Flower Daily - 719 words - RealFi

Flowers used: periwinkle, wallflower, and wood sorrel

The day was bright and sunny, the rain from last night having finally cleared up. Berry loved the scent of the world after rain, it felt so fresh and welcoming.

Currently, she lay in the grass, staring up at the sky. They were in a small valley, surrounded by flowers, trees, and small mountains. Ray had put her in charge of gathering and drying branches for a fire. She had already gotten the wood, and now all she had left to do was wait.

She yawned. She poked the wood. Still wet. Bored, Berry kicked the ground next to her. She had no patience. Ray said she would need to work on that, if she ever wanted to become a good assassin.

Ray. It had been almost two years since Ray had saved her. In fact, it might be exactly two years now. It was the same month, it looked like May at least. Maybe she should give hims something. But what? She looked around searching for something to give him. Her eyes landed on the perky wallflowers growing along the mountains around them.

What did wallflowers symbolize again? She had studied this, years ago, with her mom… Was it something like faithfulness? Maybe? No- it was loyalty. Loyalty in hardship or something. That actually kind of fit their relationship. She looked around, looking for other flowers.

There were some lilies of the valley. She was pretty sure that those meant like, purity or something. That would be weird. She saw some purple flowers by a rock nearby.

She walked over to them, kneeling down in the soft grass. They looked to be periwinkles. Those couldn’t be native, right? She smiled, looking down at them. These were her mother’s favorite flowers. They meant friendship and memory.

Traitorously, she felt a tear slip down her face. Wiping it off hastily, she picked a few of the bright flowers.
She decided she would make a bouquet of flowers for Ray. A bouquet of flowers that meant something.

```````````````````````````````````````````````

*Ffffshp*

Ray smiled as the Rabbit fell with a small squeal. He added it to his pile. He had enough to feed him and Berry for a couple of days. Stretching, he swung his bow over his shoulder and started the trek back to their temporary campsite.

Berry had been with him for almost two years now. Maybe he could teach her more about being an assassin. She said she wanted to do what he did. At first, he had believed her. But then she had followed him on one of his missions and actually helped him out. After that, he decided that he would teach all he knew. He needed an apprentice anyway, now that he was getting on in years. Plus, being a mentor was surprisingly fun.

Eventually, he arrived back at their camp. Berry was nowhere in sight, but she was probably around her somewhere.

“Berry!” He called, slinging his kill over the makeshift table.

“Coming Ray!” She replied. Ray smiled, sitting down at the little log stool.

Soon, Berry appeared, setting down the firewood in their pit.

“How was hunting?” Berry asked.

“Good. I caught a few animals. A nice plump rabbit too.” Ray studied Berry. She seemed… nervous. She was biting her lip and was holding something under her cloak.

“I- uh- made you something.” Berry flushed slightly, pulling out a bundle of plants from under her cloak. A bouquet.
Ray took it, confused slightly. The flowers were pretty, some green plants that looked like clovers, some orange blossoms, and purple flowers. He didn't know much about flowers.

“What's this for?” Ray asked, smiling slightly. She had made him a bouquet?

“It's, er, almost the two year anniversary of you saving me. I thought I’d make you something.” Berry tucked her short hair behind her ear, looking awkward. “Each of the flowers mean something. The green plants are wood sorrels, they represent joy. The purple flowers are periwinkles, meaning memory and friendship, and the orange flowers are wallflowers, meaning, um, loyalty in hardship.”

That was… so sweet. Berry had had a hard life. When he had found her she had almost been beaten to death. Ray looked down at the flowers in his hand. He stood up.

Walking over to Berry, he hugged her. “Thanks kid.”

“Thanks a lot.”

if someone could critique this, that would be greatly appreciated. I need help especially with the emotions

This is part of a larger story in my dailies! (Prologue) https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/846732/?page=5#post-8799139

“You know, Carnations were used in Korean culture as a way to divine when suffering and hardship come for you.” Daisy looked at the shopkeeper with starry eyes. The excitement in her look was akin to that of a golden retriever, begging for the elderly lady to continue. “It’s precisely the reason why this humble abode is named the way it is! We place three carnations on your head, and whichever one wilts first will tell us.” As she’s speaking, the elderly flower shopkeeper pulls out three white flowers with pink tips that have already bloomed.
“Would I have to stay here until they wilt?” Daisy seemed a little more hesitant now. She knew exactly how long it took for well-kept flowers to wilt, and she was not willing to wait a few days in this flower shop as much as she loved the shopkeeper. Her father would have to find something for her to eat and come back to the shop for a couple of days! “You can always come back, and I’ll give you a headband to put them on,” the flower saleswoman said knowingly.
As she prepared a headband, a man looked at the rows and rows of flowers laid out in front of him. Chrysanthemum, trefoils, ambrosias, perwinkles, and forget-me-nots all filled up his vision. Why were they placed together? Why in this particular order? He knew exactly why but he just couldn’t accept it. One especially seemed a bit out of place compared to the others. Starting to reminisce on the lessons he had received from her, his eyes became a little misty. Lost in thought, he failed to notice his daughter approaching him, with a headband and three carnations on top of her head.
“Daddy, look! Grandma gave me a divination headband and divination flowers! They’re supposed to tell me when bad things come for me by wilting, but I’ll take good care of them and make sure they never will.” The man wiped his eyes and mustered the courage to look at his daughter, trusting his abilities not to break in front of her. “That’s nice… did you make sure to thank Grandma?” Daisy was startled and looked up in surprise and distress at the honorary grandmother. After quickly thanking her, accompanied with a bow, she started to look at the flowers. Her eyes scanned the shelves and pots, and eventually landed on the periwinkle. “We should get flowers, the garden is starting to look a little more lonely now that a few are dying,” she thought in her head.
The shopkeeper looked at her customers, who once came to the shop every week. Her eyes looked at Daisy with compassion and kindness, and glanced over at the man with sorrow and pity. She walked over to him. “Does she even know? Do you even have the courage to tell her?”
“Yes, yes… she knows. She is significantly more mature than I expected. Possibly more than me. She’ll grow up well and hopefully frequent here more often. Maybe she’ll be here when I come back.” His eyes dart across the flowers, from chrysanthemum to ambrosia, to forget-me-nots, and stop at the trefoil, a fire burning in his eyes. She tracks his eyes. “You know, this is a one-way path you’re going down.”
“Yes, yes… I know. Do you have the information?” He looks up at the shopkeeper and is met with a disapproving gaze. “She needs you more than you need this.” He stopped and froze in place. He looked towards her and seemed to be in deep contemplation, with a hint of self-loathing. Later that day, passersbys would see an elderly lady and a young child, around 8 years old, leave the shop alone.


Flower daily, 11/2/2025 516 words
Edited 11/3/2025, 610 words
Edited 11/4/2025, 622 words

Daisies of course mean innocence, but trefoils = revenge which shows what the father's plans are. The other flowers listed (forget-me-nots, ambrosia) are all supposed to represent different ways of grief. Unfortunately seems like my guy chose the trefoil. Also yes that thing about carnations is true look it up!

•┈๑⋅⋯ ꒰ ꒱ ⋯⋅๑┈•

i. “in her next life, maybe there’s more for her. but in this, nothing remains.”

⋆˚✿ day 1
even the deceased don't cry . thriller . 943

i. at the end of the day, when the storm clouds have cleared and the sun has finally fallen, it is mankind who weeps ‘bove their kin and brothers’ bones. those who rest down below cannot cry alongside them, and so they choose peace instead to feast on throughout their long eternity.

Daisy sits in her favorite flower field, buttercups dancing beside her, tickling her skin and whispering their thoughts to the wind. Sweet golden light seems to drip upon them like honey, reflecting off Daisy’s blonde hair in shimmering rifts of sun.
The sky is clear before her, seemingly endless as the field too stretches on for miles. Daisy is alone but not lonely, because silence is more peaceful than any human to sit beside her. Silence is more peaceful than any human, they all scream and h!t and slash skin until it is red with displeasure. Humans hurt. Silence cannot carry anything.
In the distance, Daisy spies two figures’ silhouettes, barely visible through the shadows beginning to set across the lands. It is that time of day where the sunset has already passed but night has not yet fallen
The two figures are far enough away that Daisy cannot make out the sounds or the sights they are producing. She only knows that all they do is spar, words less like song and more like fire, always clawing for a way to burn. So she stands up on wobbly legs, small fingers brushing goodbye to her buttercups. Somewhere below those buttercups, below her footsteps, two bodies lay, hand in hand. Goodbye to her loved ones.
Goodbye.

ii. “evil!” all of mankind is evil in some way. why do they shun protection but crave attention all the same? they claim to not be weak but are without any strength. instead, they turn to other things (w3ap0nry!) to solve their problems. f!sts are, after all, more suited at proving strength than fear is.

As she approaches the figures, their words become clearer though their meanings are still as muffled as before. One of the two, the woman, turns to Daisy with a grotesque expression. She motions toward Daisy, spitting more useless gargle, obviously aimed at the man. Daisy has never known why they are always bickering, why the only thing filling their household are yells and complaints.
Flesh moves to Daisy’s shoulders, and hands claw at her skin there. Piercing as white noise, nails puncture old wounds and slice through worn cvts. She feels something sting the back of her eyes, so similar to the feeling of a thousand sparks scalding her. Too similar, too familiar. Daisy blinks, a single droplet of something running down her face, past her cheeks. Daisy knows bIood too well, and this isn’t it. Daisy knows pain too well, and she knows when it’s coming.
A shriek! Something comes to meet her face and burn her flesh, quick and bruising. Daisy lifts her head, more of those somethings clouding her darkened vision. The man stands before her, his eyes now glaring pointedly at hers, hand still extended.
Teardrops. They drop to the floor and stay there, limp and powerless. Daisy could be a teardrop, she is not unused to the feeling of such uselessness.
Now the noise escalates, only they aren’t yelling at each other but at her. They command their words to attack her mind, but she has built walls made of oleanders to protect her. She does not want to fall like a teardrop, does not want to stay there, on the ground, does not want to be buried beneath buttercups and whispered goodbye to.
She does not want to be buried beneath buttercups and whispered goodbye to.
She does not want to stay there, on the ground.
She does not want to fall like a teardrop.
She does not want to be a teardrop.
She does not want a teardrop.

iii. the things that are so easily brushed beneath rugs and swept beneath floorboards by some are the things locked in boxes and protected in lockets by others. some banish their pain, others embrace it. neither are truly healthy, neither are truly happy. some things cannot be ignored and some things cannot be willingly taken. roses cannot be either. they are a beauty so lethal that they are better off never given at all.

Daisy has never known love. But maybe, in a way, she has always been loved.
Daisy has always known destruction. Maybe, in a way, she is destroyed.
Daisy is ruined, that much is for sure. But how much of her is broken and how much of her is gone?
Her parents are a part of her, her loved ones in the ground. Their bodies are broken, their living is gone.
Her buttercups are a part of her, her childhood to be remembered. Their petals are broken, their caretaker is gone.
Her guardians are a part of her, her pain ‘neath the surface. Their minds are broken, their kindness is gone.
Herself is a part of her, her last thing she has. Its heart is broken, its willingness gone.
Daisy is not unfamiliar with pain. She has always known is, just as she’s known her buttercups, just as she’s known lying on the floor, cradling her head, b!t!ng her tongue, cvtt!ng her flesh, st4rv!ng her stomach, holding back tears.
Daisy can fight. Daisy can run.
Daisy can never find peace.
Daisy can try. Daisy can scream.
Daisy can never be loved.
Daisy can fear. Daisy can hide.
Daisy can never cry.
In her next life, maybe there’s more for her.
But in this, nothing remains.
After all, even the d3c3ased don’t cry.

──★ ˙ jellyfish daily
451 words … november 3

Did you know that jellyfish are 95% water? You might be wondering why this daily contains such a random fact — and that's because today is World Jellyfish Day. In honour of these weird and wonderful creatures, your task today is to incorporate jellyfish into a story of 400 words for 400 points (and claim an extra 100 points for sharing proof)!

DISCLAIMER: This writing is meant to be taken lightly. I do not support (human) cannibalism.

Aw dang it. I accidentally did it again. As a fellow water, I drank a water friend. I told myself I wouldn't do I, but I did. I sure hope the police don't catch me. But whatever, I can just consume them as well.

Things have been quite off lately. For one, ever since I started consuming my friends, I've been growing tentacle-like extensions. Except they're skinny, and there are so many of them. Usually water fits to the container it is in. But my “tentacles” are weird. They are fixed, but still flexible. I have even been moved to a larger container, and they are still like that. The parts of me that didn't become tentacles have become a blob, and act similar to the “tentacles.” I think it's a body of some sort.

There is also some blue color to me. I'm still partly transparent, but not completely see-through.

But at least my mobility has increased, and I have started to drink the water around me.

That has led to more unwanted things. For one, it has been harder for me to move when I am not submerged in water. I do not know why. When someone touches me, I can actually feel it. Unlike before I became a cannibalist, I just knew someone was touching me. I think eating the other waters allowed me to sense the temperature and pressure change.

Strangely, people have started to not want to touch my tentacles. It's like it has caused them pain. But they still touch the main blob. I think it is is safe for them or something, I am not too sure.

I have been transferred again. I think the humans have noticed that the water they were giving me was starting to harm me more than helping me. I am in a bigger container. One where I cannot see its walls. It has minerals, animals, and other organisms. This makes it harder to commit cannibalism, but I feel so much better. Besides, the urge to consume water is barely there anymore.

My growth rate has slowed, but now I swim freely. I don't know what the fish are talking about, but I can the sounds through vibration, in which I do understand. They call me a “jellyfish,” which is rather fitting considering my current state. No longer do I want to drink the water around me. I have found friends, fellow jellyfish. But unlike my previous life as water, I don't want to eat them. Besides, it's not like I am able to in the first place.

So, lesson learned. Committing cannibalism as water is the best thing for you if you want to find meaning in life.

“Woah!” Isiah said, voice filled with wonderment as he scampered away from his older sister’s side. Lilac held out a hand, almost reaching out to grab him before sighing. Just… let him have his fun, she thought. He’s only 13.

A moment later, his hands were pressed against the glass of one of the aquarium’s exhibits. He turned, eyes bright with excitement as he pointed out its inhabitants. “Li! Look! Jellyfish!”

Lilac glanced up, following where he was pointing. And, yeah, there were jellyfish, lazily floating in the waters of their tank. Their tentacles streamed out behind them, making them look almost graceful.

“Pretty,” she commented as she walked over to stand behind her younger brother.

“Mhm, they’re really neat,” he said, dropping his hands by his side. “Mrs. Barnes is letting us write a whole essay with any topic we choose. I think I’m gonna choose these guys as my topic.”

“Yeah?” Lilac prompted, curious. Isiah was notorious for putting off his essay for as long as he reasonably could. Which usually ended up being a day or two before its due date, much to her chagrin.

“Yeah,” he said, wandering over to one of the informational plaques around the room. “They’re really cool.” There was a pause. “And dangerous. But I think that’s what makes them kinda neat. They’re just so… small and squishy, but their stingers… they’re so powerful for being on such little creatures. I mean, there’s one that’s, like, really, really big. Lion’s mane, I think? Or is the Man o’ War? Anyways, it’s one of the two and they’re huge and honestly it’s a little scary? Because like, sure you could see them for, like, ages, but still…”

He trailed off, realizing he was rambling. “… it’s. Yeah.” He glanced to the side, looking embarrassed.

“… I didn’t traumatize you about jellyfish when you were… what, eight, did I?” Lilac asked, gently trying to nudge him into rambling again.

“Nuh-uh!” he said, shaking his head rapidly. “That’s dumb. They hurt but like… it’s not super likely I’d get stung by one, since we don’t go to the beach ever.”

“I dunno…” she couldn’t help but tease. “There is Tempest Bay…”

“What? Nobody can go down there!” he said. “It’s too steep. It’s like… a sheer cliff!”

She chuckled, ruffling his hair. “Messing with you, ‘Siah. I’m just glad you think they’re cool.”

“Yeah, they’re cool!” he said, grinning away. “There’s so many fun facts about them that I’m gonna use in my essay.”

“Oh yeah?” she asked.

“Mhm.” He nodded. “They’re like… ninety percent water or somewhere around there, and like…”

Lilac smiled as he continued to ramble on happily. Mission success. Brother successfully cheered up and distracted after having a bad school day. Score.

Daily 3: Jellyfish Day Daily
word count - 544 words

Under the silent shimmer of the moon, lay an undiscovered territory of magic, hope, and dreams. Far below the surface, where sunlight could barely penetrate, were where the darkness beneath the waters lurked. It was a tale like no other… my grandfather would often tell me about it before he passed away a few years ago. Now, all of it is a mystery I guess.

- not everything is darkness -

Though everybody believed that the darkness was where evil lurked, I had a feeling that it was much more than that. And I was right. There, in that specific location - hidden by what everybody assumed were dangers - lay the most magnificent masterpiece of them all. However, as most people say… beauty and reward always comes at a cost. The journey to get to this secret grotto was a treacherous one. From the time I could walk on land it's all I ever heard. “Beware of the cursed winds” or “watch out for the dark sweep”, it's always the same old worries being repeated over and over again. After some time, you can't blame someone for being curious.

So I went. I decided to examine the waters and seal my fate. To be frank, I've always felt like a Moana… some sort of connection to these deeper waters. In my dreams I can hear the humming of the ocean just outside my house. The waves rushing up against the jagged rocks that lined the peninsula. Above all, I could see was a coruscating rainbow of colors, almost like those geometric patterns you would see on a kaleidoscope. It was all so magical that I couldn't believe that this realm had been hidden from us due to the irrational fears of our people.

Something must've of happened, I just knew it. My job was to figure out what and so, I knew it was time to cross the black barrier of darkness. Swimming towards it, I could feel a pull drawing me inwards. It was strong and vivid, yet it had a peaceful touch to it. I reached forwards, inching my way towards the misty cloud. A cold sensation pierced through my skin and I shuddered for a second. However, just a second later I was in front of an illuminated castle and that's when I saw them.

They floated so gracefully across the blue ocean lights - hundreds of jellyfish with their transparent bodies. Though each one had an inner glowstone that kept it shining. It all made sense.. their light, that hope - that's what the kaleidoscope of colors were. It was them all along! The current in the area carried them across the castle, and streaks of light filled hollow atrium I was standing in. As I floated towards them, the jellyfish all pulsed in unison. And for some reason, I could understand exactly what they were saying.

Turns out, this darkness that everybody was so afraid of, was nothing but color, light, and hope. A change for not only renewal, but redemption for past sins. It was at that moment I realized that sometimes, even the most dangerous places are waiting for someone to visit them - solely to express the truths that were buried in lies.

jellyfish daily, 412 words.

Alex stands just out of sight of George, holding the bowl of popcorn in one hand and his glass in the other. He'd gone to the kitchen to get snacks, but now waits in between the kitchen and the living room, not yet rejoining his husband on the sofa. Alex smiles, taking the opportunity- whilst George is thoroughly engrossed in the movie- to admire the scene.
Since getting married, one of the things he's truly appreciated most are these little moments- when their life is peaceful, and they can just be in each other's presence. Maybe George's obsession with kid's movies is a slight drawback, but honestly? Alex would watch a hundred silly films if it meant that he got to be with his husband.
He chuckles and walks to flop back onto the sofa, putting the bowl of popcorn is George's lap. He turns his head to smile briefly at Alex, before returning his focus onto the television. Alex rolls his eyes.
"Sing cannot possibly be this interesting, Georgie,“ he says.
”It is!“ George replies, affronted. ”And look, this is one of my favourite scenes. When they get the jellyfish to light up and do the dancing!“
Eyebrows raised skeptically, Alex turns to watch the TV. The many chorusing animals of the movie are dancing on a glass stage flooded with water. Within that stage, jellyfish in a kaleidoscope of colours pulse to the beat, forming entrancing patterns behind the performers. It's highly unrealistic, but Alex will admit that it does look really cool.
”Imagine if they could do that in real life,“ George says wistfully, drawing a chuckle from Alex. ”Seriously! I would pay crazy money to see that.“
”I would too, baby,“ Alex agrees. ”I'd take you out on a date there.“
”Uh, I'd be the one taking you out,“ George smiles. ”Imagine if this stage was at a restaurant. We go out, eat a nice, three course meal. The band plays and the jellyfish dance- and then when we're done, we go the dance floor and dance, too.“
They're both smiling now, the image clear in their minds. George shakes his head, laughing slightly.
”I think I've been watching too many movies.“
”I think so, too,“ Alex teases, prodding his husband. ”Wouldn't change that, though. Not with you.“
”Aww.“ George beams brightly. ”You're the best, Alex. I love you. I hope you know that.“
And Alex does.
”But now we actually have to focus on the movie, okay?"


AWWWW SO CUTIE PATOOTIE

──★ ˙ different forms of writing weekly
1,189 words … november 3

Part One - Poetry

Pick up your pens and let your imagination roam…you guessed it, legends! It's time to write a poem. Whether it's a mythic epic or lovelorn sonnet, poetry comes in many forms and voices, and now it's your turn to play with words and create something harmonious, humorous, or heartbreaking – the possibilities are limitless. First, read through Zai's wonderful workshop on poetry here, and then use what you've learned to start crafting your own. Your finished poem should be at least 100 words long. May the fates be with you, poets!

Loneliness—neither friend or foe—is always there
It's tucked away in a corner, but never completely gone
In the valleys of insecurities, it lays its share
Yet, in the game of life, its merely a pawn

It moves in the shadows, never scared but never bold
But it shaped my strength in silence
A valuable lesson greater than gold
Its solace found and gave me guidance

It carves the space courage needs to grow
Forces into a seemingly hard, but better route
High places are only high from being low
From digging holes in us, virtues are able to sprout

Loneliness haunts everyone's life
It's there in the quiet moments we try to forget
Present during disaster and strife
In the end, it's our choice: a lesson or regret

130 words


Part Two - Songwriting

Now that you've delved into the world of poetry, it's time to channel your inner Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, *insert favourite singer here* because it's time to write a song. There are so many genres, styles and themes, so here to guide you is this workshop by the amazing Alba. Then, it's over to you to write 200 number of words. Happy songwriting!

Stronger Than You (1x1x1x1 parody)
parody inspired by the Sans and Chara version of this song <3

Intro :
The timer is ticking
Your allies are gone, rejuvenated into zombies
With your sword on cooldown, there's a clear winner
This battleground was only meant for one

Verse 1:
There's no point now, you're covered with grime
My hatred will overpower your glory, I won't be shy
Just surrender already
Face me now—this isn't hide and seek
But survivors like you are weak and pathetic
I will come at you with my entanglement
Let's go, let's finally end this
Let's go, you chicken lover

Chorus:
Go ahead and try to swing at me if you're able
I know your hitbox is worse than my eyesight
I can see that you're already limp, dying
You can't stop the infection I'm bringing
We know this fight will continue on
Across the second, third, fourth dimensions
I know these rounds will keep on going
But my legacy will last forever

Post-Chorus:
I am made o-o-o-o-of
Ha-a-a-a-ate, a-a-a-a-ate
Ha-a-a-a-ate, ha-a-a-a-ate, ha-a-a-a-ate

Verse 2:
This is where you die
This is where I win
No matter what you do
Your fate was sealed long ago
Go beg for mercy
But I won't stop slashing
Can you not understand?
This is how it was meant to be

Chorus:
Go ahead and try to swing at me if you're able
I know your hitbox is worse than my eyesight
I could keep doing this for eternity
But I think you would be gone long before that
Just us sword fighting on the heights
With my Daemonshank against your 'lumina
I am your demise, I am your mirror
I am your creation of hatred

Post-Chorus:
I am entirely made of
Ha-a-a-a-ate, ha-a-a-a-ate, ha-a-a-a-ate

Outro:
And I'm stronger than you
Ha-a-a-a-ate, ha-a-a-a-ate, ha-a-a-a-ate
And I'm stronger than you
Ha-a-a-a-ate, ha-a-a-a-ate, ha-a-a-a-ate

underlined parts = reference to the character's lore/stuff related to him (abilities, game he's from, inside jokes, etc)

284 words

Part Three - Scriptwriting

We've done poems, songs… What's next? We'll, I'm glad you asked—head on over to this workshop by the wonderful Finley, which will provide you with ample information to begin setting the scene for your very own script. To complete this part of the weekly, write a script (or screenplay, as some might call it) for a theatrical scene of your imagination in no less than 300 words. Best of luck, dear screenwriter!

EXT. EMPTY PLAYGROUND - NIGHT

Celeste is sitting on a swing, an empty one next to her. The only light is a dim, coming from a flickering streetlight. She is crying into her well-worn hoodie. She holds a wrinkled letter in her hand, the inked smeared from her tears.

The cold winds rustles the leaves of the nearby trees. The chains creak as she lightly pushes herself.




She looks up to the full moon above, tears sliding down her cheeks. Celeste's head turns, looking to the swing next to her.



EXT. EMPTY PLAYGROUND - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Celeste is sitting on the same swing, this time with a happy expression and no letter. Next to her is her best friend, Kai. Both are happy, and indistinct chatter can be heard.







Kai squeezes Celeste's hand, and she smiles back.







He looks at the sky wistfully, so does Celeste.




She looks back at him, eyes expectant for an answer. He meets her gaze.






EXT. EMPTY PLAYGROUND - NIGHT (BACK TO PRESENT)

Celeste looks away, eyes turned to her sneakers. Her hands press against the letter.




She places the letter down on the empty seat beside her—Kai's swing. It lightly flutters before settling on the cold surface. She rises. Without looking back, she walks away off screen, her swing still moving behind her.

FADE OUT.



317 words

Part Four - Speech

Greetings, legends! For the final part of this weekly, you'll be writing a speech! First, go to this wonderful workshop by Fae in order to learn everything you need about speeches. Next, choose a topic. Your topic can be anything from mangoes, to trees, to Taylor Swift, to robots. The world is your oyster, so go and seize the day! Have fun, speakers! Or, should I say, SWC-peakers? ;D Maybe not… anyways, write a speech of 400 words in order to complete this part of the weekly!

topic - Guest 666 (Forsaken character) is too overpowered
Do you remember the first round you played a game in Forsaken? You knew nothing at the time—the game mechanics, looping, generators—they were all new to you.

You were probably confused, letting your stamina hit 0 and most definitely did not survive the round. Now imagine if there was a massive demon named Guest 666 who could pause the timer? That's what new players have to face. This could be discouraging, as there seems to be nothing you could do against it if you don't know techniques.

Not only that, but it doesn't let those players figure out how the timer works if it just “randomly” pauses. This leaves the near them confused, not understanding how the timer works.

Most people who just joined the game aren't aware of the other free survivors: Elliot and Shedletsky. Because Noob and Guest 666 have lore together, there is an extra 15 seconds on the timer for LMS if they are the last ones. As someone who has over two days of total playtime (57 hours) and mains Noob, I can confirm that I have never survived an LMS with Guest 666. If this is hard for someone who has experience with the game, imagine what a person with none might feel?

Apparently he was supposed to be a snowball killer like 1x1x1x1, but that is clearly not the case with his abilities. It has a ranged attack that can inflict Blindness, see the location of every survivor, leap vertically and horizontally, and inflict Hemorrhage which lowers the total health of the player. They can also, as I've mentioned earlier, pause the timer for 20 seconds, which can be added on if she kills someone. He also has a few passives I believe.

So far, I haven't seen anyone be able to counter her, not even Guest 1337 is able to do well, and he is one of the best sentinels. This all can lead to players—both new and old—quitting the game, due to it being harder to win rounds.

Based on all of this, I think it is safe to say that Guest 666 is way too overpowered, and should be nerfed. It doesn't have to be that much of a change, just something that won't make it basically unbeatable. Maybe make their stamina/speed slower? And perhaps just make the longer LMS just for a specific Noob skin? Just something to make it more balanced.

Overall, Guest 666 has been proven to be not good for new players to face against. They have really good abilities, and no real way for her to be countered. These issues could be easily fixed if the developers would just nerf him or find a way to counter it.

458 words

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Hey! Zodiac (she/her) here! I'm a proud Thrillerian, avid reader/writer, and pretty seasoned in SWC, although it's been quite a while since I've participated in a session. I play violin, love spicy food, and am trying to not procrastinate . see y'all around!


Dailies
- Nov 2nd
- Nov 3rd/4th (different timezones are weird)

Weeklies

Other

Daily - Nov 2nd - 19:25, CST - 514 words

WARNING: BLOOD, PAIN
The stone door thudded shut. The screams of the mob were barely audible in the cavern. I bent over at the waist, sweat dripping from my forehead as I tried to catch my breath. Red splotches entered my vision and threatened to overwhelm my consciousness.
I know I started moving, but I don’t know where. I had never felt as close to my body as now, as if I could feel every nerve humming in my head, the thrum of blood pumping through my body, and spilling out of the deep gash in my side. Time speeded past and slowed at the same time. The drips on the stone cavern echoed painfully loud around me. My eyes started to flit closed, the red haze slowly overtaking me.
Peace.
Then a hand grasped me and pulled me back.
“Hey, focus!”
My eyes opened. I gasped for breath.
I was sitting against the edge of the wall. Every muscle complaining, I twisted around to peer at my side. It was wrapped in deceptively clean bandages, which I felt should have been bled through with my life force by now. I rested my head against the wall, closing my eyes.
“Thanks,” I managed, not bothering to look at him. He grunted in response.
A few minutes later, the pain subsided to a gripping throb, and I forced myself to crack open my eyes, and stare at the ceiling. It was covered in shifting patterns of light, like when you swim to the bottom of a lake in full sunlight. Curiosity overcame me, and I forced myself to lift my head and scout my surroundings. I gasped softly.
We were sitting at the edge of an underground lake, covered in all sorts of things that glow, like algae and water lilies.
And the jellyfish.
They floated peacefully, occasionally contracting their bodies and drifting further in a direction. Most were a pale blue color, while some shone with a brilliant shifting iridescence that you could stare at for hours.
“What are they?” I breathed.
“Survivors of the Taking,” he responded. “I used to come down here as a kid when they conducted.. ‘searches’”. He stroked his scruffy beard. “One of the few places of beauty left in a world like this.” I stayed quiet, not wanting to ruin the rare moment when he shared something about his past. “Although, it caused some of this too. Nothing of the sort would have been able to survive down here until the energies shifted. Now, they owe their whole being to the worst occurrence in the world.”
“Like us,” I remarked. I pushed myself further upright, wincing as a sharp pain stabbed in my abdomen. He gazed at me with a critical eye.
“I suppose we should get moving,” he conceded. He rose and strode over to me, propping my arm on his shoulder and helping me stand.
“Where are we going next?” I asked as we began to limp forward.
“Wherever we drift among the land.”

Amira stared at the clownfish as they swam in their tiny little tank. She was trying not to think about the guy in the room next door. She didn't even really know Andrew, but something about him had kept her coming back to the museum, ever since she first came on a tour for school and became enamored with everything about him. Sure, she really did like fish. And they were a good excuse for her to come to the aquarium, since she was studying to become a marine biologist. But the real reason she came… “Moon jellyfish, scientifically known as Aurelia aurita, are ethereal creatures that gracefully glide through the ocean. These jellyfish are frequently encountered in coastal regions globally. Don't let its gentle appearance fool you—while its sting is generally harmless to humans, its presence in large numbers can cause ecological imbalances with population explosions.” The voice floating in from the next room was enough to lure Amira over, and she stepped over into a dark room filled with moon jellyfish. They lit up the room dimly with a translucent glow, making for a stunning picture. Especially when combined with the sound of his voice. Amira stood, in barely contained awe, as Andrew explained the beautiful animals floating before their eyes.

After the tour was over, (which Amira kept trying and failing not to follow) Andrew pulled Amira aside. “You seem familiar,” he said. “Have I seen you somewhere before?” “Probably.” Amira admitted shyly. “I come here a lot.” “Oh.” Andrew responded. “Most people don't come more than once.” Amira was dying inside. She was pretty sure he could hear her heart beating out of her chest at this point. She came because of him! But of course she couldn't tell him that. “I'm studying at the college to become a marine biologist,” she told him. “I came once for an assignment and loved it.” “Yeah,” Andrew said with a smile, “It is pretty special.” Then, after a few moments of silence that threatened to become awkward, he came out of his train of thought and said, “Well, if you're that interested, we have an internship position open. I could talk to somebody about hiring you, if you have enough extra time with school and all.” Amira was elated! A job that sounded like it would be perfect for her and a chance to see Andrew a lot! This was turning out to be an amazing day. “Sounds amazing!” Amira said. “Here's my phone number!” She smiled. From now on, her favorite animal would be a moon jellyfish.

My little post for the nov swc yayayyayayayay (solarpunk ftwwwww)

Daily 11/2
Aurelia had always admired jellyfish. They floated through the water seemingly without a care in the world, semi-translucent bodies giving them an ethereal look and an opalescent sheen. If you asked her for one word, she would describe them as otherworldly. After a long day, Aurelia would go sit by the aquarium and reminisce. How she wished she could be carefree as they were. Things had been hard, and the death of her sister weighed heavily on her. Still, seeing the jellyfish glide through the clear water stilled her worries. She remembered her sister telling her shortly before she had died about the marine invertebrates.
“Aurelia, I love jellyfish. They don’t have a heart or a brain, but they find a way to survive. They work past their hardships to thrive in their environments. They’re even called a bloom when they’re in a group, like resilient flowers. I’ve always watched them after hard times to remind me that if they can do it, so can I.” she had said. And so Aurelia watched. To remind herself that the hard times could, and would, pass.
She tapped her fingers against the faded wood of her desk, too distracted to focus on the work in front of her. Her headphones played gentle music quietly as she stared out her window at the city street that the rain had made a blur of colors. As she closed her eyes and tilted her head back, she found herself thinking again about the jellyfish.
“Moon Jellies.” she murmured to herself, half unsure of what she was doing.
“Lion’s mane, man o’ war, comb.” she continued, reciting the names like a mantra. A faint spark of a memory settled deep within her. And then Aurelia knew.
“Lia, don’t they all sound like they come from another world? Moon jellies, radiant like their namesake. Lion’s mane, fierce and bright. Man o’ war, deadly but beautiful. But where else would you find creatures like that? Only Earth.”. Her sister had smiled then.
“Moon jelly, Lion’s mane, man o’ war, comb. Spotted, box, nettle. Gentle, fierce, deadly, harmless, beautiful, strange, all different. Repeat them when you need them, Aurelia. Repetition calms the mind. Come on, say it!” she had told Aurelia, eyes sparkling. And she had laughed, in spite of herself.
“Okay, okay. Moon jelly, Lion’s mane, man o’ war…ah, come on Dohrin, I feel stupid. Can’t memorize all that anyway.”
“Alright, alright, I’ll leave you be just for now. But I’m serious. It helps.” Her sister’s teasing voice faded away softly.
The present came back slowly, as if the world wanted to be gentle with her for just a moment. Aurelia trained her eyes on the subtly shifting colors outside her apartment. Somehow, they reminded her of the jellyfish she thought of so often.
“Moon jelly.” she tried, voice breaking. She took a deep breath.
“Moon jelly, Lion’s mane, Man o’ war, comb. Spotted, box, nettle. Gentle, fierce, deadly, harmless, beautiful, strange, all different. Different like we were. Yet we were still the same. Wherever you are, Dohrin, I hope you can hear me.” Aurelia said, never looking away from the window as her imagination formed the shifting shapes and shades into a bloom of jellyfish swimming calmly around the laughing figure of her sister. Silent tears dropped onto the chipped wood. She could imagine her sister in another world, jellyfish swirling around her as she called out to each one by name.
“Moon jelly, Lion’s mane, Man o’ war…”
**author’s note Aurelia’s name is taken from the scientific name for the moon jelly, while Dohrin’s is inspired by the immortal jelly’s ^^

Daily 9/3/25 (400 words)
“It’s hard, having a heart, in the city. Look at the stars, waiting for someone to tell you you’re pretty, you’re enough.” - City of Angels, Em Beihold

Aven’s past few months had flashed by in a blur. Bright, young, and full of potential, she had been scouted out at every meet, been observed every time she took a stroke. Now, she was training to swim for her country. It had been her lifelong dream, ever since she had started swimming at the age of five. She joined the swim team at ten, and dropped time every meet. They told her she was a fast learner. She was.
One stroke at a time, she fought her way through hard sets, learning discipline. She pushed through all challenges until she was one of the fastest swimmers in the country. Now, the world would know Aven Kairos. And she was ready.
At sixteen, she swam her first Olympics and placed high in most of her events, putting her on the map. She trained harder than ever before, and at twenty, she placed first in one of her events. Her publicity skyrocketed.
Aven loved it. She was finally seen as the hardworking, talented swimmer she had always dreamt of being. But the internet was harsh. And as she grew more popular, Aven found herself the target of hateful words online and in-person. Still, she let the remarks slide off her back. But as they piled higher and higher, she began making changes. Subtle at first, then more and more as she bent to the will of the public. Swimming was no longer her passion, her drive. It was what she showed the world to prove she was good enough for them. Yet it seemed she was never enough.
At age twenty four, gone was the Aven Kairos that had once swam for her country and the good of others. She placed well, taking two golds and one silver, but she was different. She swam for herself now, arguing disqualifications and no longer congratulating the swimmers she competed against. Desperate, only ever wanting to be seen and appreciated by all.
She never competed in another Olympic games. Some suspected that she had simply gotten too old. Some said that she decided to pursue a different career. But the truth was that the pressure had broken her. So she was known as Aven Kairos, a rising star that had burned too bright, too fast, a prime example of what the world could do to you if you lived for validation, fame, and glory.
**author’s note my friend was listening to this song while i was trying to find a lyric for the daily, so it worked out lmbo

Word wars 9/4/25 (191 words)
“In the presence of ghosts, there was only one thing to do…”
Ember knew what she had to do. She braced herself. Took a deep breath. The half translucent figures flickered ethereally in front of her.
“BIG FLUFFY UNICORNS DANCING ON RAINBOWS~” She sang as loud as she could. The spirits shrieked, jarred by her horrendous singing. “ITS RAINING TACOS, FROM OUT OF THE SKY, TACOS, NO NEED TO ASK WHY~” She continued, screeching and voice cracking for dramatic effect. “BEEEEGOOOOONNEEEEE OR THE SUPERIOR POWER OF RAINBOWS, TACOS, AND UNICORNS WILL INFEST YOU FOREVERRRRRRRRR!!!!” She screamed, wild red hair flying about as she ran through the twisting shapes (a rather unpleasant experience, but rather unpleasant for them too, so Ember decided that was okay). “BEGONE, RECOIL FROM MY HORRIBLE SINGING, EAT SPARKLESSSSSS!!!!!” she screamed. The ghosts rustled about, whispering noisily and screeching in panic. They dissipated. “AAAAND ANOTHER BUNCH DONE, DONE, FINISHED!!!!!” Ember declared triumphantly. “MY OFF TUNE SINGING HAS CONQUERED YET MORE OF THESE LITTLE INFERIOR SPIRITS. HAHA GHOSTS, TAKE THAT !! BE VANQUISHED BY MY INNATE AURA OF TACOS, UNICORNS, RAINBOWS, AND SPARKLESSS!!!!”. Ember laughed maniacally, as only she could do. Ghosts, no problem. Singing, yes problem, but that was good anyway.

Daily 11/5/25 (553 words)

Her favorite season was always fall. For different reasons every year. It seemed, with each annual autumn, another layer was added to her story.
Freya, ten years old, ran about the bustling Thanksgiving feast, blonde braids bouncing up and down chaotically. Her older sister, Ingrid, at thirteen, simply laughed at her antics.
“Freya, you’re going to trip!” She scolded good naturedly. The younger sister blew a raspberry, crossing her stormy gray eyes.
“Boo, Ingrid, you’re no fun.” she grumbled. Ingrid brushed aside her straight, coppery hair and led her hyperactive sister over to a large round pumpkin.
“Let me tell you a story.” the auburn said, sitting down and leaning against the gourd. She patted the ground next to her. Freya curled up with her sister, resting her head against the orange rind of the pumpkin.
“Sometimes, I think life is like a pumpkin.” Ingrid began. Freya giggled.
“What?!” she yelped incredulously.
“Shh. There are a lot of different types of pumpkins. Some can be rough, or bumpy, or ugly. But when you crack them open, their meat is sweet and delicious. And life can be rough. Bumpy, and ugly. But there’s always something good to be learned, like the sweet meat of the pumpkins deep inside, if you’re willing to put in the work.” She finished, silver eyes glinting. Freya pouted.
“Heyyy, that wasn’t a story!” she complained. Ingrid grinned down at her.
“Maybe not, but I want you to remember that, mmkay?” She said, voice light and teasing but carrying something else too. The blonde sister didn’t understand what her older sibling was talking about, but agreed anyway.
“Okay!” she chirped.
Freya, sixteen years old, walked silently about her friends and family. It was Thanksgiving, but for the life of her, she couldn’t think of anything to be thankful for. Her hair was tightly coiled in a knot at the nape of her neck. Her older sister walked beside her, now nineteen, rushed away from college because of a sudden and life-changing accident. Their mother lay in some overly formal box in front of them, dressed too stiffly to ever be reminiscent of her, still and silent, never to open her eyes again. The sisters didn’t say anything throughout the funeral, didn’t scream, only cried silently. And that was when Freya awoke a long forgotten memory.
“There are a lot of different types of pumpkins. Some can be rough, or bumpy, or ugly. But when you crack them open, their meat is sweet and delicious. And life can be rough. Bumpy, and ugly. But there’s always something good to be learned, like the sweet meat of the pumpkins deep inside, if you’re willing to put in the work.There are a lot of different types of pumpkins. Some can be rough, or bumpy, or ugly. But when you crack them open, their meat is sweet and delicious. And life can be rough. Bumpy, and ugly. But there’s always something good to be learned, like the sweet meat of the pumpkins deep inside, if you’re willing to put in the work.”. She whispered. Ingrid whipped her head towards her.
“You really remembered that?” she asked, a sad smile curving her lips.
“I guess I really did. It’s true isn’t it?” Freya mused, though her voice broke.
“Yeah. Yeah, it’s true.” Ingrid replied.
**a/n: idek what this is i was half asleep lmao

Weekly 1

Poetry - elegy (120 words)

My dear friend
It’s been a while
I miss you everyday

Your radiant laugh
The shine in your eyes
My life cold when you went away

Where could I find
The warmth you brought
It pains me more than words could say

Yet I know in my heart
That the storm will pass
I’ll see you again someday

Yes winds may blow
Floods may come
But I’ll hold on to your light

When I see you again
In heaven’s hand
You never be any less bright

It will keep me going just for a time
I’ll hold steadfast
Through the night

And the when the day comes
I’ll let out a grateful sigh
That the end is finally in sight

**a/n help im so bad at poetry I can’t~

Songwriting - Take Me Back (227 words)

Oh take me,
Take me back,
To where it all started

Oh take me,
Take me back,
To the life I used to love

Oh we were young and we were bold
Free from the chains we now hold
Oh tell me what it is
That makes me feel like this

Take me back
Let me leave the world behind
Just this once
Let me ignore all those times
I regretted
Please just for a minute
Take me back

Oh take me,
Take me back,
I just want a second

Oh take me,
Take me back,
To the world of my innocence

Oh we were young and we were bold
Free from the chains we now hold
Oh tell me what it is
That makes me feel like this

Take me back
Let me leave the world behind
Just this once
Let me ignore all those times
I regretted
Please just for a minute
Take me back

And if i had just a few hours
I would climb the highest towers
Just to relive my best times

And if i had just a few miles
I’d keep pushing through with a stupid smile
Just to relive my best times

Take me back
Let me leave the world behind
Just this once
Let me ignore all those times
I regretted
Please just for a minute
Take me back

**a/n: does it rhyme? NOT REALLY DDDDD

Script - Rambutan, give me a worm !!! (363 words)

Inspired from my fifth grade wings of fire fanfictions that I wrote with a few of my friends.

A cozy treehouse in the NightRain Kingdom. This belongs to RAMBUTAN, a young rainwing. Her best friend, a young nightwing named STARPATH, is with her. They are examining worms.

RAMBUTAN: Woah, that’s a FAT one.
Rambutan holds up a squiggly pink worm, looking at it in amazement. It is, admittedly, quite a large specimen.
STARPATH (laughing): yeah, that one’s pretty big. How long is he?
RAMBUTAN (measuring the worm with her talon): like, SIX INCHES !!!!
STARPATH: good, good.
She scratches the measurement in her log of “Worm Mesuremints”, definitely spelled correctly.
Rambutan is now holding almost all of them in her claws.
RAMBUTAN: hehe, Starpath, lookit, they’re so wiggly.
STARPATH: Rambutan, we’re supposed to be recording the growth of the worm population. Gimme one.
RAMBUTAN: But they’re so squishy!
STARPATH: DON’T CRUSH THEM !!
RAMBUTAN: Oops.
STARPATH: Rambutan, give me a worm!!!
RAMBUTAN: Kay, kay, sorry.
Rambutan hands Starpath a worm.

Just then, FICER, a hyper Icewing-Skywing hybrid poked his head through the door, followed by his older brother, RECIF, who was fixing his glasses.
FICER: HEYYYY WATCHA DOING??
He farts loudly.
Recif sighs.
RECIF: Ficer, don’t do that. It’s rude.
Starpath and Rambutan try not to look disgusted.
RAMBUTAN: We’re splamifying the worms!
STARPATH: Rambutan, that’s not even close to “analysing”.
RAMBUTAN: I know, I just decided that that word was too boring and “splamifying” sounded better.
Starpath sighs, but knows better than to argue.
Ficer notices the worms and shrieks.
FICER: AGHBLAGHURUGH!! GET THOSE THINGS AWAY FROM ME!!!
STARPATH: Ficer, don’t tell me you’re afraid of worms.
FICER: I was…doing a volume check.
RAMBUTAN: That doesn’t even make sense.
FICER: Neither does “splamifying”!!
Rambutan and Ficer begin arguing as Recif examines the data log.
RECIF: …how long did this take you.
Starpath’s expression turns guilty.
STARPATH: uhhhhh, like, two weeks?
RECIF: Moons above, Starpath, do you have anything to do?
RAMBUTAN: nerp!
Ficer sits huddled in the corner, surrounded by worms.
Recif sighs (again).
RECIF: What did we learn today?
RAMBUTAN: Ficer is afraid of worms, and now I can make him do whatever I want.
Recif facepalms, Starpath looks mildly amused, and Ficer starts screaming his head off.
A normal Tuesday.

**a/n: NOSTALGIAAAA/iykyk (which you probably don’t)

Speech - Speeches! (465 words)

As my creativity has spontaneously backfired, my speech for the weekly is on speeches! I’m extroverted irl, and a lot of my friends ask me for advice on public speaking. Now, I can’t guarantee that this is good advice, but it works for me, and it works for my friends. Sometimes. So here we go! Here’s my speech on speeches, and the methods of doing some good public speaking I’ve found most helpful.
Firstly, public speaking, presenting, whatever you’d like to call it, is nerve wracking for most individuals, including myself, even though I actively enjoy it. You may hear often that taking deep breaths calms your mind, and that’s because it does! While this isn’t my only tip, it’s probably the easiest to remember in case you freeze up and can’t think about anything else. Oxygen boosts memory, and just a few breaths can get you in the flow again! Another thing you can try is simply acting confident. I’ll share more about how to look confident in my next paragraph, but science shows that if you act sure of yourself, you’ll usually naturally begin to feel like it, so fake it ‘till you make it is very real and applicable.
Second, we all know not to judge a book by its cover. But in reality, it’s a
subconscious reaction our minds have to analyse what we look at. So, step two, look prepared, even if you aren’t! Stand tall, make eye contact with members of your audience throughout, and try to avoid fidgeting. If you’re presenting with slides or some other form of reference like notecards, checking them is perfectly fine! But make sure that you continue to look up and remember: you shouldn’t be writing your entire speech on the slides/notecards, only brief summaries or bullet points to guide your presentation. Gesture as you speak, and don’t forget to smile, but remain professional.
Third and lastly, you can always chat with someone. Talking with a teacher or another adult can really help, as they will most likely have experience with these types of things. Even though I’ve spoken in front of people quite a lot of times, talking to my teachers about an upcoming presentation often provides new insight, some of which I’ve shared with you today! Remember, there’s always more to learn, and that’s what teachers or other trusted adults are for, so don’t hesitate to ask.
All in all, I hope my grandiose speech on speeches has given you some applicable advice in the daunting realm of public speaking. Again, this won’t work for everyone, and I’m not a scientist, so this is all just based on personal experience! To conclude, I’ve found these pretty helpful for me personally, and I hope they’re helpful for you too. Have fun!

**a/n: FIRST WEEKLY FINISHED AYYYYYY 1175 WORDS IN TOTAL <3
Solarpunk ftwwww!!!!!

word war
“i told you we needed more glitter, “, ping says, staring sadly at the car. pong stands with their arms folded across their chest, huffing.
“what do you mean, more gitter? have you seen this street? it’s pracetically reflective now. i think you could find us all the way from the moon.” they exclaim.
“you’re joking,” ping refutes, “there's not nearly enough of it. you can barely tell that it’s shimmery, can’t you?”
“well obviously, that’s because you added so much it practically canceled out. ”
ping and pong sigh. “mom’s oging to be mad at us when she get’s home, isn’t she? and so are the news reporters, this much glitter in one go can’t be good for the economy.”

she has this recurring dream sometimes. one that doesn’t make sense whatsoever, nor did it look like it held much of a hidden meaning.
she’s floating in the middle of a dark expanse - not the kind that comes with nightfall, where the earth is still somewhat separable from a sky of flickering stars - but complete, vast emptiness, nothing to hold on to and nowhere to walk. there is a blue orb in the distance, hovering and glowing like a neon sign.
the image has never stayed long enough for her to get closer, much less decipher what it could be. except for this time. at first, she stands her distance and simply watches as she had dozens of times before, before a slow dawning comes upon her - she was still here. why not move? why not solve the thing that kept coming back to pester her?
she cuts through the darkness in a motion not unsimilar to swimming, and it occurs to her that she was probably underwater. if she had actually thought about it extra hard for once, there weren’t lots of places to float in emptiness. except, in this world, there was no biting coldness or even slightest movement of a current.
the glowing orb grows closer, before she jolts awake in her bed.
it goes like that for the next few times the dream loops around. every time, she gets a little closer, before waking up in a cold sweat. there’s an old primordial voice in her mind that nags at her, whispering, you’re not supposed to be there. she ignores it.
until at last, it’s clear enough for her mind to fill in the rest of the gaps: a jellyfish. electric blue, curling tentacles, it’s glow pulsing steadily like the beat of a drum.
she closes the rest of the distance easily enough, not stopping to wonder why she hadn’t been woken yet. she examines the pretty little thing with wide eyes, more questions than answers.
why a jellyfish?
was it really just a silly scenario that her mind had made up, then?
and she really shouldn’t have, but just couldn’t resist. like they were acting of their own accord, her fingers reached out to brush its squishy-looking dome. it pops like a bubble, body folding back into the water and the realm’s only source of light fading.
when she next wakes up, the same soft blue glow is coming from her fingers. she reaches for her blanket, blankly watching the soft spark of electricity that results and illuminates her room.
(i don’t really know where i;m going with this either sorry just imagine. like. jellyfish spiderman)

Did you know that jellyfish are 95% water? You might be wondering why this daily contains such a random fact — and that's because today is World Jellyfish Day. In honour of these weird and wonderful creatures, your task today is to incorporate jellyfish into a story of 400 words for 400 points (and claim an extra 100 points for sharing proof)!

Jellyfish Daily
407 words <3

(so naturally this is going to be a story about Utopian :P)

You enter the cabin on a seemingly normal day, (or as normal as anything gets when you’re a part of SWC), expecting a normal amount of chaos in the famous Utopian cabin (which to be fair is still quite a lot).
Instead, you enter to what could only be described as a jellyfish cult.
You see, Liv had made a terrible, terrible mistake. When she selected the cabin currency, she choose a beautiful lantern looking symbol, hoping for it to represent lights.
(this is the symbol, for reference - ଳ)

However, we must acknowledge that Liv is a naive, naive leader, who does not understand how the brains of the campers work.
So, rather than have respectable lantern-lights (which were supposed to represent finding your way in the foggy clearing that you very much. (and cabin storylines -ignore that they were being used as money)). She ended up with cult-like campers raving about jellyfish, with her very own co’s in the centre of it all.

Needless to say, Liv has learned from that mistake.
But back to the story.

Upon entering said cabin, you are struck by a shocking yet beautiful scene. Hundreds of jellyfish. Everywhere. They’re practically being sprinkled around like confetti, strike that –they are being thrown about like confetti.

There is even a project dedicated to it, where the campers sit like ducks and marvel at the gelatinous blobs floating through the water. They look so enraptured, so in love with the jellies.

But of course, you, as an SWCer, choose not to be shocked or appalled by this behaviour, and instead embrace it. Joining the cabin in the chaos that has been unfolding over the past while, but this time the chaos finally reached a peak.

Campers are all joking and giggling about jellyfish, and soon enough, more people join in on the chaos, spreading it like jellyfish tentacles across SWC. Till the Utopian cabin is simply known as -Jellyfish.

This my friend, is how we got to this point in time. Where a beautiful, beautiful daily based upon the chaos that month has descended upon us from the heavens. A daily worth worshiping, as you should all worship Utopian, the Jellyfish, and a day where we shall mourn the loss of Liv’s innocent, innocent light currency decision. Never shall that happen again, she swears, but inside she is smiling.
For she knows the truth.

You will all worship the Jellyfish.
Her Jellyfish.
Forevermore.

>:D

Weekly 1: Different Forms of Writing
word count - 1560 words

Part 1: Poetry (144 words)
like a sea of tears flooding the sun,
the luster-filled gateways open once more.
though this time it seems all too real,
as if a long forgotten dream
had turned into a nightmare.

most would say that this is what
was to come. pouring, yes, that's
what this stage was.
nothing seemed to last for even more
than a day. inconsistencies, changes,
it was all too much.
all i needed was for it
all to stop.

light shined down on the crystal tears,
scattered across the fields
in never-ending beauty.
though even in such desperate times
the world cotninued to conrpise.

bringing upon such rainfall,
despite these new beginnings,
i was sure we that the clock was ticking,
to tell us that this, what we loved,
was all just a dream.

yes, it was all
just a dream now lost
to the tattered winds.

Part 2: Songwriting (327 words)
sometimes, those days just
come to an end.
we pray, we hope, but
it keeps falling apart again.

i stand tall, through it all.
keeping my head high,
fighting off all those inner demons.

these hands, tremble as the ground falls apart.
these candles, they flicker in the light.

i know i said it would all change,
i know we were meant to be
back together.

those lonely nights i saw you in
my eyes. i saw you in my eyes.
i saw you in my eyes.
we cried, we sang, we danced
through the pain.

we knew, we conquered,
we set our minds to destroy.

i kept climbing when things got hard.
i pulled you back up and took
you to the start.

through the weathered storms,
i glued the pieces back.
each time, falling apart,
i always came back.

i never had to, yeah, but
i always did. i had a choice,
but i made you my only.
one one one, oh oh oh.
one one one, ohhhhh oh oh.

i know i said it would all change,
i know we were meant to be
back together.

those lonely nights i saw you in
my eyes. i saw you in my eyes.
i saw you in my eyes.
we cried, we sang, we danced
through the pain.

we knew, we conquered,
we set our minds to destroy.
we set our minds to destroy.

through through, and through.
getting by one by one.
through through, and through.
we get stronger one by one.

i know i said it would all change,
i know we were meant to be
back together.

those lonely nights i saw you in
(they saw looking at you)
my eyes. i saw you in my eyes.
i saw you in my eyes.
(eyes eyes eyes)

we cried, we sang, we danced
through the pain.
(yeah we danced through the pain)

and once and for all,
yeah once and for all,
we're done.

Part 3: Scriptwriting (546 words)
Scene 1 - Prepping for the Cookout
INT. BACKYARD - DAY
- ALANA enters from behind the treehouse, followed by RIS. -

ALANA: Oh my gosh! Isn't this the most perfect day to host a barbecue of some sort (trying to contain excitement)

RIS: YES, you're completely right, Lana! We need and alaris cookout.

ALANA: HYPE! What should we do? Personally, you probably know what I'm leaning towards… (mysteriously)

RIS: Wait..are you planning to host another mascot cookout?! (shocked but excited)

ALANA: Perhaps.. I'm not too sure yet, you know? Last time didn't turn out to well with-

RIS: All the riots against you? Well duh- people love the mascots!!

ALANA: But they're so evil oh my gosh! And delicious, bro don't forget that.


- FINI enters the scene with a picnic basket while LIV follows behind with a pitcher of punch. -

FINI: Heyyy guys! GLOWSILY- it's been so long since we've caused chaos!

RIS: Well duh… your fingernail factory took quite a bit of maintenance.

LIV: Dudeeeee this looks so fun! (vibing) *sets the pitcher down on a table*

ALANA: Aye! Thank you so much for bringing the broth to cook our food in, Liv!

RIS: *cackles and cartwheels* YES ICON!

FINI: Wait- are you guys doing what I think you're doing?

ALANA: Fini!! I think you know (smirks)

FINI: YES OMG- I'd love to join this time

ALANA: Awww really? So many people were against it last time.. thank you!

FINI: What can I say, I’m your #1 fan.

LIV: Okay, okay, okay, wait… what are we talking about exactly.

RIS: YOU'LL SEE (smirks)


- ALIA enters with SMARLLS who is wearing a pirate hat made by MOSS -

ALANA: Stress buddy!! It's so good to see you.

FINI: She's even brought some food for us to get started with Livy's broth!

LIV: GUYS- what broth are you talking about?

RIS: The thing in the red pitcher.. duh?

LIV: HELP- that's punch. Not broth!

ALANA: Ahh ok- well we can still use Smarlls!

ALIA: WHAT ALANA- not again.

ALANA: YES AGAIN!! And it's even better than last time.. you've brought Smarlls right to me!

ALIA: I WILL NOT HAVE BE CO-OPTED FOR MASCOT COOKOUTS (furious)

RIS: Why'd you bring Smarlls then?

ALIA: BECAUSE THE INVITE NEVER SAID WE WERE COOKING THEM! (getting more heated)

LIV: OKAY, OKAY, OKAY, WAIT- THIS IS A MASCOT COOKOUT?! (complete shock)

FINI: GUYS- Alanabanana invited you to a “picnic” (sarcasm)… what were you expecting it to be?

RIS: Are you ready to join us, Liv?

LIV: Chur mate (sarcasm).. guys who in their right mind would come to a mascot cookout?

ALANA: Clearly you! I was super clear on my invitation… (goofy vibes)


- KIARA busts open the yard gates and in follow TOKO and MOUSE, who seem to be carrying a large basket filled with mangoes and other sweets galore -

ALANA: and here come some more!

MOUSE: YIPPEEEEE

FINI: Oh my gosh! HIII MOUSEY.

TOKO: Wheeee! Where should I put these mangoes?

LIV: Man I don't even know at this point.

RIS: BRING THEM HERE! We can get a fruit table start while we're cooking. (adding more chaos)

KIARA: Oh goodness! It seems like you have a lot planned. Anything I can do to help (genuine)

Part 4: Speech (508 words)
Have you ever stopped to recognize what keeps pushing you forward each day? Most say it's a motivation of some sort -that spark, that rush, that intense feeling of hope that acts as a sole driver to push you to new limits. What feels like satisfaction is really a dopamine hit that keeps you running. It's almost like that refreshed feeling you get after a good night's sleep, that underlying motion of “I can be better” - nobody truly understands just how powerful that mentality is. In reality, motivation can come from any dream, hope, goal, or simply just a desire to be better than yesterday.

But for others, well they find other ways to motivate themselves. It's competition. Fierce and strategic competition. It's almost like having this consiustent urge “to be the best” when you're competing with individuals with such a high caliber and overall standards from the rest of the world. And it is in that moment you realize, that you need to push yourself to stand out: otherwise you won't be seen.

That feeling can have quite a mental toll on any individual. It's that burden, a sensation that you're letting everybody around you down by not living up to their alleged expectations that you believe they have for you. In such a way, it's almost a paradox of demeaning thoughts that almost make us lose or self-worth and defining purpose.

So really, how do you keep going and not lose hope - all the while making sure that you are taking care of yourself in the process?

The truth you need to understand is that we all have our highs and lows. There will be day where your motivation fades, and that's completely normal. Your progress might feel slow, you might be a bit less lenient and open when it comes to completing other tasks that aren't apart of your plan. However, it's just as important to realize that you body is probably giving you a sign - a sign to slow down, listen to your mind, and take it a bit easy.

While it's easy to say all this, I'd also like you to understand that there's a reason you started pushing yourself. Because what keeps you going isn't simply a feeling, it's a choice you made. It the sacrifices you made when you set your mind to accomplish something more than you could ever imagine. That, yes that, is what true motivation is about. You should be in it for yourself, and nobody else because how are you going to find ways to motivate yourself if there was no reason to begin in the first place?

Motivation is a choice, it's the choice you make when you keep showing up for yourself and pushing through those hard times. Yes, things will not alwasy be easy, and yes, that may or may not taint your motivation. But in those times, I beg of you, to simply take a moment to reflect - understand why you began in the first place, and rest will eventually fall into place.

daily 3! 740 words

“Was it just me,” Geordi asked, “Or were those things just the same shape as a jellyfish?”
“They certainly share a lot of the same visual characteristics of an Earth jellyfish,” said Data. “I suppose it is conceivable that throughout the vast variety of life forms in the galaxy, there would be other repeated patterns beyond those found in humanoid beings.”
Deanna glanced at Will as he let out a chuckle from beside her. “Do you mean to tell me I’ve been inside a jellyfish?” he asked.
Data shrugged with one shoulder. “In a way, Commander.”
Deanna rested a hand on Data’s shoulder. “Data, you’re off duty. You don’t need to use titles. We’re just friends right now.”
“Yes, Counselor.”
She raised one eyebrow at him, hoping he could pick up on the gesture’s light-hearted nature.
Data lowered his head. “My apologies.”
Worf cleared his throat before speaking, “Despite having been raised on Earth, I do not believe I have ever seen a jellyfish.”
“Alright, well we’ve got to fix that,” said Will. “I’m sure the holo decks have an aquarium program. Everyone come with me.”
Worf looked slightly bewildered as everyone stood up and made to follow Will, but he came along.
The holo decks did indeed have a number of aquarium programs, but in the end they settled on a deep sea observatory from Earth in the twenty second century.
The five of them stood in a bubble of sorts made from what Deanna suspected was a form of tempered glass made to withstand the pressure of the deep sea. They were surrounded by water so dark it looked black unless the looked straight up, and around them in the water swam Earth native sea creatures of all shapes, sizes, and colours. Many even were bioluminescent, shining with a bright, colourful, glowing light into the ocean around them.
And there they were. The jellyfish. As far as the Starfleet officers could see, exact replicas of the creatures they’d encountered earlier, only far smaller. They emitted light in pinks, whites, purples, and blues as their bodies pulsed through the water.
“Did you know,” Data said almost thoughtfully, “that many species of jellyfish don’t have brains?”
“I wonder,” mused Geordi, “if that’s how that Q creature views us. Brainless.”
That got a laugh out of just about anyone.
“How did the Q perceive us, Deanna?” asked Will.
She shook her head. “I wasn’t able to get a good reading on him. I’d imagine the captain understands him better than I do.”
“Where is Captain Picard, anyway?” asked Geordi.
“Captain Picard is still in his meeting with Lieutenant Yar,” Data responded.
“I do hope she’s okay,” Deanna mumbled, more for her own benefit than anything else, “I’ll check on her in a little bit.”

Deanna could feel Tasha glance up from whatever she was doing at the sound of her door chiming.
“Come in,” Tasha called. Deanna stepped into her friend’s quarters. Tasha sat upright on her bed, a small screen laying in her lap. It was turned off, so Deanna couldn’t tell what its purpose might have been.
“I just wanted to check on you,” Deanna began, “not as Ship’s Counsellor, but as your friend. You seemed pretty shaken after our encounter with Q earlier. Are you doing alright?”
Tasha said, “I had a rough childhood. Sometimes I find it difficult to control my emotions when things remind me of it. That’s all. I just needed some time to gather myself, which is why I didn’t join you and the others for dinner. I’m fine now, I promise.”
Deanna smiled. “I’m glad of that.” She noticed that Tasha’s statement was fully honest, her demeanour and mental energy both being much improved from earlier.
“Actually,” Tasha said after a moment, “I was wondering much the same about you. You were quite affected earlier by the emotions of our… guests.”
“Yes,” Deanna admitted, “I was. Their emotions came through very intensely, I think partially at least due to their size. That can be hard for me sometimes. It feels very similar to if I were actually experiencing those feelings. But I tend to recover fairly quickly so I’m all right now.”
“Why don’t you stay for a bit,” Tasha asked, “and hang out? If we’re to be the only girls on the bridge crew, we might as well be friends, you know?”
Deanna gave a wide, genuine smile. “Yes, that sounds lovely.”

Weekly One <3
https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/848329/?page=1#post-8800672
1269 words <3

Part 1 -
159 words

I watch her approach
Her steps heavy
Movements bound by cashmere and ribbon

A simple sight
The approaching woman
Elegant and poised
Yet coiled
Tighter than the tension on a spring

Tight around her eyes
The eyes of the approaching woman
Tight with anger?
A smile?

Too far to tell

For now

But the woman approaches
And suddenly I feel self-conscious
Almost
This cashmere swaddled woman
Ever approaching
She sees every part of my soul

And she does not like what she sees
I make a wayward decision
That i do not like the approaching woman

That she scares me
But I have found I cannot move

I am trapped
Hopelessly
Watching the approaching woman approach

And she arrives
After a short eternity

She kneels to meet me
Eyes tight still
But with worry

She reaches out a hand
Holds it against my face

And she embraces me

I make a determined decision
That I like this approaching woman


Part 2 -
207 words
(dont judge ahkjdslkaj i do not write songs :sobs:)

Roses adorn your hair-
They are the most beautiful thing I have seen on my knees
You have me right where
I have desired myself to be

You sword is built of thorns-
Striking through my heart
My eyes see red-
And I can only feel your scorn
And I can only mourn what will become of us


Your hair is stained red-
The most beautiful thing I have seen
With you on your knees
I have you right where
I’ve wanted you to be

You sword is built of thorns-
Striking through my heart
My eyes see red-
And I can only feel your scorn
And I can only mourn what will become of us

You are preaching that you cannot see
Past my red, red roses
Did you ever wonder what it felt to be me?
Because now all I can see is
Red, red red
And you know what else is red? (red, red)
The wine you drank
Whilst feeding your sick poison to me
God-
It was so red
Red, red, red

You sword is built of thorns-
Striking through my heart
My eyes see red-
And I can only feel your scorn
And I can only mourn what will become of us

Part 3 -
364 words

EXT. GARDEN
BUG 1 and BUG 2 are sitting on the corner of a deck, passing between them something that clearly looks like a gummy bear; each is taking small bites. They are accompanied by the sound of wind and birds, as is a typical garden setting.
BUG 1
(sadly)
I just wish she’d talk to me, you know? I’ve done everything I can but she still refuses to listen to me..
(he trails off, taking another bite of the gummy bear before passing it to BUG 2 -they are clearly using it as a microphone)
BUG 2
(exasperated)
Man we talked about this, she’s just not interested. I don’t know when you’ll finally get the memo.
(passes gummy bear back)
BUG 1
(defensively)
No! She is interested, okay? She probably just annoyed from the incident last week.
(Crowd ‘ooooooh’s’ from in front of them, as we slowly change perspectives to show them huddled under where BUG 1 and BUG 2 are sitting -by this point the viewer will have come to realise it's a show of some sort.)
BUG 2
(takes MIKE (gummy bear) back from BUG 1)
Look, I know that didn’t end well, but you need to understand that it was your fault, and if nothing put her off, that would have.
She’s not interested (puts emphasis on ‘not’)
(passes MIKE back to BUG 1)
(MIKE has gotten tired of being passed between BUG 1 and BUG 2 for the entertainment of other bugs and finally stands up for himself, although he topples over due to having been eaten)
MIKE
(talking into the ground)
I AM AN ELDRITCH BEING OF WHOM IS SICK OF HEARING ABOUT YOUR ISSUES, THIS CAN BE SIMPLY SOLVED IF EITHER OF YOU KNEW WHAT COMMUNICATION WAS.
(he is clearly very mad, but the bugs in the audience are laughing and ‘ooh’ing as they think this is a part of the show)
MIKE
I AM DONE HERE, IT HAS BECOME CLEAR TO ME THERE IS NOT A SHREAD OF INFENTISIMAL INTELLIGENCE IN THIS SPECIES
(he disappears with a flash. Bugs in the audience clap enthusiastically, calling for more, BUG 1 and BUG 2 leave the stage.)
END.

Part 4 -
512 words
(I kinda lost the plot ngl but I hope it gets the message across! <3

I have been in SWC for just over 3 years now, and I have met a lot of different people. I’ve met people who have stuck with me for a long, long time, and I’ve met people only fleetingly. But all of them, every single one of them, have helped shape my life in some way.
The funny thing is, this speech isn’t about who I’ve met or how they’ve affected me, because while they’re all incredibly important, and that is an incredibly important topic, I want to talk about something else.
You see, all of these people had something in common, and that was the belief in our motto: Life > SWC.

Now, I’d like to highlight the difference between belief, and execution. You can believe in something with your whole heart, with every breath in your body. But you may not be entirely committed to it.
And that isn’t an issue! Not at all!
Not unless it begins to affect your hauora.

And I’ve seen so many bright beautiful people burn out due to the fact that they put their writing over themselves. I’ve seen them become inactive, saddened, seen writing become a chore to them, when they loved it so passionately before. I’ve been one of those people before.

Which is why I’d like to take the time to encourage you all to reflect on our motto, and understand why it was put in place, why it's so important.

In Maori culture, there is the concept of ‘Hauora’ or ‘Te Whare Tapa Whā)-it is an idea about well being that includes having four walls of a whare, and even with just one out of balance, your whare is unstable, and the whole of your wellbeing will be impacted.
The four walls are these -
taha wairua (spiritual well being)
taha hinengaro (mental or emotional well being)
taha tinana (physical well being)
taha whānau (family and social well being)
And not a wall, but the base -whenua (land and roots)
It holds the idea that to be healthy, you need to uphold all of your walls. By ignoring or attempting to disprove the motto that upholds SWC, you are affecting the walls that uphold your whare.

Let’s put this into perspective, say you were up writing all night for cabin wars and didn’t sleep, but maybe you have an event the day after. You’re going to be tired (physical and mental well being) and it's likely going to affect your event too (social wellbeing).
When those walls are unstable, the rest is too. And if you continue to do that, if you continue to place too much importance on your cabin's place on the leaderboard, or the amount of words you’re writing, then you will crumble and fall. You will burn out, and your whare will fall.

So please, please, reflect on how you’re spending your time, and whether or not you’re upholding the values that people are telling you of at every turn. They care, I care.
So please, take this as your reminder:
Life > SWC <3

Thank you <3


- Liv

DAILY 3

they say we are simple creatures. blob around, eat plankton, sting everything, blob around, be eaten by turtles. we don't even have brains… but we're more like the humans than they think. it's called ‘emotion’, i think - that feeling of reacting in a way you shouldn't, like a fleeting moment of pain in connection with my food or a burst of warm pleasure when i see another of my kind. is that what humans feel?
strangely, i long for that life. a life of complexity, of doing something more than eating and being eaten.
but i am only a jellyfish.
-
agnes could bet a layer of dust shook off the bell when it rang.
“uh… hello?” the customer called. “anyone in there? i saw the sign outside, and i was thinking…”
half-dressed and half-encased in soil from her herb garden, agnes emerged to find a young woman at the door. her overalls were dusted with sand, and she held a large plastic bag almost like a trophy… was that a jellyfish inside? she could probably work up a few potions for that…
“uh, so what's your name? is the potions thing real?”
“oh, i'm agnes. yeah, i do a range of things, but i haven't had a customer in months. what were you thinking?”
the woman glanced at the jellyfish. “okay, it might sound a little stupid, but can you, like… turn things into other things?”
“you want to turn that into a human?”
she tensed. “how'd you guess?”
“come on, it's a classic. princess and the frog? little mermaid? anyway, i can do it.” the woman beamed. “just give me a moment…”
-
i stepped on land, with human legs, and it was terrifying.
nothing held me up as i stumbled out of the bag. acute, horrible pain shot up my limbs as i fell to the floor and sense pressed upon me. the humans who had transformed me made sounds above me, and light blinded my new eyes… i saw everything. i saw different kinds of light, neon shades of… enhanced tone? hues exploded around the room: the deep, warm floor, the pale ice of the sky, the lush land-weed growing in little confined spaces. smooth, light air rushed into my body. was i breathing enough? there seemed to be so little of it, i could barely tell.
one person made a sound and pulled at my hand. nothing held me up.
-
i swim every day, if only to remind myself of what i left behind.
the ocean holds me, but i feel weak in it now. i've learnt some of the human complexities, like wearing clothes to cover yourself and speaking in language and taking things using money, but here i strip it all off. how is being a human so hard when they are apex predators? how did they manage, instead of making a peaceful life for themselves, to complicate everything?
…of course, i am only a jellyfish. who am i to say anything? compared to them, we really are simple.
but maybe i will have what i wanted if i embrace this life. maybe my life will be exciting and inspiring beyond even dreams. but then, i don't think i could ever take an opportunity like this, then turn around and ask to go back to who i once was.
maybe i can be more than just a jellyfish.

564 words

“Jellyfish stings. Seriously?” Alaina complained as she sat in a classroom (she did a surprising amount of that) listening to the lecturer talk about first aid responses to jellyfish stings.

Alaina’s friend, Sylvie, gave her a friendly slap. “We live by the ocean. Of course we need to know how to treat jellyfish stings.”

Alaina bit her tongue, knowing Sylvie was right, and returned to aggressively writing down her notes. Jellyfish stings should be washed with seawater, and then they should be then washed with hot water after. (As if there’s a source of hot water anywhere in reach in the situations she’d be put in, but okay) And the usual pain medication, as well. Alaina was currently sitting through a “lecture” (It wasn’t really a lecture since they weren’t in a lecture hall.) on different types of sea creature stings.

“Now, it is really important if you don’t know what sea creature a patient was stung by to bring them into an urgent care centre or the hospital.” The lecturer continued. “There are multiple common types of jellyfish we find on our shores, and some can be dangerous, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

The words stuck with Alaina in her head. She scribbled them down in her notebook and highlighted them in bright red so she knew that it was important!

The lecturer continued. “We get all sorts of jellyfish on our shores. Common ones include the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish which looks like this.”

The lecturer flicked to a slide showing a jellyfish that was orangey in colour, with thin white tentacles trailing out behind it. It was beautiful, in a sense. All sea life was.

“It’s so pretty,” Sylvie whispered. “I wish I could touch it.” She quickly brought up a photo of it on her iPad (Sylvie liked taking digital notes, from what Alaina could tell), and brought it into her note document.

“You find everything pretty,” Alaina teased.

Sylvie said nothing as the lecturer continued. “And this is a Portuguese Man of War, also known as a Bluebottle.” An image showed on the display screen of a jellyfish, lying on the beach. It had a bubble-like blue sail. “It has killed humans, in some cases.”

Sylvie leaned over. “It’s not actually a jellyfish,” she said. “It’s actually technically a Siphonophore! Which means it’s a colony animal! But it looks like a jellyfish.”

Alaina sighed. “How do you even know this?”

“Oh, I read up on the material before the lesson,” Sylvie grinned as the lecturer discussed stings from the animal and Alaina frantically took her notes.

“And that concludes today’s lesson on sea creature stings. We’ll come back tomorrow and do some more practical work on treating these stings. Prep work for the next lesson has already been posted on the student portal, so please complete that work for tomorrow.” The lecturer finished the lecture, and Alaina began getting up from her seat.

“Okay. I can’t lie, that was actually interesting,” Alaina admitted.

“And very important,” Sylvie added.