harsh conditions provided to them. These magical abilities can vary in strength from person to person, the weakest being able to perform weak telekinesis, and the strongest able to perform the healing spells necessary to fuel the stone.
In short, this magic-technology hybrid seems to pose two problems: problems for the citizens who are taken and given harsh conditions, and citizens who want to overthrow the king and put a just king on the throne. (536/500)
Part 4: The transport slowly bumped over the terrain, abandoned towns slowly passing through her vision. Worst of all, she knew that she was abandoning her town. The place she had grown up was little more than a ghost town now, left to rot without its citizens to occupy it. The disappearances had started months ago, leaving each town with gaping holes. Without citizens to occupy them, the buildings slowly grew into waste, plants overtaking them and growing dirty. Her own family had been taken, starting with her parents and ending with her sister. She was the only one left of them, and was determined to get them back. She wasn’t even sure if they were alive, but she refused to give up hope. The thought of getting her sister back was the biggest fuelling factor, it was what had led her to join the rebellion.
And apparently not just join the rebellion, also join the castle staff. They had informed her she would be most helpful on the inside, especially with her magnetic ‘aura’, as Cassian had called it. Her goal was to get access to the king, however she needed to. The king, and the princes.
They hit a bump in the road, sending her and Lylah, another rebellion member flying across the truck into sacks of flour and packages of meat. She repositioned herself in her spot, gripping the seat tightly to prevent from flying again. As they neared the castle, the buildings became more sparse and the landscape became more prominent. Old forests seemed to loom around her, casting shadows on the road and blocking the sun from view.
Then she could see it, the castle peeking through the trees. She angled her body forward, trying desperately to catch a glimpse of the castle she had dreamed of as a little girl. A cloud blocked the sun from reaching the castle, making the huge stone building seem as cold and uninviting as the vibes she was getting were. She wasn’t sure what she felt, whether it was disappointment or fear. The entire environment somehow felt wrong, although she wasn’t quite sure what was off about it.
The transport continued to approach, and she was shocked that there were no gates, or any protection around the castle at all. That either meant the king was incredibly cocky, or incredibly stupid. They were waved forward by straight-faced uniformed guards, each guard unbothered by the unmarked truck entering the castle.
She shifted nervously in her seat, growing more antsy the closer they drew to the castle. Lylah shot her an annoyed look, but said nothing about her movements. No doubt when she had come to the castle, she had been just as nervous.
“Chill, nothing is going to happen for a while.”
They docked at one of the loading gates, and it only took moments before guards were effortlessly hoisting the sacks of ingredients toward the kitchen, the same ingredients Lylah and her had struggled to load into the truck in the first place.
Now that she was next to the castle, she could see the towers looming above her, posts looking out for some attacker sneaking through the trees, although with the castle located in the middle of a forest, it was likely they would detect any attackers much earlier than that. As she entered the stone walls of the castle, she sent up a prayer to whatever Gods were left to listen to the wasted kingdom.
The same kingdom that would never acknowledge that Gods may even exist, which made her feel even more foolish for doing it. But she would need all the help she could get for her plan to succeed, and if that meant relying on supernatural beings that probably didn’t exist, so be it.
She followed Lylah through the stone halls, these halls still outdated enough to have torch holders placed along the walls, although as they went deeper into the castle, electric lights started to emerge more often and soon the torch holders were completely replaced. As they went deeper into the castle, she noted that the castle seemed to be more and more modern, and although they retained the same stone walled look, the stones seemed to be painted on rather than actually being the walls. The castle was built in a square, all four separate halls surrounding the garden she had heard of often.
They passed by windows, and some of her childhood self was satisfied at the gorgeous garden, gazebos and fountains strategically placed in the same place every king had been crowned, every gala had been held and every romantic love story from the legends took place in. She smiled a bit, enchanted by the gardens.
This infatuation caused her to disregard her spacial awareness, which she realized when she crashed into someone. She glanced upward and was shocked by the face she was greeted by. And not just the face, the crown.
She had just crashed into the prince, heir to the throne and the person she was meant to assassinate. (842/800)
- -WildClan-
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
highly abridged character bio for the character swap challenge
Name: Holly
Pronouns: she/her
Species: shazarxa (my original species, see the About Me project on my profile for a general anatomical reference)
Family: Moon (mother), Swift (father), Shade (sister), Moss (brother), Thorn (mate), Silver (son), Birch (son)
Appearance: Large, rounded, a little chubby. Short, thick tail. Blocky snout. Blunt claws. Medium-length, soft, puffy fur. Fur color is dark gray. Feather color is normally a dark gray-ish black. Springtime feather color is a deeper, glossier black mixed with blues and hints of brown. Dark green eyes.
Personality: gentle, faithful, emotional, empathetic, responsible, resilient, forgiving
Role: healer
Storyline: Hatched to parents who didn't see eye-to-eye, she's been torn between two opposing sides her whole life. She chose to stay with her father, Swift, who was leader of the canyon colony, when her mother, Moon, left to start her own flock far away. Her brother, Moss, left with Moon while her sister, Shade, also stayed with Swift. However, life in the canyon didn't stay peaceful for long, as Swift died unexpectedly to a predator attack and leadership of the colony became disputed between Shade and Ash, who was her father's old “apprentice” and Holly's friend. Holly tried to ignore the tension and find her own happiness, becoming mates with Thorn and bearing a clutch of two eggs. Unfortunately, the tension kept rising, until Ash forcibly took control, exiling Shade, who tried to convince others to come with her. Holly refused to go with her sister, staying with her friend Ash instead, but to her shock and dismay, Thorn chose to leave. Even worse, her two young sons, Silver and Birch, snuck out to find Thorn, thinking they could bring him home and fix everything. Having lost her whole family, Holly turned to her faith for support, but this drove a wedge between her and Ash, who was having problems of his own. Holly could only watch as Ash's mental state declined and caused more issues within the canyon colony. She was similarly helpless to prevent Shade from launching an attack to depose Ash and become leader instead. There's a huge battle that I don't want to describe in this summary, but Ash ends up dead, Birch and Silver come home, and Thorn returns but avoids a conversation with Holly, instead freezing up and running away when the canyon wall crumbles, causing massive destruction. Once it's all over, Shade begins restoring order to the canyon colony, and Holly makes up with her. She also joyously reunites with her sons. It takes a season longer for Thorn to come home, more bitter and weary than he was before due to all the ordeals. However, Holly forgives him and they tentatively reconnect.
Name: Holly
Pronouns: she/her
Species: shazarxa (my original species, see the About Me project on my profile for a general anatomical reference)
Family: Moon (mother), Swift (father), Shade (sister), Moss (brother), Thorn (mate), Silver (son), Birch (son)
Appearance: Large, rounded, a little chubby. Short, thick tail. Blocky snout. Blunt claws. Medium-length, soft, puffy fur. Fur color is dark gray. Feather color is normally a dark gray-ish black. Springtime feather color is a deeper, glossier black mixed with blues and hints of brown. Dark green eyes.
Personality: gentle, faithful, emotional, empathetic, responsible, resilient, forgiving
Role: healer
Storyline: Hatched to parents who didn't see eye-to-eye, she's been torn between two opposing sides her whole life. She chose to stay with her father, Swift, who was leader of the canyon colony, when her mother, Moon, left to start her own flock far away. Her brother, Moss, left with Moon while her sister, Shade, also stayed with Swift. However, life in the canyon didn't stay peaceful for long, as Swift died unexpectedly to a predator attack and leadership of the colony became disputed between Shade and Ash, who was her father's old “apprentice” and Holly's friend. Holly tried to ignore the tension and find her own happiness, becoming mates with Thorn and bearing a clutch of two eggs. Unfortunately, the tension kept rising, until Ash forcibly took control, exiling Shade, who tried to convince others to come with her. Holly refused to go with her sister, staying with her friend Ash instead, but to her shock and dismay, Thorn chose to leave. Even worse, her two young sons, Silver and Birch, snuck out to find Thorn, thinking they could bring him home and fix everything. Having lost her whole family, Holly turned to her faith for support, but this drove a wedge between her and Ash, who was having problems of his own. Holly could only watch as Ash's mental state declined and caused more issues within the canyon colony. She was similarly helpless to prevent Shade from launching an attack to depose Ash and become leader instead. There's a huge battle that I don't want to describe in this summary, but Ash ends up dead, Birch and Silver come home, and Thorn returns but avoids a conversation with Holly, instead freezing up and running away when the canyon wall crumbles, causing massive destruction. Once it's all over, Shade begins restoring order to the canyon colony, and Holly makes up with her. She also joyously reunites with her sons. It takes a season longer for Thorn to come home, more bitter and weary than he was before due to all the ordeals. However, Holly forgives him and they tentatively reconnect.
- 27coding_crazy
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
.
Last edited by 27coding_crazy (March 9, 2025 05:52:28)
- Dawnflower29
-
Scratcher
33 posts
swc megathread: march '25
im not making this fancy im eepy gn chat :’D
lazy writing sigh 371 words tho so um idk
“Uh-huh.” She repeated.
“Well, that’s great then! You won’t regret this!” …wait.
“Regret what?” Raymond giggled, and forced a small clip on her pink hair, as they cheerfully chirped,
“Joining my club! To fight back against God!” Oh, there wasn’t anything wrong with that! How perfect, it wasn't like their entire society was based around God or anything, that’d be so silly!!! Eloise just stared at them in a shocked silence. “Oh, come on! Don’t look at me like that!” They dragged her to a window, and opened it, letting the salty ocean breeze waft into the small house.
She grimaced at the smell—the younger girl still hadn’t gotten too used to it. Something felt different, though. Almost surreal, maybe. She turned her head towards Raymond to ask them about it, but they forced her neck back into the position is was earlier,
“…something’s wrong.” She breathed. Ray’s lips curled into a grin.
“You’re seeing it now, baby,” They laughed, gesturing at the large, familiar stake that Penelope once was hung on. They’d use to whisper to her about the crush they had on Penny, how the innocent way she acted and talked, almost as if she were a little kid, instead of a 15-year-old girl. Now… “Everything we know is a lie. God hates us all…God lied! God lied, why should we follow a liar? We’re pathetic! I’m showing you this…this because it’s important! Our so-called ‘lives’ are important to me! That’s the way this game works!” A strangled, bitter, cold laugh left them, a hysterical smile spreading across their face.
“…I think that’s enough, let’s get you home…maybe a good night’s sleep can fix this.” Eloise shook her head, and took her clip off, handing it to Raymond, whose grin faded slightly at the sight of it,
“…I…I’m sorry, did I come off in the wrong way…?” They tilted their head slightly to the right, like a sad, pathetic puppy.
“No. I just think you should get some rest so you can actually think clearly about this…all angels break down eventually, you know.” A small flicker of reluctance went through their gaze, but they shrugged and agreed with a mumble. “Thank you.” She said pointedly, gaze softening a little.
lazy writing sigh 371 words tho so um idk
“Uh-huh.” She repeated.
“Well, that’s great then! You won’t regret this!” …wait.
“Regret what?” Raymond giggled, and forced a small clip on her pink hair, as they cheerfully chirped,
“Joining my club! To fight back against God!” Oh, there wasn’t anything wrong with that! How perfect, it wasn't like their entire society was based around God or anything, that’d be so silly!!! Eloise just stared at them in a shocked silence. “Oh, come on! Don’t look at me like that!” They dragged her to a window, and opened it, letting the salty ocean breeze waft into the small house.
She grimaced at the smell—the younger girl still hadn’t gotten too used to it. Something felt different, though. Almost surreal, maybe. She turned her head towards Raymond to ask them about it, but they forced her neck back into the position is was earlier,
“…something’s wrong.” She breathed. Ray’s lips curled into a grin.
“You’re seeing it now, baby,” They laughed, gesturing at the large, familiar stake that Penelope once was hung on. They’d use to whisper to her about the crush they had on Penny, how the innocent way she acted and talked, almost as if she were a little kid, instead of a 15-year-old girl. Now… “Everything we know is a lie. God hates us all…God lied! God lied, why should we follow a liar? We’re pathetic! I’m showing you this…this because it’s important! Our so-called ‘lives’ are important to me! That’s the way this game works!” A strangled, bitter, cold laugh left them, a hysterical smile spreading across their face.
“…I think that’s enough, let’s get you home…maybe a good night’s sleep can fix this.” Eloise shook her head, and took her clip off, handing it to Raymond, whose grin faded slightly at the sight of it,
“…I…I’m sorry, did I come off in the wrong way…?” They tilted their head slightly to the right, like a sad, pathetic puppy.
“No. I just think you should get some rest so you can actually think clearly about this…all angels break down eventually, you know.” A small flicker of reluctance went through their gaze, but they shrugged and agreed with a mumble. “Thank you.” She said pointedly, gaze softening a little.
- cceaneyes
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
⭒ Willow's March '25 Dailies + Weeklies ⭒
dailies:
weeklies:
other:
dailies:
weeklies:
other:
Last edited by cceaneyes (April 3, 2025 13:22:01)
- cceaneyes
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
⭒ Weekly 01 worldbuilding (— words)
part one!
New and futuristic opportunities some to thrive, whilst other just don't. The ones who do are known as the ‘highers’. If you're not one, you'll most likely never be one. Here they have most resources and the most money, they are the reason the economy here thrives. They are well respected, and everyone has to treat them well or… actually no one really knows because that's how this world works. You follow the hierarchy, but it never moves or changes. These people are the reasons the society develops; they are the ones that present ideas and normally these ideas are created or accepted.
The next level below consists of essential workers- essential for the ‘highers’. These are the people that create the technologies and bring the ideas of the ‘highers’ to life. They work and work, it's their entire life- as the ‘highers’ ask and ask, without giving these workers time to rest. They are like robots in a sense, with the same routine every day.
Below them would be the common people, who still have enough money to go by. These are the ones you'd see rebelling- if there were to be any resistance. But no one has tried. The government has made enough threats that these people are too scared to even step one foot out of line. Many of these people live with constant fear, afraid to suffer the penalty if they are caught doing the wrong thing. Mistakes are not tolerated in this society.
Those who don't have enough money, or enough resources are rarely seen - many call them ‘lowlies’ or ‘urchins’. The ‘highers’ are disgusted by them, so the government keeps them happy by ‘storing’ these people away. No one knows where, they only come out for work- that is if they even have work. Many fall to this level, as some government law enforcement workers feel too guilty applying the penalty, and let wrongdoers hide away as a ‘lowlier’.
Finally, the highest class is the government. The board of rulers that everyone must submit too. No one knows who they are, their identities remain hidden from the public even the ‘highers’. Everyone just has to follow their rules, even if you don't like it. They employ guards to patrol streets, stand in workplaces and labs - and they ask them to apply the penalty if they step out of line - or in other words - make a mistake. The government law enforcement is super strict and also lies in a hierarchy, similar to the military structure from ‘old earth’.
New Earth is said to be the best society in all of history. When young, the government twists history, and their teachings to ensure people grow up worshipping the society.
(455 words)
part two!
culture:
link
mood/feelings:
link
settings:
link
part three!
New Earth is very different to the old one, aside from the clear heriachy in the society, it is so much more advanced. ‘Highers’ are always funding reasearch project, allowing this new world to have technologies and medical advancements that many only dreamed about back in the day. It's uncommon to see people with a phone, now people wear smart glasses or get surgically implanted chips into their mind to use something similar to a phone. The ‘highers’ are always equipped with the latest techonologies, they don't suffer from illnesses because if they do get sick, it'll be cured. For instance, cancer isn't even a threat anymore, it was cured years ago when a very imporant ‘higher’ fell ill with it. However, ‘Lowliers’ are often victim to illness, according to the limited information many run out of time due to illness, they aren't able to afford such cures. These are the people that possess technology from Old Earth, such as phones. So that they can still communicate - but it is forbidden to have such items, so many hide it.
Many changes are clear and visible, such as the invention of flying cars, planes no longer exist due to trains- which move faster than those old bullet trains on Old Earth -these trains are linked everywhere, under oceans and over long distances. Many get surgical implants to help them do better in lives, some even lengthen lives - there's said to be one which can give you the ability to learn any language within seconds.
However, the rapid development of technologies led to dark times as well. Years ago, a ‘higher’ funded a project to help their child overcome an illness- it is not known what it was but it was rare- a team of researchers accepted the task and began working on it. Their intentions however were not postive. They promised a cure, but they produced a contagion. Which led to the infection of many ‘highers’, they survived the illness but could not walk anymore. So ‘highers’ than requested technology to fix it. Not knowing that it came from the researchers, they asked them to create something to help them walk.
So, they did. Robotic implants connected to nerves in the central nervous system to help them walk again. However, this technology was also rigged, and caused the death of many highers. It was done in a form of rebellion to show the two upperclasses that they exist because of the lower classes. So of course, the ‘highers’ complained and the law enforcement of course, followed the complaint. So innocent people were starting the be given the penalty in order to shows others that stepping out of line was not tolerated.
However, many more started stepping out of line causing so much more death and rebellion. Research projects for the highers all halted, some destroyed. Buildings were vandalised and damaged, and some lower class people tried to get to the ‘highers’. It resulted in a mass conflict. In the end, the upper classes won.
And everything went back to the way it was. Workers went back to work, like robots. And since then no one has stepped out of line.
(530 words)
part four!
New Earth, a place they tell us is the best version of society ever known to history. Being born into a lower class, specifically the ‘common’ makes me wonder how terrible past societies were- I'm miserable all the time. My routine is the same, wake up, eat, go to school, go home, work, sleep - then repeated. Except finally, it changes today.
Today is when I leave the classroom, and I'm assigned a role in society. A role to play in the twisted narrative that the government has set up for us- sorry in the perfect world created by the perfect governement and the board. As I walk the through the mist and fog of the new morning, I watch guards patrol the streets. Suited in pristine, white unifroms which must be perfect in all circumstances. Their posture impeccable, a weapon at their side ready to be enforced within seconds notice. I stare at one, through the tinted sheild through their mask, they study me and walk past.
It's a long walk to the building where I learn, it's in the central city. Easily seen from anywhere, distinguishable by the pearly white buildings that tower over the outskirts, the common home. The sun glimmers off of the shiny exteriors of the skyscrapers which stand tall and proud above the mist. I pass by many more guards. Before one stops me.
“Identification” he bluntly states.
I quickly hold out my wrist as he studies the numbers tattooed into my skin. Inside that helmet, it's obvious he's skimming my reports on some new technology created in order to make sure the lower class obey. He nods and walks away, a robot like sound coming from his suit. I walk away too, still walking the the central city. I watch as other lower class students walk in the same direction - recognisable from their dim and cheap looking clothes, lack of technology on their person, looking exactly like me. Also recognisable from their mood - the same misery and terror that I wear each day present through their movements and facial expressions.
After what feels like ages I reach the central city. ‘Highers’ who walk the streets throw scornful glares and whispers in my direction, they avoid coming close to me - maybe afraid i'll get common dirt on their silky white clothes - or no give them a sickness… which they could easily fix with the money they possess.
I continue my walk, guards pay close attention to me now. One even following me, it happens everyday. But that's ok with me, I've because used to the stalker like attitudes of the guards. I finally reach my destination the school building. I pack my stuff away in one of the small lockers they assign us commons, and move towards the grand theatre where the ceremony is taking place.
I enter through the doors for the common, and take my assigned seat. Looking around me I take note of the clear divide between classes, the ‘highers’ with their highly attitudes sit far way from us commons. Then the children of researchers and essential workers sit in between us common and ‘highers’. Guards of course, are stationed everywhere in the hall.
The chatter dies down as the ceremony begins. A man- most likely a higher -steps onto stage. I zone out as he talks about how great New Earth is. This is when we are assigned new roles - it is when we shift the heirachy. ‘Shift’. It barely moves. Those with the most potential move up- those with the least move down. ‘Highers’ don't move, unless they move up - to goverment. Another 20 minutes passes by as they blabber on and on about how society is built on bla bla bla.
The walls suddenly illuminate with a video, again, showcasing the amazing world New Earth is. Then it outlines the jobs we can receive. Then they appear. A long list of names. Starting with the ‘highers’ going to the ‘common’. Lowliers don't recieve an education. Beside name, is your job, and an arrow or a line. If you've moved up in the heirachy- a green arrow will be present, down is a red arrow, or staying the same is an orange line. However, if your name isn't on the list… you're now a lowlier.
I shiver under the cold airconditioning as I search for my name - Iilysh Trenkit. It's there. That's all that matters. However, no job is listed next to it. Only a green arrow. I search other names to see if anyone else has the same. Diillon Cydler has the same - he's a higher however. No one else has it. After the ceremony ends, I walk to my locker but am pulled away be guard. Unable to resist I follow, and they lead me to a room - I've never been to it before due to it being on a ‘Higher’ floor. A boy is already in there - Diillon I presume as I take a seat away from him. The guards leave us in there and seconds later a man walks in.
“Diilon and i-il-”
“Iilysh- like eyelash” I say, aiding him in his pronounciation.
“Diillon and Iillysh. I presume you know why you've been pulled aside.” Diillon just nods. I don't. The man continues “You've both been selected to join the government. In a new position. Similar to the guard position except with more power. You will train as guards, and later if you pass the exams we will infrom you of the actual job. Around 15 other students across this city have been chosen”
“Why her? I mean she's a common” Diillon asked. I scoff. And in turn he rolls his eyes.
“Because you both have potential.”
(955 words)
part one!
New and futuristic opportunities some to thrive, whilst other just don't. The ones who do are known as the ‘highers’. If you're not one, you'll most likely never be one. Here they have most resources and the most money, they are the reason the economy here thrives. They are well respected, and everyone has to treat them well or… actually no one really knows because that's how this world works. You follow the hierarchy, but it never moves or changes. These people are the reasons the society develops; they are the ones that present ideas and normally these ideas are created or accepted.
The next level below consists of essential workers- essential for the ‘highers’. These are the people that create the technologies and bring the ideas of the ‘highers’ to life. They work and work, it's their entire life- as the ‘highers’ ask and ask, without giving these workers time to rest. They are like robots in a sense, with the same routine every day.
Below them would be the common people, who still have enough money to go by. These are the ones you'd see rebelling- if there were to be any resistance. But no one has tried. The government has made enough threats that these people are too scared to even step one foot out of line. Many of these people live with constant fear, afraid to suffer the penalty if they are caught doing the wrong thing. Mistakes are not tolerated in this society.
Those who don't have enough money, or enough resources are rarely seen - many call them ‘lowlies’ or ‘urchins’. The ‘highers’ are disgusted by them, so the government keeps them happy by ‘storing’ these people away. No one knows where, they only come out for work- that is if they even have work. Many fall to this level, as some government law enforcement workers feel too guilty applying the penalty, and let wrongdoers hide away as a ‘lowlier’.
Finally, the highest class is the government. The board of rulers that everyone must submit too. No one knows who they are, their identities remain hidden from the public even the ‘highers’. Everyone just has to follow their rules, even if you don't like it. They employ guards to patrol streets, stand in workplaces and labs - and they ask them to apply the penalty if they step out of line - or in other words - make a mistake. The government law enforcement is super strict and also lies in a hierarchy, similar to the military structure from ‘old earth’.
New Earth is said to be the best society in all of history. When young, the government twists history, and their teachings to ensure people grow up worshipping the society.
(455 words)
part two!
culture:
link
mood/feelings:
link
settings:
link
part three!
New Earth is very different to the old one, aside from the clear heriachy in the society, it is so much more advanced. ‘Highers’ are always funding reasearch project, allowing this new world to have technologies and medical advancements that many only dreamed about back in the day. It's uncommon to see people with a phone, now people wear smart glasses or get surgically implanted chips into their mind to use something similar to a phone. The ‘highers’ are always equipped with the latest techonologies, they don't suffer from illnesses because if they do get sick, it'll be cured. For instance, cancer isn't even a threat anymore, it was cured years ago when a very imporant ‘higher’ fell ill with it. However, ‘Lowliers’ are often victim to illness, according to the limited information many run out of time due to illness, they aren't able to afford such cures. These are the people that possess technology from Old Earth, such as phones. So that they can still communicate - but it is forbidden to have such items, so many hide it.
Many changes are clear and visible, such as the invention of flying cars, planes no longer exist due to trains- which move faster than those old bullet trains on Old Earth -these trains are linked everywhere, under oceans and over long distances. Many get surgical implants to help them do better in lives, some even lengthen lives - there's said to be one which can give you the ability to learn any language within seconds.
However, the rapid development of technologies led to dark times as well. Years ago, a ‘higher’ funded a project to help their child overcome an illness- it is not known what it was but it was rare- a team of researchers accepted the task and began working on it. Their intentions however were not postive. They promised a cure, but they produced a contagion. Which led to the infection of many ‘highers’, they survived the illness but could not walk anymore. So ‘highers’ than requested technology to fix it. Not knowing that it came from the researchers, they asked them to create something to help them walk.
So, they did. Robotic implants connected to nerves in the central nervous system to help them walk again. However, this technology was also rigged, and caused the death of many highers. It was done in a form of rebellion to show the two upperclasses that they exist because of the lower classes. So of course, the ‘highers’ complained and the law enforcement of course, followed the complaint. So innocent people were starting the be given the penalty in order to shows others that stepping out of line was not tolerated.
However, many more started stepping out of line causing so much more death and rebellion. Research projects for the highers all halted, some destroyed. Buildings were vandalised and damaged, and some lower class people tried to get to the ‘highers’. It resulted in a mass conflict. In the end, the upper classes won.
And everything went back to the way it was. Workers went back to work, like robots. And since then no one has stepped out of line.
(530 words)
part four!
New Earth, a place they tell us is the best version of society ever known to history. Being born into a lower class, specifically the ‘common’ makes me wonder how terrible past societies were- I'm miserable all the time. My routine is the same, wake up, eat, go to school, go home, work, sleep - then repeated. Except finally, it changes today.
Today is when I leave the classroom, and I'm assigned a role in society. A role to play in the twisted narrative that the government has set up for us- sorry in the perfect world created by the perfect governement and the board. As I walk the through the mist and fog of the new morning, I watch guards patrol the streets. Suited in pristine, white unifroms which must be perfect in all circumstances. Their posture impeccable, a weapon at their side ready to be enforced within seconds notice. I stare at one, through the tinted sheild through their mask, they study me and walk past.
It's a long walk to the building where I learn, it's in the central city. Easily seen from anywhere, distinguishable by the pearly white buildings that tower over the outskirts, the common home. The sun glimmers off of the shiny exteriors of the skyscrapers which stand tall and proud above the mist. I pass by many more guards. Before one stops me.
“Identification” he bluntly states.
I quickly hold out my wrist as he studies the numbers tattooed into my skin. Inside that helmet, it's obvious he's skimming my reports on some new technology created in order to make sure the lower class obey. He nods and walks away, a robot like sound coming from his suit. I walk away too, still walking the the central city. I watch as other lower class students walk in the same direction - recognisable from their dim and cheap looking clothes, lack of technology on their person, looking exactly like me. Also recognisable from their mood - the same misery and terror that I wear each day present through their movements and facial expressions.
After what feels like ages I reach the central city. ‘Highers’ who walk the streets throw scornful glares and whispers in my direction, they avoid coming close to me - maybe afraid i'll get common dirt on their silky white clothes - or no give them a sickness… which they could easily fix with the money they possess.
I continue my walk, guards pay close attention to me now. One even following me, it happens everyday. But that's ok with me, I've because used to the stalker like attitudes of the guards. I finally reach my destination the school building. I pack my stuff away in one of the small lockers they assign us commons, and move towards the grand theatre where the ceremony is taking place.
I enter through the doors for the common, and take my assigned seat. Looking around me I take note of the clear divide between classes, the ‘highers’ with their highly attitudes sit far way from us commons. Then the children of researchers and essential workers sit in between us common and ‘highers’. Guards of course, are stationed everywhere in the hall.
The chatter dies down as the ceremony begins. A man- most likely a higher -steps onto stage. I zone out as he talks about how great New Earth is. This is when we are assigned new roles - it is when we shift the heirachy. ‘Shift’. It barely moves. Those with the most potential move up- those with the least move down. ‘Highers’ don't move, unless they move up - to goverment. Another 20 minutes passes by as they blabber on and on about how society is built on bla bla bla.
The walls suddenly illuminate with a video, again, showcasing the amazing world New Earth is. Then it outlines the jobs we can receive. Then they appear. A long list of names. Starting with the ‘highers’ going to the ‘common’. Lowliers don't recieve an education. Beside name, is your job, and an arrow or a line. If you've moved up in the heirachy- a green arrow will be present, down is a red arrow, or staying the same is an orange line. However, if your name isn't on the list… you're now a lowlier.
I shiver under the cold airconditioning as I search for my name - Iilysh Trenkit. It's there. That's all that matters. However, no job is listed next to it. Only a green arrow. I search other names to see if anyone else has the same. Diillon Cydler has the same - he's a higher however. No one else has it. After the ceremony ends, I walk to my locker but am pulled away be guard. Unable to resist I follow, and they lead me to a room - I've never been to it before due to it being on a ‘Higher’ floor. A boy is already in there - Diillon I presume as I take a seat away from him. The guards leave us in there and seconds later a man walks in.
“Diilon and i-il-”
“Iilysh- like eyelash” I say, aiding him in his pronounciation.
“Diillon and Iillysh. I presume you know why you've been pulled aside.” Diillon just nods. I don't. The man continues “You've both been selected to join the government. In a new position. Similar to the guard position except with more power. You will train as guards, and later if you pass the exams we will infrom you of the actual job. Around 15 other students across this city have been chosen”
“Why her? I mean she's a common” Diillon asked. I scoff. And in turn he rolls his eyes.
“Because you both have potential.”
(955 words)
Last edited by cceaneyes (March 10, 2025 13:15:21)
- sweetzeal
-
Scratcher
11 posts
swc megathread: march '25
week 1 - world building - 9/3/25
Welcome to the world of Start from Zero, population : 50 000.
This world was discovered by 5 different people around the globe who were losing hope in life and stumbled on a rock - that teleports itself to humans who are sense are unhappy, dissatisfied, or losing hope in life. These 5 people then built the world to how it is today.
Like what was mentioned above, humans end up in this world by stumbling on a rock. They will then be teleported to a blank space, with only 3 sentences written in ink to be seen on the floor: ‘You must move into the world of Start from Zero within 1 week or your existence will be wiped off Earth forever. This is your only chance to start from zero again, and there is only 1 rule - be yourself.”
In this world, you are free to build, design and make whatever you want. There are no boundaries or limits.
Humans in the world of Start from Zero will not have memory of their lives on Earth, but they would still look the same.
However, this world was configured by the founders to still let humans who enter this world retain their memories of certain things. For example, their religions, the languages they speak and their races, their birth dates, and so on.
Additionally, every 5 years, there will be a selection of the “government” which makes decisions for the world, based on the citizens voices and opinions.
Upon entering this world, everyone is given a special ability that is related to technology (unless they enrol in special schools to gain more abilities). They are also given a pod, which is a compound where they will live in. This pod is designed to expand according to whatever the citizen builds. Pods have no restrictions at all, except for the rule of being outside of their living area for at least 30 minutes so that citizens can stay healthy and socialise more.
Also, there is an event in this world that takes place every year, on 9 March. (By the way, the calendar system this world follow is the Gregorian calendar). There is a portal that will open on this date in the town square for citizens of Start from Zero to cross into Earth and revisit it. They are given 24 hours to do so, and then the portal will close, with the citizens automatically going back into Start from Zero by the end of 24 hours.
In the world of Start from Zero, there is a very special technology that only exists there.
It is called the Buildmaker.
This technology allows citizens to build whatever they want and make their creations real at a cost of nothing, and is used by almost everyone every single day.
From building houses to completing a 3d model for homework, this useful creation helps with anything related to building, creating and making.
To access this technology, citizens will need to go into a portal to ensure everyone who is using the technology is tracked. The portal also has basic materials, and practically anything that can help with building things, but of course other than that accessing the portal just means you can build anything you want by presenting the idea out and the Buildmaker will work its magic!
Buildmaker is indeed a very important creation and a very crucial technology that exists in Start from Zero. I don’t think citizens can live without it, actually.
“Good afternoon, citizens of Start from Zero. The portal for accessing Buildmaker is currently very unstable and hence locked. We apologise for the inconvenience and promise to fix it soon. In the meantime, please refrain from trying to break into it or unlock it as we will have a professional team here to help and we seek your cooperation in ensuring that this situation wouldn’t worsen. Thank you.” Mr Chase’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker that broadcasts his voice to everywhere on Start from Zero.
So when Mr Chase, one of the founders of Start from Zero announced that Buildmaker was locked and citizens are unable to use it, there were about 1000 peoples’ cries and screams that could be heard all across the world.
Mary was one of those people screaming.
“ARE YOU ACTUALLY FOR REAL? I WAS JUST ABOUT TO START ON MY 3D MODEL PROJECT THAT IS DUE IN 30 MINUTES!” Mary groaned loudly.
She went to her desk and checked her phone. “Mr Steve never ever extends datelines even if there is a glitch. And this is literally 50% of my total grade for BMD (Build make design). Why???????!!!” Mary flopped down on her couch in despair.
Like Mary, others were struggling too. The point is, Buildmaker is really important to everyone.
“Alright guys. Let’s find the problem with Buildmaker.” Mr Chase instructed the members of the professional team who maintains Buildmaker to keep it working every single day.
Although the Buildmaker technology is so perfect that from 5 years ago to now it has only glitched once, a couple of months back, it seems that Buildmaker still is prone to break downs and instability - like now.
The thing is, the only problem with Buildmaker is the overload of people using it. So, after the professional team investigated the cause of the Buildmaker being locked, they found out that the Buildmaker was overloaded with too much data from the citizens work. Not knowing what to do, they told Mr Chase about it.
“I suggest that we create databases for this? And let the citizens save their own build datas? I mean, when Kelly, Dave, Tom, William and I stepped first developed this thing, we never thought that people would use it so much - it was just something we really wanted to make but was impossible in Earth, I believe.” He suggested.
The professional team immediately got to work and the databases was created just in a few hours. Mr Chase’s solution indeed worked, and the Buildmaker was working once again!
“Wow… Mom, this is interesting… But it looks so weird.” I exclaimed.
Today, I have just came to this place called Start from Zero. The name sounds mystical, but this place looks cool.
We have just arrived in this place where there are tones of random stores and a really big park. I suppose this is the town square.
“Yeah. Do you like it?” Mom smiled at me. “Yeah.” I replied.
Oh yeah. I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Elly, I was born on 5 April 2010, and I’m Asian.
Anyways, Mom and I strolled around the town square for awhile before we decided to sit down in a park with our creamsies (which is a dessert that is made out of water, sugar, cream, an edible material and changes itself according to the taste you like).
Also, is it just me, or my surroundings look fake in general?
After resting for a short while, Mom signalled me to get up and we walked to this big and fancy building opposite the park. It was oddly shaped like a human emoji.
“Mom, how do you think they built it like a human emoji?” I asked her.
“No idea, honey.” She said.
We entered the building.
“Welcome to the world of Start from Zero! We’re glad to have you here. Please look at the screen in front of you and click ‘continue’ to teleport yourselves to the main desk.” A robotic voice greeted us.
What? There’s teleportation here? And this is a world? I thought it was just another random city my mom brought me to?
I guess it’s not.
Mom clicked ‘continue’ and both of us arrived at the main desk in a jiffy.
There, a lady nodded at us. “Welcome! You must be Sally. I supposed that’s your daughter?”
Mom nodded back at her.
“Okay. I have your details here in my pacom. Here’s Elly’s and your ID.” She pointed to the screen that appeared in front of us. “The IDs will be accessible through … Ah, I found it. Here. It’ll be accessible through your own device. Everyone will get a pattch by default, but you can by more devices at the Pa-device shop. You can customise your pattch by the way. ” The lady passed two watches to my mom and I.
I looked at her like she was speaking alien language. What on earth is a pattch and pacom? And how are things able to project here without a projector?
I think she read my mind. “Don’t worry, I know it’s confusing, but you are now in the world of Start from Zero. People come to this world by tripping over a stone and entering a white space that instructs them to bring along people they love and care about, bring anything they want, but their memories from Earth will be completely wiped away except for personal information. I believe your mom will tell you more about this.” She explained.
I looked at mom. Mom looked back and said nothing.
“Anyways, to access your pod, which is the compound you’ll live in, all you need to do is scroll to the house app in your pattch and it’ll take you there. There’ll be nothing at first, because it’s meant for you to build up your dream house in. You can use the Buildmaker to do so!” The lady grinned.
Seems cool… I wonder what’s a Buildmaker.
“And then there’s the town square, which I believe you just came from. There, you’ll find all the shops and amenities. So I’ll leave you to explore it. Now let’s talk about some administrative stuff. This world does have a currency called Oes, and it is quite important in this world, so… let’s find a job for you and enrol Elly in a school?” She suggested.
“Yeah, okay.” Mom agreed with the lady.
“That’s great! Now, in our world, most people work in the technology field, but there are many other jobs available too. You were working as a nurse, and there’s a job available at our general hospital where most people go to. The salary is 3500 Oes a month. Would you like to accept that offer?”
“I have no idea about nursing, miss.” Mom sighed.
“It’s okay, there’s an academy specially for Medicine and Nursing. You’ll work and learn at the academy at the same time. That’s what most people do when they first get a job here, except at different academies.”
“Okay then.” Mom clicked ‘accept’ on the projection that popped up in front of her.
“As for you, Elly, you were a Year 10 student. Anything you’d be interested to study?”
I have no idea honestly.
The lady read my mind again. “There’s a academy of arts, and academy of languages that are catered for those who don’t prefer the usual courses. We have other academies, but you may like these 2.”
Academy of Arts? I would like to try that.
“Academy of Arts please?” A projection popped up in front of me and I clicked ‘accept’.
“Okay, I think we are done for now. My name is Mildred by the way. See you around!” The lady, Mildred, waved at us. Mom swiped to the house app and we teleported to our compound.
“I think we have some work to do here, honey. Let’s make this restart a good one.” Mom hugged me and whispered.
Yes, let’s start from Zero.
(Not included)
Ahhh I hope to write more about my world!
This is so interesting!!
- part 1: language & culture
Welcome to the world of Start from Zero, population : 50 000.
This world was discovered by 5 different people around the globe who were losing hope in life and stumbled on a rock - that teleports itself to humans who are sense are unhappy, dissatisfied, or losing hope in life. These 5 people then built the world to how it is today.
Like what was mentioned above, humans end up in this world by stumbling on a rock. They will then be teleported to a blank space, with only 3 sentences written in ink to be seen on the floor: ‘You must move into the world of Start from Zero within 1 week or your existence will be wiped off Earth forever. This is your only chance to start from zero again, and there is only 1 rule - be yourself.”
In this world, you are free to build, design and make whatever you want. There are no boundaries or limits.
Humans in the world of Start from Zero will not have memory of their lives on Earth, but they would still look the same.
However, this world was configured by the founders to still let humans who enter this world retain their memories of certain things. For example, their religions, the languages they speak and their races, their birth dates, and so on.
Additionally, every 5 years, there will be a selection of the “government” which makes decisions for the world, based on the citizens voices and opinions.
Upon entering this world, everyone is given a special ability that is related to technology (unless they enrol in special schools to gain more abilities). They are also given a pod, which is a compound where they will live in. This pod is designed to expand according to whatever the citizen builds. Pods have no restrictions at all, except for the rule of being outside of their living area for at least 30 minutes so that citizens can stay healthy and socialise more.
Also, there is an event in this world that takes place every year, on 9 March. (By the way, the calendar system this world follow is the Gregorian calendar). There is a portal that will open on this date in the town square for citizens of Start from Zero to cross into Earth and revisit it. They are given 24 hours to do so, and then the portal will close, with the citizens automatically going back into Start from Zero by the end of 24 hours.
- part 2: geography and memorable locations
- part 3: technology
In the world of Start from Zero, there is a very special technology that only exists there.
It is called the Buildmaker.
This technology allows citizens to build whatever they want and make their creations real at a cost of nothing, and is used by almost everyone every single day.
From building houses to completing a 3d model for homework, this useful creation helps with anything related to building, creating and making.
To access this technology, citizens will need to go into a portal to ensure everyone who is using the technology is tracked. The portal also has basic materials, and practically anything that can help with building things, but of course other than that accessing the portal just means you can build anything you want by presenting the idea out and the Buildmaker will work its magic!
Buildmaker is indeed a very important creation and a very crucial technology that exists in Start from Zero. I don’t think citizens can live without it, actually.
“Good afternoon, citizens of Start from Zero. The portal for accessing Buildmaker is currently very unstable and hence locked. We apologise for the inconvenience and promise to fix it soon. In the meantime, please refrain from trying to break into it or unlock it as we will have a professional team here to help and we seek your cooperation in ensuring that this situation wouldn’t worsen. Thank you.” Mr Chase’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker that broadcasts his voice to everywhere on Start from Zero.
So when Mr Chase, one of the founders of Start from Zero announced that Buildmaker was locked and citizens are unable to use it, there were about 1000 peoples’ cries and screams that could be heard all across the world.
Mary was one of those people screaming.
“ARE YOU ACTUALLY FOR REAL? I WAS JUST ABOUT TO START ON MY 3D MODEL PROJECT THAT IS DUE IN 30 MINUTES!” Mary groaned loudly.
She went to her desk and checked her phone. “Mr Steve never ever extends datelines even if there is a glitch. And this is literally 50% of my total grade for BMD (Build make design). Why???????!!!” Mary flopped down on her couch in despair.
Like Mary, others were struggling too. The point is, Buildmaker is really important to everyone.
“Alright guys. Let’s find the problem with Buildmaker.” Mr Chase instructed the members of the professional team who maintains Buildmaker to keep it working every single day.
Although the Buildmaker technology is so perfect that from 5 years ago to now it has only glitched once, a couple of months back, it seems that Buildmaker still is prone to break downs and instability - like now.
The thing is, the only problem with Buildmaker is the overload of people using it. So, after the professional team investigated the cause of the Buildmaker being locked, they found out that the Buildmaker was overloaded with too much data from the citizens work. Not knowing what to do, they told Mr Chase about it.
“I suggest that we create databases for this? And let the citizens save their own build datas? I mean, when Kelly, Dave, Tom, William and I stepped first developed this thing, we never thought that people would use it so much - it was just something we really wanted to make but was impossible in Earth, I believe.” He suggested.
The professional team immediately got to work and the databases was created just in a few hours. Mr Chase’s solution indeed worked, and the Buildmaker was working once again!
- part 4: incorporating your world into your writing
“Wow… Mom, this is interesting… But it looks so weird.” I exclaimed.
Today, I have just came to this place called Start from Zero. The name sounds mystical, but this place looks cool.
We have just arrived in this place where there are tones of random stores and a really big park. I suppose this is the town square.
“Yeah. Do you like it?” Mom smiled at me. “Yeah.” I replied.
Oh yeah. I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Elly, I was born on 5 April 2010, and I’m Asian.
Anyways, Mom and I strolled around the town square for awhile before we decided to sit down in a park with our creamsies (which is a dessert that is made out of water, sugar, cream, an edible material and changes itself according to the taste you like).
Also, is it just me, or my surroundings look fake in general?
After resting for a short while, Mom signalled me to get up and we walked to this big and fancy building opposite the park. It was oddly shaped like a human emoji.
“Mom, how do you think they built it like a human emoji?” I asked her.
“No idea, honey.” She said.
We entered the building.
“Welcome to the world of Start from Zero! We’re glad to have you here. Please look at the screen in front of you and click ‘continue’ to teleport yourselves to the main desk.” A robotic voice greeted us.
What? There’s teleportation here? And this is a world? I thought it was just another random city my mom brought me to?
I guess it’s not.
Mom clicked ‘continue’ and both of us arrived at the main desk in a jiffy.
There, a lady nodded at us. “Welcome! You must be Sally. I supposed that’s your daughter?”
Mom nodded back at her.
“Okay. I have your details here in my pacom. Here’s Elly’s and your ID.” She pointed to the screen that appeared in front of us. “The IDs will be accessible through … Ah, I found it. Here. It’ll be accessible through your own device. Everyone will get a pattch by default, but you can by more devices at the Pa-device shop. You can customise your pattch by the way. ” The lady passed two watches to my mom and I.
I looked at her like she was speaking alien language. What on earth is a pattch and pacom? And how are things able to project here without a projector?
I think she read my mind. “Don’t worry, I know it’s confusing, but you are now in the world of Start from Zero. People come to this world by tripping over a stone and entering a white space that instructs them to bring along people they love and care about, bring anything they want, but their memories from Earth will be completely wiped away except for personal information. I believe your mom will tell you more about this.” She explained.
I looked at mom. Mom looked back and said nothing.
“Anyways, to access your pod, which is the compound you’ll live in, all you need to do is scroll to the house app in your pattch and it’ll take you there. There’ll be nothing at first, because it’s meant for you to build up your dream house in. You can use the Buildmaker to do so!” The lady grinned.
Seems cool… I wonder what’s a Buildmaker.
“And then there’s the town square, which I believe you just came from. There, you’ll find all the shops and amenities. So I’ll leave you to explore it. Now let’s talk about some administrative stuff. This world does have a currency called Oes, and it is quite important in this world, so… let’s find a job for you and enrol Elly in a school?” She suggested.
“Yeah, okay.” Mom agreed with the lady.
“That’s great! Now, in our world, most people work in the technology field, but there are many other jobs available too. You were working as a nurse, and there’s a job available at our general hospital where most people go to. The salary is 3500 Oes a month. Would you like to accept that offer?”
“I have no idea about nursing, miss.” Mom sighed.
“It’s okay, there’s an academy specially for Medicine and Nursing. You’ll work and learn at the academy at the same time. That’s what most people do when they first get a job here, except at different academies.”
“Okay then.” Mom clicked ‘accept’ on the projection that popped up in front of her.
“As for you, Elly, you were a Year 10 student. Anything you’d be interested to study?”
I have no idea honestly.
The lady read my mind again. “There’s a academy of arts, and academy of languages that are catered for those who don’t prefer the usual courses. We have other academies, but you may like these 2.”
Academy of Arts? I would like to try that.
“Academy of Arts please?” A projection popped up in front of me and I clicked ‘accept’.
“Okay, I think we are done for now. My name is Mildred by the way. See you around!” The lady, Mildred, waved at us. Mom swiped to the house app and we teleported to our compound.
“I think we have some work to do here, honey. Let’s make this restart a good one.” Mom hugged me and whispered.
Yes, let’s start from Zero.
(Not included)
Ahhh I hope to write more about my world!
This is so interesting!!
Last edited by sweetzeal (March 9, 2025 14:53:10)
- PixelDucko
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
Weekly #1:
▸ this was rushed in a single day. I probably wouldn't have finished it if it weren't for the fact that a worldbuilding weekly was the first ever weekly I completed in swc. so this is a remake of that! like I said, it's very rushed and definitely not my best work, like I barely planned it too, but i'm glad that i've come this far :]
▸ my old weekly is linked here if you want to read it
▸ Part One: 474 Words
WANNA LIVE IN ECLIOR? HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!
The country of Eclior thrives on the wellbeing of its citizens, making it an ideal place for immigrants to relocate to. It is known for its advanced technology, education and festivities. In this comprehensive article, I will dive deep into these three topics. You’ll be an Eclior expert in no time!
TECHNOLOGY OF THE AGES
Eclior is rich in technology that benefits both its community and its environment. The most notable of these technologies are the solar panels, which you are bound to come across. Unlike most of the world, these solar panels are installed in every building, taking advantage of the sun’s nourishing rays. Unhealthy fumes? I’ve never heard of her!
EDUCATION
Education is a crucial part of living in Eclior. The highest-ranking universities and academies in the world are located right in the heart of this well-read country. The government recognises the need for knowledge and provides every citizen with all the education they need.
Due to this high respect for learning, some of the best inventors, engineers and scientists have originated from Eclior. These spectacles have ventured above and beyond, coming up with solutions that the world never knew it needed. Recognition has been provided, and these notable people have been properly credited for their grand inventions.
FESTIVITIES
Despite the high standards of living in Eclior, perhaps the best part of living in Eclior is the culture and people. These citizens are focused on festivities, making sure to capture every moment in a precious celebration and photo.
A well-known example of a festival is the Sun and Moon Festival. The word “Eclior” derives from a combination of the words eclipse and solar. The country holds high respect to the sun and the moon, recognising their efforts to lighten up and darken the skies every day. The festival, which occurs every solar and lunar eclipse, holds musicals, shows and workshops. Every person, regardless of age, origin or gender, is encouraged to participate in the many celestial-themed events that the festival holds.
DID YOU KNOW? Contrary to popular belief, the Sun and Moon Festival is not a religious celebration. The founders of Eclior were simply poets who enjoyed bringing personification into every aspect of life. Conveniently, they also enjoyed partying, and the festival originated from small celebrations within their own houses. It spread to their neighbourhood, their village, their suburb, and eventually climbed all the way up to be the nation’s most loved festival.
CONCLUSION
This article only holds some of Eclior’s wonderful aspects. I haven’t even touched on how kind the citizens are! Regardless of how much you learnt today, Eclior is surely a stunning country that will support you and your family in your journey of life. Farewell dear traveller, and thank you for taking your time to read this article.
▸ Part Two: 0 Words
Part two of my weekly is found in the first sprite of this project. It's possibly the most rushed part of my weekly since I did it last. It may be removed from the project after the points are added.
▸ Part Three: 617 Words
Khaki shot into the air. She blinked and was in a completely different place than she was moments before. She clutched her head with a groan, still not used to the feeling of teleportation.
Smoothening her skirt, she approached her friend’s house. She took a deep breath before knocking.
“Coming!” a voice echoed from inside.
Khaki fiddled with her bag strap. She almost didn’t notice when the door bursted open to reveal August’s shimmering smile.
“Khaki!” August squealed, wrapping her arms around her friend. She grabbed Khaki’s arm, borderline yanking her inside.
Khaki stumbled but caught herself just in time. She adjusted her glasses and glanced around, taking in her surroundings.
The living room was small, but there was a certain coziness in the air that Khaki delighted in. The walls were covered to the brim with bookshelves. Instead of books, Khaki noted, there were trinkets, artworks and splotches of paint. The bright splotches contrasted with the pumpkin colours that covered every other surface. It didn’t feel out of place, though. It emphasised the home part of living, reminding her that there were indeed people who resided in this place. It was a wonderful place to live, but it made Khaki stiffen, wondering if it was okay to see someone’s personal life so deep like this.
“We’re about to have the best Sun and Moon Festival ever! I’m so glad your parents agreed to let you spend the week here. Celebrations are so much better with friends,” Autumn twittered.
Khaki only nodded in reply. Her arms clutched her bag tightly, her legs stiller than a statue.
“Oh, lighten up! C’mon, there’s no need to be afraid of me. Unless you’re my brother but y’know,” Autumn said with a grin.
She glided past Khaki and headed for the door. “Put your bag down and follow me! I’ll show you around the islands below. I love my neighbourhood so much, I’m sure you’ll love them too.”
Khaki blinked. She stood weakly before finally realising what was said. She scrambled to place down her bag, snatching her mirror from inside before rushing to follow August’s bouncing figure.
August hummed. She turned, checking on Khaki. Once her friend was in view, she leaned backwards, letting the teleporter catch her fall.
“Alright, let’s go!” she chirped as she fell. Khaki screamed, but her friend was out of sight before she could yell a warning.
Khaki sighed. Tucking her mirror securely in her pocket, she stepped onto the glowing teleporter. She closed her eyes, and–
A strong breeze hit her face. Khaki furrowed her eyebrows as she blinked her eyes open. The skies were dark and she was soon soaking wet. Raindrops covered her glasses, blocking her view of the unfamiliar world around her.
Her heart beat fast. She took shaky breaths, wiping her glasses furiously. She put them on again to see quivering trees and trembling grass. Thunder echoed through her ears, slamming her hands against them in an attempt to block out the noise. She felt around for her mirror, gasping when it was safe in her pocket. She poked it aggressively, signalling for it to start the call already.
Why did the teleporter have to malfunction now? August would be worried sick.
Lightning struck beside her, sending her yelping and screaming. Khaki broke into a sprint, not daring to look behind her. She dodged shaking trees as she searched the best as she could for any sign of a glowing light, any sign of another teleporter nearby.
There! It was faint, who knows if it still worked, but she had to try.
She rushed towards it, her heart racing faster than her legs as she made the final leap and–
▸ Part Four: 942 Words
Basil was goofing off, buying trinkets from every stall and learning from every workshop. Amethyst could only watch in defeat as he spent all his money.
“Basil…” she warned.
“I know, I know! But c’mon, it’s our first time in Eclior and we might as well. How often does the Sun and Moon Festival arrive, eh?” he said as he stuffed a quesadilla into his mouth.
Amethyst ran her hand through her hair. She sighed. “Just make sure you’re saving some money. We’re here on a mission, remember?”
“Let him be. We’re not meeting them for a few days, anyway,” Daniel said, fiddling with some gadgets and gears.
Amethyst yelped. “Did you just materialise out of thin air?”
Daniel shrugged. “I have my ways.”
Amethyst sighed for the second time that day. “Okay.”
She turned her attention from her friends and observed the scenery around her. The dark sky glimmered above them. It was late, since their flight and booking had taken up most of their day. It was pleasant to take a breather after a long day of preparations. Still, the preparations weren’t over yet – they had to get ready for meeting with the inventors. This was a precious opportunity in their occupations as engineers. Eclior was home to some of the most well-known inventors out there, and it was undeniable that this would be a meeting to last a lifetime.
The bricks below their feat glimmered with starlight. Amethyst had been trying to figure out how exactly these bricks glowed. Her best guess so far was that the builders had infused them with a special light-absorbing material. It was fascinating how something so simple could be so interesting. The bricks were also painted with patterns of the sun and the moon. Amethyst had done her research about the festival, and while she didn’t understand why the sky was so special outside of being a useful tool, this would be a good opportunity to learn from other people’s point of view.
“Boo,” Daniel said, reappearing at her side with cotton candy in hand.
Amethyst flinched. “Stop doing that,” she scolded.
Basil rushed up to them, holding something high in the sky. “Look!” he exclaimed, showing off three bead bracelets. One showed images of the sun, another the moon, and the final one the stars. He grinned widely. “We can have matching bracelets!”
“I’m guessing you already bought them, so in that case I have no other option than to accept,” Amethyst said, taking a bracelet at random.
“Wait!” Basil exclaimed before she could put it on. “We should match them with our personality! Daniel’s really bright yet mysterious, so he gets the stars. You’re really deep and quiet, no offense, so you get the moon. And I get the sun because I’m really energetic.” He placed the corresponding bracelet into each of their hands. “Cheers!”
Daniel smiled as he put the star bracelet on. He twisted his arm, observing the look from different angles. “You put a lot of thought into these things, Basil.”
“Of course I do! I’m training my brain so that I can easily use logic in every situation,” Basil declared with sparkles in his eyes. Amethyst hadn’t thought about it before, but now that it was mentioned, he really was similar to the sun. Similar to the usual personification of the sun, anyway.
“It’s good you’re doing that, Basil. Thanks for the bracelet, too,” Amethyst said. As silly as her friend may be sometimes, he really did have a strong heart. “Now, I think it’s time to–”
“EVERYONE RUN! THERE’S A STORM APPROACHING!” a voice yelled.
People rushed to get under shelter. Some muttered in annoyance. A few people pulled out their umbrellas and continued on as normal, waiting for the downpour to pass. Amethyst was one of those few people. She grabbed her umbrella and held it over her friends.
“Okay then,” Basil started. “Rain. On a day we didn’t expect. That’s a bit weird, but sure, I’ll take it. I like the rain!” He hopped out of the umbrella’s shelter and twirled around as he embraced the raindrops pattering on his skin and clothes.
Amethyst frowned. “Basil, you’re gonna get sick. And we still have that meeting to attend.”
Basil sighed and returned to the umbrella’s safety. “Well, I guess I can’t argue with that.”
Without warning, lightning strook and rattled a nearby shop. It lit up into flames, and people screamed. The sound of thunder crashed shortly afterwards, sending those screams higher into the air.
“Oh, it’s a thunderstorm!” Daniel exclaimed, glancing up at the sky that grew darker by the minute.
“I think it’s best we head home now,” Amethyst said. Thunderstorms were common where she came from, but that didn’t make them any less dangerous. A strong shock of electricity, coming straight from the clouds… It was a terrifying yet admittedly interesting thing.
Basil sighed. “Yeah, that’s probably the best idea. We’ll come back soon, Sun and Moon Festival!” He waved goodbye to the stalls as he scurried under Amethyst’s umbrella.
The trio walked in sync, or at least in the most amount of sync that they could get. Basil bounced up and down, moving slightly faster than the others. Amethyst trekked at the average “getting-out-of-a-thunderstorm” pace, while Daniel moved in stealth behind them.
“I’M COMING FOR YOU, AUGUST!” a voice echoed in the distance.
Amethyst glanced behind her, searching for the source of the voice. It sounded like a teenager. A teenager who was lost, to be specific. There was nobody who fit that description, though, so she kept on walking, hoping that the teenager would reach this August person safely.
▸ Part One: 474 Words
▸ Part Two: 0 Words
▸ Part Three: 617 Words
▸ Part Four: 942 Words
▸ Total: 2,033 Words
Welcome to the first weekly of this session! The core aspect of many settings in stories is the world itself, and so in this weekly we’ll be learning about world building. Follow this link to get started: https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/695082/?page=3#post-8429892Author's Notes:
▸ this was rushed in a single day. I probably wouldn't have finished it if it weren't for the fact that a worldbuilding weekly was the first ever weekly I completed in swc. so this is a remake of that! like I said, it's very rushed and definitely not my best work, like I barely planned it too, but i'm glad that i've come this far :]
▸ my old weekly is linked here if you want to read it
▸ Part One: 474 Words
WANNA LIVE IN ECLIOR? HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!
The country of Eclior thrives on the wellbeing of its citizens, making it an ideal place for immigrants to relocate to. It is known for its advanced technology, education and festivities. In this comprehensive article, I will dive deep into these three topics. You’ll be an Eclior expert in no time!
TECHNOLOGY OF THE AGES
Eclior is rich in technology that benefits both its community and its environment. The most notable of these technologies are the solar panels, which you are bound to come across. Unlike most of the world, these solar panels are installed in every building, taking advantage of the sun’s nourishing rays. Unhealthy fumes? I’ve never heard of her!
EDUCATION
Education is a crucial part of living in Eclior. The highest-ranking universities and academies in the world are located right in the heart of this well-read country. The government recognises the need for knowledge and provides every citizen with all the education they need.
Due to this high respect for learning, some of the best inventors, engineers and scientists have originated from Eclior. These spectacles have ventured above and beyond, coming up with solutions that the world never knew it needed. Recognition has been provided, and these notable people have been properly credited for their grand inventions.
FESTIVITIES
Despite the high standards of living in Eclior, perhaps the best part of living in Eclior is the culture and people. These citizens are focused on festivities, making sure to capture every moment in a precious celebration and photo.
A well-known example of a festival is the Sun and Moon Festival. The word “Eclior” derives from a combination of the words eclipse and solar. The country holds high respect to the sun and the moon, recognising their efforts to lighten up and darken the skies every day. The festival, which occurs every solar and lunar eclipse, holds musicals, shows and workshops. Every person, regardless of age, origin or gender, is encouraged to participate in the many celestial-themed events that the festival holds.
DID YOU KNOW? Contrary to popular belief, the Sun and Moon Festival is not a religious celebration. The founders of Eclior were simply poets who enjoyed bringing personification into every aspect of life. Conveniently, they also enjoyed partying, and the festival originated from small celebrations within their own houses. It spread to their neighbourhood, their village, their suburb, and eventually climbed all the way up to be the nation’s most loved festival.
CONCLUSION
This article only holds some of Eclior’s wonderful aspects. I haven’t even touched on how kind the citizens are! Regardless of how much you learnt today, Eclior is surely a stunning country that will support you and your family in your journey of life. Farewell dear traveller, and thank you for taking your time to read this article.
▸ Part Two: 0 Words
Part two of my weekly is found in the first sprite of this project. It's possibly the most rushed part of my weekly since I did it last. It may be removed from the project after the points are added.
▸ Part Three: 617 Words
Khaki shot into the air. She blinked and was in a completely different place than she was moments before. She clutched her head with a groan, still not used to the feeling of teleportation.
Smoothening her skirt, she approached her friend’s house. She took a deep breath before knocking.
“Coming!” a voice echoed from inside.
Khaki fiddled with her bag strap. She almost didn’t notice when the door bursted open to reveal August’s shimmering smile.
“Khaki!” August squealed, wrapping her arms around her friend. She grabbed Khaki’s arm, borderline yanking her inside.
Khaki stumbled but caught herself just in time. She adjusted her glasses and glanced around, taking in her surroundings.
The living room was small, but there was a certain coziness in the air that Khaki delighted in. The walls were covered to the brim with bookshelves. Instead of books, Khaki noted, there were trinkets, artworks and splotches of paint. The bright splotches contrasted with the pumpkin colours that covered every other surface. It didn’t feel out of place, though. It emphasised the home part of living, reminding her that there were indeed people who resided in this place. It was a wonderful place to live, but it made Khaki stiffen, wondering if it was okay to see someone’s personal life so deep like this.
“We’re about to have the best Sun and Moon Festival ever! I’m so glad your parents agreed to let you spend the week here. Celebrations are so much better with friends,” Autumn twittered.
Khaki only nodded in reply. Her arms clutched her bag tightly, her legs stiller than a statue.
“Oh, lighten up! C’mon, there’s no need to be afraid of me. Unless you’re my brother but y’know,” Autumn said with a grin.
She glided past Khaki and headed for the door. “Put your bag down and follow me! I’ll show you around the islands below. I love my neighbourhood so much, I’m sure you’ll love them too.”
Khaki blinked. She stood weakly before finally realising what was said. She scrambled to place down her bag, snatching her mirror from inside before rushing to follow August’s bouncing figure.
August hummed. She turned, checking on Khaki. Once her friend was in view, she leaned backwards, letting the teleporter catch her fall.
“Alright, let’s go!” she chirped as she fell. Khaki screamed, but her friend was out of sight before she could yell a warning.
Khaki sighed. Tucking her mirror securely in her pocket, she stepped onto the glowing teleporter. She closed her eyes, and–
A strong breeze hit her face. Khaki furrowed her eyebrows as she blinked her eyes open. The skies were dark and she was soon soaking wet. Raindrops covered her glasses, blocking her view of the unfamiliar world around her.
Her heart beat fast. She took shaky breaths, wiping her glasses furiously. She put them on again to see quivering trees and trembling grass. Thunder echoed through her ears, slamming her hands against them in an attempt to block out the noise. She felt around for her mirror, gasping when it was safe in her pocket. She poked it aggressively, signalling for it to start the call already.
Why did the teleporter have to malfunction now? August would be worried sick.
Lightning struck beside her, sending her yelping and screaming. Khaki broke into a sprint, not daring to look behind her. She dodged shaking trees as she searched the best as she could for any sign of a glowing light, any sign of another teleporter nearby.
There! It was faint, who knows if it still worked, but she had to try.
She rushed towards it, her heart racing faster than her legs as she made the final leap and–
▸ Part Four: 942 Words
Basil was goofing off, buying trinkets from every stall and learning from every workshop. Amethyst could only watch in defeat as he spent all his money.
“Basil…” she warned.
“I know, I know! But c’mon, it’s our first time in Eclior and we might as well. How often does the Sun and Moon Festival arrive, eh?” he said as he stuffed a quesadilla into his mouth.
Amethyst ran her hand through her hair. She sighed. “Just make sure you’re saving some money. We’re here on a mission, remember?”
“Let him be. We’re not meeting them for a few days, anyway,” Daniel said, fiddling with some gadgets and gears.
Amethyst yelped. “Did you just materialise out of thin air?”
Daniel shrugged. “I have my ways.”
Amethyst sighed for the second time that day. “Okay.”
She turned her attention from her friends and observed the scenery around her. The dark sky glimmered above them. It was late, since their flight and booking had taken up most of their day. It was pleasant to take a breather after a long day of preparations. Still, the preparations weren’t over yet – they had to get ready for meeting with the inventors. This was a precious opportunity in their occupations as engineers. Eclior was home to some of the most well-known inventors out there, and it was undeniable that this would be a meeting to last a lifetime.
The bricks below their feat glimmered with starlight. Amethyst had been trying to figure out how exactly these bricks glowed. Her best guess so far was that the builders had infused them with a special light-absorbing material. It was fascinating how something so simple could be so interesting. The bricks were also painted with patterns of the sun and the moon. Amethyst had done her research about the festival, and while she didn’t understand why the sky was so special outside of being a useful tool, this would be a good opportunity to learn from other people’s point of view.
“Boo,” Daniel said, reappearing at her side with cotton candy in hand.
Amethyst flinched. “Stop doing that,” she scolded.
Basil rushed up to them, holding something high in the sky. “Look!” he exclaimed, showing off three bead bracelets. One showed images of the sun, another the moon, and the final one the stars. He grinned widely. “We can have matching bracelets!”
“I’m guessing you already bought them, so in that case I have no other option than to accept,” Amethyst said, taking a bracelet at random.
“Wait!” Basil exclaimed before she could put it on. “We should match them with our personality! Daniel’s really bright yet mysterious, so he gets the stars. You’re really deep and quiet, no offense, so you get the moon. And I get the sun because I’m really energetic.” He placed the corresponding bracelet into each of their hands. “Cheers!”
Daniel smiled as he put the star bracelet on. He twisted his arm, observing the look from different angles. “You put a lot of thought into these things, Basil.”
“Of course I do! I’m training my brain so that I can easily use logic in every situation,” Basil declared with sparkles in his eyes. Amethyst hadn’t thought about it before, but now that it was mentioned, he really was similar to the sun. Similar to the usual personification of the sun, anyway.
“It’s good you’re doing that, Basil. Thanks for the bracelet, too,” Amethyst said. As silly as her friend may be sometimes, he really did have a strong heart. “Now, I think it’s time to–”
“EVERYONE RUN! THERE’S A STORM APPROACHING!” a voice yelled.
People rushed to get under shelter. Some muttered in annoyance. A few people pulled out their umbrellas and continued on as normal, waiting for the downpour to pass. Amethyst was one of those few people. She grabbed her umbrella and held it over her friends.
“Okay then,” Basil started. “Rain. On a day we didn’t expect. That’s a bit weird, but sure, I’ll take it. I like the rain!” He hopped out of the umbrella’s shelter and twirled around as he embraced the raindrops pattering on his skin and clothes.
Amethyst frowned. “Basil, you’re gonna get sick. And we still have that meeting to attend.”
Basil sighed and returned to the umbrella’s safety. “Well, I guess I can’t argue with that.”
Without warning, lightning strook and rattled a nearby shop. It lit up into flames, and people screamed. The sound of thunder crashed shortly afterwards, sending those screams higher into the air.
“Oh, it’s a thunderstorm!” Daniel exclaimed, glancing up at the sky that grew darker by the minute.
“I think it’s best we head home now,” Amethyst said. Thunderstorms were common where she came from, but that didn’t make them any less dangerous. A strong shock of electricity, coming straight from the clouds… It was a terrifying yet admittedly interesting thing.
Basil sighed. “Yeah, that’s probably the best idea. We’ll come back soon, Sun and Moon Festival!” He waved goodbye to the stalls as he scurried under Amethyst’s umbrella.
The trio walked in sync, or at least in the most amount of sync that they could get. Basil bounced up and down, moving slightly faster than the others. Amethyst trekked at the average “getting-out-of-a-thunderstorm” pace, while Daniel moved in stealth behind them.
“I’M COMING FOR YOU, AUGUST!” a voice echoed in the distance.
Amethyst glanced behind her, searching for the source of the voice. It sounded like a teenager. A teenager who was lost, to be specific. There was nobody who fit that description, though, so she kept on walking, hoping that the teenager would reach this August person safely.
▸ Part One: 474 Words
▸ Part Two: 0 Words
▸ Part Three: 617 Words
▸ Part Four: 942 Words
▸ Total: 2,033 Words
Last edited by PixelDucko (March 9, 2025 11:49:51)
- unercornshine
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
‧꒰ა Weekly 1 - World Building ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
✦໒.꒰ Part 1: Language and Culture ꒱.੭✦
The Kingdom of Umbaltor:
The warrior-based city of Umbaltor belongs to the Shadow Clan, where shadow magic is primarily used for combat and striking, rather than for other purposes. It is governed by both a monarch and a council—however, the monarch does not hold absolute power. The council plays a major role in decision-making, ensuring a balanced rule.
The council is elected by the people, with each major house selecting a representative. If concerns arise about leadership, council members can be replaced. However, not just anyone can become a councillor; only those with significant experience and notable achievements are eligible for the position.
Umbaltor takes great pride in its strong monarchy and formidable military power. It is renowned for producing elite warriors trained in shadow magic, as well as for its powerful dragons, which serve as the guardians of the city. However, not everyone is privileged enough to bond with a dragon. Only the most skilled individuals—as well as the royal family—are granted this honor.
Beyond the great gates guarded by dragons, the kingdom is cloaked in impenetrable darkness to those who do not belong to Umbaltor. This unique ability was a gift from the Reaper, the Shadow Clan’s creator, upon the city's founding. Any outsider wishing to see within Umbaltor must receive a special blessing from one of the city's guardians.
The language they now primarily speak is English or Pontis (the neutral language between all the clans) due to advances in technology and conquering language barriers, although their native language is Tenebriss, the language their ancestors used to speak. Tenebriss is a language spoken throughout the shadow clan; however, in Umbaltor, they speak it in an Umbalt accent.
The language is sort of like modern day latin as we call it, with a huge twist. It is spoken throughout the shadow clan like sort of in whispers, more like the language of the demons than a human language. More about how they communicate with dragons below.
So, lets go into more depth of the mysterious dragons of Umbaltor. Well, one of the main reasons dragon wielding is so scrace here is because dragons are not fundamental to the actual power of umbalt, unlike other clans and domains, rather, their umbalt powers are drawn from their warrior and shadow connections, rather than the mystic power that dragons posses. Furthermore, another reason is because, this power cannot be simply gifted to everyone here, as those who posses the power to partner with a dragon are extremely OP, but it comes at a cost as well. Wielders who partner with dragons are much stronger and posses a different mystic shadow power, but to wield a dragon is a lifelong dedication and unwavering loyalty. If even the slightest betrayal is how you will be obliterated by your own dragon. An interesting fact is that, to communicate with your dragon, weilders of Umbaltor specifically do not have to actually speak aloud, rather, wielders of umbalt possess such a deep connection that they can mentally communicate with their dragons.
✦໒.꒰ Part 2: Geography and Memorable Locations ꒱.੭✦
Last edited by unercornshine (March 9, 2025 19:13:36)
- -Lunova-
-
Scratcher
15 posts
swc megathread: march '25
Weekly 1
Part 1: Language and Culture
Runael is inhabited by many different creatures, but the primary intelligent species is a race known as the vuaeli. They look like foxes standing upright on two legs, but are usually pale pastel colors such as yellow, lavender, or pink. They wear clothes, the style depends on the kingdom - some promote more practical clothing while others mostly wear fancy dresses and suits. Their tails are tipped with white or silver. Vuaeli are born with one tail, grow a second when they go through puberty, and may gain more throughout their life. These tails usually only grow when their prospective owner is in good health, so they have become a sign of status.
Blue vuaeli are extremely rare and regarded as a positive omen for the future. Many blue vuaeli have special powers, which are almost limitless in what they can be.
Vuaeli tend to live in large kingdoms and queendoms, ruled by a monarchy. The ruling line is usually made up of mostly blue vuaeli with a large number of tails. The two largest are Diademme and Ferroxi. Diademme is ruled by Queen Aureza, a blue, five-tailed vuaeli with a reputation for kindness and the power to control unintelligent beings such as animals. Ferroxi is a dictatorship ruled by King Zhertar with an iron paw, where soldiers in the streets are not uncommon and all blue vuaeli are killed at birth. Zhertar is a blue vuaeli whose powers are unknown, although there are many rumors such as the inability to be harmed in battle, or the power to give irresistible commands. Naturally, the two kingdoms are mortal enemies.
Vuaeli tend to worship three main deities: Dhezani, the god of life and growth; Gloear, the god of death and decay; and Liveal’ti, creator of the universe. They are said to have wielded the Rhezati Teahri (Runic Swords) in the distant past. There are also countless minor deities that various vuaeli pay homage to, depending on the kingdom, family, and individual. Another popular myth is a tale of a nameless floating city in the clouds that was cast adrift long ago as punishment for some crime. Some say that the gods live there, although this is somewhat uncommon.
All vuaeli speak the same language, which is called Vuaeli (same as species name but capitalized). However, different dialects exist across kingdoms. The language is notable for having light and flowing sounds when referring to generally negative things, but harsh and grating sounds when referring to generally positive things.
Vuaeli tend to stay in their kingdoms for their whole lives, either because it’s their home or because it’s required by law (such as in Ferroxi). New neighbors usually require either an elaborate party or stalking the new person (often both), especially if they came from a very different area with significantly more or fewer people. Large cities usually exist only as the capitals of each kingdom; smaller towns and villages are much more common and most vuaeli live in these suburban or rural areas. Vuaeli tend to gravitate towards forests, but there are large swaths of farmers who live in plains. Most rural vuaeli work in the trades, but the capitals of all major kingdoms have at least one large university where most nearby vuaeli end up.
There are large divides between urban and rural vuaeli, and both sides harbor a grudge against the other.
(561 words)
Part 2: Geography and Memorable Locations
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1142069825/
Part 3: Technology
A technology that has caused conflict is the Rhezati Teahri, also known as the Runic Swords, of which three exist. Different mythology exists for these swords, with some saying they were once wielded by the gods, while others say they come from the far future.
There are three swords. The first allows the wielder to teleport, the second allows the wielder to briefly stop time, and the third and most dangerous destroys any material that the blade touches. The swords also give their wielders great strength and enhance any powers they may have. The third has never been found, but the first is currently possessed by the Diademme royal line and the second has surfaced occasionally throughout the centuries - but most notably a few hundred years ago when the royal line of Ferroxi came in possession of it. Diademme had kept its possession of the first sword secret for almost the entirety of its existence - there were legends about them having it but no one really believed it anymore. Also, Diademme was considerably smaller and weaker than today. A new leader ascended to the throne of Ferroxi, who had the second Runic Sword for no apparent reason. The leader began to use it to conquer nearby smaller kingdoms and create an empire. Some tried to stop it, but it just kept getting more powerful. This continued until it came across Diademme, where Queen Dhuraza was the current posesser of the first sword. A blue vuaeli with the power to create force fields, she used this power combined with the sword to stop the invading force in its tracks. The Ferroxian leader was, predictably, absolutely furious and personally came with the second sword and a good third of the Ferroxian army at his side and killed Dhuraza, but the Diademmi army drove the Ferroxians out. The angry Ferroxians then amassed most of the remainder of their army and promptly placed Diademme’s capital under siege. The Diademmi pleaded with them to stop, but to no avail. However, one sympathetic Ferroxian soldier - now known as Ckotagi Phertan in Diademme and Floesmo Phertan in Ferroxi - betrayed his kingdom and delivered the first sword back to the Diademme royal family and its heir, Princess Lhetega, now a teenager who was very * at Ferroxi for killing her mom. She escaped Diademme’s capital using the sword’s powers and searched for reinforcements in neighboring kingdoms who were scared of Ferroxi invading them, and managed to convince them to side with her. With the reinforcements and the sword, she managed to kill Ferroxi’s leader (avenging her mom) and drive the Ferroxians from Diademme, while the second sword was lost in the fighting. Many of the reinforcements elected to join Diademme, and it was with them that the queendom became powerful enough to become a strong rival against Ferroxi. Even today, Diademme is slightly smaller than Ferroxi but is able to hold it back because of the refugees it takes in from other countries and the power of the first sword.
As for the third sword? Well, there aren’t any confirmed sightings of it, but there are legends of a sorceress clad in a black cloak and wielding this all-consuming weapon. Some say she has leveled entire kingdoms with its might. Perhaps it would be better for Runael if it never appeared - however magic, especially magic as powerful as this, has a way of making itself known . . .
(568 words)
Part 4: Incorporating Your World Into Your Writing
Vheltir’s boots struck the cobblestones as he ran through the cramped alleyways of the city. Loud. Too loud, he realized, fear coiled in his heart like a snake. The Ferroxi Academy had the benefit of there being a lot of people. There were footsteps and the chattering of the younger students who hadn’t yet learned military etiquette that served to mask his escape. But here out on the streets, there was nothing except the patrolling soldiers on the main streets. Nothing to quiet his movements except his own self-control.
Vheltir’s self-control seemed to have taken the day off.
A shout roared out behind him, startling in the iron silence of the city, then a tremendous clatter as a vuaeli burst through a stack of crates. Vheltir ducked around the corner, barely suppressing a yelp, and kept running towards the edge of the city.
It wasn’t long before he realized the vuaeli was giving pursuit. He tried to run faster, push his legs to cover more ground, draw more air from the depths of his lungs. Another corner, another alley, another-
He yelped as his brain registered the vuaeli in front of him and tried to leap away, but ended up barreling into them. The other vuaeli cried out as her sword slashed wildly through the air.
They vanished.
Vheltir pulled himself upright, his eyes squeezed tight against a light source that had suddenly blazed into existence. There wasn’t supposed to be another vuaeli in the streets - unless they were soldiers, but this one hadn’t seemed like a soldier. At this time of day, everyone was at school or working. Vheltir had thought he would be safe.
And, as he finally realized, the ground below him was not stone. It felt weirdly soft and squishy, unlike anything he’d ever touched before. He dug his claws into the ground. It actually felt . . . kind of good.
But that was besides the point. The sudden light and the change in the ground told him that he, somehow, was no longer in Ferroxi.
“What the freaking GLOEAR?”
By instinct, Vheltir whirled around and opened his eyes to meet the voice behind him. Light assaulted his eyes, blinding him. He cried out, scrambling backwards as he slammed his eyes shut.
“Who even are you?”
“Vheltir,” he croaked out. “Loyal citizen and student of Ferroxi. Which you just kidnapped me from,” he growled, indignation building in his belly.
“I figured that out,” the voice snapped. “Why were you out there? And why are you blue?”
Awe tinged the vuaeli’s last sentence.
Vheltir tried to squeeze his eyes open again, theories putting themselves together in his mind. The vuaeli had gotten them out of Ferroxi and its infamous defenses in no time at all, as if they’d simply disappeared and reappeared outside of the kingdom’s walls. The vuaeli had been wielding a sword. He’d seen yellow fur briefly when he’d opened his eyes. And her voice had definitely been female, and not much older than his.
“You’re the princess of Diademme,” he realized. “Stelzia. And you have the first of the Runic Swords.”
Vheltir could practically see her jaws gaping.
“…You didn’t answer the question,” she finally said after several seconds had passed. “You weren’t supposed to be out there. Everyone was meant to be in school or working.”
“That’s what I thought when I noticed you,” Vheltir remarked dryly.
“And? You’re supposed to be answering my questions, not bantering with me. I am of higher rank than you. I get to tell you what to do.”
“Not in my kingdom,” he responded, his brain occupied with figuring out how much time would need to pass until he could open his eyes and not be blinded by the light that seemed to flood this world.
“ARGHH!”
He decided that now would be a good time and opened his eyes, only to see Stelzia above him, sword leveled at his throat.
“You will answer me or-”
“Fine,” he interrupted, not wanting to die on this particular day. “I was out because I was escaping from the Academy. It’s boring and useless and there are much better things we could be doing than sparring practice for six hours a day. And I don’t know why I’m blue, I was born like this, are you happy!?”
Stelzia stared at him for a minute, then seemed to mentally shake herself and sheathed her sword. Vheltir scrambled to his feet.
“It’s my turn to ask questions. Why were you out and about in Ferroxi?”
Stelzia stayed silent for a long moment, staring into the distance.
Vheltir leaned closer. “Well?”
And then something metal clamped over his paws. Vheltir stared into Stelzia’s eyes. Sharp. Cruel. A smug smile on her face.
“I think you’ve forgotten that I’m the princess here,” she growled. “Why I was in Ferroxi is my business. And you can’t go back now. You’re coming with me to Diademme, and the queen will decide your fate.”
“But I didn’t do anything wrong-”
A sharp glare from Stelzia silenced his words, and he nodded, swallowing. “Okay. Fine. I’m coming with you.”
(849 words)
Total word count: 1978 words
I want to write so much more in this world aggughtaahfds
Part 1: Language and Culture
Runael is inhabited by many different creatures, but the primary intelligent species is a race known as the vuaeli. They look like foxes standing upright on two legs, but are usually pale pastel colors such as yellow, lavender, or pink. They wear clothes, the style depends on the kingdom - some promote more practical clothing while others mostly wear fancy dresses and suits. Their tails are tipped with white or silver. Vuaeli are born with one tail, grow a second when they go through puberty, and may gain more throughout their life. These tails usually only grow when their prospective owner is in good health, so they have become a sign of status.
Blue vuaeli are extremely rare and regarded as a positive omen for the future. Many blue vuaeli have special powers, which are almost limitless in what they can be.
Vuaeli tend to live in large kingdoms and queendoms, ruled by a monarchy. The ruling line is usually made up of mostly blue vuaeli with a large number of tails. The two largest are Diademme and Ferroxi. Diademme is ruled by Queen Aureza, a blue, five-tailed vuaeli with a reputation for kindness and the power to control unintelligent beings such as animals. Ferroxi is a dictatorship ruled by King Zhertar with an iron paw, where soldiers in the streets are not uncommon and all blue vuaeli are killed at birth. Zhertar is a blue vuaeli whose powers are unknown, although there are many rumors such as the inability to be harmed in battle, or the power to give irresistible commands. Naturally, the two kingdoms are mortal enemies.
Vuaeli tend to worship three main deities: Dhezani, the god of life and growth; Gloear, the god of death and decay; and Liveal’ti, creator of the universe. They are said to have wielded the Rhezati Teahri (Runic Swords) in the distant past. There are also countless minor deities that various vuaeli pay homage to, depending on the kingdom, family, and individual. Another popular myth is a tale of a nameless floating city in the clouds that was cast adrift long ago as punishment for some crime. Some say that the gods live there, although this is somewhat uncommon.
All vuaeli speak the same language, which is called Vuaeli (same as species name but capitalized). However, different dialects exist across kingdoms. The language is notable for having light and flowing sounds when referring to generally negative things, but harsh and grating sounds when referring to generally positive things.
Vuaeli tend to stay in their kingdoms for their whole lives, either because it’s their home or because it’s required by law (such as in Ferroxi). New neighbors usually require either an elaborate party or stalking the new person (often both), especially if they came from a very different area with significantly more or fewer people. Large cities usually exist only as the capitals of each kingdom; smaller towns and villages are much more common and most vuaeli live in these suburban or rural areas. Vuaeli tend to gravitate towards forests, but there are large swaths of farmers who live in plains. Most rural vuaeli work in the trades, but the capitals of all major kingdoms have at least one large university where most nearby vuaeli end up.
There are large divides between urban and rural vuaeli, and both sides harbor a grudge against the other.
(561 words)
Part 2: Geography and Memorable Locations
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1142069825/
Part 3: Technology
A technology that has caused conflict is the Rhezati Teahri, also known as the Runic Swords, of which three exist. Different mythology exists for these swords, with some saying they were once wielded by the gods, while others say they come from the far future.
There are three swords. The first allows the wielder to teleport, the second allows the wielder to briefly stop time, and the third and most dangerous destroys any material that the blade touches. The swords also give their wielders great strength and enhance any powers they may have. The third has never been found, but the first is currently possessed by the Diademme royal line and the second has surfaced occasionally throughout the centuries - but most notably a few hundred years ago when the royal line of Ferroxi came in possession of it. Diademme had kept its possession of the first sword secret for almost the entirety of its existence - there were legends about them having it but no one really believed it anymore. Also, Diademme was considerably smaller and weaker than today. A new leader ascended to the throne of Ferroxi, who had the second Runic Sword for no apparent reason. The leader began to use it to conquer nearby smaller kingdoms and create an empire. Some tried to stop it, but it just kept getting more powerful. This continued until it came across Diademme, where Queen Dhuraza was the current posesser of the first sword. A blue vuaeli with the power to create force fields, she used this power combined with the sword to stop the invading force in its tracks. The Ferroxian leader was, predictably, absolutely furious and personally came with the second sword and a good third of the Ferroxian army at his side and killed Dhuraza, but the Diademmi army drove the Ferroxians out. The angry Ferroxians then amassed most of the remainder of their army and promptly placed Diademme’s capital under siege. The Diademmi pleaded with them to stop, but to no avail. However, one sympathetic Ferroxian soldier - now known as Ckotagi Phertan in Diademme and Floesmo Phertan in Ferroxi - betrayed his kingdom and delivered the first sword back to the Diademme royal family and its heir, Princess Lhetega, now a teenager who was very * at Ferroxi for killing her mom. She escaped Diademme’s capital using the sword’s powers and searched for reinforcements in neighboring kingdoms who were scared of Ferroxi invading them, and managed to convince them to side with her. With the reinforcements and the sword, she managed to kill Ferroxi’s leader (avenging her mom) and drive the Ferroxians from Diademme, while the second sword was lost in the fighting. Many of the reinforcements elected to join Diademme, and it was with them that the queendom became powerful enough to become a strong rival against Ferroxi. Even today, Diademme is slightly smaller than Ferroxi but is able to hold it back because of the refugees it takes in from other countries and the power of the first sword.
As for the third sword? Well, there aren’t any confirmed sightings of it, but there are legends of a sorceress clad in a black cloak and wielding this all-consuming weapon. Some say she has leveled entire kingdoms with its might. Perhaps it would be better for Runael if it never appeared - however magic, especially magic as powerful as this, has a way of making itself known . . .
(568 words)
Part 4: Incorporating Your World Into Your Writing
Vheltir’s boots struck the cobblestones as he ran through the cramped alleyways of the city. Loud. Too loud, he realized, fear coiled in his heart like a snake. The Ferroxi Academy had the benefit of there being a lot of people. There were footsteps and the chattering of the younger students who hadn’t yet learned military etiquette that served to mask his escape. But here out on the streets, there was nothing except the patrolling soldiers on the main streets. Nothing to quiet his movements except his own self-control.
Vheltir’s self-control seemed to have taken the day off.
A shout roared out behind him, startling in the iron silence of the city, then a tremendous clatter as a vuaeli burst through a stack of crates. Vheltir ducked around the corner, barely suppressing a yelp, and kept running towards the edge of the city.
It wasn’t long before he realized the vuaeli was giving pursuit. He tried to run faster, push his legs to cover more ground, draw more air from the depths of his lungs. Another corner, another alley, another-
He yelped as his brain registered the vuaeli in front of him and tried to leap away, but ended up barreling into them. The other vuaeli cried out as her sword slashed wildly through the air.
They vanished.
Vheltir pulled himself upright, his eyes squeezed tight against a light source that had suddenly blazed into existence. There wasn’t supposed to be another vuaeli in the streets - unless they were soldiers, but this one hadn’t seemed like a soldier. At this time of day, everyone was at school or working. Vheltir had thought he would be safe.
And, as he finally realized, the ground below him was not stone. It felt weirdly soft and squishy, unlike anything he’d ever touched before. He dug his claws into the ground. It actually felt . . . kind of good.
But that was besides the point. The sudden light and the change in the ground told him that he, somehow, was no longer in Ferroxi.
“What the freaking GLOEAR?”
By instinct, Vheltir whirled around and opened his eyes to meet the voice behind him. Light assaulted his eyes, blinding him. He cried out, scrambling backwards as he slammed his eyes shut.
“Who even are you?”
“Vheltir,” he croaked out. “Loyal citizen and student of Ferroxi. Which you just kidnapped me from,” he growled, indignation building in his belly.
“I figured that out,” the voice snapped. “Why were you out there? And why are you blue?”
Awe tinged the vuaeli’s last sentence.
Vheltir tried to squeeze his eyes open again, theories putting themselves together in his mind. The vuaeli had gotten them out of Ferroxi and its infamous defenses in no time at all, as if they’d simply disappeared and reappeared outside of the kingdom’s walls. The vuaeli had been wielding a sword. He’d seen yellow fur briefly when he’d opened his eyes. And her voice had definitely been female, and not much older than his.
“You’re the princess of Diademme,” he realized. “Stelzia. And you have the first of the Runic Swords.”
Vheltir could practically see her jaws gaping.
“…You didn’t answer the question,” she finally said after several seconds had passed. “You weren’t supposed to be out there. Everyone was meant to be in school or working.”
“That’s what I thought when I noticed you,” Vheltir remarked dryly.
“And? You’re supposed to be answering my questions, not bantering with me. I am of higher rank than you. I get to tell you what to do.”
“Not in my kingdom,” he responded, his brain occupied with figuring out how much time would need to pass until he could open his eyes and not be blinded by the light that seemed to flood this world.
“ARGHH!”
He decided that now would be a good time and opened his eyes, only to see Stelzia above him, sword leveled at his throat.
“You will answer me or-”
“Fine,” he interrupted, not wanting to die on this particular day. “I was out because I was escaping from the Academy. It’s boring and useless and there are much better things we could be doing than sparring practice for six hours a day. And I don’t know why I’m blue, I was born like this, are you happy!?”
Stelzia stared at him for a minute, then seemed to mentally shake herself and sheathed her sword. Vheltir scrambled to his feet.
“It’s my turn to ask questions. Why were you out and about in Ferroxi?”
Stelzia stayed silent for a long moment, staring into the distance.
Vheltir leaned closer. “Well?”
And then something metal clamped over his paws. Vheltir stared into Stelzia’s eyes. Sharp. Cruel. A smug smile on her face.
“I think you’ve forgotten that I’m the princess here,” she growled. “Why I was in Ferroxi is my business. And you can’t go back now. You’re coming with me to Diademme, and the queen will decide your fate.”
“But I didn’t do anything wrong-”
A sharp glare from Stelzia silenced his words, and he nodded, swallowing. “Okay. Fine. I’m coming with you.”
(849 words)
Total word count: 1978 words
I want to write so much more in this world aggughtaahfds
Last edited by -Lunova- (March 9, 2025 14:43:25)
- taylorsversion--
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
critique for peggy! 227 words
Wow, I loved the intro. You can really feel the intensity of the moment, your vocabulary and metaphors really hooked me and brought me in. You possibly don’t need the “and” in “And my heart”, though. For the second part, I love how you can really feel the happiness the narrator has when their partner smiles. It’s really pretty how they are so head over heels they forget all the bad moments, but it makes the reader realise something about this relationship is wrong at the same time. Using the phrase “it’s a generosity” was really clever because it shows how he’s being generous by smiling and the narrator is too naive to think that they are equals, or something. That’s just my interpretation, though.
Your writing style is also quite good, but there are a lot of really dramatic shorter sentences with lots of conjunctions. It gives a good effect but doesn’t help with the flow of the story - I do this too though hahah <3 I think something you could do was cut all the extra words at the start, ‘but’, ‘so’, ‘or’ - you get what I mean.
I am absolutely in love with it though. I can’t pinpoint it exactly, but all the comparisons are so pretty and poetic and it really brings the character to life. Content wise, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
The marigolds are set aflame as he whispers his deadly confessions, the petals of death turning a menacing gold. And my heart burns with them, straining against the confinement of my ribs. I have never been like this before.
But, when he smiles, it's almost a generosity, this peculiar feeling he has decided to fling upon me. His love has been declared in words undeniably eloquent that makes me forget the smoke and the ashes. Maybe I can drag this along with me, all of the things in this singular moment, so I'll never forget it.
And I won't have to. Because this is all so cinematic, our love born by the marigolds that will soon wilt in the winter. But it's golden now, and gold it will stay in the delirious dreams of my mind. Yes, this is the love of all the greatest loves, and my body remembers your hand in mine when you're not by my side, how your eyes look in the fading sunset, and how I can still see you in the dark–no, I won't forget it, not one bit.
Even though it's dead and gone and withered into the ground, the marigolds still sway in my mind, to the winds of those days I'd rather leave behind. Yet, I drink it all in, as much as I can, until a drowsy smile rises to my lips. There's nothing more anyone else could give me. Or, nothing more than he ever did.
So I stare at the ceiling, trying to stop my thoughts from drifting to you, the love only in dreams. But you are my favorite avenue in the streets of my heart, and I'll have to stand outside for a while, outside the white picket fence of your home once mine a few autumns ago. Because I'm still trying, my darling, as I always do–to forget you.
Wow, I loved the intro. You can really feel the intensity of the moment, your vocabulary and metaphors really hooked me and brought me in. You possibly don’t need the “and” in “And my heart”, though. For the second part, I love how you can really feel the happiness the narrator has when their partner smiles. It’s really pretty how they are so head over heels they forget all the bad moments, but it makes the reader realise something about this relationship is wrong at the same time. Using the phrase “it’s a generosity” was really clever because it shows how he’s being generous by smiling and the narrator is too naive to think that they are equals, or something. That’s just my interpretation, though.
Your writing style is also quite good, but there are a lot of really dramatic shorter sentences with lots of conjunctions. It gives a good effect but doesn’t help with the flow of the story - I do this too though hahah <3 I think something you could do was cut all the extra words at the start, ‘but’, ‘so’, ‘or’ - you get what I mean.
I am absolutely in love with it though. I can’t pinpoint it exactly, but all the comparisons are so pretty and poetic and it really brings the character to life. Content wise, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
Last edited by taylorsversion-- (March 9, 2025 22:33:18)
- Natt519
-
Scratcher
77 posts
swc megathread: march '25
Weekly #1!
Myth ; 1736 words total ; +2000 points!
Myth ; 1736 words total ; +2000 points!
PART ONE - LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
361 words
Alright! First, a brief summary of the plot for this novel (that I have so far, at least):
Venica and Hunter live in this kingdom and everything is going smoothly, and then these people (with their leader being very ✨ menacing ✨ and ✨ spooky ✨ and he also has fire powers!) show up and they take control of the kingdom. So, Ven and Hunter escape to the Kingdom of Hydra and the Kingdom of Hydrus, but they find both of those to be destroyed. After seeing this, they go to the Uncharted Territories and that's basically what I have so far.
Now, onto the actual weekly prompt!
1. What are their traditions and beliefs?
They're mainly atheist in the Middle Kingdom and the Isles of Suna, but some in the Kingdom of Hydra/Hydrus believe in a goddess named Yja ('ee-ya“), who is the moon, sky, and water, and a sister goddess called Iya ('eye-ya') who is the sun, clouds, and mountains. In short, they believe that the world was a planet of darkness until Yja and Iya created their respective parts of the world. Their mother, Yrus ('ee-rus'), is the goddess of balance and is basically the middle ground between Yja and Iya.
2. What is the structure of their society?
All of the kingdoms are a monarchy. The Isles of Suna are an oligarchy.
3. What about their language?
The Middle Kingdom (where Ven and Hunter are from) mainly uses English, but the Kingdom of Hydra and the Kingdom of Hydrus both use a different language that I haven't thought of a name for yet but I'm working on that (I promise–). They also use some English, though. I do have some of the words that I've thought of! Also some of it is vaguely based on Latin.
{another note: all their Y's are always pronounced like ”ee“ and their J's are pronounced like a y)
I/Me : Y
You : Ati
Light : Lume
Ocean : Hydra (so that would be pronounced like ”he-drah)
Sea : Hydrus
Name : Nia
Sun : Suna (pronounced ‘soo-na’)
Moon : Luni (pronounced ‘loo-ni)
Another area, the Isles of Suna, has a different language, but I haven’t made much of anything for that yet.
PART TWO: AESTHETICS
Middle Kingdom: https://ibb.co/LhsbRwwh
Port: https://ibb.co/JwM4STMp
The goddesses: https://ibb.co/Y4ncS6BP
PART THREE: TECHNOLOGY
WORDS: 571
So, this story is set in a sort of a medieval high fantasy world, and they don't really have technology that I could talk about.
Buuuuuut…
They have magic! So I'm talking about that instead. Which I think technically counts. Hopefully.
They have three types of magic: fire, water, and plant magic. And no, they don't have air magic. Technically, anyone could learn to use one–or even all three–of them, but it's rare that anyone successfully learns how to. The main antagonist in the novel, Currently Unnamed Spooky Dude, uses fire magic, and later in the story while Venica and Hunter are on the run, they meet the Wizard who can use all three types. He's the only person in the Kingdoms that can, though, and he's incredibly old because that's how long it takes to master all three types.
Now, a medium depth dive into each of them!
Plant Magic
Each of the three types of magic comes from a certain thing or emotion, and plant magic comes from the mind. It's the least volatile out of the three, and while none of them are easy to learn, plant magic is probably the least difficult. Plant users draw on the energy of seeds in the ground to quickly grow plants; however, the most advanced users can create plants with no seeds although this is incredibly hard to do and there have only been two people in the history of the kingdoms who have managed to do this.
Water Magic
Water magic is a bit more complicated than plant magic is. It comes from the heart, and essentially, water users make it slightly sentient (think of the wave in Moana–kind of like that). And I know this sounds very weird and you're probably thinking something along the lines of “So…if a water user washes their hands or something, then they're using sentient water???” And the answer to that: no. Thankfully for them (I say as if I didn't just make all of this and them up). In it's non-sentient form ('still' water), it's just normal, plain water. Nothing special. A water user could *choose* to infuse it with some of their power to make it sentient. Until they revoke that power, it can basically do what it wants–to an extent. Actually, to quite a few extents. It's sort of like a toddler–you can tell it to do something, but it's pretty stubborn sometimes and takes a bit to actually make it do that thing. So, while water magic can be incredibly useful, it's often not as reliable as other types of magic.
Fire Magic
Fire magic is the easiest to conjure, but it's the hardest to control. It comes from negative emotions–namely anger, fear, jealousy, and guilt–which is why most fire users are a bit unstable, because using fire creates more of those emotions, basically creating a cycle. Because of where this type of magic comes from, it's easy to summon, but most can't control it, so it's looked down upon as dangerous and evil. Frankly, this just makes the fire users be more fire-y, but you know what? It's realistic so I'm not changing it.
The conflict that arises from all this has to do with Currently Unnamed Evil Antagonist Dude. He (as a fire user) wants to take over the Kingdoms. This isn't because of the magic, but to try to stop him, Venica has to learn water magic.
PART 4: STORY
WORDS: 804
currently unnamed evil villain dudeTM is such a silly goofy goober i love him ✨✨
*That was her. The new girl.*
Hunter had heard various rumors over the years about her. She was a blessing from the goddesses. She was a curse from them. Her parents didn't want her. Dozens and dozens more absurd theories popped up ever week. Hunter, however, though she seemed normal enough. She had brown hair, darker than his, and her eyes–perhaps *that* was what made her seem odd. They were green, but they had a certain cautious depth to them, a certain intelligence with a look that seemed like she knew about the theories people came up with about her.
Well, Hunter thought, I think she needs a friend.
“Hi. I'm Hunter! I help my mom and dad at the stables. There's a new baby and she's only a few days old and she needs a name. Do you want to see her?”
The girl looked faintly surprised at first, like nobody her age had ever talked to her, really talked to her, more than just a single “hello”. Then her face lit up with a smile. “I'm Venica. Can I? I've never really been to the stables before…”
Hunter laughed. “Come on!” he said, taking her hand and running off to the stables.
*
“She's so pretty,” Venica said softly as she stroked the horse's mane.
“Mom says that she's the gentlest horse she's ever seen. Do you want to name her?”
Venica looked at the horse for a moment. “She looks like a Lucy. Can she be named Lucy?”
Then, another girl came running into the stables. She had dark skin and sparkling brown eyes, and was wearing a cotton dress that seemed like it had been used for playing outside a few times that day. “Hunter, I–” she stopped when she saw Venica. “Oh. Hi. Are you Venica?”
Hunter gestured towards the girl. “Venica, this is Dahlia. She's the princess!”
“Hi,” Venica said shyly.
“Anyway–Hunter, my dad told me that we could help decorate the ballroom for the annual ball! Do you want to come, too, Venica? I'm sure he'd let you.”
Venica smiled and ran off with the other two children towards the ballroom.
*
*Eight years. It's really been that long, hasn't it?*
“Oh, good- you weren't already outside. I was hoping I wasn't too late,” Hunter said as he came down the stairs outside the ballroom. Dahlia's seventeeht's birthday was today, and the king was hosting a ball in her honor. I was going with Hunter.
“Nope, I was still getting ready. Is this the first time you've ever worn a suit?”
“Probably. I prefer function over fashion. Though I suppose I could say the same thing about you.”
“Hey, I like to make fancy things, just not wear them. Anyways, we should probably head outside- I think the king is ready to give his speech, though I can't imagine why Dahlia wants /that/ for her birthday.”
King Leonard was an excellent king, but his speeches left something to be desired. They were notoriously long and eloquent, but still hard to listen to once he hit the half hour mark. “Hopefully Leo toned down his speech for Dahlia this time. He had me read a rough draft of it–and let me tell you, it was *long*,” I whispered to Hunter. He laughed, but quieted when King Leonard stepped up to the podium. Dahlia stood in her beautiful sunset dress off to the side.
“Citizens of the Middle Kingdom,” he began, “welcome to the castle. Before we begin, everyone please join me in a round of applause for Princess–”
A loud bang interrupted him from the back of the room. People in dark cloaks with a purple symbol on the back and their faces hidden poured into the room, surrounding the attendees. Then, a final person entered the room. He wore a similar outfit to the rest of the strangers–it was more embellished and expensive but altogther the same–but in his hand, he was holding…
…FIRE?
It flickered in his palm, casting an eerie light around his hidden face. It didn't seem to burn or hurt him at all; in fact, he seemed perfectly comfortable with it so close to him. He closed his hand, and the flame snuffed out, but it had done its job. Everyone was silent in fear. He lowered his hood and looked around.
He looked young, barely older than Venica herself, with messy brown hair and piercing blue eyes. He had a certain je ne sais quoi about him; he seemed dangerous but at the same time someone who you could sit down and have tea with while you chatted about the book you read last.
“Oh, sorry, am I interrupting something? A round of applause for the princess? Oh, yes, my apologies. Let's do that and then I can get on with the kingdom conquering.”
- icebunny11
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺
Dear Grandma,
I could call you Dima, but it's a little confusing for anybody else who might read this. I know this letter will probably never be sent since now it's just Grandpa or Dabhai at home. You live in the river where we spread your ashes, which is, unfortunately, not where I live. I wasn't able to come with my mother either- I haven't even seen you yet. I can only imagine how the river looks and how much more beautiful it would be now that you are part of it.
You were the bravest person I knew. Sometimes, I can't even believe you're gone- the seashell that I keep in my pouch is a reminder of you, of the praying conch you always used for Durga Ma. I remember when I was maybe seven, and I asked what you were doing. When I tried to blow into it, no sound came out since I was but a child. You had chuckled and taken it from me, blowing yourself and causing them shell to let out a marvellous sound I will not forget. I remember staring in awe because, at that time,I only reached up to your waist. The last time I saw you I could not measure how tall I was because you were lying down on the hospital bed. Well taller than you now, I like to imagine. It's shameful to think that in the last moments of my own grandmother ,I was shorter than her. It's quite embarrassing to write out, really.
It's incredible how even at such an old age, with or without your illness, I am not sure, you climbed a mountain. You ran a marathon. You had never smoked or drank in your entire life. It in unimaginable that such an illness could affect such an angel sent woman, but there is no crying over spilt milk. When I think back on you, I like to see the woman I knew in all her stages, not just her prime. The one who brushed my hair. The one who gave me a bath. The one who fed me. The one who took me out to the pani puri shop. The one who endured my grandfather fits and tantrums and unreasonable arguments. The one who let me brush her hair instead when she was too tired to do it. The one who still chided my mother for not eating food properly even when she was the one who could barely swallow.
Till the very end, you were my hero. And I will never forget you, continue showing your picture and beautiful smile to my children, and hopefully to theirs. Have a good rest. One day, I will join you.
Ava
◪ Noͦ 8
Wordcount: 456/300
Topic: Women's Day
Points earned: Forgot to post!
Cabin: Bi-Fi
Dear Grandma,
I could call you Dima, but it's a little confusing for anybody else who might read this. I know this letter will probably never be sent since now it's just Grandpa or Dabhai at home. You live in the river where we spread your ashes, which is, unfortunately, not where I live. I wasn't able to come with my mother either- I haven't even seen you yet. I can only imagine how the river looks and how much more beautiful it would be now that you are part of it.
You were the bravest person I knew. Sometimes, I can't even believe you're gone- the seashell that I keep in my pouch is a reminder of you, of the praying conch you always used for Durga Ma. I remember when I was maybe seven, and I asked what you were doing. When I tried to blow into it, no sound came out since I was but a child. You had chuckled and taken it from me, blowing yourself and causing them shell to let out a marvellous sound I will not forget. I remember staring in awe because, at that time,I only reached up to your waist. The last time I saw you I could not measure how tall I was because you were lying down on the hospital bed. Well taller than you now, I like to imagine. It's shameful to think that in the last moments of my own grandmother ,I was shorter than her. It's quite embarrassing to write out, really.
It's incredible how even at such an old age, with or without your illness, I am not sure, you climbed a mountain. You ran a marathon. You had never smoked or drank in your entire life. It in unimaginable that such an illness could affect such an angel sent woman, but there is no crying over spilt milk. When I think back on you, I like to see the woman I knew in all her stages, not just her prime. The one who brushed my hair. The one who gave me a bath. The one who fed me. The one who took me out to the pani puri shop. The one who endured my grandfather fits and tantrums and unreasonable arguments. The one who let me brush her hair instead when she was too tired to do it. The one who still chided my mother for not eating food properly even when she was the one who could barely swallow.
Till the very end, you were my hero. And I will never forget you, continue showing your picture and beautiful smile to my children, and hopefully to theirs. Have a good rest. One day, I will join you.
Ava
- Zyzeryko
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
I was there the day Amirrora died. I was there when she came back. I was there when they sent her away.
I was still here, and she was long gone. Missing, maybe. Dead. Who knew?
I had what I wanted. My existence was protected, guaranteed by people who would kill to see me. But the echoes of her ate away at me. We were two sides of the same coin once. Now she was a dead girl, wreaking havoc on our streets, and I was the girl under the deadweight of her actions but still so very alive.
My name is Seris. I hope you don’t blame me for what she did. I hope you don’t hate me for abandoning her. I hope the world never forgets my name because I had the arrogance to forget hers.
And I hope she doesn’t come back. Because if she does… we are so very, very cooked.
“You don’t seem all there these days, huh?” Vexal whispered in my ear as she took her seat beside me. “You’re not still worrying about that girl, are you? The monster that haunts your dreams?”
I shook my head.
But Vexal saw right through. “Listen, you don’t have to worry about her anymore. I promise she is just as gone as… uh… okay, well, I’m not actually sure. But she’s getting treated. Maybe one day you guys can even be friends again, huh? Wouldn’t you be all over that?”
The thought of facing Amirrora again sent a shiver down my spine. The last time I saw her had been terrifying. Her face shook me to my bones. The way her eyes met mine when I testified against her, so cold and empty… but not like she was crazy.
Like she was telling the truth.
Like she had really discovered the secrets buried in the depths.
But she hadn’t.
I had to remember that.
I pulled my hair backwards into a tight ponytail. It hurt my scalp. The hair tie dug into my skin and it ached like crAzy. I exhaled shakily, trying to get my bearings as I stared at my reflection. The girl staring back at me was so… wrong. Nothing seemed right anymore. My dark roots clashed against my bright blue, and the dye that had once brought me so much happiness now made me look all the more dead. It was… not heartbreaking. But I kind of wished it was. At least sadness would feel real. I just felt empty. Like a corpse.
Like Amirrora.
No.
No.
Amirrora wasn’t here anymore.
“Get out of my head,” I mumbled under my breath, stuttering over my words but not caring how they came out. There was no one to hear me in Kai’isha’s giant guest bathroom, anyway. Just the cold echoes off the white walls.
I sighed and forced the thoughts out of my brain. I flipped the water on, letting the warmth fill the room before I stepped into the shower. It was nice, but not in a comforting way. It was like a hotel. It was so… out of place. People were starving. And we had all these luxuries that no one else could even dream of possibly affording… people like Kai said it was because we worked for it. We were the good ones. We were willing to work. And we did, and now we had our rightful spot at the top. My response? I didn’t have one.
It killed part of me. It killed twelve year old Seris who was bullied off a bridge because she couldn’t afford food.
I didn’t stand up for her. I couldn’t.
I froze. Like I was afraid of her.
But Kai was harmless. The worst thing she ever did was mock people and even that was weak coming from a neon haired rich girl.
Still. It wasn’t right.
My family wasn’t poor because they didn’t work hard enough.
We were poor because sometimes life is a (really bad) and there’s nothing you can about it.
They had it good now. I did it.
Why did twelve year old Seris hate me?
I did it. I saved us.
But I knew just as well as she did, all I did was protect myself from the justice that was always coming my way.
- Milkysplash
-
Scratcher
1000+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
skylar's cabin wars dump!!
total words witten: 4441 + 100 from journalling (not shared)
this is mainly for livy hehe!! half of this will not make sense unless you've read my weekly hehe
total words witten: 4441 + 100 from journalling (not shared)
this is mainly for livy hehe!! half of this will not make sense unless you've read my weekly hehe
“Hey, Alaina!” Kallie greeted, as she walked through the door into the break room. “How are you?”
Alaina smiled. “I’m good, thanks,” she replied, smiling. Kallie watched as Alaina shifted over on the sofa, making space for Kallie.
“Oh, no- Alaina, I’m fine,” Kallie thanked, preferring to stand. “Shift starts in ten minutes anyway.”
Alaina checked her watch. “Oh, right. You could still join me, if you wanted?”
“No, I’ll be fine,” Kallie said, taking a sip of coffee from the flask she was holding. “I got some good sleep last night. What about you?”
“Alfie and I are finally working the same shift schedules,” Alaina smiled. “Which means I get to spend more time with him. Last night, we went out to Ocean View and had a nice dinner together.”
Ocean View? Kallie was sure she had heard the name before… somewhere, but it didn’t ring any bells. “Ocean View?” Kallie asked.
“Yeah, the Chinese restaurant down by Marina Bay,” Alaina explained. “I know the family, and they make good food.”
“You need to take me there sometime,” Kallie said, smiling. “It sounds so good.”
“Mmmhm! We can get takeaway from them tonight,” Alaina said. “I can call them up when we’re getting hungry.”
“Mmm, food,” Kallie grinned, before checking her phone. 06:55. “We should probably get set up now.”
“Good point,” Alaina said, getting up from the couch. Kallie watched Alaina grab their keys, and her bag, before heading out into the parking lot.
“Hey, Alaina!” Kallie greeted, as she walked through the door into the break room. “How are you?”
Alaina smiled. “I’m good, thanks,” she replied, smiling. Kallie watched as Alaina shifted over on the sofa, making space for Kallie.
“Oh, no- Alaina, I’m fine,” Kallie thanked, preferring to stand. “Shift starts in ten minutes anyway.”
Alaina checked her watch. “Oh, right. You could still join me, if you wanted?”
“No, I’ll be fine,” Kallie said, taking a sip of coffee from the flask she was holding. “I got some good sleep last night. What about you?”
“Alfie and I are finally working the same shift schedules,” Alaina smiled. “Which means I get to spend more time with him. Last night, we went out to Ocean View and had a nice dinner together.”
Ocean View? Kallie was sure she had heard the name before… somewhere, but it didn’t ring any bells. “Ocean View?” Kallie asked.
“Yeah, the Chinese restaurant down by Marina Bay,” Alaina explained. “I know the family, and they make good food.”
“You need to take me there sometime,” Kallie said, smiling. “It sounds so good.”
“Mmmhm! We can get takeaway from them tonight,” Alaina said. “I can call them up when we’re getting hungry.”
“Mmm, food,” Kallie grinned, before checking her phone. 06:55. “We should probably get set up now.”
“Good point,” Alaina said, getting up from the couch. Kallie watched Alaina grab their keys, and her bag, before heading out into the parking lot.
Erin had never really seen superheroes or superhumans before. Of course, she had watched movies in the past, but that was fantasy. What confronted her now was the reality.
Standing in the Slums of Atoll City, guided by a Modified named Nova, Erin was confronted with the harsh reality of life as a superhuman. Cast out to live in the slums, making ends meet. No-one was renowned, or celebrated. They were shunned, left to live on the edges of society, simply because they were dangerous.
“Halcyon!”
Erin turned around at the sound of her codename, seeing Nova waving at her outside a small, seemingly derelict, building. Erin began her walk over to Nova, taking in her surroundings. This was a shanty town, where nothing was up to code or standard. Everything was improvised.
As she moved, her feet stirred up some dust. It swirled around her for a moment, before settling back down. How could anyone live like this?
“Hey,” Erin said, jerking at the sound of her voice. She forgot she turned her voice-changer on, and hearing herself speak was a jarring experience. Even though she did it quite often, it was still strange to hear a voice that was not quite her own.
“Hi,” Nova greeted, a little bit awkward. She opened the door to the little building, and encouraged Erin to follow her inside.
“So, uh… this is where I live,” Nova explained. She walked over to what seemed to be the kitchen, grabbing some water in a cup. “Do you want anything to drink?”
Erin shook her head. “I’ll be fine, thank you,” she replied, as politely as possible.
Nova pulled out a chair at a fairly old table. It seemed to have been worn down from years of use, and it looked like Nova was not the first owner of the table. “Uh… you can sit if you want.”
Erin took the invitation, pulling out a chair and sitting at the table with Nova.
“So uh… as you can see, it really isn’t much,” she said. “My job- it helps bring in some money, but it’s not enough.”
Erin sighed. “I can imagine,” she said, sympathising with Nova. She’d had to meet in several slums before, but nowhere was it as bad as this. This just screamed government neglect, and Erin had no doubt that the Shadows were the ones behind it.
“I- uh, I was told that you were here to gather some information?” Nova asked, somewhat shyly.
Erin nodded. “Yes,” she responded. “I was sent here by the ICIS to try and figure out what’s gone wrong with your government, and part of that is seeing what happened out… here.” Erin guestured hopelessly to the slums, hoping it would get the idea across.
“Oh- yes… I think Cadence told me that,” Nova said, smiling shyly. “I think she asked me to show you around?”
Erin paused. “I wasn’t there, so I don’t know, but it would be nice if you could.”
“Okay.” Nova replied, reaching for her cup of water. “I’ll take you around.”
“Zhiqing! Haiyang!” Lauren sighed as she heard her mother call her name from downstairs.
“Ai!” Lauren called back in Mandarin. “What do you want?”
“Yeye and Nainai are leaving today, come on!” Lauren’s mother - June - replied in Mandarin.
Oh. Lauren had forgotten. Yeye and Nainai had come over from China to visit them recently, and Lauren had been so caught up in restaurant work that she forgot they were leaving today.
“Okay, I’m coming!” Lauren replied, this time in English.
Mira, who was sitting on the other side of the room to Lauren, looked up. “Maybe we should go…” Mira said.
Lauren sighed. “Yeah, I don’t want to deal with Mama yelling at us for being late. Also, seriously, who needs to get to the airport four hours early?”
“Yeye, Nainai, as it seems,” Mira replied, grabbing her fleece.
Lauren sighed, grabbing her coat. “I just don’t want to deal with the car ride.”
“Me neither,” Mira groaned. “But we have to.”
Lauren and Mira rushed down the stairs, finding June - Lauren’s mother, Mira’s aunt - waiting for them.
“Zhiqing, Haiyang! You’re almost late,” June scolded in Mandarin.
Lauren rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, we forgot,” she responded in English.
“Come on, let’s go!” June said, ushering the two teenagers out the door. “Hurry up!”
(Mira belongs to Hope)
“Adelaide!”
Adelaide turned around at the sound of her name being called. It was Alfie, her fiancée calling her.
“Hey, what do you want?” Adelaide replied.
“Can you pass me a- a… you know…” Alfie hesitated. “Like… the clicky click thing?”
Adelaide paused. “You mean a counter?”
Alfie shook his head. “No, not a counter! Like, one of those things that goes clicky-click and there’s a thing that comes out of the end!”
Adelaide was confused. “You mean an epipen?”
Alfie shook his head. “No, not an epipen. And anyways, those don’t go on paper.”
“You mean a pencil?” Adelaide asked once again.
“No! Bi!” Alfie groaned. “Like the thing you write with!”
“You mean a pen?” Adelaide asked.
“… Yes.”
Her mobile was ringing. Strange.
Evelyn reached into her pocket, and saw the caller ID. Unknown number, but it seemed to be from New Zealand? Who would want to call her from there right now? Also, how did this call get past the layers of security she had as Prime Minister? Thinking it was either a scam, or something else, Evelyn decided to answer it.
“Hello?” Evelyn asked, hoping for a response.
“Is this Prime Minister Evelyn Mornington of Atoll City?” The voice on the other end of the phone was distorted into a weird, digital-sounding voice.
“Uh… yes, that would be me?” Evelyn replied. “How did you get this number?”
The voice ignored her question and continued. “Prime Minister, I need you to get on the next flight to Auckland as soon as you can.”
Evelyn blinked. What? Why would she need to get on the next flight to Auckland? What was happening. “Can I ask why? This phone call seems quite suspicious.”
“I understand why you might think that,” the voice on the other end of the phone said, “and I understand that this is all very out of the blue. However, I have some information that is of utmost importance to Atoll City’s democratic integrity and security.”
Did the person mean… the Shadows? The people who sent her the mysterious messages after she took office, demanding for their existence to be hidden, and for the Slums to be oppressed? The ones who forced various policy changes upon her, without asking her first?
“I… I think I know who you mean,” Evelyn replied, bearing in mind the threat that she received. If you do not cooperate, we have more violent ways of getting what we want.
“Good. I would explain more over this call, however I cannot guarantee the security of this line, which is why I am asking you to meet me in Auckland.” The voice replied. “I hope you understand.”
“I do,” Evelyn replied, confident in her answer.
“I need you to get on the next commercial flight to Auckland, booked under your name. Do not take any hold luggage or any security personnel with you.” The voice said. “When you land, immigration will be able to take you to a side room, and I’ll meet you there.”
Alright. This sounded a little bit… no, scratch that. This sounded very strange. Being asked to get on a flight to Auckland? This whole experience was… definitely intriguing. “And what if this is all a hoax?”
“Only tell one person you trust. I understand the need for security, however this is an urgent matter that can only be discussed safely in person.” The voice replied.
Evelyn agreed. “Okay. I’ll head out there now.”
***
When the plane landed, Evelyn grabbed her passport and made sure it was flipped to the photo page. They were told of an extra immigration check by the captain before landing, so it might be a while before Evelyn could be seen. No matter. Politicians flew commercial all the time, at least in and out of Atoll City.
The line slowly inched forwards, and soon enough, it was Evelyn’s turn for an immigration check.
“Could I see your passport please?” The officer asked.
“Of course,” Evelyn said, handing the officer her passport. “Here you go.”
The officer glanced down at her passport. “Miss Mornington?”
Evelyn replied. “Yes?”
“Could you come with me, please?” The officer asked.
Evelyn was told she’d be met by some immigration officers, and it seemed that was true. She followed the immigration officer into a small side room, where there were two women waiting.
One of the women was dressed head-to-toe in all black, similar to how many vigilantes and criminals dressed in the Slums. The woman had her weapons on full display, with her leg holsters clear against the white of the room. Her black hair was braided back, running down over her right shoulder, and the lower half her face was concealed by a mask. Evelyn wondered what had led this person to be wearing such curious attire, as this was the sort of thing that people didn’t wear in real life.
The second woman was dressed professionally, with a business jacket, a shirt, and trousers. She had dark brown hair that was let down, and she was also carrying a tablet in her arms.
“Has she been searched?” The first woman asked, the same strange, distorted voice coming out.
“No,” The officer replied.
“Alright. I want a full search of her for any bugs, including those on any mobile devices. We can't risk this information getting into the wrong hands.” The woman said.
Sighing, Evelyn subjected herself to the rather rigorous search. Her bag was emptied, her clothes were searched through - multiple times, and she was also given a pat down. Several times.
Just when she thought it was over, one of the officers declared her clear.
“Alright. Thank you very much for your assistance.” The woman said, dismissing the officers from the room, and leading Evelyn out of the side room, back into the jet bridge.
She pushed open a door to some rather steep stairs, which Evelyn followed her down. On the tarmac below, she saw a large car with tinted windows.
“What’s happening?” Evelyn asked, wanting to know just what was happening. The past few hours had been the strangest of her life so far.
“My apologies that I didn’t introduce myself earlier. The risk of being overheard was far too great.” The masked woman said. “I’m Agent Halcyon, and I was sent here to retrieve you for my superiors.”
“And I’m Agent Torres,” the second woman said. “I was also sent here by Halcyon’s superiors.”
“We can’t discuss everything here, but when we get to our building, we’ll tell you everything,” Halcyon said. “It’ll be another half an hour or so.”
“Okay,” Evelyn agreed.
***
Evelyn found herself standing outside a regular office block in the middle of Auckland. She’d been told that this was one of their office spaces for whatever secretive intelligence operations they had in the area, and it was rather underwhelming to say the least. Evelyn had been in power for less than a month, and still didn’t know what actually went on inside the office buildings of Atoll City’s intelligence service. Whatever she was expecting, it was not… this.
Agent Halcyon unlocked the door, before Evelyn and Agent Torres followed her in. Evelyn was greeted by a normal front office reception, with a security/reception desk as normal. A security guard was sitting behind it. Evelyn watched as Halcyon nodded to the security guard, and led her through to an area that looked similar to what one might find at airport security, with metal detectors and x-ray machines.
“Ah, apologies about that,” Halcyon said. “We have to scan everyone before we can head to the meeting room - I’m sure you’ll understand.”
Evelyn nodded - yes, she understood. She subjected herself to her third security screening of the day (once at the Atoll City airport, once in Auckland, and once again here) without much protest - she was far too tired to complain.
She watched as Halcyon and Torres both subjected themselves to the screening as well, with fingerprint and retinal scans also being taken. If everyone had to go through it… well, that made Evelyn feel a bit better about all the searches today.
Once all three of them passed the screening, Evelyn was led to the lifts, and they ascended up onto the third floor. The lift stopped, and they stepped out.
“Which conference room did the Director say again?” Halcyon asked.
“Uh…” Torres checked her tablet. “Conference room three.”
“Okay.” Halcyon said, walking over to what appeared to be conference room three. Evelyn watched again as Halcyon did a retinal scan - seriously, this was the third one already, the security was overkill - and the door unlocked to reveal a rather small conference room, with two other people waiting inside.
“Prime Minister,” One of the people inside greeted Evelyn. Stepping inside, Evelyn saw that the person who spoke was dressed formally, with her light brown wavy hair tied back in a ponytail. “We are glad you could join us today. I’m Deputy Director Henderson.”
“And I’m Agent Willows,” The second person, also a woman, greeted. She had black hair that was pulled back professionally, and from the way she was dressed, Evelyn assumed she was a lawyer of some sort. But why would a secret agency have a lawyer?
“Please, take a seat,” Henderson encouraged, pulling out a chair for Evelyn to sit on.
Taking the offer, Evelyn sat down. “Thank you,” she said.
“Of course.” Henderson said. “I am very sorry that we had to trouble you, flying all the way over here from Auckland, however there is a lot at stake with the information you have. Before we begin, I would like to introduce you to my agents, and explain their roles in all this. Agent Halcyon is one of our best field agents. She was the one that found out about the Shadows of Atoll City, and informed me. She works closely with Agent Torres, who does intelligence analysis. Agent Torres was the one who helped Halcyon contact you this morning. And finally, Agent Willows here has a law degree, and we hope that with your permission she can go undercover in your judicial system to figure out how the Shadows operate on the surface.”
“Thank you,” Evelyn replied. “This is… a lot of information,”
Henderson sighed. “It is, which is why Torres should have compiled a report for you. We will let you read that in your own time.”
“Erika!”
Erika sighed as she turned around to face Cadence. “Hey. What do you want?”
Cadence responded, “The Prime Minister is coming in.”
“What? You mean-” Erika asked, absolutely stunned and shocked by the fact the Prime Minister, of all people, wanted to come to the Slums of Atoll City.
“Evelyn Mornington? Yeah.” Cadence replied. “She found out about our charity, and she wants to come and see us.”
“That’s rather strange.” Erika thought. It was highly unusual for anyone from the central city to want to come down to the dirty, grubby Slums. Let alone the Prime Minister.
“Yeah. We were told she’d be arriving in a few minutes, and she wanted a private conference room, for some reason?” Cadence replied. “Nova’s coming with us.”
“Of course,” Erika replied. “I’ll get the wards cleaned up, just in case.”
“I- I don’t think there’s time,” Nova stammered, appearing through the doors to the wards. “She’s here already.”
“That was quick,” Cadence remarked, before walking out of the ward. Erika followed, heading into the reception area.
Evelyn Mornington, ever the professional politician she was, wore somewhat forma clothing. Next to her, stood two other people, whom Erika didn’t quite know what they were doing there. One of them looked plainly out of place for a political escort, dressed more like a criminal or vigilante from the Slums. The other was dressed a little too casually for the meeting.
“Prime Minister,” Cadence greeted formally. “Dr. Cadence Hope.”
“Erika Zhang, I’m a paramedic working here.” Erika added, somewhat awkwardly.
“Nova. I- It’s nice to meet you,” Nova greeted, shyly.
“Thank you,” Evelyn said. “With me are Agents Halcyon and Torres, and they’ll explain more about what’s going on once we’re in a private room.”
“Why you ever decided to come here is beyond me,” Erin heard Alayna groan as they wandered through the Slums of Atoll City, guided by Nova.
“It’s alright,” Erin replied. “And anyways, Henderson wouldn’t be too happy if we didn’t come here.”
“Says you,” Alayna teased. “I hate the fact you drag me everywhere.”
“Hey! You need to touch grass,” Erin teased back. “You spend far too much time at a desk.”
Erin heard Alayna groan once more, and smiled, knowing that she (definitely) won the argument this time around.
They stopped opposite a building, run-down much like the healthcare centre they had just come from. “Uh… so, this is the vigilante headquarters. They like to call themselves superheroes. I sent them a message.”
Erin nodded. Alayna put on a neutral face.
Nova led them into the building, and they were met with a room filled with mostly anonymous, colourfully dressed people.
“Hi Nova,” one of them greeted. They were dressed in a red suit that covered them from head to toe. There were several colour variations, but for the most part, the figure was a mass of red. “What brings you here?”
Nova smiled, clearly a little nervous. “Uh… well. These are Agent Halcyon and Agent Torres, and… they’re from uh…”
“Do you want me to take over, Nova?” Erin asked.
“Uh… yes please?” Nova said.
“Okay. So Torres and I are from an extra-governmental organisation that recently found out about a group of people manipulating the government here, and we figured the best way to prevent them from ever manipulating people again was to start a revolution,” Erin explained.
“Wait… so we get another government casting us aside?” Another voice asked, clearly concerned.
“No, not exactly. We don’t work for the government, we work outside of the government. Part of our mission here is to ensure the manipulative people who control the government can’t control them again, and our second part is to integrate you and your powers into wider society.”
Alayna stepped up. “I know you have no reason to trust us at this moment, and I know you’re very suspicious of any outsiders. However, we only want the best for you. If you agree to be our ally, or at least help us, we can help you.”
There was a pause, before murmuring broke out.
“Do you think they’ll take it?” Alayna asked Nova.
“I… I’m not really… sure?” Nova replied. “They can be a little wary.”
There was a sudden silence, before someone spoke up. “We’ll take your offer.”
“Awww, look at her,” Renée grinned, watching Ally play with the cat she had recently rescued. Ally had decided to name the scrawny tabby Scruff, as she was very scruffy when Renée brought her home after one of her shifts.
“She’s very messy!” Ally had declared when Renée had introduced her daughter to their rescue cat. “Messy. Messy.”
“Do you mean her fur?” Renée asked.
“Yes!” Ally smiled. “Messy fur, messy fur, messy fur!”
“We would call that scruffy.” Renée said. “Like, very messy.”
“Scruff! Scruff, scruff, scruff!” Ally declared. “Name Scruff!”
Robert came in through the door, smiling at Ally. “Ally- do you really want to name her that?”
Ally beamed up at her father with the largest smile Renée had ever seen. “SCRUFF!” she yelled.
Renée laughed. “Okay, okay. Let’s call her Scruff.”
The memory made Renée smile with joy. “Remember when she decided to name her Scruff?”
Robert laughed. “Yes. And she was very insistent on it, if I recall.”
“Scruff!” Ally called. “Scruff, food?”
The not-so-scruffy brown tabby cat ran over to Ally, who had somehow made her way over to the food bowl and was tapping it.
“Scruff, food!”
“Awww… they’re just perfect for each other,” Renée smiled.
“You brought home the cat, not me,” Robert smiled. “I think she was more perfect for you.”
“You’re too sweet,” Renée laughed, as Ally began stroking Scruff as she was eating her food.
Atoll City was very different to other cities Mikayla had worked in before. It was something more out of a science fiction movie than anything else, with tall skyscrapers reaching the top and suspended monorails everywhere. Stepping into work as an attorney in a different country’s judicial system was just as hard, although there were multiple similarities between the system she was trained in and Atoll City’s.
Having recently been retrained and recertified under her primary alias, Evergreen Willows, Mikayla felt comfortable stepping into her new role. She’d been a prosecuting attorney before, and she felt she more than understood the people here. But as an outsider, she could be just as wrong.
Mikayla found herself standing on a suspended walkway, opposite a large skyscraper that should house her new unit - the Slums crimes unit. It was chosen specifically for her and arranged by Evelyn, so she could keep an eye on the happenings of the Slums as well as what gets suppressed to report back to Henderson. Walking into the building, Mikayla tried to relax, trying acting confident in her role.
The police chief greeted her. “Evergreen Willows?”
Mikayla nodded. “Yes, that would be me. I’m one of the new ADAs for the Slums unit?”
“Ah, yes. Perfect. Your office is just through there,” he gestured, pointing Mikayla to a small workspace that would be her new office from now on. “I’m Captain Rowan Dennis.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Mikayla replied, shaking his hand. “I look forward to working with you in the future.”
“It is my pleasure to welcome you into the unit, Evergreen.” Captain Dennis said.
“Oh, please - just Eva, please.” Mikayla said.
“Of course,” Captain Dennis replied. “Welcome.”
“Good afternoon, and welcome to Afternoon News with Miranda Greaves and Casey Rassmussen.” Miranda greeted the camera with the most serious look she could.
“Good afternoon, Sunshine Bay!” Casey greeted the camera with a smile. “We’ll be with you for the next half hour, covering all the top stories from this morning. Featured on our programme today, actress Lizze Lee has announced the creation of a fundraising event for those affected by the recent floods.”
“CASEY! Why are you smiling? You’re not supposed to be smiling!” Miranda whispered in a hushed tone. “This is serious news!”
“Ooops- sorry, Miranda.” Casey apologised, clearly not sorry at all.
“We’ll be having an interview with Lizzie Lee and various people affected by the floods on this programme. Also featured on our programme is trailblazing twelve-year-old Dylan Zheng, who has just won the Sunshine Bay National Robotics competition, the youngest ever winner.” Mirana continued the readout like nothing ever happened.
“And finally,” Casey jumped in, “we’ll be talking to Sunshine Bay University Maths Department to see how they’ve been helping young children get into mathematics. Stay tuned for an interesting programme ahead, now it’s-”
“-time for the headlines, with Kiara Sanchez.” Miranda finished.
“Hey!” Casey elbowed Miranda. “You stole my line.”
“You stole mine first,” Miranda replied, all too seriously.
The screen cut to Kiara Sanchez laughing in the newsroom.
“Okay, sorry- let me just compose myself.” Kiara said, taking a moment to compose herself in front of the camera. “Thank you very much, Casey and Miranda. The headlines at two. Actress Lizzie Lee has announced the creation of a fundraising event to help those affected by the recent flooding. Working with the charity Resilience Sunshine Bay, Lizzie hopes to help those most affected.”
The screen cut to a video of the actress, Lizzie Lee, at an earlier interview. “I truly hope this event will raise the necessary funds to help all those affected by these devastating floods.”
The screen cut back to Kiara. “The train strikes have been continuing across Sunshine Bay, with the union stating that they will continue striking until they have a deal. Among their chief demands were better pay and conditions. And finally, twelve-year-old Dylan Zheng has just won the Sunshine Bay National Robotics competition, taking first place. The twelve-year-old said he was glad to have won, and that he couldn’t believe it. That’s your headlines with me, Kiara Sanchez, back to you in the studio, Casey and Miranda.”
The screen once again cut back to the main studio, showing a bickering Casey and Miranda.
“Hey! Kiara likes my intros. You’re the one that has to be too serious about it.” Casey grinned.
“This is a NEWS SHOW, Casey,” Miranda replied, clearly annoyed. “You’re supposed to be serious.”
“Yeah, okay.” Casey said. “But-”
“You’re on air!” Another voice could be heard offscreen, which seemed to be the producer.
“Oops- sorry,” Casey said. “Alright, onto our first story.”
Miranda sighed. “Why do I even do this anymore?” She wondered aloud.
Last edited by Milkysplash (March 9, 2025 20:07:35)
- Spyceracops
-
Scratcher
6 posts
swc megathread: march '25
Didn't even have a prompt or anything, just vomited this out even though I can't relate to it at all lol (TW: Angst)
—
Betrayal.
It was a blade twisted deep against my spine, curving like a serpent, carving black marks into my flesh until no amount of salve could ever hope to heal it. It burned with a pain that transcended all thought, all memory. Indeed, I didn't remember the aftermath of the party. Kneeling amongst broken bottles and the sharp scent of a lingering, sweaty crowd. I didn't remember how I managed to pick myself up and push my way towards the exit. After that the gust of fresh, humid wind cleared my thoughts and jumpstarted my memory somewhat. I faintly recalled lurching forward like a puppet on strings across the campus. One step. Two. A small insect buzzed its way through the night and brushed its wings against my chin. I clapped my fingers to the bruised skin there.
The touch reminded me of him.
I blacked out. I was back on my bed, the entire room cloaked in darkness. Curled up. Facedown. My pillow against my stomach. Bile rose in my throat, but I swallowed and swallowed and swallowed until my vision blurred with tears. A wall of thorns grew and wrapped itself around my ribcage, squeezing. The serpents curled in the crevices of my brain whispered their soft, silky promises into my ear. In his voice.
“You will never be hurt again.”
Morning came, bringing light and consciousness even though I didn't fall asleep. I was aware of it all again. I hated it.
I swiped at the last of the tears sweeping down my cheeks as I heard the door to my dormitory start to click open, too tired to stand or shift to a more dignified position. I watched numbly as my best friend Adelaide came in with the rain, soaked hair plastered against her skull and face just as wet as mine undoubtably was, minus the red-rimmed eyes and dripping mascara.
Adelaide rolled her eyes toward the sky in familiar exasperation, shaking off stray droplets and toeing her shoes against the welcome rug to dry the soles. “Maddison? Are you there?” Her dark eyes flicked to mine, and she dropped her bag with a wet thump on the wooden floor. Instantly she has settled herself by my side. Cold, still slightly damp fingers raking gently through my messy locks.
“Oh….Madison. I'm so sorry.”
I made a soft sound. And then that sound became a laugh, short and sharp and shattered, scraping up through my already raw throat like shards of glass. I leaned into her touch. “ Remember when we were fifteen, Addy? And everything seemed so bright? So urgent? The world was always going to end, everything sucked, nothing was going to be okay again.” I buried my head against her shoulder, shamelessly hiccupping into the soft fabric of her sweater. “A-and they said it would all just pass. We were stupid hormonal teens, and one day we would wake up and see the bigger picture. So then why do I feel this way, Addy? Like it's all falling down around me again. Him…us…..Why?!…W-why Addy?” I was exhausted, unkempt, half-delirious now. I knew it. But the sobs that I thought had been completely choked out hours ago began to wrench at my vocal cords again. Again. Again.
And Addy let me. No part of her moved except for her fingers, still soothingly massaging my head and nimbly detangling my locks. She cooed soft nothings into my ears. The pad of her thumb rubbed gentle circles against the top of my skull, working downwards. When I didn't respond, she started back at the top. Went through the motions again.
Again. Again. Again.
How could I ever bear anything like that again?
—
Betrayal.
It was a blade twisted deep against my spine, curving like a serpent, carving black marks into my flesh until no amount of salve could ever hope to heal it. It burned with a pain that transcended all thought, all memory. Indeed, I didn't remember the aftermath of the party. Kneeling amongst broken bottles and the sharp scent of a lingering, sweaty crowd. I didn't remember how I managed to pick myself up and push my way towards the exit. After that the gust of fresh, humid wind cleared my thoughts and jumpstarted my memory somewhat. I faintly recalled lurching forward like a puppet on strings across the campus. One step. Two. A small insect buzzed its way through the night and brushed its wings against my chin. I clapped my fingers to the bruised skin there.
The touch reminded me of him.
I blacked out. I was back on my bed, the entire room cloaked in darkness. Curled up. Facedown. My pillow against my stomach. Bile rose in my throat, but I swallowed and swallowed and swallowed until my vision blurred with tears. A wall of thorns grew and wrapped itself around my ribcage, squeezing. The serpents curled in the crevices of my brain whispered their soft, silky promises into my ear. In his voice.
“You will never be hurt again.”
Morning came, bringing light and consciousness even though I didn't fall asleep. I was aware of it all again. I hated it.
I swiped at the last of the tears sweeping down my cheeks as I heard the door to my dormitory start to click open, too tired to stand or shift to a more dignified position. I watched numbly as my best friend Adelaide came in with the rain, soaked hair plastered against her skull and face just as wet as mine undoubtably was, minus the red-rimmed eyes and dripping mascara.
Adelaide rolled her eyes toward the sky in familiar exasperation, shaking off stray droplets and toeing her shoes against the welcome rug to dry the soles. “Maddison? Are you there?” Her dark eyes flicked to mine, and she dropped her bag with a wet thump on the wooden floor. Instantly she has settled herself by my side. Cold, still slightly damp fingers raking gently through my messy locks.
“Oh….Madison. I'm so sorry.”
I made a soft sound. And then that sound became a laugh, short and sharp and shattered, scraping up through my already raw throat like shards of glass. I leaned into her touch. “ Remember when we were fifteen, Addy? And everything seemed so bright? So urgent? The world was always going to end, everything sucked, nothing was going to be okay again.” I buried my head against her shoulder, shamelessly hiccupping into the soft fabric of her sweater. “A-and they said it would all just pass. We were stupid hormonal teens, and one day we would wake up and see the bigger picture. So then why do I feel this way, Addy? Like it's all falling down around me again. Him…us…..Why?!…W-why Addy?” I was exhausted, unkempt, half-delirious now. I knew it. But the sobs that I thought had been completely choked out hours ago began to wrench at my vocal cords again. Again. Again.
And Addy let me. No part of her moved except for her fingers, still soothingly massaging my head and nimbly detangling my locks. She cooed soft nothings into my ears. The pad of her thumb rubbed gentle circles against the top of my skull, working downwards. When I didn't respond, she started back at the top. Went through the motions again.
Again. Again. Again.
How could I ever bear anything like that again?
Last edited by Spyceracops (March 9, 2025 19:14:50)
- AmazaEevee
-
Scratcher
500+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
Word War w/Cat
3/9/2024
247 words
“is this a bad time to tell you that i’m claustrophobic?” i say softly.
they all turn and look at me.
“"you’re what??” peter asks, in disbelief. “you? tiny little merideth. you’re claustrophobic?”
i glance down at my hands, tugging at my thumbs. “yeah,” i mumble.
he snorts. “how ironic.”
“hey, don’t be mean to her; it’s not her fault,” eri snaps back.
doug nods. “it’s not her fault that she’s scared of small spaces.”
peter rolls his eyes. “come on! she knew that we were going to go through the tunnels and the fact that they are super small and tight to fit into! and we were all good with her coming because one, she volunteered and wanted to come in and two, she’s the smallest of us all. it’s easier for her to get through these small spaces.”
i cringe, but nod in agreement with peter. “i didn’t think that it would be this tight.”
“but this was bad timing,” eri sighs. “you could have told us before, merideth. we wouldn’t have thought anything of it. and now that we’re trapped in this room, i don’t know when we’re going to be able to get out of here.”
doug shrugs. “it’s not too bad here. there’s enough walking space and i think that we should be okay on oxygen for a while.”
peter shakes his head and crosses his arms. “thank you science expert,” he dismisses with a flourish of the hands. “while we’re at
3/9/2024
247 words
“is this a bad time to tell you that i’m claustrophobic?” i say softly.
they all turn and look at me.
“"you’re what??” peter asks, in disbelief. “you? tiny little merideth. you’re claustrophobic?”
i glance down at my hands, tugging at my thumbs. “yeah,” i mumble.
he snorts. “how ironic.”
“hey, don’t be mean to her; it’s not her fault,” eri snaps back.
doug nods. “it’s not her fault that she’s scared of small spaces.”
peter rolls his eyes. “come on! she knew that we were going to go through the tunnels and the fact that they are super small and tight to fit into! and we were all good with her coming because one, she volunteered and wanted to come in and two, she’s the smallest of us all. it’s easier for her to get through these small spaces.”
i cringe, but nod in agreement with peter. “i didn’t think that it would be this tight.”
“but this was bad timing,” eri sighs. “you could have told us before, merideth. we wouldn’t have thought anything of it. and now that we’re trapped in this room, i don’t know when we’re going to be able to get out of here.”
doug shrugs. “it’s not too bad here. there’s enough walking space and i think that we should be okay on oxygen for a while.”
peter shakes his head and crosses his arms. “thank you science expert,” he dismisses with a flourish of the hands. “while we’re at
- Duckily_the_Great
-
Scratcher
54 posts
swc megathread: march '25
{Word War}
With @i_like_kotlc
Word count: 439
Prompt: Yes! Faith’s: “The Hidden Cabin of Mangoes was going to win this session of SWC”
Status: I lost (sigh…)
Notes: Guys, guess what it’s about… MANGOES!
Dear journal,
The Hidden Cabin of Mangoes is totally going to win this session of SWC. What is the hidden cabin of mangoes? Well, as the name implies, the hidden cabin of mangoes is a hidden cabin- and its currency is mangoes!!! Our mascot is… mangoes. Our food is… mangoes. Our quests are… mangoes. So everything in our cabin is mango-related. Whoopee! Anyways, as you already know, I’m part of the hidden cabin of mangoes along with some other people from SWC who are acting as double agents. For example, not only am I in Dystopian Cabin (which will win if the Hidden Cabin of Mangoes doesn’t win) but I am also a proud member of the hidden cabin of mangoes (and ssh, don’t tell everyone! Imagine if this diary entry were to get leaked! Uh oh.. Anyways, the hidden cabin of mangoes is literally in the woods surrounded by MANGO TREES!!! Yippee!!!!! Omg, I just love mangoes. They are literally the best fruit in the world. That’s why I decided to join the cabin after being invited by our leader (whose name I must keep a secret. Like I said, this info can’t be leaked to anyone!). The hidden cabin of Mangoes is sure to win also because we are a group of people who will write for anything,. Although our main motivation is usually mangoes, we also will write for many, many other things. Like mango smoothies. Or mango soup. Or MANGOESSSS!!!! Yippe!!! As you can tell, and UI think I already said this but oh well, I LOVE MANGOES!!!! Nom nom nom… sorry quick snack break to eat MANGOES there. Anyways, the Hidden Cabin of Mangoes has some of the best writers in SWC history. There’s member #1, member #2, and member #3 (and also 45 others, but who’s counting?). Anyways, like I said before, their names must also be kept a secret. Otherwise, somebody would be able to easily locate the cabin of mangoes, and that would NOT be good. We would get in so much trouble! Especially because our hidden cabin is technically illegal… Oh well. It’s worth it because I get… MANGOES!! Whoopeeee!!! I love mangoes, mangoes are awesome, I love mangoes, mangoes are awesome. Our cabin is even built out of mango wood. The essence of mangoes surrounding our cabin makes us write even better and faster than any cabin in this session of SWC! (Even Dystopian!!!) The scent invigorates us and inspires us to write stories about… MANGOES!!! Also, we eat mangoes 24/7. Not only do we eat them for snack, we make stews, smoothies, and salads with them. YUM!!!!!!
With @i_like_kotlc
Word count: 439
Prompt: Yes! Faith’s: “The Hidden Cabin of Mangoes was going to win this session of SWC”
Status: I lost (sigh…)
Notes: Guys, guess what it’s about… MANGOES!
Dear journal,
The Hidden Cabin of Mangoes is totally going to win this session of SWC. What is the hidden cabin of mangoes? Well, as the name implies, the hidden cabin of mangoes is a hidden cabin- and its currency is mangoes!!! Our mascot is… mangoes. Our food is… mangoes. Our quests are… mangoes. So everything in our cabin is mango-related. Whoopee! Anyways, as you already know, I’m part of the hidden cabin of mangoes along with some other people from SWC who are acting as double agents. For example, not only am I in Dystopian Cabin (which will win if the Hidden Cabin of Mangoes doesn’t win) but I am also a proud member of the hidden cabin of mangoes (and ssh, don’t tell everyone! Imagine if this diary entry were to get leaked! Uh oh.. Anyways, the hidden cabin of mangoes is literally in the woods surrounded by MANGO TREES!!! Yippee!!!!! Omg, I just love mangoes. They are literally the best fruit in the world. That’s why I decided to join the cabin after being invited by our leader (whose name I must keep a secret. Like I said, this info can’t be leaked to anyone!). The hidden cabin of Mangoes is sure to win also because we are a group of people who will write for anything,. Although our main motivation is usually mangoes, we also will write for many, many other things. Like mango smoothies. Or mango soup. Or MANGOESSSS!!!! Yippe!!! As you can tell, and UI think I already said this but oh well, I LOVE MANGOES!!!! Nom nom nom… sorry quick snack break to eat MANGOES there. Anyways, the Hidden Cabin of Mangoes has some of the best writers in SWC history. There’s member #1, member #2, and member #3 (and also 45 others, but who’s counting?). Anyways, like I said before, their names must also be kept a secret. Otherwise, somebody would be able to easily locate the cabin of mangoes, and that would NOT be good. We would get in so much trouble! Especially because our hidden cabin is technically illegal… Oh well. It’s worth it because I get… MANGOES!! Whoopeeee!!! I love mangoes, mangoes are awesome, I love mangoes, mangoes are awesome. Our cabin is even built out of mango wood. The essence of mangoes surrounding our cabin makes us write even better and faster than any cabin in this session of SWC! (Even Dystopian!!!) The scent invigorates us and inspires us to write stories about… MANGOES!!! Also, we eat mangoes 24/7. Not only do we eat them for snack, we make stews, smoothies, and salads with them. YUM!!!!!!
- AmazaEevee
-
Scratcher
500+ posts
swc megathread: march '25
Weekly #1
3/9/2025
1764 words
Part 1
374 words
The island of SWC is populated by inhabitants from all over the globe and the occasional alien. They do raise livestock, but rarely for their meat. Animals are their friends, so meat is a larger import. (The eat meat, just not the animals that they have raises, due to emotional attachment.) However, there is a great amount of tropical fruit produced here There are many cultural activities the significance placed on the mangoes, especially.
While many languages are used and spoken here, the general population uses English for the sake of easier communication. But it is not unlikely to hear conversations springing up in different tongues as well.
Because of the multicultural nature of Islandwc, many holidays are celebrated. Cultures are shared and explored together, so children grow up exposed to a multitude of traditions. Rather than sticking to the nuclear family structure, there is more a village upbringing the next generation collectively. This is a very community oriented island.
Of course, immigrants or those who prefer the nuclear family structure are able to do so, but they are the exception, not the norm. And their children are still going to be exposed to the village upbringing, simply due to the fact that it is how the rest of the island operates.
The concept of “moving out” is not enforced, but it is a valid option for young adults who to earn independence and learn to live on their own, with plenty of support from their family in whatever they choose. Higher public education is available, though there are always the students who want to explore the world and leave the island to study abroad. They prepare for this possibility in school and all students learn about what the different opportunities entail.
There are four different “clans” so to speak. They are based more on what part of the island you live on and what you take care of. People can work across clans and often do and children spend time specifically to explore the different clans as well. Individuals are able to move freely to different clans, tough it is not something that is often done outside of marriage. However, there may be some family resistance if you do choose to switch clans.
Part 2
Part 3
539 words
The portal opens with a faint hum and my smile widens as I step through into the blinding white light. The air around me swirls and the metallic scent of my workshop fades into something else I can’t quite place. I shade my face from the light, peeling my eyes open when I feel the warmth on the other side. I step through. My breath hitches.
It’s beautiful. Simply gorgeous.
The green hills, so much green, so full of life. The faint sway of my hair as the air blows through it. And the sky here is… blue? Odd color, but breathtaking. My eyes scan the grass for the faint sparkle of metal. I pocket the little contraption in the compartment above my hip. I did it. I actually did it!
I squeal, laughter bubbling out of me. I can’t believe I got the portal to work. I wasn’t sure how the receiver would work, since I did drop it through the atmosphere, but it landed safely–intact–and the portal opened and let me go through like I’d planned. Mom’s going to be so happy when she-
“Excuse me? You’re in the way of my cattle.” A shaky voice informs, and I whip around, nearly tripping as the cow behind me was way too close. I didn’t know that was there.
My body stumbles backwards and I take a few steps forward to rebalance myself. “Phew-” I start, not sure what to expect. At least I can understand them? “Um, hi.” I salute, as way of greeting.
The tall lanky girl stares at me, clad in overalls and a fitted shirt. Looks a little younger than me, early 300s perhaps? Though, I don’t look a year over 500 myself.
“What are you doing here? Who are you? I don’t recognize you or what you’re wearing at all? Are you a tourist, because you guys aren’t allowed here-” She halts when I raise a hand.
“I guess it’s improper of me to not introduce myself. I am Smiley Winky Child, descendant of both the Smiley and Winky families. I have come to view your humble abode.” I smile, as one does during formal introductions. “And you are?”
Her wide eyes haven’t left me. “Um- Ch-charity. From the Northern clan. Well, my mom’s from the Coast, but we’ve lived in the Northern clan as long as I can remember.” She stops, as a cow bumps into her side. “So how exactly did you get here? Where are you from?”
I grin, fingers already fumbling with my compartment as I slide my device out. I love this question. “I’m from Xradia. This little contraption,” I say, tossing it into the air and into my other hand, “has teleported me here. It’s quite a genius gadget, if I do say so myself. It just takes the molecules of a living organism and shrinks them before-”
“So, if I’m hearing your correctly, you mean to say that you are an alien?” She interrupts, tone dripping with suspicion. “Not even an ‘I got lost’ spiel? Straight into alien? Oh my gosh, I don’t get paid enough for this. You tourists are always in my fields, messing with my cattle, I can’t take it anymore!”
Part 4
851 words
Stella sighs, waiting at the cove. Charlie was stuck doing some extra work as part of a clan ritual and Winston was- well, Stella doesn’t quite know where Winston is. He’s off somewhere. She sighs again, decidedly standing up from where she was sitting and slipping off her sandals. Stepping onto the sand, the grainy texture automatically surrounds her toes with warmth. It’s been a long day, out on the fields, and she's relieved to be back by the sea. She loves coming to the beach with the hint of salt hanging in the air and the coves where laughter echoes in her memories.
Really, if it was up to Stella, she would be working in her family’s shop a whole lot more than with the cows. But that’s just how things are, so she was in the fields today. It isn’t such a terrible thing; the animals are nice and the calves have been especially adorable this year. But, being near here, by the ocean. This is where her soul belongs. She walks through the sand and towards the edge of the wet sand, where the tides had gone out. Stepping lightly onto the cold sand, she wades into the ocean, closing her eyes as the waves lap at her legs.
The sky is now a cotton candy pink, with the sun's reflection still ripping off the water, like liquid gold around her submerged body. Her friend would get here soon enough, Stella knows. Winston may be helping teach some of the children today, and she knows what chaos that can be firsthand. She shudders to think about the months she'd had to volunteer to work with the children. It wasn't her favorite moment, and she certainly did not look the best while doing it, but she had learned a lot. Her mom was right; she could learn from those younger than her.
Stella kicks at the water, watching the ripples merge with the incoming wave. She hums softly to herself, a finger tapping against her leg. Walking back closer to shore, she crouches over the sand, beginning to sort through the grains of sand and the larger treasures underneath. By the time she heard her name be called, Stella had 5 shells cleaned.
“Stelle! We're here!” Charlie's voice rang above the seagull calls. Stella's face brightens and she hastily grabs the shells she's collected and heads for shore.
The warm sand sticks to her wet feet and she's got sand-covered feet by the time she gets to Charlie and Winston, who has already started setting up the blankets and the snacks.
“Ooh you got some good snacks for us, Winston? Steal any from the kids?” She teases, as she sets herself down on the blanket, dusting off her feet.
“Careful!” Winston scolds, pulling the plates closer to him, and further from Stella, much to her dismay. “We don't want the chocolate covered strawberries to get all sandy, would we?” He gives her a pointed look, but Stella just grins.
“You got the strawberries? Are they Mr.-?”
“Fresh from Mr. B's garden and with Mrs. B's homemade chocolate, made to order for a special someone,” Winston confirms with a grin, pulling them out of the basket.
Stella squeals, watching as he sets down the carton of Mr. and Mrs. B's famous, mouthwatering chocolate covered strawberries. Stella herself says that they are to die for, and she is one to take her own opinion quite seriously. There's something so special about that decadent smooth chocolate paired with the perfectly sweet strawberries… Her mouth is watering just by thinking about it.
But unfortunately for her, they never start off by eating.
“Charlie, how was your day?” Winston asks, still unloading the picnic basket.
Charlie shrugs. “You know, same old, same old. We've had a lot more tourists lately, which means a lot more to clean up, so I had to help do a full cleaning of everything. Just to make sure that everything is extremely clean. Don't quite see how it's necessary,” her nose wrinkles, “but it didn't take too much longer and the clan's pretty happy with what we've got done.”
“Ooh!” Stella pipes up, recalling what Charlie had told her before. “You got to see the new exhibit?”
Charlie grins. “Yeah! They're putting a new historical interactive story time in the museum and it looks amazing. Like it's going to be so good for the kids to learn more about our history in a more hands on way, and also for the kids who come to visit to get a more immersive experience. I think that it's going to be great for our future and education.”
Of course, that's what she thinks. If Stella knows anything is true, it's that Charlie and kids go together like… well, like Stella and Chocolate covered strawberries.
“I, for one,” Stella proposes, “think that we should eat the strawberries before the chocolate gets all melted and I can tell you about how my day went.”
The other two laugh and oblige, the trio knocking together their first strawberry like a toast before digging in.
3/9/2025
1764 words
Part 1
374 words
The island of SWC is populated by inhabitants from all over the globe and the occasional alien. They do raise livestock, but rarely for their meat. Animals are their friends, so meat is a larger import. (The eat meat, just not the animals that they have raises, due to emotional attachment.) However, there is a great amount of tropical fruit produced here There are many cultural activities the significance placed on the mangoes, especially.
While many languages are used and spoken here, the general population uses English for the sake of easier communication. But it is not unlikely to hear conversations springing up in different tongues as well.
Because of the multicultural nature of Islandwc, many holidays are celebrated. Cultures are shared and explored together, so children grow up exposed to a multitude of traditions. Rather than sticking to the nuclear family structure, there is more a village upbringing the next generation collectively. This is a very community oriented island.
Of course, immigrants or those who prefer the nuclear family structure are able to do so, but they are the exception, not the norm. And their children are still going to be exposed to the village upbringing, simply due to the fact that it is how the rest of the island operates.
The concept of “moving out” is not enforced, but it is a valid option for young adults who to earn independence and learn to live on their own, with plenty of support from their family in whatever they choose. Higher public education is available, though there are always the students who want to explore the world and leave the island to study abroad. They prepare for this possibility in school and all students learn about what the different opportunities entail.
There are four different “clans” so to speak. They are based more on what part of the island you live on and what you take care of. People can work across clans and often do and children spend time specifically to explore the different clans as well. Individuals are able to move freely to different clans, tough it is not something that is often done outside of marriage. However, there may be some family resistance if you do choose to switch clans.
Part 2
Part 3
539 words
The portal opens with a faint hum and my smile widens as I step through into the blinding white light. The air around me swirls and the metallic scent of my workshop fades into something else I can’t quite place. I shade my face from the light, peeling my eyes open when I feel the warmth on the other side. I step through. My breath hitches.
It’s beautiful. Simply gorgeous.
The green hills, so much green, so full of life. The faint sway of my hair as the air blows through it. And the sky here is… blue? Odd color, but breathtaking. My eyes scan the grass for the faint sparkle of metal. I pocket the little contraption in the compartment above my hip. I did it. I actually did it!
I squeal, laughter bubbling out of me. I can’t believe I got the portal to work. I wasn’t sure how the receiver would work, since I did drop it through the atmosphere, but it landed safely–intact–and the portal opened and let me go through like I’d planned. Mom’s going to be so happy when she-
“Excuse me? You’re in the way of my cattle.” A shaky voice informs, and I whip around, nearly tripping as the cow behind me was way too close. I didn’t know that was there.
My body stumbles backwards and I take a few steps forward to rebalance myself. “Phew-” I start, not sure what to expect. At least I can understand them? “Um, hi.” I salute, as way of greeting.
The tall lanky girl stares at me, clad in overalls and a fitted shirt. Looks a little younger than me, early 300s perhaps? Though, I don’t look a year over 500 myself.
“What are you doing here? Who are you? I don’t recognize you or what you’re wearing at all? Are you a tourist, because you guys aren’t allowed here-” She halts when I raise a hand.
“I guess it’s improper of me to not introduce myself. I am Smiley Winky Child, descendant of both the Smiley and Winky families. I have come to view your humble abode.” I smile, as one does during formal introductions. “And you are?”
Her wide eyes haven’t left me. “Um- Ch-charity. From the Northern clan. Well, my mom’s from the Coast, but we’ve lived in the Northern clan as long as I can remember.” She stops, as a cow bumps into her side. “So how exactly did you get here? Where are you from?”
I grin, fingers already fumbling with my compartment as I slide my device out. I love this question. “I’m from Xradia. This little contraption,” I say, tossing it into the air and into my other hand, “has teleported me here. It’s quite a genius gadget, if I do say so myself. It just takes the molecules of a living organism and shrinks them before-”
“So, if I’m hearing your correctly, you mean to say that you are an alien?” She interrupts, tone dripping with suspicion. “Not even an ‘I got lost’ spiel? Straight into alien? Oh my gosh, I don’t get paid enough for this. You tourists are always in my fields, messing with my cattle, I can’t take it anymore!”
Part 4
851 words
Stella sighs, waiting at the cove. Charlie was stuck doing some extra work as part of a clan ritual and Winston was- well, Stella doesn’t quite know where Winston is. He’s off somewhere. She sighs again, decidedly standing up from where she was sitting and slipping off her sandals. Stepping onto the sand, the grainy texture automatically surrounds her toes with warmth. It’s been a long day, out on the fields, and she's relieved to be back by the sea. She loves coming to the beach with the hint of salt hanging in the air and the coves where laughter echoes in her memories.
Really, if it was up to Stella, she would be working in her family’s shop a whole lot more than with the cows. But that’s just how things are, so she was in the fields today. It isn’t such a terrible thing; the animals are nice and the calves have been especially adorable this year. But, being near here, by the ocean. This is where her soul belongs. She walks through the sand and towards the edge of the wet sand, where the tides had gone out. Stepping lightly onto the cold sand, she wades into the ocean, closing her eyes as the waves lap at her legs.
The sky is now a cotton candy pink, with the sun's reflection still ripping off the water, like liquid gold around her submerged body. Her friend would get here soon enough, Stella knows. Winston may be helping teach some of the children today, and she knows what chaos that can be firsthand. She shudders to think about the months she'd had to volunteer to work with the children. It wasn't her favorite moment, and she certainly did not look the best while doing it, but she had learned a lot. Her mom was right; she could learn from those younger than her.
Stella kicks at the water, watching the ripples merge with the incoming wave. She hums softly to herself, a finger tapping against her leg. Walking back closer to shore, she crouches over the sand, beginning to sort through the grains of sand and the larger treasures underneath. By the time she heard her name be called, Stella had 5 shells cleaned.
“Stelle! We're here!” Charlie's voice rang above the seagull calls. Stella's face brightens and she hastily grabs the shells she's collected and heads for shore.
The warm sand sticks to her wet feet and she's got sand-covered feet by the time she gets to Charlie and Winston, who has already started setting up the blankets and the snacks.
“Ooh you got some good snacks for us, Winston? Steal any from the kids?” She teases, as she sets herself down on the blanket, dusting off her feet.
“Careful!” Winston scolds, pulling the plates closer to him, and further from Stella, much to her dismay. “We don't want the chocolate covered strawberries to get all sandy, would we?” He gives her a pointed look, but Stella just grins.
“You got the strawberries? Are they Mr.-?”
“Fresh from Mr. B's garden and with Mrs. B's homemade chocolate, made to order for a special someone,” Winston confirms with a grin, pulling them out of the basket.
Stella squeals, watching as he sets down the carton of Mr. and Mrs. B's famous, mouthwatering chocolate covered strawberries. Stella herself says that they are to die for, and she is one to take her own opinion quite seriously. There's something so special about that decadent smooth chocolate paired with the perfectly sweet strawberries… Her mouth is watering just by thinking about it.
But unfortunately for her, they never start off by eating.
“Charlie, how was your day?” Winston asks, still unloading the picnic basket.
Charlie shrugs. “You know, same old, same old. We've had a lot more tourists lately, which means a lot more to clean up, so I had to help do a full cleaning of everything. Just to make sure that everything is extremely clean. Don't quite see how it's necessary,” her nose wrinkles, “but it didn't take too much longer and the clan's pretty happy with what we've got done.”
“Ooh!” Stella pipes up, recalling what Charlie had told her before. “You got to see the new exhibit?”
Charlie grins. “Yeah! They're putting a new historical interactive story time in the museum and it looks amazing. Like it's going to be so good for the kids to learn more about our history in a more hands on way, and also for the kids who come to visit to get a more immersive experience. I think that it's going to be great for our future and education.”
Of course, that's what she thinks. If Stella knows anything is true, it's that Charlie and kids go together like… well, like Stella and Chocolate covered strawberries.
“I, for one,” Stella proposes, “think that we should eat the strawberries before the chocolate gets all melted and I can tell you about how my day went.”
The other two laugh and oblige, the trio knocking together their first strawberry like a toast before digging in.
Last edited by AmazaEevee (March 9, 2025 23:57:22)
- penguin-vibes
-
Scratcher
63 posts
swc megathread: march '25
Weekly 1
Part 1 (604 words)
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where climate disasters run rampant and the government has crumbled. It’s the aftermath of World War III, and much of the human population is gone, save a few scattered communities that somehow survived the destruction. It’s been winter for 15 years, and the community that we will focus on is small. Its people live in what was once a tropical region, and depend on livestock farming and fishing.
The houses have relics of technology, but they no longer function. Everyone over the age of 30 remembers what they lost, and they mourn it. Their skills, carefully cultivated to match the high technology of their past, now only serve to clutter their minds with memories of what could have been. However, those who couldn’t live with the new present are already gone, so those who remain have grown accustomed to their reality. The younger generation takes their world as a given, seeing stories of the past as a sort of fascinating mythology. However, most resist efforts to learn the knowledge and skills of the past, seeing no benefit to the abstract concepts that are no longer necessary to have a place in society. Manual labour and physical skills are most important for survival, and simple arts and music are valued for entertainment.
Social groups have arisen, and there are leaders that coordinate the sharing of goods and talent within the community. Kept in check by the possibility of revolt, held to the standards of society that have carried over from the past, yet still marked with the age-old corruption that comes with power, the relationship between the leaders and the people is a careful balance of trust and disdain. However, if they couldn’t coexist over the past 15 years, they wouldn’t have survived, and so the balance continues.
Language-wise, the people who have been brought together by disaster and coincidence mostly speak English – a lingua franca that has been kept since before the destruction. However, there is a limited societal role for writing: all the paper has been used over the past 15 years, and there has not been enough time to redevelop industrial methods to manufacture paper out of trees. Consequently, grammatical rules have relaxed, and the diverse cultures in the bottlenecked population have increased the transfer of grammatical rules and words to the common language.
However, when the disaster began, a few sharp minds set up libraries, mostly handwritten, to save the general scientific and historical knowledge of the collective. With most people focused on survival, this had limited success, but they were able to scrounge what was then common knowledge of chemistry, physics, history, digital principles, mathematics, engineering, biology, anatomy, rhetoric, philosophy, and other topics that people remembered from their schooling. However, soon they ran out of paper, and much of what was written was then burned to warm the houses, so such topics were converted into oral tradition. The Society for Preservation of Knowledge (SPOK, named by a Star Trek fan), composed songs and stories to capture the past world’s legacy so it could be revived when the winter passed.
However, most people pay them no mind, focusing on their own struggle for survival. Infections and cancer are the leading cause of death, so people in this community are more careful, yet more pessimistic. However, after 15 years, the weather slowly improves, and wildlife and plant populations begin to rebound. The community has experienced its lowest times, but that means that the only way things can go is upwards. It is that sliver of hope that sustains the community as the narrative opens.
Part 2: Aesthetic Boards
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1144525673/
Part 3: Technology (648 words)
This world is more technologically advanced than the one we live in now, but after the apocalypse, all that has gone to waste. Cities lie in disrepair, radiation makes the people sick, and the waters are polluted with heavy metals and the industrial waste of the past. Technology of the majority is simple: metal and plastic tools left over from the disaster fifteen years ago, crank-powered radios that don’t pick up signals: only downloaded songs more than a decade old, and horse-drawn cars. There are pencils, but nowhere to get paper; cars, but no way to import gasoline. The world is quiet, for the most part, except for the stories. People whisper of an Eden, where, by some miracle, the past world has been preserved, free of the dust and pollution that have haunted the world since the destruction.
It actually exists, but in an underground bunker with climate-controlled forests and artificial sunlight. Powered by a nuclear reactor, it houses the elite—or simply the lucky—who were able to preserve their technology and continue advancing while the rest of the world burned.
Far from Eden, in one of the surviving communities, a 17-year-old girl named Jade with her uncle and adoptive father. When he develops cancer, she goes against her instincts to search for the place of the stories. She had always thought they were only stories, but her memories hold a mysterious young woman with strange hair and clothes, brimming with light, that give her the motivation to move forward.
This is an excerpt from that story.
***
“He’s dying.” I held my breath, searching for a glimpse of validation in the boy’s eyes. As if it could somehow make it worth the effort to speak, to breathe, to not curl up and sob. If there was anything that I’d learned from the past, it was that no matter what stuff the world threw at you, it would just keep on turning. It was petty like that.
Josh squeezed my arm with a gentleness I hadn’t known he was capable of. My vision has blurred, and I jerked away to wipe my face. When I looked back up, his eyes were full of pain.
No, not pain. Sympathy. He had already known.
Hate bubbled up, red and fierce. Why was I even here?
“Whatever.” I turned to leave.
“Wait.” His voice was soft. My step faltered.
“Do you really think it’s possible?”
I tried to laugh, but my breath hitched. “This is stupid. Forget I said anything. You have better things to do with your life than follow an idiot off a cliff.”
He was quiet. Maybe he agreed with me. Then he spoke again, voice harsher.
“Look, you already got me into this. This is on my conscience now too. If he… if we can’t save him, then I’ll be beating myself up for the rest of my life about not helping you out. It’s better than doing nothing.”
I closed my eyes, feeling them burn. My head pounded, and wetness slid down my cheeks. I was underwater, and I was drowning, gasping for breath. Then he was holding me, and I was sobbing into his shirt, and there was nothing else left in the world.
People throw around words like love and gratitude to con you into making up fake feelings. But I guess it works, because it’s the closest I can get to describing how that felt for me.
***
We didn’t tell anyone we were leaving, or where we were going. It was easier that way. We didn’t need to tell each other either, because we already knew. Josh had never seen the fairy, but he knew enough about where I had found her from everything I had said over the years. It was a day’s walk, so we filled our backpacks with food and water, blankets, my radio, and a firestarter.
PART 4: (975 words)
NOTE: This continues the story from Part 3.
As I swung my pack onto my shoulders, Josh unfurled our map. I cringed at the way the paper crackled under his fingers. It was going to fall apart at any moment, but hopefully not before we got there.
“So we start here,” Josh pointed at the map, “And if we walk along this way, then we should be able to get to the river before dark. We can camp there and wait until daylight to cross.”
I frowned, staring at the map. “I forgot about that. We can’t wade across. We’ll freeze to death.”
Josh made a face. Then he grimaced. “What if… we took your uncle’s canoe.”
I thought about it. “I’m not very good with it, but it’s better than nothing.” Then my conscience crept in, and I winced.
That boat was so important to Dylan. If we lost it, we’d lose our livelihood. Then I shook my head. If we didn’t take it, he wouldn’t have a livelihood to save.
Josh was staring at me. “What?” I bristled.
He quickly averted his eyes. “Nothing… I mean is there anything else you want to say?” I could see my own concerns in his eyes. The doubt made me angry. This was a hard enough decision already. I didn’t need the extra guilt.
“We’re taking the canoe,” I said bluntly. “Come on, it’s behind my house.”
***
My fingers fumbled over the straps. Fifteen years of rust grated over my palms, but I finally got it unfastened. Still angry, I had made Josh wait outside. The darkness seeped into my skin, and it was all suddenly overwhelming. Too real.
I always had trouble picturing what life was like before the war. The adults all griped and moaned about how much better life was, but it just sounded like more work. I could run, sing, be happy without any of the relics that they based their whole lives on. Lot of good that did them now.
The only thing I missed—if you could miss something you never had—was the food. Would have been nice to have fresh fish every day regardless of if the sea was good, clean water only a few steps away.
My biceps straining as I lowered the canoe to the ground, I supposed that I had one more thing to add to that list. Or maybe not. Dylan would say that cancer didn’t have a cure back then either. What a witch.
“Everything okay in there?” Josh called out. I snapped out of the haze. Something was spiralling in my chest, and I hated being alone when that happened.
“Get over here and give me a hand with this thing!” I shot back, channelling some of that pressure into my voice instead.
***
We carried the canoe out the back and set off around the outskirts of town. My shoulders and back burned, but whatever. Just another thing to be mad about.
I didn’t know how much time had passed, but the silence was suddenly suffocating. What was there to talk about though? So, how’s it going? Just dandy, my uncle’s dying and we’re carrying one of the most valuable things we own on a mission to find a magic girl that I last saw when I was nine. How ‘bout you? Any good gossip?
I missed the Jade from two weeks ago. Nothing on her mind but pranking the gang and finding new ways to annoy Dylan. I stubbed my foot and grunted. Living her best life.
“You okay?” Josh asked.
“Fine,” I muttered. Unable to keep it in, I added, “Talk to me about something.”
Probably just as bored as I was, Josh readily obliged. My thoughts quieted as he chattered on, and we continued across town.
***
It got dark much more quickly than I’d expected. Soon we were marching in the darkness, branches crunching under our feet.
“Are we there yet?” Josh called, a slight waver in his voice. His unease made me unsteady as well. I pushed it down.
I mulled over the idea of reminding him that I hadn’t been here in seven years, and therefore hadn’t the foggiest idea. Then I caught a flash of light out of the corner of my eye.
“Wait, stop.” I froze in my tracks. It was impossible to see anything from under the canoe, so I shrugged it off my shoulders. “Put this on the ground for a sec, I thought I saw something.”
I could hear Josh stumble behind me, caught off-balance, but I paid it no mind, setting the canoe down. I scanned the dark windows around us, searching for that flicker.
“What exactly did you see?” Josh started, but I shushed him and kept looking.
There. In the windows, I could see something reflecting off the glass. “There’s something over there.”
“Couldn’t that be occupied?” Josh asked. “Nah,” I replied. “This place hasn’t seen life since the war. Maybe it’s her.”
“Come on, it’s been like a decade, why would she be here on this night specifically rather than all the other times we’ve been here?” His voice dripped with scepticism.
I rolled my eyes. “Miracles happen, come on!”
I dragged him toward the door, then reached out and tried the handle. Locked, or jammed.
“Help me with this, will you?”
Josh reluctantly set his shoulder against the frame and pushed. I shoved at the same time, and something clicked behind the door. No matter how hard we tried though, it didn’t budge.
“Maybe there’s a back door?” I said, unwilling to give up. I moved around the building, searching. Josh followed, rubbing his arms. He looked back at the canoe, and so did I for a moment. Then I shook my head. It was fine where it was. We’d go back for it.
Part 1 (604 words)
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where climate disasters run rampant and the government has crumbled. It’s the aftermath of World War III, and much of the human population is gone, save a few scattered communities that somehow survived the destruction. It’s been winter for 15 years, and the community that we will focus on is small. Its people live in what was once a tropical region, and depend on livestock farming and fishing.
The houses have relics of technology, but they no longer function. Everyone over the age of 30 remembers what they lost, and they mourn it. Their skills, carefully cultivated to match the high technology of their past, now only serve to clutter their minds with memories of what could have been. However, those who couldn’t live with the new present are already gone, so those who remain have grown accustomed to their reality. The younger generation takes their world as a given, seeing stories of the past as a sort of fascinating mythology. However, most resist efforts to learn the knowledge and skills of the past, seeing no benefit to the abstract concepts that are no longer necessary to have a place in society. Manual labour and physical skills are most important for survival, and simple arts and music are valued for entertainment.
Social groups have arisen, and there are leaders that coordinate the sharing of goods and talent within the community. Kept in check by the possibility of revolt, held to the standards of society that have carried over from the past, yet still marked with the age-old corruption that comes with power, the relationship between the leaders and the people is a careful balance of trust and disdain. However, if they couldn’t coexist over the past 15 years, they wouldn’t have survived, and so the balance continues.
Language-wise, the people who have been brought together by disaster and coincidence mostly speak English – a lingua franca that has been kept since before the destruction. However, there is a limited societal role for writing: all the paper has been used over the past 15 years, and there has not been enough time to redevelop industrial methods to manufacture paper out of trees. Consequently, grammatical rules have relaxed, and the diverse cultures in the bottlenecked population have increased the transfer of grammatical rules and words to the common language.
However, when the disaster began, a few sharp minds set up libraries, mostly handwritten, to save the general scientific and historical knowledge of the collective. With most people focused on survival, this had limited success, but they were able to scrounge what was then common knowledge of chemistry, physics, history, digital principles, mathematics, engineering, biology, anatomy, rhetoric, philosophy, and other topics that people remembered from their schooling. However, soon they ran out of paper, and much of what was written was then burned to warm the houses, so such topics were converted into oral tradition. The Society for Preservation of Knowledge (SPOK, named by a Star Trek fan), composed songs and stories to capture the past world’s legacy so it could be revived when the winter passed.
However, most people pay them no mind, focusing on their own struggle for survival. Infections and cancer are the leading cause of death, so people in this community are more careful, yet more pessimistic. However, after 15 years, the weather slowly improves, and wildlife and plant populations begin to rebound. The community has experienced its lowest times, but that means that the only way things can go is upwards. It is that sliver of hope that sustains the community as the narrative opens.
Part 2: Aesthetic Boards
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1144525673/
Part 3: Technology (648 words)
This world is more technologically advanced than the one we live in now, but after the apocalypse, all that has gone to waste. Cities lie in disrepair, radiation makes the people sick, and the waters are polluted with heavy metals and the industrial waste of the past. Technology of the majority is simple: metal and plastic tools left over from the disaster fifteen years ago, crank-powered radios that don’t pick up signals: only downloaded songs more than a decade old, and horse-drawn cars. There are pencils, but nowhere to get paper; cars, but no way to import gasoline. The world is quiet, for the most part, except for the stories. People whisper of an Eden, where, by some miracle, the past world has been preserved, free of the dust and pollution that have haunted the world since the destruction.
It actually exists, but in an underground bunker with climate-controlled forests and artificial sunlight. Powered by a nuclear reactor, it houses the elite—or simply the lucky—who were able to preserve their technology and continue advancing while the rest of the world burned.
Far from Eden, in one of the surviving communities, a 17-year-old girl named Jade with her uncle and adoptive father. When he develops cancer, she goes against her instincts to search for the place of the stories. She had always thought they were only stories, but her memories hold a mysterious young woman with strange hair and clothes, brimming with light, that give her the motivation to move forward.
This is an excerpt from that story.
***
“He’s dying.” I held my breath, searching for a glimpse of validation in the boy’s eyes. As if it could somehow make it worth the effort to speak, to breathe, to not curl up and sob. If there was anything that I’d learned from the past, it was that no matter what stuff the world threw at you, it would just keep on turning. It was petty like that.
Josh squeezed my arm with a gentleness I hadn’t known he was capable of. My vision has blurred, and I jerked away to wipe my face. When I looked back up, his eyes were full of pain.
No, not pain. Sympathy. He had already known.
Hate bubbled up, red and fierce. Why was I even here?
“Whatever.” I turned to leave.
“Wait.” His voice was soft. My step faltered.
“Do you really think it’s possible?”
I tried to laugh, but my breath hitched. “This is stupid. Forget I said anything. You have better things to do with your life than follow an idiot off a cliff.”
He was quiet. Maybe he agreed with me. Then he spoke again, voice harsher.
“Look, you already got me into this. This is on my conscience now too. If he… if we can’t save him, then I’ll be beating myself up for the rest of my life about not helping you out. It’s better than doing nothing.”
I closed my eyes, feeling them burn. My head pounded, and wetness slid down my cheeks. I was underwater, and I was drowning, gasping for breath. Then he was holding me, and I was sobbing into his shirt, and there was nothing else left in the world.
People throw around words like love and gratitude to con you into making up fake feelings. But I guess it works, because it’s the closest I can get to describing how that felt for me.
***
We didn’t tell anyone we were leaving, or where we were going. It was easier that way. We didn’t need to tell each other either, because we already knew. Josh had never seen the fairy, but he knew enough about where I had found her from everything I had said over the years. It was a day’s walk, so we filled our backpacks with food and water, blankets, my radio, and a firestarter.
PART 4: (975 words)
NOTE: This continues the story from Part 3.
As I swung my pack onto my shoulders, Josh unfurled our map. I cringed at the way the paper crackled under his fingers. It was going to fall apart at any moment, but hopefully not before we got there.
“So we start here,” Josh pointed at the map, “And if we walk along this way, then we should be able to get to the river before dark. We can camp there and wait until daylight to cross.”
I frowned, staring at the map. “I forgot about that. We can’t wade across. We’ll freeze to death.”
Josh made a face. Then he grimaced. “What if… we took your uncle’s canoe.”
I thought about it. “I’m not very good with it, but it’s better than nothing.” Then my conscience crept in, and I winced.
That boat was so important to Dylan. If we lost it, we’d lose our livelihood. Then I shook my head. If we didn’t take it, he wouldn’t have a livelihood to save.
Josh was staring at me. “What?” I bristled.
He quickly averted his eyes. “Nothing… I mean is there anything else you want to say?” I could see my own concerns in his eyes. The doubt made me angry. This was a hard enough decision already. I didn’t need the extra guilt.
“We’re taking the canoe,” I said bluntly. “Come on, it’s behind my house.”
***
My fingers fumbled over the straps. Fifteen years of rust grated over my palms, but I finally got it unfastened. Still angry, I had made Josh wait outside. The darkness seeped into my skin, and it was all suddenly overwhelming. Too real.
I always had trouble picturing what life was like before the war. The adults all griped and moaned about how much better life was, but it just sounded like more work. I could run, sing, be happy without any of the relics that they based their whole lives on. Lot of good that did them now.
The only thing I missed—if you could miss something you never had—was the food. Would have been nice to have fresh fish every day regardless of if the sea was good, clean water only a few steps away.
My biceps straining as I lowered the canoe to the ground, I supposed that I had one more thing to add to that list. Or maybe not. Dylan would say that cancer didn’t have a cure back then either. What a witch.
“Everything okay in there?” Josh called out. I snapped out of the haze. Something was spiralling in my chest, and I hated being alone when that happened.
“Get over here and give me a hand with this thing!” I shot back, channelling some of that pressure into my voice instead.
***
We carried the canoe out the back and set off around the outskirts of town. My shoulders and back burned, but whatever. Just another thing to be mad about.
I didn’t know how much time had passed, but the silence was suddenly suffocating. What was there to talk about though? So, how’s it going? Just dandy, my uncle’s dying and we’re carrying one of the most valuable things we own on a mission to find a magic girl that I last saw when I was nine. How ‘bout you? Any good gossip?
I missed the Jade from two weeks ago. Nothing on her mind but pranking the gang and finding new ways to annoy Dylan. I stubbed my foot and grunted. Living her best life.
“You okay?” Josh asked.
“Fine,” I muttered. Unable to keep it in, I added, “Talk to me about something.”
Probably just as bored as I was, Josh readily obliged. My thoughts quieted as he chattered on, and we continued across town.
***
It got dark much more quickly than I’d expected. Soon we were marching in the darkness, branches crunching under our feet.
“Are we there yet?” Josh called, a slight waver in his voice. His unease made me unsteady as well. I pushed it down.
I mulled over the idea of reminding him that I hadn’t been here in seven years, and therefore hadn’t the foggiest idea. Then I caught a flash of light out of the corner of my eye.
“Wait, stop.” I froze in my tracks. It was impossible to see anything from under the canoe, so I shrugged it off my shoulders. “Put this on the ground for a sec, I thought I saw something.”
I could hear Josh stumble behind me, caught off-balance, but I paid it no mind, setting the canoe down. I scanned the dark windows around us, searching for that flicker.
“What exactly did you see?” Josh started, but I shushed him and kept looking.
There. In the windows, I could see something reflecting off the glass. “There’s something over there.”
“Couldn’t that be occupied?” Josh asked. “Nah,” I replied. “This place hasn’t seen life since the war. Maybe it’s her.”
“Come on, it’s been like a decade, why would she be here on this night specifically rather than all the other times we’ve been here?” His voice dripped with scepticism.
I rolled my eyes. “Miracles happen, come on!”
I dragged him toward the door, then reached out and tried the handle. Locked, or jammed.
“Help me with this, will you?”
Josh reluctantly set his shoulder against the frame and pushed. I shoved at the same time, and something clicked behind the door. No matter how hard we tried though, it didn’t budge.
“Maybe there’s a back door?” I said, unwilling to give up. I moved around the building, searching. Josh followed, rubbing his arms. He looked back at the canoe, and so did I for a moment. Then I shook my head. It was fine where it was. We’d go back for it.