Weekly for swc! overall word count: 2, 479; complete word count: 2, 588

Mystery: (160 words) (based on a true story!)
I blinked in the darkness. There it was again; The sound of loud popping, echoing off the houses in our small street. To me, it kinda sounded… a bit like a gun. I shivered. But no one in our neighbourhood would do that, right? Except maybe the house across from us, the couple were arguing and I'm pretty sure their house was once broken into by the police because they were drug dealers. I frowned. But who would they be shooting at? I listened again, but it had gone quiet. I made up my mind to stake out my front yard to find out what was going on.

It was cold and wet out here. The dew stuck to my pyjamas. I wish I brought other clothes. Just then, a brilliant flash accompanied with a loud bang! lit up the sky. I grinned, realising what it was. It was still Illegal in a way, but fireworks are better than guns.

Dystopian: (104 words)
NO!
I watched helplessly as they dragged Axel away. He was my BFF, and always had been since kindy. Well, not any more. I felt empty. Axel hadn't passed, and yet I had, even though we had both spent hours studying.
A while ago, the government only wanted the smartest in the society, so they made a hard test, determining who would get to stay. And the worst part is, the failed people weren't sent away or made to be slaves; no, they were… I gulped, tears pricking my eyes. We weren't even allowed to have funerals for the failed. They were completely erased….

Poem: (119 words) (please ignore how bad it is)
One day, someone walked into my store. I said “hello, we have books galore!”
The woman turned around, frowned on the books upon the ground,
saying “this bookshop is a mess! And the prices should be less!”
Then she turned around and stalked out the door, and I picked my favourite book up off the floor.
But before I could start reading, a man came in here pleading.
“Oh please ignore my daughter! I never should have bought her.”
As I stood there like a fool, he said “It's rude to stare dursley you old prune!”
And now he knew harry potter? This man was quite the shocker!
I know that bookshops are quite lit, but honestly, I quit!

Hi-fi: (304 words)
“Mama! Papa!” I giggled.
“There are horses to be fed, young lady!” my mother smiled.
I nodded, slipping on my favourite shirt. It was a Saturday, and that meant no school! I lived on a farm just north of Humevale, in Victoria. I owned 3 horses, and we had thousands of chickens!
I ran down to the stables, and petted Snowstorm on the muzzle. She whinnied crazily, and stamped around. I took a few steps back. River and Whisper were acting weirdly as well. That's when I noticed it. A plume of black smoke, drifting up from a hill in the distance. I dropped my bucket of apples and screamed.
“Mama! Papa! Bushfire!” I yelled, running back to the farmhouse. Mama came out to hug me.
I glanced at Papa, who was looking thoughtfully at the smoke. “It's not too close from here, we should be safe. Wouldn't hurt to take a few precautions. Claire, take the horses down to the river and prepare two boats, and stay there till I fetch you.” I nodded, and raced off.

I stared up at the sky. It was completely black. Almost like midnight, except it was the middle of the day. I coughed. The smoke made it hard to breathe and even harder to see. “MAMA! PAPA!” I called out, but there was no reply. The fire rippled in front of me. The horses screamed and ripped the rope from my hands, splashing down the river. A burning branch fell in front of me and I jumped back, falling into the boat, making it drift backwards. The current pulled me down the river. A tear rolled down my cheek. I wasn't dumb. I knew no one could survive these fires, the fires that would soon be nicknamed Black Saturday. I mourned for my parents, “Mama… Papa…”

Mythology: (211 words)
It was a calm day. We sailed into straits of Messina, unaware. Suddenly, that thing, The Scylla, appeared out of nowhere. It startled us, and it looked enraged that we had crossed into his territory.

It had 6 heads, and was a dark sea green with blue splotches. Tentacles splashed around, the rest of its body obscured by the sea. The 6 heads thrashed around, snarling, showing off their sharp teeth protruding from their heads. It roared loudly, splashing sea water into the boat. A tentacle grabbed us, pulling us closer. One of the heads opened its mouth wide and roared. The smell of rotten fish overwhelmed us. One of the men puked over the side. The biggest head in the middle, the leader, snarled at us. He thrust his head forward, and opened his mouth wide. He tossed our boat whole, into his mouth. It stunk worse in here. As it started to crush us, Odysseus screamed in rage. He took out his sword and stabbed it into the roof of its mouth. Bright blue blood streamed down. Odysseus pushed it in farther, until the Scylla opened its mouth to howl. We fell into the ocean. We screamed, rowing away as fast as we could, with Odysseus on the prow.

Fantasy: (180 words)
“Show me! Show me! Show me!” Melissa giggled. I sighed. This is going to be a long day.
I smiled reluctantly at her. I closed my eyes, and ran my hands gently over my hair, brushing away all of the runaway strands. I concentrated, feeling the hum that only I could hear. I made it spread through my body, and over my hair. A sense of calm washed over me. I opened my eyes, to see Melissa's wide ones staring back.
“That's so cool! I wish I had magic glowing blue eyes and hair!” She squealed. Then she gasped. “Can you teach me how to do that? Pretty pleeeease?”
I sighed, irritated. The gentle hum disappeared. This was going to be a long day. “No, Melissa.” I replied in my sickly sweet tone. “You have to be born a goddess to do magic.”
She sighed, disappointed, even though I've already told her 938 times. I frowned, seeing tears prick her tiny eyes.
“Why don't we go and get hot cross buns?” I suggested, changing the topic.
She grinned. “Yes please!”

Non-fi: (108 words) (please ignore the fact that it's boring) (also I really want Lori to read this >:D)
Fruit! The fruit is the part of a plant that is edible! It is usually sweet, juicy and has seeds that you can replant. Some fruits include pineapple, orange, watermelon, shrivelled grapes, ect. Did you know that a coconut can be classified as either a nut, seed or fruit? The scientific term for it is a drupe! wow!
Here are some cool facts about pineapples: A pineapple plant only makes one pineapple at a time, and it can only make one pineapple per season! And a pineapple plant can make fruit for up to 50 years. So that's 50 pineapples, which isn't a lot compared to other plants.

Thriller: (165 words)
I gasped. What had I just witnessed? And just like that, I could remember nothing.

“Ellie! Ellie!” I blinked, trying to figure out who this blonde haired girl was. “I can't wait to go see the movie tonight!”
I bit my lip. She obviously knew me, so it would seem a bit weird if I didn't right? And what movie were we watching anyway?
Suddenly, I ‘remembered’. We were watching ‘The Spectacular Now’ at dendy cinema's because in 5 minutes hoyts would be broken into. I sighed. Remembering the future was confusing. I glimpsed her name tag from her work or something (I couldn't remember the past). Mia. Nice name.
I turned around, basking in the sun. A blonde haired girl entered my vision. “I can't wait!”
I frowned, trying to remember who she was. I looked at her name tag. Mia! I suddenly ‘remembered’ trying to figure out who this girl was 100 more times. Like I said. Only remembering the future was confusing.

Horror: (190 words)
Jake pulled out his computer. An email, from a stranger. He clicked on it, and it read:
Dear Jake. We are your sisters, Emily and Jessy.
Jake frowned. He was a single child. He continued to read.
We used to sleep in your bedroom, long ago. But then one day, we were found, dead and skinned, in your closet. Our parents were sad, and had a new baby to forget about us. You. We are angry. We want out parents back.
Not sincerely, Emily and Jessy.
Jake snorted. As if. He started to type up a reply.
You aren't my sisters, I have no sisters. Stop trying to scare me. It won't work.
He pressed send, then dismissed the thought from his mind.

“Jake? Jake? where are you?”
His parents looked everywhere for him, but resulted in calling the police. They went up to his bedroom, and saw the emails on his computer. They looked over at the closet, which was slightly ajar. They opened it up.
Inside, was Jake, skinned. On the wall were some carvings. One said:
Emily and Jessy, 1998.
A new, fresher carving said: Jake, 2021.

Contemporary: (133 words)
When we were 16, we promised each other that if we're not married by the time we're 35, we'll marry each other. Why? Well, we sort of liked each other, but wanted to give life a chance first. But the thing was, I was madly in love with her… so I did something I wasn't proud of.

“Hey, Mike!” Leia grinned at her new boyfriend. The prickles from the bush I was hiding in were really starting to annoy me.
“Hey Leia,” He said in his casual manner. “I brought the picnic!”
I grinned, almost evilly. I had snuck onto Leia's phone, and texted Mike that her favourite food was tuna sandwiches. She HATED tuna sandwiches. I watched as they fought over the food, and broke up. Only 10 more years to go…

Real-fi: (167 words)
It was valentines. I never celebrate valentines, ever since that happened. I was sad, but I got over it.
I live alone in my house, depressed. Some say it's a shame, but honestly, I like the quiet. I live in a quiet suburb. My neighbours have learned not to bother me.
I hear three small sharp taps on my door. I don't have a doorbell. No use for it. Slowly, I got up and walked towards the door.
“Hello?” I tentatively called out. No response. I opened the door, glancing around suspiciously. I was in no mood for knock and runs. That was when I noticed it. A small, brown package. I gently picked it up. It had my name on the top!
I went inside and ripped off the package's paper. I gasped. A box of liquorice, with the slogan: everyone is someones favourite. I gulped, tears welling in my eyes. The last person, that called me their favourite, died last year. And they loved liquorice.

Sci-fi: (147 words)
I gasped when I caught sight of myself in the mirror. I was pale, dirty, my hair was a mess. I glanced at my glowing eyes - I was a red eyed freak! Society would never let me back in, even if I wasn't a blood thirsty monster.
I groaned. What had this virus turned me into? There had been a mutation in the covid vaccine, killing half of the worlds population and turning us into blood thirsty monsters, zombies. But… was it even an accident? I shivered, trying not to think about it.
I mean, on the plus side, my senses were supercharged. I could hear a deer from a mile away, and smell it too. I was super fast and strong, and only had to have one hour of sleep each week. I shook my head. This was not cool. I wanted to be human again…

Classics: (154 words)
I opened the door, ducking into the small, cozy bookshop. The door tinkled shut behind me. I breathed in the musty smell of books. Lots of people didn't like it, but I did. I approached the first bookshelf, bearing books with old worn leather covers. I traced my hand along the books, reading the titles. Dust gathered on my hands. Shaking my head, not finding what I was looking for, I moved on to the next shelf.
“Can I help you?” Said the young lady from behind the counter. She was obviously new, I had never seen her around before.
“No thanks,” I politely declined. I scanned over the books in front of me, taking my time. Ah! There it was.
I pulled the slightly less old book out of it's spot on the shelf. I read it's title. Oliver Twist. I turned around and placed it on the counter, smiling. “This one, please.”

Adventure: (160 words)
The cold seeped in through my sleeping bag, but I could barely notice it with all the adrenaline. I was halfway up mount Everest! I glanced around at my other team members, all boys. Very few girls got the opportunity to climb mount Everest. It just showed how lucky I was - I felt like the luckiest person in the world! Eventually, the excitement wore off and I fell asleep.

I stared up. This was one of the hardest parts. A nearly smooth rock face towered over us. How were we going to get up there? Sharon through up the rope with an anchor tied to it. He held his breath as he tugged it, then swiftly made his way up. I was second.
I walked over and clipped my harness to the rope. I peeked upwards at Sharon. This was going to be the biggest adventure of my life.
I put one hand on the rope, and started to climb.

Fairy-tales: (177 words)
I sighed, ecstatic. Today was the day we found out what our quests were! Hopefully the storian would write MY quest, and I would become a story tale princess. I was a leader, after all. My follower, also my brother, Hans, jumped around with excitement.
“I hope we'll meet your prince! And we all have a happy Ever After in your castle!” he giggled. I grinned.
I glanced at the Nevers. “I wonder which of them will be our nemesis,” I whispered.
“I hope it's not Mimi, she's scary!” murmured Hans. I nodded, agreeing. I took a casual look over my shoulder at the morgrifs. Our best friends, Cassy, hadn't been good enough to be a follower or a leader, so she was a morgrif. She had been turned into a tiny little bird.
“Gretal!” My name was called up. I grinned, and ran forward. “Your quest is to explore the woods, and conquer the witch!” Our dean said. In a flash of light, me and Hans were whisked away, and the storian began a new story.

Weekly for swc! overall word count: 1661; complete word count: 1, 717

Weekly 1: The letter (944 words)
Dear Sienna, 13/3/2121 24 Carriar Street Military Base 13
It's been five years. I regret that I haven't been able to see you - in five whole years. A lot can happen in five years, too much. Five years, and now I'm all grown up. Five years since I last saw you, at that parkour club that you made me go to every week. Remember how we used to think that it would be worth it, that we would go on an adventure together and use our parkour skills? Well, I might not have liked it at first, but it's definitely saved my life a couple of times. Saved my life on a big adventure, an adventure I would have loved to share with you.
I suppose you would want some details, so I will try to include them. As my parents probably would have told you, I never made it home. I was jumped on in the dark, in that side street that gives us the creeps. I was kidnapped, and forced to take part in an experiment, where they injected me with… something… and made me live in the wild without any resources for, well, who knows how long. Eventually, I escaped, with some newfound friends, but we couldn't exactly go back. To the city, I mean. So we are living where an old military stronghold used to be, and now it's just a camp in the middle of no where. There were people there before us, and they kindly welcomed us in.
I've been meaning to write for ages, but I think you can guess that I was procrastinating, putting it off. What was I supposed to write? I hope you aren't mad. I didn't really know how to write to you either - it would be so hard to explain, and I have so much I want to say I can barely put it in the words! I don't even know if you're still were you last lived, I just hope you are, otherwise how would I get back in touch with you? Re-kindle our relationship? Now that I've gotten over my fear of writing to you, I hope we can just get back on talking terms.
I would like to introduce you to my friends. Terry, he's sorta the leader. He's kind, bold, and smart. He can be a bit hot-headed though. Then there's Mina. She's the peacemaker of the group. She's kind and gentle, and I think you two would get along very well.There's Jay, and he's, well, crazy. He makes jokes and is super easy to get along with. And then there's Kelly. She is fast, silent, and strong. She's older than most of us, and acts like the mum of the group. We get along pretty well, and help each other out in many ways.
There are lots of people at our camp. The ‘leader’ or head of the camp is Rosalie. She was a military officer before it shut down. She's very strict and sometimes really annoying.
There's another group of people, who we call the dudes. They make jokes but they are sooo annoying. Dylan, Vladi, Eli, Ryan, Billy and Adam. They're the only people here around our age.
At camp, we each get jobs, like Foragers, Raiders, Cooks, and Cleaners. I'm a Forager, as I know more about deadly and edible plants than anyone else here in the camp. Terry and Mina are all Raiders, which means they go into deserted houses and cities and steal stuff that could be useful. Kelly and Jay, however, are Hunters, which means they just hunt animals for meat.
Life at camp is pretty dull, except for when animals attack. We have pretty good defence, but we have suffered casualties (one time a pack of mountain lions got in). I'm pretty good with knives actually; who knew?
I want you to stay cautious all the time. If you ever see something called ‘G.C.S.C’, just avoid it. That's the name of the science company that kidnapped me; They injected us with a toxin called ‘Animaina’, which turns us into human-animal hybrid things. As an experiment. Messed up, huh?
It's been ages since I've seen my family. Could you tell Mum and Dad that I miss them and I am ok? And could you also say to Ken and Locky that I hid their supplies of liquid soap in the park, in tree 374. If my family is even still there…
Anyways, enough talk of myself, how have you been doing? Any changes in your life recently? (apart from the obvious, of course lol) Have you been on an adventure? I want to hear about everything you've done from the moment I was taken. Do you have a boyfriend? A new best friend? (I promise I won't be mad!)
On a happier note, I think I may have found love - yes! Remember how we used to think that I would never have a boyfriend? A dry social life, while you go to balls with princes? It makes me smile just thinking of you.
Anyways, I think that's all I really have to say. Please write back!
Kind Regards,
Your kidnapped (once) best friend, Ali

P.S. Could you maybe tell Rob that I had a crush on him if you're still talking? heheh thanks…
P.P.S. I miss you ;-; like a lot… maybe we could meet up? (in secret. Rosalie would never allow it.)
P.P.P.S. They're coming for you! We never completely finished it. You are the only person I can trust. We can't end this, it has to be you - just trust me… 100 Allaya Street, the big white warehouse.

Weekly 2: Morning Routine (pre-epilogue) (386 words)
I yawned, stretching out my aching limbs. The tree branch felt hard against my back. I sat up stiffly, sleeping on a tree is not ideal. But sleeping down on the ground is even less.
I grabbed my home made ‘spear’ (I wasn't given anything to use) and shuffled along the branch to my stash to see if I needed to catch anything for breakfast. My stash of food consisted of 7 puffball mushrooms (ack but I didn't really have much choice), a bunch of beech nuts, several blackberries and raspberries, and some dandelions. I made a face. I wasn't used to eating nature's food. What I really wanted was some meat.
Unfortunately, I'm not very good at hunting. First of all, I can't even track the animals - and the always run away when I get to close. And then I wasn't fast enough or good enough with a spear to bring it down.
Nevertheless, I was willing to try. I grabbed a couple of leaves and rubbed the oils on me, then rolled around in the mud and stuck dry leaves to me. The closest I would get to camouflage. Then, I stalked through the forest, finding a pond in a clearing. Perfect. I hid in a bush off to the side.
It wasn't too long until a pack of deer came along for a drink. I gritted my teeth, trying to be patient. When all of their heads were down, I crept out of the bush and sneaked up behind them, but a couple heard me and turned their heads.
I took my chance while I had it, and ran up to one of them. By that time, the whole herd had been alerted and were trotting away. I pounced (or ‘jumped’ would be more accurate) onto one, using my spear as a sword.
Finally, I had caught some meat! I dragged it back to my tree. I had a bunch of dry fire wood sitting against the trunk. I grabbed some and got to work making a fire; it's harder than it looks.
In about an hour, the fire was going. I pulled the deer over to it, not knowing how to cook it. Eventually I ended up ‘cutting’ it's leg off with my spear and tossing it onto the fire. About time.

Weekly 3: Character relationships (prologue) ( 331 words)
Ali x Sienna
Ali x Jay
Sienna x Jay

Part 1: (111 words)
Ali and Sienna are best friends. They have each other's backs, and are kind to one another. Sienna only appears in the prologue though, because Ali is kidnapped. Sienna is very upset and they both miss each other a lot. Ali is trying to survive in the forest, and constantly is reminded of Sienna when she is doing physical activity because Sienna enrolled them both in parkour. Sienna is reminded of Ali every time she looks in Ali's empty seat in classes. Eventually, after 5 years, they manage to get back into contact through the mail, but it is hard for them to go back to the way things were before.

Part 2: (100 words)
Ali and Jay survived together in the woods, along with the other three. Jay was part of the original group of four, while Ali joined later. She told Jay first that they were all part of an experiment, which shows that she trusts him more. Ali doesn't really talk much, but she spent the most time with Jay. Ali admired his confidence and his jokes. Jay liked how quiet and smart Ali was, and how good she was at tracking animals (not very good but better than everyone else). Eventually they fall in love, and are a very sweet couple!

Part 3: (120 words)
Sienna and Jay were actually neighbours when Sienna were little. They were good friends, not really a couple though. They enjoyed each other's company (in an innocent way) as little kids do. Jay eventually moved a year after Ali became Sienna's friend, because his parents needed to move for work. Jay missed Sienna, but made a new friend with the kid next door and forgot about her until he met Ali in the forest. Sienna missed Jay, but not as much, because she had Ali as a friend, and forgot about Jay. When Jay met Ali, he started remembering bits about Sienna, and eventually sent her a letter, like Ali did, to see if she remembered him for their childhood.

OoOh Comp! 766 words (mild gore warning - I tried to not make it too bad but I was running out of ideas lol)

“Please don't go…” He was begging. Tears slid down his face. Slowly, I brushed them away with my fingertips. I was already gone. It didn't hurt anymore.
“It's ok..” I managed to gasp. “Don't cry. Please. I'm alright. I can't help it. It's what we do. Some just faster than others.” I took in his rough face, the scruff of his beard just managing to show itself. How I wish I could stay in these warm arms forever.
He leans forward, placing his forehead on mine. “I will never forget you…” he whispers into my mouth, wrapping his arms tighter around me. I close my eyes. The end was coming.
The last thing I remember before I died was the taste of his lips.

“Are you coming for the tea party, Millie?” I open my eyes. I took a step backwards, eyes unused to the sudden pink overload. I was obviously in a bedroom, with a six year old leaning into my face. “I already set up the cutlery - and mum gave me REAL cookies! She's getting the lemonade now!” She squealed in excitement. My head reeled, unable to take this in. Wasn't I dead? Who was this? What-?
The pastel door opened, to reveal an older woman. Her mother. She walked straight past me, ignoring me as if I didn't exist. “Now, don't eat all the cookies, Maia,” the girl's mother said.
Maia shook her head. “No, Millie will have some too!” She giggled, smiling at me. Was she… referring to me?!?
The child's mother glanced around the room, gaze sweeping over me but not seeing. She laughed. “Well then, tell Millie not to eat them all!” I shook my head, unable to understand.
The child, Maia, began to set up, placing the cookies on three plastic pink plates; one for her, one for me, and one for her giant teddy. When she was done she got three plastic tea cups and poured lemonade into them. I smiled at the cuteness of it all. I can't even remember the last time I had a tea party. I got it! I was her imaginary friend.
When all that was finished, she returned her gaze to me. Smiling politely, and in a posh voice, she speaks, as if she was a host to a. “Well, hello there, Millie. I am honoured that you could make it to our tea party. We will be having tea and biscuits shortly, once the other guests have arrived. Now, could I take your jacket -”
Her eyes widened at the sight of my chest. I look down, and stifled a groan. I was still wearing the things I was in when I died - all stiff, dirty, and spattered with blood. But that wasn't what she's looking at - there is an ugly wound, dark red and clotted, the shard of metal still sticking out. I shudder at the memory.
Maia screams. Thud, thud, thud, goes her mum's footsteps on the stairs. Hurriedly, I think of a way to calm her down.
I wink at her. “Do you like it? I'm practising for Halloween,” I whisper, like I'm telling her a secret. She giggled and nodded, sudden trauma forgotten.
Maia's mother runs into the room. “Are you ok, sweetie?” She asked.
Maia glanced at me. I held my finger to my lip, winking again.
She giggled. “Me and Millie accidentally dropped a plate.”
Her mum looked relieved, if slightly sceptical. “Ok, well, just don't do it again.” I sighed silently. That was close.

“One, two, three…” The world was dark, as the heels of my rubbed against my eyelids. “Seven, eight, nine, ten! Coming to find you!” I took my hands away, glancing around. I eyes found her almost instantly.
Maia stood, stock still, in the lounge room. Not a word escaped her lips, and her eyes were glued to the tv. I followed her gaze, and my mouth fell open.
Footage of that day rewound on the news. The reporter was saying something about a criminal on the loose, but I didn't hear it. There I was. Video camera's had managed to get footage of me and Finna, during the last minute. I suppressed a shudder. I did NOT want to remember this day.
Maia cocked her head towards me, mouth agape, eyes wide without expression. Then, a smile spread across her face.
“I knew it! You do have a secret identity,” she mused. “You have to tell me ALL about it. After all, I now know everything.”
I shook my head. My life, or rather, my death, had gotten so confusing lately.

Daily :3

1. 54 words
“Where are the cookies?" Samantha asked while she ran through the kitchen looking for them, but she couldn't find them! She asked every person in the whole house! But nobody had taken the cookies, and Samantha was very sad. She was very very sad; but she couldn't feel happy until she found the cookies!

2. 397 words (please excuse how terrible this is, I made it when I was 7)
But I am completely normal.
My best friend is called Daisy. Everybody who hasn’t met Daisy thinks the name ‘Daisy’ is for vain little girls. The exact opposite of Daisy. Daisy is a great kick boxer. All the bullies who have tried to bully her have ended up with a blood nose, or a broken wrist.
The teachers don’t give her any detention because they’re actually afraid of her and they admire her. Being her friend, no-one messes with me either.
One of my other friends, Sulina, found out she was a telepath when she was bullying a big bully called Jack. She found out he had a big crush on Daisy.
I’m like, the innocent kid in the pack of strong kids. There’s Hailie, who seems really nice, but her words… she makes people think they’re stupid.
And then there’s Sophia, who can shape shift. She can hurt people, by shape shifting into weapons. No-one knows it’s her, because there are a few shape shifters and no-one can see her face.
I just wish I had some small talent. I can trap people by looking cute… But I’m just me.
I go to Travend school for smart kids. Except none of us is really smart.
Daisy comes over every weekend, and she tries to help me find my talent. This week she brought over a tarantula, seeing if I had a talent including animals.
“Come on! Pick it up and talk to it!” She told me.
It didn’t help that I had arachnophobia. But I had to do it or she would throw it at me. This was what Daisy is like.
Shakily, I picked it up. “H-hello m-mist-ter s-spider-r-r…” I started.
“Come on!” Urged Daisy. “Like this.”
She picked it up and pushed it right up against her face.
“Hello Spider,” she yelled at it. “I’m bored. Do something.”
She shook the spider. It was terrified and jumped off Daisy’s hand. It ran around the table.
“See?” Demanded Daisy. “You just need to be firm. Of course, it was just scared.”
I looked at the spider. It seemed to be scared. This made me feel brave. I looked down, feeling more and more brave while the spider looked even more scared.
“Lucy.” said Daisy. “You’re… an Emota. You can suck the emotions out of creatures, and…” she trailed off, a frown coming over her face.

Weekly 4: overall writing word count: (2, 005 words) completer word count: (2, 134 words)

1: setting (229 words)
My colours were medium sea green, Light Goldenrod Yellow, and Salmon.

Medium sea green: the colour of the sea when the sun shines on it.
Light goldenrod yellow: The light sand, the colour of the sun, and the sparkles on the sea.
Salmon: The colour of red sedimentary rocks and salmon.

The sea sparkles. Fish dart in and out of the sunlight. Waves crash against the shore, white foam spraying everywhere. The sand is Light Goldenrod Yellow, giving the beach it's name: Goldenrod beach. The sun is high in the sky, and the light shines on the sea. Children splash and laugh in the shallows. It's quiet, with only the sound of the waves in the background - peaceful. The sky is bright blue, and the smell of sea is in the air. Bright, red, sedimentary rocks sit, half submerged in the yellow sand, scattered across the beach.
It's quiet, the soft sand curling between our toes. There aren't many people here, just the few locals in the small town. To the left are huge rock pools, with a wide variety of things in it. Brightly coloured coral, seaweed, and little fish that dart in and out and jump up at you. To the right, a red cliff of sedimentary rock climbs high, white salt form the sea dried there, little tufts of grass poking out from the hard rock.

- - -

2: Characters: (413 words)
Amber: (146 words)
My first character's name is Amber. She loves to drink tea, especially lemongrass tea, which grows in her little cove in the rocks on the beach. She loves the outdoors and the smell of wet wood and ginger. Amber spends nearly all her time on the beach in the little cave, and at high tide the water comes in to make a little pool that she loves to swim in. Amber is 17 years old, and goes to the small local high school, with her best friend Jasmine. Amber can hold her breath for nearly ten minutes while she is underwater, and has scared many people, making them believe that she has drowned. She wears a plain blue oversized t-shirt most days, with comfortable brown pants that match. She has shoulder length blonde hair, pale skin, and deep green eyes, as green as the ocean itself.
Her candle is Moonlit Cove

Jasmine: (125 words)
Jasmine is a small, beautiful girl who is best friends with Amber. Those who first see her think she is a sweet, innocent, girl, but in reality, she is a kung-fu master and pro swimmer. Jasmine loves to eat, especially tropical fruits such as starfruit, grapefruit, pineapple and lychees. She has smooth, creamy, light brown skin, and large brown eyes. Her hair is straight raven black, that shines with slivers of gold in the sunlight. Jasmine is just under 5 ‘4, but extremely athletic and strong. Jasmine often wears loose, sweet yellow clothing, and wears her hair out so it can twirl in the wind. She wears t-shirts and shorts, even in the midst of Goldenrod beach’s snowy winters, because she never feels the cold.
Her candle is Tropical Starfruit

Clove: (151 words)
Clove is almost the complete opposite of Jasmine. She is an albino, with pale white hair and skin, and clear sky blue eyes. She looks really stern, but in reality, she is kind and sweet, and can't bear arguments. Clove hates the cold, and is almost always wearing lot's of layers. She is a peacemaker, and often likes to swim in the moonlight, because that is when the sea is really awake. It took years for her to convince her mum to let her go and swim at night, but when she did it was the best day of her life. Her favourite food is apple and cinnamon crumble, which her parents cook on the barbecue. Clove usually wears dark clothes in contrast to her skin, usually thick black leggings, a turtle neck beige top, and a thick brown cardigan. She moved to Goldenrod beach at the start of the story.
Her candle is Crisp Campfire Apples

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3: First line of dialogue
“It looks like you're in trouble there. Can I help?”

- - -

4: The actual story! (1, 363 words) Also sorry I try to keep gore and violence out of my writing but it just so happens to be my go to if I don't know what to write.
“It looks like you're in trouble there. Can I help?”
I surfaced, taking in a deep breath, and looked at my watch. Eight minutes!
I set my gaze on a tall, lean figure, standing at the sand on the edge of my pool. She had pale her and skin; she looked like an albino. Her face was set, and she looked quite stern. I don't think I've seen her around our small town, Goldenrod beach, and she definitely doesn't go to my school.
“How long have you been standing there?” I asked, curious.
“Ever since you went under. You looked like you were dead.”
I nodded, grinning. I could stay under for quite a while. “So, um, what brings you here?” Not many people knew the location of my little cove. In fact, only my closest friend, Jasmine, knew.
The girl shrugged. “I was exploring the beach, and came across this cave. Neat, isn't it? With it's own tidal pool…” she trailed off, absent-mindedly.
I nodded. “I don't think I've seen you around before.”
She smiled casually. “I just moved her, as a matter of fact. From further down along the coast,” she added.
I swam to the end, with a flick of my legs. “Do you swim?” Without saying anything, she just nodded and pulled off her large cardigan, revealing a tight, black, swimsuit. She hesitated at the edge, before saying, “My name's Clove, by the way.”
I nodded. “Amber.”
Clove smiled, before jumping in and splashing me with water. I gasped. “Oh, you will pay for that!”
Her head bobbed above the water. “ooh, it's cold in here!” she gasped. I flicked my hand up, spraying her with water. Clove gasped again, before disappearing underwater.
“Oh, so you wanna play that game?” I muttered under my breath. I took a deep breath, and sunk under, the water closing in over my head.
Opening my eyes, I spun around, trying to find Clove, but she had completely disappeared. I swam out the channel in the opening of the cave, but she wan't there either. Cursing, I resurfaced. But I never did find her.

“Hurry up!” I giggled at Jasmine's appearance. She had put too small swimsuit on in her haste to get out, and looked ridiculous. “I wanna get down to the beach now!”
“Chill,” I muttered, slathering myself in sunscreen. Jasmine goggled at me.
“You don't wear sunscreen at night! And you're delaying us even more,” She pouted.
“Alright, alright, keep your hair on,” I scowled, grabbing my bag.
“Finally!” Jasmine sighed and raced out the door.
“Wait for me!” I called after her, running down the sandy path in my backyard, directly down to the beach. I slid down the crude rocks and sand, landing in a heap on the sand. My keys, towel, and other swimming supplies were strewn all over the sandy floor.
Jasmine tottered up to me. “Honestly, Amber, you're so clumsy.” And with that, she spun around and sauntered off in the direction of the cove. I gathered my things, and scrambled back up to race after her.
Our little cove was up ahead, in a secluded area, hidden by rocky outcrops and thin brambles. You'd miss it if you didn't know it was there. I bolted over the rocks, stopping where the sea roared against the rocks. We couldn't go any further into the cove tonight.
The tide in the cove was high. The water splashed against the rocky walls of the cove, and the channel leading out of the cove into the sea was a monster, swirling and splashing and crashing against the rocks. Any inexperienced swimmer would get smashed against the sharp rocks. I gazed out at the sea lit by the moonlight, undaunted. Beside me, Jasmine was looking up at the myriad of stars, finally quiet.
“This is it,” I murmured, snapping her out of her trance. She turned to grin at me, and we set our bags down in a hollow in the rock. We edged to one of the sides of the rock, staring out, trying to muster as much confidence as we could. Taking a deep breath, I dove into the cold sea, lit by moonlight. It was fresh and took my breath away. I resurfaced, shaking my head filled with water. Jasmine grinned at me from up on the rocks, before diving in herself, resurfacing next to me.
“That is so cool!” She grinned. I could see what she meant. It was a full moon tonight, and the moonlight completely lit up the sea. If you opened your eyes underwater it was like being in a fantasy world… So quiet, everything suspended in a silvery other-worldly glow.
Turning to Jasmine, a smile crept up onto my face. “Wanna go moonlight body surfing?” Judging by the excited look on her face, I'd say yes.
We paddled over to a softer strip of sand, waiting for the waves.
“Wow,” breathed Jasmine. “The waves are huge tonight.”
I nodded. “Figures. It's a full moon, and the waves are always bigger at night.”
Silently, we tread water, waiting for the perfect wave. Luckily, we wouldn't have to wait too long.
“Wow! That's a whopper!” I turned my head, to see Jasmine was right. A wave towered over us.
“Ready?” I asked. Jasmine grinned. “Three, two one…” We dived in the wake of the wave, kicking as hard as we could. The power behind the wave pushed us through the water. It was unlike any sensation I had felt before.
“Woo-hooo!” We screamed in unison. All too soon, the sand loomed before us, and I knew we had to stop. I kicked back gently, turning myself upright. A scream of terror ripped from Jasmine's mouth, as she jerked around wildly.
“SHARK! SHARK!” I blinked, stunned. Nothing could scare Jasmine. She was pretending, I was sure of it. But the tears streaming down her face, and the look of sheer pain, convinced me otherwise.
“SHARK! SHARK! HELPPPP!” I screamed, but of course, no body would here us. The beach was deserted.
Jasmine started to cry in pain. I grabbed her hand, and struck out with my foot, leg making contact with something. That something seemed to stop and regard my foot, as if it wanted to take a chomp out of it.
We stared, horrified at each other, certain that this was the end. And it would have been, if a dark, strong figure hadn't dived in between us, latching onto the shark. We watched in apprehension, but the shark went away.
A head bobbed out of the water. I gasped in recognition. “Clove!”
She smiled grimly. “All you have to do it poke a shark in it's eyes. Doesn't expect its food to fight back. Let's get you back to shore,” she added, eyeing Jasmine.
We both looped an arm around Jasmine, and paddled back to shore. Panting, we lay down on the wet sand, as Clove went to fetch our bags. The adrenaline of the attack was wearing off, and I started to feel exhausted.
Jasmine moaned beside me. I glance up, and stared in horror at the bloody mess of her leg, teeth marks visible. I really hoped Clove would get back soon.
The sand thumped beside us. She had finally returned. Fishing my phone out of my bag, I dialled 911. After exchanging a few words with the operator, the welcome news of an ambulance on it's way comforted us.

“Why were you on the beach?” I stared curiously at our saviour. Clove shrugged.
“I used to do moonlight swimming at my old place, with my friends. Once, though, we had a shark attack… one of them didn't make it,” she murmured sadly. “My mum made me take part in first aid and shark attack lessons if it happened in the future, and we moved here.”
I nodded. “I'm just so glad you were there,” Jasmine's mum gushed. “Who knows what would have happened if you weren't?”
I shivered, not wanting to know. “Hush, guys,” I muttered, indicating at Jasmine, who was fluttering her eyelids. I didn't want to think about what could have happened. We made it through.
Just.

Daily, 246 words
We live, we laugh, we love. But it's all an illusion. Something they want us to see, so that we don't see the truth. Now, it's time for you to join us. Welcome to the rebellion.
I frowned, looking around the room. This was a bit over excessive. They had an entire amphitheatre, just to give out welcome talks. I shook my head, dazed.
Walking to the door, a man in a green suit came over to me.
“You're in group green,” he said in a hoarse voice. “We learn gun, bow and knife training.”
I shook my head. “I can already do those.” He looked like he was about to continue, so I added, “And tridents, spears and axes. Easy.”
The man looked baffled. “Well, we also learn basic survival training, like making fires, foraging, filtering water, making shelters…” He trailed off at the look on my face. “You can do those too, can't you?” He frowned. Biting my lip, I nodded.
He shook his head. “Then you can help teach. We're short on teachers.”
I snorted. Yeah, that'd be right. Not have many people know how to survive, but have a huge amphitheatre just for welcome speeches. Soo impressed.
He handed me a piece of paper. “Everything you need to know about our group,” he said. I scanned it. It included times, what we learn, and a map with where we need to be. “I'm Taylor, by the way,” He said.
I nodded. “Finnick.”