Category Archives: Fan Fiction

Until Tomorrow

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Until Tomorrow

By K.P.

Have you ever had deja vu, well this I used to, too. That was until the day I met the old man. The day started the same as before, me and Tim, my best friend since forever, would go to the farm and lift hay and take care of the sheep and other odd jobs around the farm. We live in the village of Orgon, a village that until a few years ago was nothing, then someone found a cave filled with gold, silver, and other minerals. 

“Roger, stop daydreaming and get back to lifting hay.” Tim yells. I often just stop what I am doing and start staring off into the mountain.  I don’t know why, but sometimes I swear that I can see something on the mountain.

“Alright, I’m coming.” I called back. 

“You better I’m not doing all the work.” he retorts and we both get back to our job.

Hours pass on the farm and we finally are done. It’s around noon when we get back to the village. Most days it’s empty with everyone deep in the mines in search of riches but, today two strangers on horseback and masks were in front of my house.

“Roger Temporalin, come with us.” they say in complete unison, but I could tell they hadn’t rehearsed that line.

“Why should I, I don’t feel like going anywhere with the Pony Pals.” I say, which probably wasn’t the smartest idea, since the one to the right looked pretty jacked and the other had a sword.

“Hold your tongue boy.” the one to the left said, “before you lose it.”

“Back off Red, he ain’t a problem.” the other told him, “just come with us, and no one here gets hurt.” he says to me.

“Why do you want him?” Tim squeaks. He was always nervous around people he didn’t know. I was surprised he would talk at all after seeing them. 

“That is of no concern to you.” Red says. I got a bad feeling from the way he said this so I turned to Tim and said.

“Run.” and I sprinted towards the woods and hoped that Tim would follow though I knew they wouldn’t catch him, he was always the fastest when we raced.

“Hey, stop.” They both yell surprised, as we run into the woods.

After what seemed like hours, we finally came to a stop by a large oak tree. 

“Do you think we lost them?” Tim huffed “I hope we can stay here and not get caught.” 

“You should be safe here for a while, Roger,” said a gruff voice. Startled Tim and I jumped back. “Sorry for the scare, but I thought you should know that they’re  nowhere near here.”

“Who are you?” I asked. The voice belonged to an old guy that looked pretty beat up. He had a long scar from the bridge of his nose to the edge of his jaw on the left side. His skin was tan and leathery like he worked in the sun for years, so he must not have lived near here because it never was very sunny, only overcast. 

“My name doesn’t matter.” He said with a dark expression. “You can call me whatever you want.” 

“What do you want, Old Man.” I asked defensively . , “How do you know my name?” 

“I have been sent to help and protect you from the Kronos Crusade,” He stated flatly. “The two people in town who were on the horses, the two with the masks. They want to take you to their leader, who wishes to use you in a ritual.” 

“Why would they want me?” I ask angrily. Who was this guy and why would anyone want me, and what kind of maniac would believe in magic.

“I don’t know.” the old man said solemnly. I could tell he was lying. 

“How do we know that we can trust you?” Tim asked sheepishly.

“You can, I’m getting paid.” He boasted.

“Well that sure helps.” I said sarcastically. I had a bad feeling about the old man, I trusted him the same I trusted a wolf in a sheep pen. 

“Well if you’re done asking questions, we better get a move on.” the old man said. 

“Where would we go?” Tim asked nervously.

“My house in the mountains.” The old man said solemnly and started off toward the mountain. “Aren’t you coming?” he said, turning back. 

After hours of walking through the woods, we came to a small hut that looked like it’s been here forever. It was probably 14 feet tall at the top of the roof and about 20 feet across. 

“We’re here.” the old man said. 

  “So what do we do now?” I said aggressively.

“With a little luck, stay here and wait until tomorrow,” The old man said matter of factly,”  then you can go back to your life and you can forget all about this.”

“Why would they stop trying to find me after today?” I said confused.

“Theres a time limit, I guess. For the ritual, I mean” The old man said. “I think it can only happen today or something.” 

“So, what are we going to do here until tomorrow?” Tim asks, changing the subject. 

“You two should stay inside while I keep watch.” the old man answers, and with that me and Tim went inside and took a nap.

After I woke up from my nap, I went to check on the old man. It was dusk, and the old man was chopping wood out front. He looked angry and hurt, I wondered why.

“What are you doing out of the hut?” the old man grunted, not looking up. “I thought I told you to stay inside until tomorrow.” 

“Jeez, someone’s a cranky pants.” I retorted, “I was just checking if it was the morning, I was sleeping in there.”

“It’s only been 3 hours since we got here, get back inside.” He said in his gruff old voice.

“Yeah, get back inside, there’s some bad people in these woods.” A Young voice said in a sing-song voice. The old man and I turned to see Red, the masked horseman that was at my house.

“How did you find me?” I blurted out.

“I have some experience in finding people.” He said happily. 

“Red, why don’t you take a break this time.” the old man said hopefully. “Maybe this time we come to an agreement to stop this madness.” 

“What are you talking about, old man?” I asked, confused. What did he mean this time? Did they know each other, were they working together? 

“Hopefully, you’ll never need to know, kid.” the old man said, dropping the axe and extending his right hand. “Now stand back, I need to deal with this clown.” 

“How quaint, the old man thinks he can save anyone.” Red said angrily. He took his sword and swung at the air leaving a gaping void where he swung. 

“This again, I haven’t learned anything new.” the old man said smugly. A giant vine came out of the old man’s right and struck Red in the head knocking off his mask. Revealing Red looked exactly like a younger version of the old man.

“Enough of this.” Red said angrily, jumping into the void. The next second the world went black. Then I found myself in the middle of a gem-filled cave, where hundreds of masked people stood staring at me. I was on some sort of altar, and behind me stood Red and an old guy with long, black hair and an old fashioned robe

“I see you have finally woken up.” the robed man said. “You sure have been hard to capture, harder than most.”

“What do you want from me?” I yelled desperately.

“Didn’t that traitor tell you?” The robed man responded. “Well no matter, I am Dyon, the leader of the Kronos Crusade, and you are here to help me, you see, I didn’t really want to die, so I gathered some men a performed a ritual that gave me eternal life, the only downside is that I am now in a loop, and to stay immortal I must repeat the ritual, so you and me are in an endless chase so to speak.” He concluded dramatically. 

“What do you mean ‘you and me’?” I questioned. 

“Oh, I forgot to tell you.” Dyon laughed. “The ritual only works if we use you or someone else like, someone born during a rift in time like you.” 

“Let’s just get this over with.” Red growls. “The day is almost over.” 

“Ah, you are right, well we mustn’t be late.” Dyon said, almost sad. “Let’s begin the ritual.” I was desperate for a way out, so I jumped up and tried to grab Dyon, get a hostage, but the second I did something hit me in the face. Red had struck me with his sword leaving a small cut from the bridge of my nose going left to my jaw, and realization hit me. All these people were me from the countless times the ritual was performed.

“Ah, so you see how you could not win.” Red said softly. “If something has happened this many times it must be destiny.”  After all I went through I would fail. The room filled with chanting, the sound was like drumming. After a second I started to float on the altar, I started to glow and then the world went bright white, then black.

I woke up on the mountain, it was morning. I thought the whole ritual thing had to have been a dream and I had just sleepwalked out here. Running, I went to the farm and my heart dropped, there I was staring back at the morning of the ritual lifting hay.

The Never Wavering Arrow

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The Never Wavering Arrow

By Z.W.

A bright light shines upon my face as I stir in my sleep. I shield my eyes from the harsh light with my hand and groan. I sit up, rubbing my eyes as I do, silently cursing the wretched sun for interrupting my only time of peace. I look around and see my phone buzz with a notification. Who in their right mind is messaging me this early?

I pick up the phone begrudgingly, reading the notification. 

A message reading “Hey Assan! This is just a message to wake your lazy self up, because heaven forbid you get up at a reasonable time.” comes through from Rowan… Of course. I slightly snicker at the audacity, but it quickly turns into dread at having to go to school.

I stretch my arms and back before standing up and yawning. I pad over to my dresser and throw on a plain white tee with some basic cargo jeans, nothing out of the ordinary for me. I look in the mirror and see how messy my brown hair is… It’s really getting long. I almost consider brushing it, but it being shaggy is more of my style anyway.

I slip on my shoes and school bag and mentally prepare as I head to school, knowing the day is going to be strenuous. When I arrive at the school, Ferns High School for specifics, I’m met with an abrupt meeting with Rowan.

“Hey, sleepyhead! You did make it after all! It’s nice to see your face here every once in a while, you know.” While he speaks, I wonder how someone can be so cheerful in a dull world like this.

“Yeah, yeah, now can you quit with the overzealous yelling? I’d like to be able to hear during my classes today.”  My words sound harsher than intended, but I’m sure Rowan knows this.

“Ah, right, sorry!” He rubs the back of his head sheepishly, having a big grin on his face.

I notice his more nicely dressed attire. Compared to his normal, uncoordinated outfits, this one seems awfully put together and neat. His clothes aren’t wrinkled, his black hair is brushed and done up in a messy bun, and he smells like cologne- maybe too much.

“What’s the occasion? You aren’t dressed like the homeless today.”

“Hey! I’ll have you know I dress perfectly fine normally! But, since you are sooo curious…” He drags on, “I have a date after school!” He flushes with clear excitement and nerves.

“A date? You? I can’t tell if I pity you or the girl who said yes.” I tease. “But hey, good for you, even if you smell like a men’s cologne shop.”

He grins and goes to reply, but is cut off by the bell. It rings mockingly, like it knows the suffering it brings.

“Well, see ya later! And don’t sleep in class either, I’m tired of the teachers complaining about it to me.” He says before rushing off to his first class.

I sigh, a lot of the staff complain to Rowan because 1, he’s the favorite, and 2, I’m his troublesome best friend. I figure I won’t ruin his big day and try to stay awake during these long, boring hours.

The first half of the day goes by pretty quickly, just listening to lectures upon lectures lets the mind drift off to a pretty interesting place- on which I won’t elaborate. Lunch comes and goes just as quickly, with some small talk with Rowan and listening to the background chatter in the lunch room.

My final class periods, on the other hand, couldn’t have been more irritating if they tried. The classes themselves are fine, but it’s the students in them that ruin it. One of, if not the most popular student is in both of them. Alias Bridgenton, the school sports pride. With a total of 10 medals from different competitions, he’s managed to be the most insufferable jerk to be around.

His most notable talent is archery, always winning the competitions held and crushing the competitors with his ego…and skill, I suppose. He never really talks to me, but he always gives me glances that you can’t quite read. His emerald eyes are piercing, and his black hair is almost blue in some lighting. I admit, he’s pretty intimidating.

But, after listening to his loud mouth for those two straining class periods, the bell rings. This time in a much more relieving sense. I grab my things and book it out of the school. The fresh air is an amazing change compared to the sweaty, BO-reeking halls in the building. I don’t bother to look for Rowan, knowing he’s probably off with the girl he mentioned earlier.

I head down the road to the archery range, my safe haven. Archery is my comfort compared to the tiresome work of everyday life. I enter the building and take my recurve bow out of its locker, replacing it with my school stuff in the meantime. Some of the other attendees wave over to me, so I reciprocate the greeting. 

I head over to the range itself; it’s indoors, but it works just as well as any other. I put on my gear and finally begin practicing. Pull the drawstring back, aim, fire, repeat. Such simple actions make such a great hobby.

After a while, my arms grow achy, and my mind is tired. Despite that, I can’t afford to slack off. The most important archery competition of the year is in less than a week. While most people look at it as something Alias will just win, I want to at least attempt to get some recognition. I pull the string back once more, and my weary state must have been obvious because I’m interrupted by a familiar, irritating voice.

“Your stance is off, you know.” The voice reeks of arrogance and ego; I suddenly feel like gagging.

I turn to look who it is, already having a hunch. Alias himself, in all of his prideful glory. He wears a smirk that practically screams, “I’m better than you,” and he probably isn’t wrong. He begins to walk over, walking with the pride of a man who holds himself higher than the atmosphere.

“Assan, was it?” If condescension had a mortal form, it’s him.

“Yeah, Alias, right?” I know the answer, but I may as well make the conversation a little more bearable.

“The one and only. Now, sorry to intrude on your practice, but I couldn’t help but notice your poor form. You do know better than this, yes?”

I nod, refraining from rolling my eyes.

“Good, but if you can’t even keep your form at a reasonable state, then why are you practicing? A good archer mustn’t overwork themselves too much; I can account for that.” He looks off as he speaks, as if caught in a memory. He shakes his head, “Regardless, I’ve seen your talent, and I wouldn’t want you to burn it out, before a competition no less.”

I don’t know how to feel about that; such words of praise are surprising from him. I sigh and shake my head, looking back at my bow.

“I assume you’ll be participating in the competition, yes?” his words break the brief silence.

I nod, “Yes, I’ll be participating.”

He smirks, “Good.”

He begins to walk off, but not before giving one last line of pride.

“Don’t disappoint me, Assan. I’ll be looking forward to our next meeting at the competition.” He walks out of the range like he hadn’t just put a large expectation on my shoulders.

I groan and decide to pack up my bow. It’s not like I’ll be able to focus now anyway. For being a jerk, he gave some pretty smart advice, all things considered. I put my bow in my locker and grab my stuff, slinging my bag over my shoulder, and walk out of the building. 

I pull out my phone and see Rowan has messaged me a couple of times about him and that girl’s date. Apparently, it went great. I sent back some generic positive messages before turning my phone off. I’ve got bigger things to worry about.

The next few days go partway decent. Rowan hasn’t given me any headaches, Alias keeps to himself, and my training has been productive. Even if I feel a pit in my stomach when it’s mentioned, I feel more confident about it now. Honestly, I’m looking forward to it, to prove myself.

But, like any other time when life goes well, something happens. My bow breaks. The top portion of the bow snapped when I pulled it back like I normally did. I knew the thing was old, but did it really have to break the day before the competition? I have it sent to the shop; thankfully, since I’ve been going to this range for so long, they offer to do it for free.

They gave me a measly replacement bow for the meantime; this could not have been worse timing. I train with the bow, but it’s far more difficult than it should be. It’s too light, it doesn’t bend like it should, and it feels flimsy. There goes my only chance of proving myself. The highest I get is a 9 on the target, and that was pure luck at best. That night, I just sit and accept my impending defeat.

How am I supposed to win a competition that my only chance of winning has been sabotaged? I know I should have more resolve, but I can’t just gaslight myself into thinking I’ll win. I suppose Alias should’ve had a little less faith…

The morning of the competition rolls around, a Saturday morning that I’d normally spend sleeping. Instead, I’m standing off to the side, watching the competition go by while I wait for my turn. The lighting is bright, and it’s hot inside the range. This is going to go terribly.

Suddenly, the announcer calls over the intercom, “Ladies and gentlemen! Our next contestant is a long-time winner who comes from Fern High School…Alias Brigenton!” The audience erupts into applause as he walks into the range. He smirks and waves to the crowd, looking all around at the audience till he spots me. He locks eyes with me and mouths the words “Watch this.”

I feel a stab of anxiety as I observe him getting ready to fire. His technique is flawless, with not a single point of weakness. He shoots the target, hitting the bullseye with ease. He proceeds to shoot the other targets with bullseyes, earning the highest possible score of 50. He undeniably has the skill and the determination to back up his ego. I may not be able to win, but I might be able to tie. 

After he gets his final score tallied, he walks off the range and back into the waiting area for contestants. Not without shooting me a final look of pride. Never have I ever wanted to punch a smirk off of someone’s face before until now. I sigh, mentally preparing again.

“And now, for our final contestant… Assan Hildegade!” I practically feel my stomach drop to my feet. I take a deep breath to steel my nerves and rush to the waiting area to grab my bow and head onto the range. I do that walk of shame most people do when giving a presentation, but then I raise my head and walk with a little more dignity. 

There is no applause for me like there was for Alias, just pitiful attempts at recognition from the crowd. I look around, and targets are positioned at different distances and heights. The lights are far too bright, honestly. Do they even think about the contestants? Or are we just a display item? Never mind that.

I look around the audience, and seeing Rowan cheering for me brings some calm to my nerves. I catch eyes with Alias again, and he nods at me. I sigh, here goes nothing.

I bring the bow up and pull back the drawstring like I’d done a thousand times before. The bow feels unfamiliar in my hands, and it only worsens my confidence. I aim at the first target, a thousand worries running through my mind at once. I try to silence them for the time being and fire the arrow. It weaves through the air like a hot knife through butter, better than I could have ever expected. 

It hits the bullseye, surprisingly. I suppress a grin; maybe the odds aren’t entirely out of my favor. The next three targets go smoothly despite the increased difficulty. But it’s now the final target, the most difficult one. It’s stationed the furthest away, is angled at an inopportune position, and the wind is blowing in the opposite direction. With the stakes given, the circumstances occurring, and my overall abilities, I feel those thoughts creep back in.

What if I don’t make this shot? Would he still have faith in me? What if I fail? Would I humiliate myself? What if I show how worthless I am? Would it-

“Don’t disappoint me, Assan. I’ll be looking forward to our next meeting at the competition.” his words flood back to my head. Right. No time for worrying. I didn’t put in all of this hard work for nothing. After all, I have to prove myself at one point, and I’m not letting this opportunity slide.

I pull the drawstring back, aiming carefully with the wind direction. I take a deep breath and fire, watching the arrow never waver once in its travel. It hits the bullseye dead center, not a single way to misconceive its position. The crowd is silent for a moment, a long, painful moment, but suddenly the audience roars with cheers and applause. I look around to see Rowan cheering louder than most, but then I also see Alias applauding with a proud look.

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. I smile ear to ear uncontrollably, laughing in relief more than humor. I walk back into the waiting area for archers, giving myself some time away from the crowd.

Since Alias and I tied our score, we both got to take home a gold medal. First time I’ve ever gotten one. After the competition, I was met with praise and a very proud Rowan, who goes on about how he secretly knew this would happen, even though he probably didn’t. I decide to head to the place outside behind the range after the whole ordeal. It’s a bench with a tiny pond that no one seems to go to.

I sit on the bench and lean back with an exhausted sigh, thinking back to the previous week. Meeting Alias, my training, my bow breaking, the competition, everything. I feel a grin tug at my lips at it all. Who knew all of that would come to this? My peaceful moment of reminiscing is quickly interrupted, though, as a voice I’ve come to know all too well returns.

“Well, isn’t this an interesting place to relax? I must say, this would not be my first pick.” Alias, who walks over and sits next to me, says in a much calmer tone compared to his normal arrogance.

I shrug, “Yeah, but at least it’s quiet. That’s all I ask for.”

He snickers, “How simple-minded of you.”

I scoff and roll my eyes, “It’s not simple-minded, it’s logical after whatever that loud competition was.”

“Sure, sure, now, I’ve come to congratulate you. It isn’t every day that someone ties me, in a competition no less. You did well out there.” The words are oddly sincere coming from someone like him. I feel a smile creep onto my face. 

“Who knew the pride of Ferns High School was so sentimental after all? I feel honored,” I joke with him, causing his reaction of sputtering before scoffing.

“Don’t get too cocky, brat.” His attempt to regain his composure is quite entertaining.

I shake my head, “Anyway, thanks for that. It was really you who was a driving factor for me to even participate. I guess I owe it to ya after all.”

He grins, “Now who’s getting sentimental?”

“Shut up!”

We end up laughing it off and giving a fist bump. I guess this could be the start of something new, a friendship you could call it. Who knew that this is where one measly competition could lead me? I guess, in the end of it all, through hardships and condescending comments, hard work never fails you.

Light on a Dying Flower

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By P.W.

Her, the love of his life, Fiona, a police officer has been in the police force since she was 20, going on 28. In love with the idea of arresting the bad people and helping the good people ever since she was a child, but her boyfriend,  Arden, is a hidden serial killer, someone you wouldn’t suspect, from a man who helps the elderly and helps with Fiona’s children. Will she find out about his murderous ways or will the man she’s deeply in love with not get caught, and live with her? Until death do us part is a big saying with big meaning, will that meaning still be true, or will they part ways. Permanently. It’s the Thirteenth of August in 2011, the temperatures are hot but not horribly overwhelming. 

Salem was a big tourist attraction especially for the movie Hocus Pocus. Tourists flew in from everywhere. For Fiona it was a struggle, trying to get to an emergency with crowded crosswalks was a challenge, especially for urgent situations. Over the (almost) eight years she’s been working, she’s found a back road that gets her to different areas in town,  and it avoids the tourists. It’s a win for everyone. On the day of August 11 at 6:23 p.m she comes home to a horrid stench. She makes it inside, her little girl, Lillithan greets her eagerly.

“Mama! Mama! I’ve missed you so much! Ardy made me Cheese pasta!”

Fiona smiles happily,”Does he make it as good as I do?” She pulls Lillithan into a warm hug, picking her up and resting her on her hip. Fiona then walks over to Arden, kissing him on the lips smiling.

“How was Little Lilli today?”

“She wasn’t a problem at all, I don’t know why you don’t trust me.” Arden says smiling at her, Fiona knows he loves her,  but something lies beneath that mask. She just can’t figure out what she wants to figure out, she’s wanted to for the past two years they’ve dated.

“Im going to put this silly girl to bed, then I’ll come back out.” She leans over and kisses him one last time before leaving and putting Lillithan to bed. Once she comes back out she talks to Arden.

“Hey, I think an animal crawled under the house and died, if you could look into that, I would love that.”

“Of course honey, I will tomorrow.” He kisses her on the forehead and grabs his stuff.

“Bye , Sweetie. I’ll see what’s up tomorrow”

He leaves, Fiona is still extremely on edge Why was there a stench, it didn’t smell like a dying, or rotting animal, but could she be wrong? No. She shakes it off and heads to bed. The next morning she wakes up at 5:00, it’s a Friday so she has the day off, she tries to go back to bed, but she can’t, it’s like something is pulling her away from sleeping. She feels a presence behind her, but she’s lying down, how she could Feel something behind her. Fiona gets up and makes herself some coffee, careful not to wake up Lilli. As the coffee brews the sounds are not loud, but also not exactly quiet. The coffee finishes brewing and she puts in her “essentials”.

  • 1 spoonful of sugar
  • 1 whole cup of coffee creamer
  • A splash of milk

As Fiona makes her coffee, she’s pleased with herself, when all of a sudden she hears small footsteps from behind her, she turns around to see Lilli running at her scared, almost petrified. Of course, it’s one of her small night terrors and it’s easy to calm her down. This time though, it was different. 

“Lilli? What’s wrong?” Fiona says, setting down her coffee and picking up the crying five year old in front of her,

 Lilli clings to her shirt crying relentlessly, clearly not calming down any time soon. “Hes in my room! I told him to leave but he won’t! He won’t leave! He’s not listening to me!”

Fiona freezes, she knew that feeling wasn’t just her. She knew something was coming, she just couldn’t place that feeling until right now.

“ Ok baby, I’m going to set you down so I can take a look at the monster, ok?”

Lilli nods, her tiny hands coming up to wipe her tears and her cute little lip sticking out, making her look adorable even while frightened. Fiona puts Lilli down and grabs her pepper spray, just in case. As she makes her way to Lilli’s room, her footsteps are quiet, it makes it feel like the house is screaming, because of how quiet it is. As she steps in front of Lilli’s room she turns the doorknob slowly. The door creaks as it opens. She turns the light on and steps into the room quickly. Nothing. She checks under the bed, nothing. She opens the closet doors one after the other, first side nothing. Second side, something? 

There’s this big white trashbag, now stained a light pink, the stench is strong, but not overwhelming. She puts the pepper spray in her back pocket. She walks up to the bag and kneels in front of it. The tie sucks, so it’s easy to open. Once she opens it she finds different red splattered shirts, the red splatter looks like paint because of how thick it is. She digs through the bag, She reaches her hand in and cuts her finger on something sharp. She pulls her hand out and mutters a curse. Why would something sharp be in a bag of Lilli’s ruined shirts? She opens the bag more, slowly, more red paint comes into view. Her eyes widen, why didn’t I get rid–

“I’m here to look at your infestation!” Arden, he arrives, Fiona didn’t even hear the door open, or close.

“Ardy, Ardy”, Lilli says, her little feet on the floor. “There’s a monster in my room! mama ‘s lookin’ at it right now!” Ardy laughs and walks towards the room with Lilli, Fiona comes out holding her cut finger.

“Holy cow, Fiona. What happened, are you ok?” Fiona heads to the bathroom to wash her finger off, whilst talking to Arden.

“Lilli, she had a trashbag of paint stained clothes in her closet, I reached my hand in and something cut my finger.” Fiona runs her finger under the water stinging slightly, but thoroughly cleansing it.

“Jesus Fiona, I’ll go get started looking at that dang rodent that went under your porch.” He kisses her solemnly on the forehead. “Love you.” he says then leaves. Fiona grabs an antiseptic and sprays the liquid on to her fingers, disinfecting it. She then grabs a bandaid and lays it on her finger carefully, trying not to hurt herself more. Once she heads out of the bathroom she grabs the bag of stained clothes and takes it outside to the trash, as in doing so she sees Arden dragging a black trashbag to his truck, its sagging. There’s weight to it, almost like a carcass, or a cadaver, Fiona freezes momentarily.

“Hey Arden.” Fiona says, still frozen in place.

‘Yeah?” He says while dragging the trash bag to his truck.

“Can I see what rotten animal crawled under my porch?” Arden freezes clearly caught off guard by the question.

“W-why would you want to see? It’s probably rotten, and looks horrible.” He says, clearly scared of being caught, but what would he have to hide?

“Show me the animal. Now”

“No!” He throws the trashbag in the truck. “It’s been dealt with now, don’t ask about it.” He says angrily, frustration evident on his face. He storms past Fiona brushing past her shoulder. Fiona throws Lilli’s bag of trash into the trashcan then heads back inside to be greeted with Arden, stabbing Lilli with a knife right in her back. Fiona screams. Arden turns around. Her screams are too loud, but Arden says.

“This was  always coming. Eventually” 

Fiona tackles him reaching for her phone, She manages to tackle Arden pining him under her with practiced precision. She manages to call 911 and puts it on speaker, putting it far away from his reach.

“911, What your–”`

“Wideria street apartment eight, I have a murderer at my house, I’m Police Officer F. Smith.”

“Backups being sent your way now Mrs. Smith. I need you to stay on the line”

“I have him pinned”  “He’s struggling pretty roughly im not going to be able to hold him forever”

“The police are about a minute away, hold on for me Fiona.”

As Fiona holds down Arden, her daughter’s crying, and she hears the police sirens getting closer, and closer, and then the sirens arrive, doors shut footsteps on the grass. The door bursts open, medical calls are made. Her daughter gets rushed to the hospital, and Arden gets arrested. Fiona and her daughter come back home two weeks later, Arden missed all of Lili’s organs thankfully. Lilli now has a big scar and stitches on her back. She healed about three years later, the pain faded the memories not. Fiona was eternally grateful for the police and medical care they provided to her daughter. The police station and hospital both expressed their gratitude and awarded Fiona and Lilli each five thousand dollars. Lilli and Fiona are still scared to trust people to this day, after the day Lilli’s life was almost taken. Lilli is now twenty while her mother is now forty-eight and still in the police force helping people and busting the others.

“don’t read the last message”

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      “dont read the last message.”

           Horror story

That message wasn’t meant for her,

 That’s what made it worse.

 At 1:42 AM, Mara’s phone buzzed. She was half asleep, Face buried into her pillow, When the vibration dragged her back to consciousness. She groaned, Fumbling blindly across her night stand until her fingers found the screen. One notification.Unknown number.No name, No picture.Just a message…

Unknown:Don’t read the last message.

Mara blinked at the screen 

“What?….”

Her brain felt slow, foggy with sleep. She checked the time again. 1:42 AM. Wrong number she whispered. She was about to put her phone down, Then paused. There wasn’t a last message..There’s only one. Mara’s thumb hovered over the screen. A weird, Prickly feeling creeped down her arms. Like when you’re being watched. She looked around her room. Dark, Quiet, Normal.

“ Yeah, ok,” Mara whispered. “ Great prank.”

She locked her phone and went back to bed.Buzz. She froze. Slowly… She picked the phone back up.

Unknown: I said don’t.

Mara’s chest tightened 

“Ok not funny.”

She sat up, her heart beating a little faster.

Mara: Who is this??

The typing bubble appeared instantly. 

Unknown: You weren’t supposed to see that.

Mara’s stomach twisted.

Mara: See what?

A pause. Longer this time..Then

Unknown: The last message.

Her grip tightened.

Mara: THERE IS NO LAST MESSAGE.

Three dots. Typing. Stopping. Typing again.

Unknown: There is.

A cold feeling slid down her spine

Mara: Then send it.

The typing bubbles stayed longer now. Like whoever or whatever was on the other side thinking. Then

Unknown: If you read it, It will know.

“It will know?”

A nervous laugh slipped out. “Ok…Creepy.” 

Mara: Know what

The response came slower this time.

Unknown: It knows you’re here.

Her room suddenly felt smaller 

Mara: I am here

The typing bubbles blinked on and off.

Unknown: Not like that..

Mara swallowed.

Mara: Then what do you mean

A long pause. So long she thought maybe they’d stopped responding. Then

Unknown: It thinks you’re still asleep.

Her heart skipped. Without meaning to, Mara started at her bedroom door. Still closed.Still normal. Right?

Mara: This isn’t funny.

Unknown: I’m not joking. Her fingers hovered across the screen.

Mara: What is “It”.

The typing bubbles appeared.Then it disappeared. Then it appeared again. Finally

Unknown: Don’t ask that.

Mara’s breath came slower this time. More careful. 

Mara: Why not.

A longer pause.

Unknown: Because it might answer.

Something shifted in the room. A sound, Soft. Barely there. From the hallway. Mara turned her head slightly. Silence. Her phone buzzed again.

Unknown: Did you hear that?

Her stomach dropped.

Mara: Hear what

Unknown: Don’t lie

Her chest tightened.

Mara: how do you know where i am

The reply came instantly.

Unknown: Because I’m not where you think I am.

A chill ran through her.

 “Ok, no.” She whispered. “Nope.”

The Unknown person called her and she put on headphones.

She swung her legs off of the bed, standing up.

“Im turning on the lights.”

Unknown: Don’t 

She froze

Mara: Why

The response took even longer.

Unknown: Because it will see you.

Her hand hovered over the light switch. Slowly…She pulled back.

Her heart was pounding now..

“ok.. ok…”  

She backed away from the door…She sat back on the edge of her bed

Mara: What do i do

The typing bubbles flickered 

Unknown: Stay where you are.

Unknown:Don’t make a sound.

Unknown: And whatever happens—

Unknown: Don’t read the last message..

Mara started at the screen. Her body shook with fear.

Mara: You keep saying that there is one but there ISN”T ONE.

Three dots appeared, then her phone screen changed.The chat scrolled up by itself. Mara’s breath caught, because now. There was another message. Above all the rest of the messages. A message she hadn’t seen before.. Sent hours ago

Unknown: It’s behind you

Mara stopped breathing

Her entire body tensed up. Her eyes slowly lifted. The room felt wrong… Way too wrong. Too quiet. Too still. Her phone buzzed again.

Unknown: Don’t turn around.

Her throat tightened

Mara: You said don’t read it.

Unknown: I know

Her hands shook

Mara: Then why is it here

A pause, Then 

Unknown: Because you weren’t

Supposed to wake up. The air in the room felt colder.

Heaver

Like something was pressing down on her

Mara: What happens if I turn around?

The typing bubbles flickered, Stopped, came back

 Unknown: It stops pretending.

Her heart slammed against her ribs. Behind her. Something moved. Not loud. Not fast. Just enough. A shift. Like a weight adjusting, on her bed. Right behind her Tears filled her eyes

“No…” She whispered 

Unknown: Stay still

She nodded, even though no one could see her.

Mara: What is it?

The reply came slower

Unknown: It learned you

Her stomach twisted 

Mara: What does that mean?

The answer took longer 

Long enough for Mara to feel something else. Breathing. Not hers but someone else behind her. Close

Unknown: It knows how you sound

Unknown: How you move

Unknown: How you think

A tear slid down her cheek

Mara: What does it want

Unknown: You

Her chest tightened

“Please…” She whispered

The bed dipping slightly 

 Something leaning closer 

Unknown: Don’t talk

She clenched her mouth closed. Her whole body trembled with fear, Her phone buzzed again 

Unknown: It likes when you talk

  She stopped breathing

Mara: How do i make it go away

A Long Pause then

Unknown: You cant

Her heart sank

Mara: Then what should i do

The response came slowly

Unknown: Pretend you are still asleep

Mara stuttered

Mara: What

Unknown: Lay down

Unknown: Close your eyes

Unknown: Don’t react 

Her hands shook as she laid down. She turned her head slightly.Facing away. Her eyes squeezed shut. Her phone rested on her chest. The screen still glowing

Unknown: Good

Her breathing slowed. Forced, Careful, Behind her, Something shifted again. Then a whisper. Right next to her ear

“ Mara…”

Sounded just like her voice..Her own voice, Closer

“Your awake”

Her fingers curled slightly

“ I can feel you breathing”

Her heart pounded 

“ I know you read it”

Tears slipped quietly down from her face

“ You shouldn’t have read it”.

The bed creaked. Weight shifting

Right above her now, Hovering

“ I liked it better when you didn’t know”

Her chest tightened

Unknown: It’s trying to get you to react

The whisper grew softer

“ Just turn your head”

Her eye twitched

“ Just a little”

She almost stopped breathing

“ I want to see your face”

Unknown: Don’t 

Silence. Long. Heavy.Then, A soft laugh. From right behind her ear

“ Your not as fun as the others

Her stomach dropped, Others?

Unknown: Don’t ask

Her heart was racing faster

“ I wonder how long you can pretend”
The weight shifted again

Then 

Gone

The bed lifted.

The air felt lighter

But she didn’t move

Didn’t open her eyes 

Didn’t breathe any differently 

Minutes passed 

Or hours

She didn’t know

Her phone buzzed

Unknown: It left

Mara stayed still

Unknown: You can move now

Slowly

She opened her eyes

The room was empty

Normal

Like nothing happened

her chest rose slightly 

She sat up

Her whole body shaking

Mara: Is it gone

A long pause

Then

Unknown: No

Her heart stopped

Mara: What do you mean

The typing bubbles appeared one last time

Unknown: It is where i am 

Her stomach dropped 

Mara: Where are you?

The reply came almost instantly 

Unknown: Look at the last message

Her breath caught

Her thumb shook as she scrolled upThe very first message. The

one she thought started at all, But now, It was different 

Unknown: Don’t read the last message

Below it, A new message

One she didn’t see before 

Sent just second ago

From her own number 

Mara: Its behind you

Her blood ran cold because she didn’t send that

And slowly

Very slowly

She felt it again

Right behind her

Breathing

Waiting

And this time there was no one left to text.

Mara looked around for something, Anything, She needed to get out of there.

She looked around and found a candle

The monster went up into flames, Then somehow transformed into a human and chased mara down the steps.

While mara was running she saw her mother lifeless on the floor as well as her brother and step-father. 

She ran outside but the door was locked but she took out a hair pin and picked the lock. The monster took out a lighter and grabbed mara’s arm, The monster then held the lighter under mara’s arm and watched it burn a little, Mara was screaming in pain hoping someone could hear her, Mara got the chance to run and almost made it, Almost.. Mara ran as blood and pain shot from her arm. The monster started running faster and grabbed her by the collar. The monster then threw her into a fence and Mara went down hard causing her eyes to swell closed. Neighbors then heard screaming from Mara and called 911, Mara could barely keep her eyes open. The monster then hid in the bushes and ran. The monster then found a car at a gas station and fled. Para medics showed up and took mara to the hospital.

“ She needs to go into surgery immediately.” Said the doctor. 

“ But sir! She needs to be on life support.” Said a nurse

“ I don’t care, get the operating table ready right now.” Said the doctor.

“ But Doctor…-.” Said the nurse.

“ Did I Stutter? Go get her on the table.” 

‘ yes sir.” said the doctor.

“The operation went well, but…” Said the doctor.

“ What do you mean but..” Said Mara’s sister. 

“ Well is she ok?” said Amber

“ Yes but she lost half of her memories, Like about her family or friends or etc but she still knows how to do most functions like talking, eating and sleep. The point is she doesn’t remember you.” said the doctor.

“ Oh, well can I see her.” Said amber

“ Yes of course.” Said the doctor

Amber walked in and saw Mara’s body with many fractures and many broken bones. Amber started crying uncontrollably. 

“ Don’t worry mara, I will find out who did this to you and they will pay for this.” Said Amber.

Mara then woke up and got startled by Amber. A few weeks later she was allowed to leave the hospital and Amber took her home.

Amber showed Mara her room and left for work. Mara went to the living room and turned on the T.V news channel. 

“ A new murders happened this morning. The killer ran and left the body with many bruises and cuts. The cuts almost look like axe marks. Goodbye and stay safe.” Said the news anchor.

“ woah.. That’s like a lot of people have been killed this week.” Said mara.

“ Wait, what if it’s amber? Haha no way she’s my sister. What if she isn’t. She didn’t have any ID or verification, and neither did I. I’m overthinking this.” though Mara.
Amber then walked through the door covered in what looked like blood. 

“ Amber, Are you covered in blood?” Said mara.

“Shoot she saw.” Amber whispered so only she could hear. 

Amber then took out a knife and tried stabbing mara but missed. Mara then ran out the door with her phone and called 911. Mara then hid in the bushes and amber passed her. The police then showed up and was amber covered in blood and arrested her.

The police then transferred Mara to child services and then she got introduced to a new home.

                                           Part 2

Years later mara had visions of the monster grabbing her arm, she then lifts up her shirt sleeve and looks at the life lasting scar.

Mara didn’t sleep that night

The phone sat on her desk, Screen dark but it felt like it was watching her

She turned it off three times already. Each time she powered it back on, the same message was still there at the top of the chat. Unknown: You weren’t supposed to read that

At 3:14 a.m, the phone vibrated again. Mara froze under her blanket. Another notification, Slowly she reached out and picked up her phone. 

Unknown: Now it knows you did.

Her chest tightened. Her room was silent except for the ticking of the cheap clock on the wall. 

“ Knows what” She whispered to her self

The typing dots appeared. Three gray dots. They blinked. Then it disappeared. Another message.

Unknown: Look behind you

Maras heart slammed against her ribs

“Nope..” She said immediately, “Forcing a laugh that sounded so fake even to her own ears.”

“Not doing that, I barely made it out last time.”

She tossed the phone onto the desk and rolled over to face the wall. But the silence behind her felt wrong. Heavy. Like something was standing there. Waiting. The phone buzzed again. Again. Again. Finally she grabbed her phone. 

Unknown: You didn’t look.

Unknown: Thats good.

Her stomach twisted

“ Good?” She muttered 

The typing bubbles returned. 

Unknown: Because if you had…It would have seen you.

Mara sat up

“ What would have seen me?” She typed.

  The reply came instantly.

Unknown: The thing in your messages 

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard

“Thats not funny.” She typed back

Three dots appeared, but before the next message arrived, Something else happened. Her phone camera turned on. The screen showed a live video feed of her room but the angle was wrong. The camera wasn’t facing her phone, it was pointing at her. Mara’s blood went cold. The video showed her sitting on her bed holding her phone, staring at the screen, and behind her Something moved. A tall shadow slid across the wall. Mara spun around. 

“ Nothing..? I could have sworn I saw something.” Mara whispered to herself.

 The room was empty. When she turned back to the phone, the shadow was closer now. Standing directly behind her, but she couldn’t see anything in the real room. Her hands shook with fear. she whispered “What is this.”

The reply came instantly. 

Unknown: You read the last message

Unknown: That opened the chat

“ What chat?’’ She typed

Unknown: The one between worlds.

Mara stared at the screen 

“This is a prank.” 

Unknown: I wish it was

Another message appeared 

Unknown: you need to stop responding

The she got goosebumps even though the room was warm.

“ Why?” 

They typing bubbles flickered longer this time. Finally. 

Unknown: Every message you send lets it get closer

Her throat tightened

Mara looked at the live video feed again. The shadow behind her had shape now. Too tall. Its head almost touching the ceiling, its arms were long and crooked, Like branches, And it was leaning toward her, 

“ But if i stop texting, what will happen?” she typed.

A new message appeared, but it wasn’t from him, It was from herself. 

Mara: Don’t read the last message. 

“ There is NO LAST MESSAGE.

Just then her phone scrolled up to this message she didnt see before, But just then she looked back at the video feed and the monster was gone, She look behind her and saw it but it was too late. She was gone

The Underdog does the Unthinkable

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The Underdog does the Unthinkable

It all comes down to this. An entire season of drama, controversy, and excitement has all led to this very moment. Let’s give you a full rundown of all the contenders for the championship and the ones who came up just short. First off it’s the points leader heading into today’s race Lane Moody. He has come on strong late in the season and looks to try to win his first championship in his second full time season at the top level. Then in second. He was the regular season champion and has been consistent through the post season so far it’s Will Plymouth. His consistency is undeniable and while he doesn’t win often he will certainly be a major contender today. Then it’s the young superstar who continues to ruffle feathers of his competitors. Crew Remcheck has been the star of the show in most of the races this season but not always for the best reasons. He has been known to be very aggressive and certainly has not garnered many friends from his fellow competitors but the fans absolutely love him and if he were to win it would be the biggest party anyone has ever seen. And finally the last driver in mathematical contention to win the championship today, Roger van Goshen. While still far from a potential first championship he is still in contention as we head into today’s season finale. The veteran who is planning to retire in the coming years has been oh so close so many times to a championship but circumstances each time have kept him from the biggest prize in racing. He looks today to change that narrative and win his first ever championship. Well now you know the contenders today let’s take a look at some of the other drivers that just missed out this season.

First is Jamie Knockerhill, he has had an unexpected standout season but a lackluster run last week at vegeblanc speedway leaves him out of contention for a championship but let’s not forget the impressive season he has had. Knockerhill has gone from being a backmarker driver in previous season to being a frontrunner and this season has won more races than anybody else. It will be interesting to see if he can carry this momentum into next season because nobody was expecting this kind of run from him. And last but not least of our drivers that made the chase for the championship this season is Bart Westerly. Bart is a driver that has notoriously struggled with funding his whole career and has ran with small race teams. But he has always shown to have the natural talent and abilities to outrun his equipment and run very well in cars that should be nowhere near where he is able to bring them. So when a couple seasons ago he got a once in a lifetime opportunity to drive for one of the best teams in the series in Becklestone Racing that was something he obviously couldn’t pass up. And while it took him some time to get used to running for a good team once he got the hang of things he took off and assented himself to a consistent chase caliber driver and once again made the postseason this year and while finishing last among the chase drivers is not what he wanted this is certainly a good year to build on and he hopes to have a strong run to finish out the season.

And now the venue for today’s championship race. The Jackson Mitchelton Memorial Raceway. A highly respected track named after a highly respected racer who unfortunately died at the track 30 years ago. The track is 1.5 miles in length and has many many lanes for the drivers to run which is something the drivers love. One caveat to today’s races though is that the tires are expected to wear very fast so it will be a race where the drivers that can manage their stints the best will have the best finishes today. 

Practice has now gotten underway and here are some notes for today’s race. There are 32 cars that are here today which is a full field for the season finale so that is nice to see. The race will be 350 laps with stages being 80, 110, and 160 laps for the final stage. The drivers will get 1 lap of qualifying and the race will begin at 3:00 eastern time. 

The one and only practice session for this weekend’s race has concluded and let’s take a look at the top 5 times. The quickest time in practice goes to Seth Gallow who had a great mock qualifying run with a 29.715 Then in second was one of the championship hopefuls Crew Remcheck who has been the star of the season so far. He put down a 29.801 Then in 3rd on the timing sheets is Keelan Remcheck the younger brother of Crew who is a rookie this year put down a solid 29.875 And one of the other championship contenders Will Plymouth the points leader heading into today’s race ran a quick lap of a 29.912 And rounding out the top 10 for practice is Jamie Knockerhill who is still frustrated to not be in contention for the championship today laid down a 29.930. Now that practice is done we head into qualifying. 

As we head into qualifying let’s give you a run down of the qualifying format. 32 drivers are entered and all of them will make the race. Each driver gets one lap of qualifying and those laps will set the field for today’s 350 lap race. The drivers will go out in reverse finishing order of the last race results. 

With qualifying just now wrapping up let’s take a look at where your championship contenders will start today’s race. Crew Remcheck will lead the field to green today as he had an impressive lap in qualifying of a 28.763 Then the next contender today starts 5th and it’s Will Plymouth the championship leader heading into the race today. Then in 7th it’s the surprise story of the season Lane Moody who has not shown a whole lot of speed in practice but has a solid starting spot for the season finale today. And finally the last of the 4 contenders today for the championship is Roger van Goshen who qualified all the way back in the 21st position and is going to have a lot of work today to make his way to the front but his experience today may bode well because of the tire compound that is expected to wear very fast. With qualifying over all that is left is the race.

Now it is time for the moment you have waited for all season. It’s the season finale from Jackson Mitchelton Memorial Raceway. Before the race starts we have to take care of the pre race festivities. First let’s send it down to the track for the pre-race prayer led by former driver Rando Litchnow. “Let us pray, God we pray today that you keep all the drivers safe on this great day that you have given us to crown a champion. I pray you keep all the drivers safe and that the fans have an amazing race to watch today, Amen”. 

Now that it is closer to race time let’s send it down to the track for the most famous words in motorsports. (PA Announcer) “Here to give the command to fire engines today is Tom Holland”. “What a great day for some lovely racing here and it is such an honor to give the command to fire engines for this championship race so with that being said, DRIVERS START YOUR ENGINES!!!!” (engine noises). (Lead Announcer Lee Saylow) “Now that the engines are fired we are inching ever closer to today’s championship race I am Lee Saylow along with me are my colleagues Sam Rinshack and Jeff Hackley and on pit road today it’s Marie Sousha”, “Before we get to anything else let’s get you updated on who our championship contenders are for today’s race”. “First it is the championship leader heading into today’s race Lane Moody who is one of the favorites today. (Jeff Hackley) “The second of the four contenders today is Will Plymouth. He has been a consistent frontrunner this season but we will see if he is able to find some winning speed today. (Sam Rinshack) “And then we have Crew Remcheck. He has been the star of the show all season and while his driving antics on track has not garnered any friends for him the fans absolutely love him and he is certainly the people’s choice for the championship today”. (Lee Saylow) “And finally we have Roger van Goshen”. “The seasoned veteran of the series is still looking for his first career championship and he feels today is his best opportunity but is certainly on the back foot after a rough qualifying effort. “Now that you know who the contenders are for today’s championship we are going to go to break and when we come back we will get today’s season finale underway.

(Lee Saylow) “We have just one lap until we turn them loose and you can feel the excitement and intensity is growing as the fans cannot wait to get this race underway”. “The pace car dives in for pit road and Crew Remchek leads the field into the start zone and here we go from The Memorial Raceway green flag is in the air and we are underway for the season finale”!!! (Sam Rinshack) “As the drivers head into turn 1 you will see them fan out all over the track but the pole sitter of Remcheck is able to hold them off down the backstretch”. (Jeff Hackley) “As they come to complete number one Crew Remchek leads but he has pressure from behind as his brother Keelan is fast and is looking to battle for the lead”. [The battle for the lead between the brothers rages on for the rest of the stage but it was Keelan who was able to hold off his brother for the stage win]

(Lee Saylow)“The drivers have pitted under the stage break and now we get ready to begin stage 2. Stage 2 will have 110 laps and then it will be the final stage to determine a champion. Let’s give you an update on where the contenders run right now. Crew Remchek leads the race after his pit crew allowed him to get out of pit road first. Then in 3rd is points leader Lane Moody. In 6th is Will Plymouth and struggling today in 20th Roger van Goshen who has struggled today in today’s race and nothing seems to be going his way.” (Is he out of contention? Will he ever win that championship he has been desperate for for so many years?) It’s time to start stage 2!!!

(Jeff Hackley) “The Remchek brothers lead them back to green!!!”  (Sam Rinshack) “AND THERE’S A CRASH THE REMCHEK BROTHERS GET TOGETHER, A HUGE PILEUP TO START STAGE”2!!! (Lee Saylow) “This has huge implications on the championship picture as Will Plymouth has heavy damage and looks to be getting out of his car as well as Jamie Knockerhill, both the Remcheks and Carson Bloom.” (Jeff Hackley) “This will leave only Lane Moody and the underdog Roger van Goshen left to fight it out for a championship”. (He is only one of the two left but there is no way he could actually do it could he? Surely it’s Lane Moody’s championship to lose now right?) 

(Lee Saylow) “Well now we have two contenders remaining and the field has shrunk after a collision to start stage 2 and now the championship fight is between points leader Lane Moody and the veteran still looking for his first championship Roger van Goshen. It certainly looks like the favorite right now is Moody”. (Jeff Hackley) “And the race is back underway as new race leader Jackson Mitchelton Jr. leads the field into turn one and what a sight to see the son of the great Jackson Mitchelton Sr. leading at the track that was named after his father”. 

(Midway through the second stage) (Sam Rinshack) “Look who has made their way into the top 10!! It’s Roger van Goshen racing in hopes of his long awaited first championship”. 

(Lee Saylow) “We have just 10 laps to go in the penultimate stage of the season and Mitchelton Jr. still leads, and it looks like there is a caution on the track……. OH LANE MOODY HAS BLOWN A TIRE AND IS HARD IN THE WALL, THAT LOOKS LIKE IT MAY BE A DAY ENDER and a championship ender as well”. (Jeff Hackley) “His team has chosen to run super low tire pressures all weekend and while it has allowed him to gain some speed for the finale it looks to have come back in the worst way possible to end his championship dreams”. (Sam Rinshack) “This means that Roger van Goshen, if he can survive the race, will win a long awaited first ever championship”. (Surely with all this misfortune it will catch up to Roger and one of the other contenders can steal it away, Surely after all these years he can’t finally win it, or can he? It might just be possible)
 (Lee Saylow) “As the second stage comes to a close under caution Mitchelton Jr. will win the stage and that gets the crowds full support”. 

The drivers get ready to start the final stage and Roger van Goshen is in the perfect position to win his first ever championship but all the doubts are still there and if he gets caught up in any incident Lane Moody still has the points advantage so van Goshen has to have a perfect final stage to seal the deal. 

(Lee Saylow) “The drivers have pitted and are ready to begin the final stage. Jackson Mitchelton Jr. leads and we are green for the final stage of the season!!!” 

(Jeff Hackley) “Oh there is a crash!!! Championship leader Roger van Goshen has spun and it looks like his championship aspirations may be over”.

With van Goshen now out of the race it puts Lane Moody back in the points lead but van Goshen’s team is determined to not get up and get their driver a championship and if they can get the car repaire and back up on track because there was another wreck on the restart after his spin causing 5 cars to retire from the event van Goshen could gain back enough points to win the championship over Moody by one singular points.

(Will the team be able to fix all of the damage? Can he get back on track in time? Will everythign actually work out for him?)……………….

(Lee Saylow) “When we thought it was over and all hope was lost the team never gave up and the battled adversity all season but it finally pays off for Roger van Goshen, HE COMES TO THE LINE AND IS FINALLY A CHAMPION, and Jackson Mitchelton Jr. wins the race”. 

(HE HAS DONE IT!! UNDEBELIVABLE)

Blackwood

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Blackwood

Chapter 1

The Beginning

The royal family of Rosewood longed for children, but for many years they had none. Then at last, they were blessed with twins—a boy and a girl.

The boy was named Adrian Rosewood, and the girl was named Emma Rosewood.

The king and queen were overjoyed. They spoiled their children with love and riches. But as the years passed, Adrian grew rude and selfish, often mistreating the people of Rosewood.

Emma, however, was the complete opposite. She was kind and gentle, always helping the poor and giving from her own allowance. The people of the kingdom adored her.

The king and queen noticed the difference between their children and were proud of Emma.Adrian noticed it too.

And he hated it.Jealousy filled his heart. For years he treated Emma cruelly. Once, he even placed a snake in her bed just to frighten her. But their mother and father did nothing about it they said boys will be boys

When they turned seventeen, everything changed.To strengthen an alliance during a growing threat of war, Emma was arranged to marry Prince Sebastian Blackwood of the Dark Kingdom.

Chapter 2

The Wedding

Emma stood in her chamber, preparing to walk down the aisle to meet her future husband. She wore a beautiful black gown, and her hair was styled neatly in a delicate bun.

Across the palace, Sebastian adjusted his suit and pushed his dark hair back.In only ten minutes, he would be married. Sebastian had loved Emma for years.But Emma did not love him.

Her heart once belonged to Prince James of Silverwood.When they were children, while the other boys practiced sword fighting, James would walk beside her in the gardens and talk with her. He had been her first true friend.

But when Emma confessed her feelings to him, James revealed a painful truth. He had only spent time with her because his father hoped to gain land from Rosewood through her.

When the King of Rosewood refused, James’s father declared war.The war ended with defeat for Silverbrook, and James was imprisoned for years.

Until the day of Emma’s wedding.Just after Emma kissed Sebastian, the grand doors of the hall suddenly burst open.

Standing there was James, covered in dirt, fury burning in his eyes.He rushed forward, gripping what looked like a dagger.Before he could reach Emma, Sebastian struck him hard, knocking him to the ground. Guards quickly grabbed him.The newly married couple hurried into their carriage and left the palace.

Inside the carriage, silence filled the air.Finally, Sebastian spoke quietly.“If you don’t want this… I understand,” he said. “We’ve only just met. This is a lot.”

Chapter 3

The Carriage Ride

The carriage wheels rolled over the stone roads of Rosewood, echoing through the heavy silence.

Emma stared out the window, her wedding veil resting in her lap. The kingdom she had known her entire life slowly disappeared behind her.

Sebastian sat across from her, watching her carefully.“You still love him,” he said quietly.It wasn’t a question.

Emma swallowed.“I don’t know what I feel anymore.”

Sebastian leaned back slightly. “He tried to ruin our wedding.”“He was in prison for years,” Emma whispered. “What do you think that does to someone?”Sebastian’s jaw tightened, though his voice remained calm.“It doesn’t excuse showing up with a blade.”

Silence returned.

After a few minutes, Sebastian spoke more gently.“I never wanted you forced into this marriage. I agreed to the alliance because I thought… maybe one day you might care for me.”

Emma looked at him for the first time since they left the palace.“You’ve loved me for years,” she said softly. “Why?”Sebastian gave a small smile.

“When I visited Rosewood as a child, you were the only one who spoke to me like I was normal. Not like I was the prince of the Dark Kingdom.”

Something in Emma’s heart shifted.Suddenly the carriage jerked to a stop.Voices shouted outside.Sebastian’s calm expression instantly turned alert.

“Stay inside,” he said.Before Emma could answer, the carriage door burst open.

A guard stumbled backward—and behind him stood James.His eyes looked different now.Almost wild.“Emma,” he said quietly. “You’re coming with me.”

Sebastian stepped in front of her.“She’s my wife now.”James glared at him.“Not by choice.”

Emma’s heart pounded.“No!” she shouted. “Go home! You shouldn’t be here!”James looked at her with a strangely gentle expression.

“Come with me, Emma. We can be together like we always wanted.”Emma’s face hardened.“No,” she said firmly. “I love Sebastian. Now go home and leave us alone.”

Sebastian looked surprised. He had never seen her so angry before.They climbed back into the carriage and continued their journey.

Four hours later, they arrived at their new home.The castle stood tall and beautiful in the moonlight, flowers climbing along its stone walls.“It’s beautiful,” Emma whispered.Sebastian looked slightly nervous.

“I had it designed to feel like both of our homes,” he said. “I thought it might help you feel comfortable.”Emma smiled.“It’s perfect,” she said softly.

Chapter 4

Years Together

As the years passed, Emma and Sebastian grew very close.But on December 12, Sebastian seemed strangely angry.Emma tried to talk to him, but he yelled at her to leave.

Emma left the room in tears. She put on her coat and walked outside into the cold night air.She had wanted to tell him something important.She was going to have a baby.

As she walked through the woods, she practiced how she would tell him.Suddenly a branch snapped.Emma turned quickly, but she saw nothing.Another branch cracked.

Fear rushed through her chest.She ran back toward the castle. Just as she reached the door, a voice stopped her.“Emma.”Slowly, she turned around.

James stood behind her, covered in dirt—just like the last time she had seen him.“You need to leave,” Emma said nervously.James smiled slightly.“Don’t you miss me?” he asked. “I was your first love.” Emma shook her head.“Not anymore.”Then James said something that made her blood run cold.“The baby,” he said quietly. “How do you think your husband will react knowing I knew first?”Emma’s eyes widened.“You need to go,” she said. “You can’t be here.”

Chapter 5

Secrets in the Dark

Emma stood frozen as the cold wind moved through the trees.“I told you to leave,” she said.James stepped closer.“Why are you so scared?” he asked softly.Emma’s hand rested on her stomach without thinking.James noticed.“So it’s true,” he said quietly.

Before Emma could respond, the castle doors opened.Sebastian stepped outside.“What’s going on?” he asked.Emma hesitated.Then she told the truth.“It was James.”Sebastian’s face went still.“He came here?”

Emma nodded.“I needed to tell you something,” she whispered.“What is it?”Emma took his hands.“We’re having a baby.”For a moment Sebastian didn’t move.

Then he pulled her into a warm embrace.“We’ll get through everything together,” he said softly. “You, me… and our child.”But far beyond the castle walls, James watched from the forest.“This is only the beginning,” he whispered.

Chapter 6

Shadows Over Blackwood

The next morning snow covered the gardens of Blackwood Castle.Emma stood by the window, her hands resting on her stomach.Behind her, Sebastian entered the room.“You didn’t sleep,” she said.

“Not much.”“I keep thinking about the baby… and James,” he admitted.Emma sighed.“He won’t stop, will he?”

Sebastian shook his head.“I’ve doubled the guards.”Just then a guard arrived with a letter from the border.Sebastian read it slowly.“What is it?” Emma asked.“Three guards were attacked last night.”

Emma’s heart raced.

Were they killed?No. Sebastian looked up.“But they said the man fought like someone who had nothing left to lose.”

They both knew the answer.James was back.

Chapter 7

A Promise in the Snow

Emma stood in Sebastian’s arms as the winter wind howled outside.“I’m scared,” she whispered.

Sebastian gently brushed her hair away.“He won’t take anything from us.”“Promise me something,” Emma said.

“What?”

“Please don’t hurt him.”Sebastian looked surprised.“He attacked our guards.”“I know… but he used to be my friend.”

Sebastian sighed.

“You really are too kind.”He lifted her chin gently.“I will protect you and our child. That comes first.”Emma nodded.

“I promise I won’t kill him,” Sebastian said quietly, “unless he gives me no other choice.”Later that night, in the war council room, Sebastian studied a map with his advisors.

A silver pendant lay on the table.The symbol of Silverbrook was engraved on it.A message was carved into the back.Sebastian read it silently.

“What does it say?” one advisor asked.Sebastian’s eyes darkened.

“It’s a message for me.”“What kind of message?”Sebastian spoke coldly.

“It says…”

He paused.

“Tell Emma I’m coming for what was always mine.”Far away in the frozen forest, James sat beside a small fire.In his hand he held an old ribbon.

Emma’s ribbon.

“She belongs with me,” he muttered.He stood and looked toward the distant lights of Blackwood Castle.

A dangerous smile crossed his face.“They think those walls can protect her.”

He stepped into the darkness.“Let’s see how long that lasts.” I will get her back she is MY love 

Chapter 8

The Baby

Winter had slowly begun to fade from the lands surrounding Blackwood Castle. The snow that once covered the gardens had melted into small shining streams that ran along the stone pathways. Early flowers had begun to push through the earth again, their colors bright against the dark soil.Inside the castle, the halls were peaceful.Emma walked slowly through the castle library, her hand resting gently on her stomach. The tall windows beside her let warm sunlight pour across the polished wooden floor. Dust floated lazily through the golden light.

She had spent most of the morning reading, though she hadn’t truly been paying attention to the pages in front of her. Her mind had been somewhere else entirely.The baby was due very soon.Sebastian had become more protective with each passing week. Guards now stood at nearly every entrance of the castle, and patrols had doubled along the outer walls.James had not appeared again since the night Emma had seen him in the forest.

But none of them believed he was gone.Emma slowly walked between the shelves of books, trying to calm the nervous feeling in her chest. She had never been more excited in her life—but she had also never been more afraid.Suddenly she felt something strange.A sharp pain moved through her stomach.Emma froze.Then another pain followed, stronger than the first.She inhaled sharply and gripped the edge of a nearby table.For a moment she thought it might pass.

But then she felt warm liquid run down her legs.Her eyes widened.“My water…”The pain came again, stronger this time, and Emma gasped.“Help!” she cried out.Her voice echoed through the tall library walls.Footsteps came running down the hallway almost instantly.

The door burst open and Sebastian rushed inside.The moment he saw her, his face went pale.“Emma!”He hurried across the room and caught her just as another contraction made her knees buckle.“My water broke,” Emma whispered breathlessly.

Sebastian didn’t hesitate.Without another word, he carefully lifted her into his arms.“We’re having this baby now,” he said.Emma clutched the front of his shirt as he hurried through the castle corridors.Servants and guards jumped out of the way as the king rushed past them.“Send for the midwife!” Sebastian shouted.“Now!”

The castle erupted into motion.Doors opened.Servants ran down the halls.Someone rang the small bell that called the castle healers.

Sebastian carried Emma into their chamber and gently placed her on the large bed.Emma tried to breathe slowly, but another contraction made her cry out.Sebastian took her hand.“I’m here,” he said softly. “You’re going to be alright.”Emma squeezed his hand tightly.“You better not leave this room,” she warned weakly.Sebastian almost laughed despite the fear racing through him.“I wouldn’t dare.”Moments later the midwife arrived, followed by two castle healers and several attendants carrying warm water and clean cloths.The room quickly filled with quiet but urgent activity.

Candles were lit.Curtains were drawn closed.The midwife gently helped Emma sit up against several pillows.“It’s time,” she said calmly.Emma nodded, though sweat already covered her forehead.Sebastian stayed beside her the entire time.

Hours passed slowly.The sun set outside the windows, and night settled across the castle.Emma cried out again as another wave of pain moved through her body.Sebastian held her hand through every moment.You’re doing amazing,” he told her.Emma glared at him.“If you ever say that again,” she said between breaths, “I might throw something at you.”One of the healers tried to hide a smile.Sebastian squeezed her hand.“Fair enough.”Seven long hours passed before the midwife suddenly spoke.“I can see the baby,” she said.Emma gathered the last of her strength and pushed.The room filled with tense silence.

Then—

A cry.A small, strong cry filled the chamber.The midwife carefully lifted the newborn child and wrapped her in a soft blanket.Sebastian felt his chest tighten as he watched.“A healthy baby girl,” the midwife announced.

Emma let out a long breath of relief.The baby was placed gently into her arms.Emma stared down at the tiny face looking back at her.The child had soft dark hair and bright curious eyes.Emma felt tears fill her own.“She’s beautiful,” she whispered.Sebastian sat beside her, completely speechless.Emma looked up at him.“Do you want to hold her?”Sebastian hesitated for a moment.He had faced battles.He had commanded armies.

But this tiny child somehow made him more nervous than anything else.Carefully, he took the baby into his arms.She looked impossibly small.Sebastian stared down at her, completely amazed.“What’s her name?” the midwife asked.Emma looked at Sebastian.They had discussed names many times before.Sebastian smiled softly.“Stella,” he said.

Emma nodded.“Stella Neal Blackwood.”The room grew quiet as everyone looked at the tiny princess.The first daughter born in generations to unite the Dark Kingdom and the Flower Kingdom.

Years passed quickly.
The castle gardens that Stella once crawled through soon became the place where she ran freely, with laughter echoing through the walls.She grew into a bright and curious child.
Like her mother, Stella was kind and compassionate. She spent hours speaking with the castle servants, listening to their stories and helping in small ways whenever she could.But like her father, she had a fierce temper.
If someone treated others unfairly, Stella never stayed quiet.Once, when a young noble boy mocked a servant girl, Stella had shoved him straight into the fountain. Sebastian had tried to appear stern when he heard about it. But Emma had caught him smiling afterward.

Stella had inherited both of their spirits by the time she reached sixteen, she had grown into a confident young woman. Her dark hair flowed past her shoulders, and her eyes held the same warmth Emma had always carried. But there was also something else in them—strength.the kind that came from being raised by two powerful rulers.On a bright spring afternoon, Stella walked through the castle gardens with someone she trusted more than anyone else—Sindey of Blackwood.Sindey was the daughter of James. Though few people in the kingdom knew it, James had eventually disappeared from the conflict years ago. Rumors said he had wandered far into the northern lands.

But somehow, long after the wars had faded, his daughter had arrived at the kingdom’s borders.Emma had chosen to take her in, despite Sebastian’s hesitation.Sidney of Blackwood had grown up inside Blackwood Castle. She and Stella had been inseparable since childhood.They studied together.
Trained together.
Explored the forests surrounding the castle together.Now they sat beneath a large flowering tree, sunlight shining through the branches above them.Sindey leaned back against the trunk while Stella rested beside her.“You’re quiet today,” Sindey said.Stella looked down at her hands.
“I’ve been thinking.”That sounds dangerous.”Stella laughed slightly, then grew serious again.

“Sindey… can I tell you something?”Sindey turned toward her.
“You can tell me anything.”Stella hesitated. Her heart pounded in her chest.“I think…”
She paused.“I think I’m in love with you.”The words hung in the air between them.For a moment, Sindey said nothing.Then she smiled softly.“I was wondering how long it would take you to figure that out.”Stella blinked.
“You knew?”

Sindey laughed.“You’ve been staring at me like that for three years.”Stella felt her face turn red.“Well… when you say it like that…”Sindey gently took her hand. I like you too,” she said quietly

The Rough Life of a Jury Member

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The Rough Life of a Jury Member

The court case today involves an RC car and what it did to Mr. Kevin Fuss. The judge for today’s case is Judge Alexander. So here is what we know so far. The RC car was out of control and at some point made contact with/and injured Mr. Kevin Fuss. The owner of the RC Car Alexander (not the judge) has testified not guilty to any wrongdoing.  Mr. Kevin Fuss has testified that the RC Car was to blame and not Mr. Alexander. He also believed that because of these reasons that he should be in court against the RC car and not Mr. Alexander. The witnesses include the tree that was near the scene of the incident, Ms. Sarah Hilltop, and the RC cars front tires (who were not in control of the car).

The case lasted from 2am-2:30am and was a long, grueling day of testimonies, back and forth, and questioning. The jury was made up of locals Betsy James, Kristopher Plomet, Jim Johnson, Trisha van Jackie, and Darick Knicklem. They were all very bored by the end of the case but the outcome was that the RC Car was deemed guilty and sentenced to 20 to potentially even life stored in a box at Walmart at the back of the shelf where nobody looks so the RC Car would feel the shame of its actions. And Mr. Alexander was put on probation and forced to change his name so that the judge would not be associated with such a terrible man. And as for Mr. Kevin Fuss, his hospital bills were paid for by the RC Car (who doesn’t have any money to begin with so is now heavily in debt) and he was flabbergasted at the outcome of the case but yet he found it quite funny. So then he was further questioned for laughing but it turned out he was just a jolly guy that happened to be injured by a RC Car.

After court was dismissed, everyone left the courtroom at 2:45am and went home but because they had been up for so long in the courtroom all of the jury members fell asleep while driving home and all crashed their cars. So then the whole court case became a mess because of how long they had to be in the courtroom for and because Mr. Kevin Fuss was in charge of scheduling the court date, he had to pay for the damage to all the jury members’ cars. He claimed that it was not his fault and questioned why he had to pay for the damages. He then no longer found the court case funny, but instead was sad and homeless because he had no money and had to sell the house because he could no longer afford it. So it turns out nobody came out of the case happy and everybody had some sort of tragic event that occurred because of the case, even the poor jury members. 

This was certainly a wild court case. Anyways until the next time goodbye and macaroni.

The Cookie Clicker Mystery

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 The Cookie Clicker Mystery 

 By  K.N.

In the year 2013 there was a kid named Lucas John but we called him LJ for short. LJ loved to play this game called cookie clicker which was really popular. Every day after school LJ hoped on his Microsoft Surface Pro. One of LJ’s friends named Michal Peterson and he would always come over to LJ’s house and play with him. But one day on February 12, 2015 when Michal went to LJ’s house they hoped on Cookie clicker and when they clicked to buy something the computer started to glitch and it spread to Michal and turned him into an alien. 

Once he fully became an alien he ascended into space and he didn’t come back. “3 years later” Michal has arrived back “djehhguerhdlgdiwbjhrf ” he said I said “ what Michal “ he said “djehhguerhdlgdiwbjhrf “ so I translated it and he said “. I have come to take over your world and burn it “ I was shocked because about 5 minutes later there were these giant robots called uberpods which were equipped with machine guns and rpg’s and laser rifles. I was terrified for my life, but he said he would spare me only if I told him where the data center was. So I told him because I didn’t want to die because nobody wants to die. 

Later that afternoon me and Michal went to the store to get some lemons because we wanted to make everyone in the city afraid of the word lemon. Then we found some people and we said “lemon” and threw it at them and they looked up and we were gone. After we hung out for a little bit Michal said he had to go back to his planet that he was trying to conquer. I said my goodbyes and he was off, but he said he would be back in a couple of years to see me again.   

National Biographic (A Mockumentary)

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National Biographic

-LMM

“Welcome to National Biographic! Today, we here have the Common Male American, but as you can tell, this is a big catch today,“ The camera zoomed into a guy at a park that looked identical to Tom Crust, just trying to eat a sandwich in peace. “Here we catch this wild animal snacking on it’s natural prey, The Sandwich, this creature is typically an easy one to find eating, as that’s it’s main directive in life! Isn’t that awesome?” The camera focused on the sandwich, and then the person turned towards us. “It appears that the predator has spotted our filming team capturing their essence,”

“Dude, why are you filming me?” The person got closer to the camera.

“Go, go!” The camera was dragged against grass and concrete so nothing was seen, only heard.

“Hey! Get back here!”

“Go back to the studio!” The camera cut, and returned to the inside of a tree, pointing downwards back at the same person.

“Welcome back to National Biographic, today, we have found the Common Male American yet again, besides it’s name having the word common, this is actually quite a rare species! Only one of these Common Male Americans that exists in the world!” The camera focused yet again, this time the person was walking away from the park. “Quietly we must follow,” And the camera fell to the ground, cracking the lens, and on a sidewalk facing the person.

“What the- Are you still filming me?” The person shouted. “Do you think I’m Tom Crust or something?” They shouted again. The sound of the production team falling out the tree was heard, but they weren’t in the field of view. 

“Wait, are you not? Scrap everything! Who fact checked this? Just leave the camera on the ground, it’s useless!” The team bickered and walked away. The person then walked up to the camera, and picked up the camera.

“I wasn’t expecting that to work so well, too bad I am Tom Crust… They’ll get over it,” Tom Crust then pressed pause on the camera, stopping everything.

The Perfect Family

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There was a family everyone admired. The D’Amore family looked perfect from the outside—a loving mother, a hardworking father, and three well-behaved daughters. Little did they know, perfection can hide terrible secrets.

         It was November 15, 1992, the D’Amores arrived at church at  7:30 p.m. The building was quiet, and the air felt strangely cold, as they stepped inside. Before church the family went to turn the lights on and unlock the doors. When the girls got back together the lights went out and Charlotte went to turn the circuit breaker back on.

That’s when the screaming began.

Mr. D’Amore  body lay motionless in the hallway, blood pooling beneath him. He had been murdered. Mrs. D’Amore immediately called the police, clutching her younger twins, Lizzy and Belle, who were crying in confusion. When the officers arrived, Mrs. D’Amore realized Charlotte, her oldest daughter, was missing.

Moments later, a scream echoed from the back hallway. Charlotte appeared walking toward them, oddly calm .She told the police she saw something, something she couldn’t explain, almost demonic in nature in the pale glow of the moon light.

The police took the family home that night. Once inside, Mrs. D’Amore sat her daughters down and spoke gently. “Something very bad happened to your father,” she said. “But we are safe now.” She turned to Charlotte. “Are you okay, sweetheart? I know that was scary.”

Charlotte stared at the floor. “I can’t stop seeing his body,” she whispered. “Mom, I’m scared. Her mother hugged her tightly. “No, Charlotte. You didn’t do anything wrong. Go get some sleep.”

Charlotte went to bed with her sisters that night listening to their quiet breathing. What her mother didn’t know was that Charlotte had lied, she remembered seeing the figure first, seeing the blade in her hands, then washing something off her hands.

One year later the family returned to the church where it all took place and tragedy struck again. Mrs. D’Amore was killed in the same hallway as her husband. This time Charlotte was seen with a blade in her hands. Years of being starved, and abused had filled her with rage. Something about that church and that day had caused her to snap and finally act out. Charlotte was arrested, and Lizzy and Belle were taken away.

Ten years later, Charlotte was released, her only desire is to find her sisters.

By: E.N.S

I Forgot

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E.M.

One day an author wrote a story that had 5 characters.The story was about 5 old people playing cars and their names were Joe, Bob, Sherrill, Kathy and there was a 5 person. But who was that 5th person? It was a mystery. But they were determined to find out who this person was. 

So they began their first game of cards. Joe drew first and picked up 3 spades. Next the mystery person went, they all examined his face to see if they could remember who he was or if they even knew who he was.

Once the first game of cards was done it was sherrill who won and they then decided to go get some food and learn more about this mystery person. 

They all ordered chicken because everybody likes chicken and once they got their food they began to question the man. They asked him things like; where he was from, how he randomly showed up with them, what his favorite color was, etc. They learned that his favorite color was orange but they couldn’t remember anything else. 

Wait a minute they all thought, why can’t we remember anything he just told us? And then they remembered, they had all been diagnosed with a disease but they couldn’t remember the name. 

Then the secret man told him, you all have dementia and I am your caretaker. They were all confused what dementia was and why they needed a caretaker. So the doctor explained to them that dementia meant that they were beginning to not remember everything. But they were confused and they didn’t think they were forgetting anything at all. They believed he was lying to them and he was a fake caretaker and called the police on him. But they couldn’t remember what number it was to call the police. So the question remained, was this a fake caretaker or did they really have this dementia disease?

A Dark Town

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A Dark Town

In Houston, July 21, 2004, a report came into the Waller County Police Station about a supposed alien siting while a man was sitting in his backyard. The report wasn’t from the man, but from his neighbor, who had called the station 5 other times that week about seeing an unnatural amount of light coming in through his bedroom window, seeing his neighbor just looking up in the sky at nothing, and at one point, he even saw weird non human foot prints outside his house. 

Miguel, who was the man who made the calls, went over to the man’s house to talk about the strange things that were happening. The guy’s name was Dan. They ended up talking a while, and Miguel said that he thought that the aliens were kidnapping people and putting them in their UFOs and taking their places.

When Miguel suggested this idea, Dan agreed but for a second, he looked very surprised that Miguel’s theory was so complex. Dan asked Miguel how he thought this, and Miguel said that he’s been thinking about it for a while and that was his best guess.

Miguel went home and went on with his evening. At 8:04 pm, he heard a sudden scream come from Dan’s house. As soon as he heard it he wanted to hide, but knew that he had to find out what was happening, so he ran to Dan’s house. Miguel stepped inside the house, because the door was open, but when he walked in he saw Dan…his eyes were glowing white and light was shooting out from his limbs. He was making a  terrible screeching sound that almost made Miguel black out right there.

Miguel looked at his watch and he realized that the time passed an hour and it was now 9:03 pm. Dan must be doing this. The sky quickly became dark until it was 10 pm. Dan slowly turned into an alien. Miguel now knew…Dan was always an alien. 

Once Dan was done transforming , a UFO came out of the sky and beamed the stolen residents down. Miguel took the chance and pushed Dan into the beam, and he got sucked up. The hatch to the ship closed too soon, so Dan hit the bottom of the ship. With the force of the hit, the alien’s ship blew up. Miguel saved the hostages and they all went back home.

The Homeless Crime

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The Homeless Crime

By: L.M 

There was this homeless man. 

“I’m going to try and get money!”

So the day after he went around the city and found as many clothes he could find, it didn’t matter the color. After he found what he could he put the clothes on over his other clothes that he had on and went back to his box to sleep for that night because it was getting dark outside. 

It is now the next day the homeless man woke up, He was hungry of course but there was no food around that’s why he wanted money.  After thinking about how to get money he remembered the clothes he found and he was going to use them to rob a bank for at least $1,000, he wanted at least that much because he didn’t want to starve. He was fine with sleeping in a box but having no food was not acceptable with his standards.

 Now It’s 9:15 AM now the homeless man thought that he shouldn’t rob a bank yet, he thought about going and stealing peoples wallets. He thought about it for 28 minutes and he decided that it was a good idea so he put on those clothes that he found and did just that. After a long time it was now 12:45 PM, He had gotten 3 wallets, the money that was in the wallets added up to $51 with that cash. He remembered that he lived by a GoodWill, so he went into the GoodWill and bought a pair of pants, shirt, gloves, winter hat, socks and shoes the cost of all that was $20.39 with tax.

Now he goes to a place called McDonald’s and just gets some fries for $3.86 with tax. But only the fries didn’t fill him up because he hasn’t eaten in 3 days so he went back into Mcdonald’s and ordered 2 Big Mac meals For $16.46 Including tax. With purchasing all that stuff he is left with $10.29. After that he went to a home depot to get a ski mask for $5.08 and now the homeless man will steal wallets for a living until he can get a job.

THE END

Anchors Away

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For my 14th birthday I was surprised with going on a cruise with just my mom and I. I had to fly to Miami and stayed in a hotel right on the beach. When we got to the hotel we went and walked on the beach. The sand was so hot and the edge of the ocean was full of seaweed. After that we spent the rest of the afternoon sleeping because we had to be up really early in the morning.

Then the next day we boarded the ship early. Once we got on the ship we looked around to see what was on it. The things that were on it were a shopping area/ eating places, on the top deck was 4 pools and mini golf, there was an arcade, water slides, and a water wave pool. There was also a basketball court on the top deck.

We got lunch and we went swimming  on the top deck of the ship. After a few hours our room was ready and we went to see what it looked like. In our room we had a balcony. After we saw our room and unpacked everything  we watched from our balcony  the ship took off. When the ship took off you could feel the vibration of the motor. When we took off you could see little fish swim away from underneath the ship. Once the ship took off  we got ready for dinner and for every meal except breakfast I had chicken strips and fries. At our first dinner I watched from my chair Miami get smaller and smaller. It was so pretty because when we took off it was becoming night and the sunsets were so beautiful the whole week.  

After eating and watching the ship take off my mom told me that people hide ducks around the ship so we spent the next hour after dinner finding rubber ducks and hiding them for others to find. I brought back so many and hid so many as well. After looking for the ducks and hiding them we went to look at all the shops. My mom also heard about how everyday you could
collect charms  and make a bracelet out of them.

The first day we got the actual bracelet part and 5 charms the next day and the day after we didn’t get them because we forgot about it, but the lady who was giving them out gave us the ones for those days and the day we went there. 

The next morning we woke up in the Bahamas. There was also one other ship besides ours docked at the island.   When we woke up we got ready for the day ahead and ate breakfast. By the time we got done eating breakfast we looked out the window and saw their private island CoCo Cay.

When we got to the island we looked at getting my hair braided but it was too hot and too expensive.  We went to our room to put on swimsuits and wait for the announcement ordering us to get off the ship and explore the island. When we got off the ship we went to get our stuff to go snorkeling. While snorkeling I saw big conch shells, little cute fish, seaweed, and lots of other shells. The water was so blue and clear you wouldn’t believe it. 

We went shopping around the island and when we got too hot we went to the pool on the lagoon. After we were cooled off we took a tram around the island and we talked to the driver and he was super nice. The driver told us that they would stay on the island for 3 months at a time. He also said that for hurricanes they would still stay on the island. There was also a level 5 hurricane coming our way. My mom was watching it the whole time and was going to get there 2 days after we were back home. Once we got back to the ship we went and laid down.

After we laid down for a while we went back out on the island and snorkeled again. We didn’t snorkel for long because it was high tied for the second round and was too deep for me and the waves kept hitting my face.  After we got back on the ship my mom and I watched the ship take off from the private island. While we took off the sunset was so beautiful. We went and cleaned up for dinner and headed down to dinner. After dinner we went to the arcade and got ducks from the duck machine and hid them around the ship. We also looked for ducks and found new places for some while hiding our ducks.  

Before going to bed, we would stand on the balcony to look out onto the ocean.  We did see other ships and we would try and guess what ones the ships were. At night you could still see how blue the water was. We would also sit out on the balcony and listen to the waves. We would watch on our tv how fast we were going. The first night we were going 5 knots. The second night we were going 7 knots. Finally last night we were going 25 knots.  We would also go to the 5th level where all the shops and restaurants were and fill our cups with some kind of drink before bed or whenever we needed a drink unless we went to a restaurant or somewhere that had drinks. We had a drink package and we could get any drink we wanted. That also meant we could go to Starbucks and get any kind of drink we wanted any time of day.  

Also every night there would be a band playing on the 5th level. When we went to get off and on the ship the people did not speak English they spoke Spanish. My mom tried to help this one family that could not speak or understand English. 

The next day we arrived in Nassau, Bahamas and took a faerie to Blue Lagoon Island. On the island we had a pass to swim with dolphins. The dolphins were so well trained and so smart. I got to hug, kiss, dance, and was pushed across the lagoon by the dolphin. After we got to swim with the dolphins we went and looked at the shops on the lagoon. We went swimming in the ocean part of the lagoon. When I was swimming in the ocean I had goggles and I was looking for shells. I was also seeing if I could touch the deeper part of that area. Once we were done swimming we went to get back on the fairies and we saw a little crab while waiting to get on the faerie. On our way back the drivers of the faerie were playing music and people were dancing. 

We got to see famous peoples houses along the ocean. One of the celebrity’s houses I saw was Beyonce’s house. When we arrived at the drop off station they said we need our ids or passports.  When we got there my mom didn’t have hers and they were going to let me go through all by myself. But luckily my mom had a picture of her passport from when she went to Australia. When she found it she was so relieved because the security guard wouldn’t let my mom enter with me and was going to let me go to the ship alone then she remembered she had that picture. 

After  that all happened we went to our room and got all cleaned up to go to dinner and rest. After dinner we went to the top deck and played mini golf. We also went to a game show about finishing the lyrics.  When they asked for contestants I pounded at my mom and said “ she wants to do it! ” When they heard me say it they said “ ok get up here! ” When we got done with the game show we went to get a milkshake and to go to the arcade. We also swam in the top deck pool a lot and watched movies in the pool.  We also met these very nice ladies on our flight from Atlanta to Miami and we ran into them multiple times on the cruise. 

The next day we were back in Miami and we had to be off the boat at 8 am. We got an uber and went to the airport early to try and get an earlier flight out. We spent the entire day in the delta sky lounge. We tried to get on 3 different flights other than our original flight. Our fight also got delayed 3 different times. When we got on our flight we sat next to this really nice lady and she was going to Argentina and was bringing caviar with her. Me and my mom got to sit first class on all 4 of our flights because of my moms delta points. In first class we got lots of yummy snacks and drinks. Our layover was in Atlanta and we got to our gate just as they were starting to board. The reason why we were getting there when they were starting to board was because the flight from Miami to Atlanta was on the other side of the airport. We got on the plane and my mom and I fell asleep the whole flight and woke up 30 minutes before landing.  In the 30 minutes I was awake we went through a lightning storm and it looked so cool. There was a lot of turbulence but it wasn’t too bad.  When we landed the lights were so bright and came on so quick and I wasn’t prepared at all. After we got off the plane we went to baggage claim and stood there for a long time. When we got our luggage we went to the bathroom and then we went to our car. By the time we got home it was 12 am and I was so tired that I went straight to bed. After waiting for a week we got all the pictures from all the tourers and other stuff we did on the cruise. Overall I would recommend going on a cruise with family and friends or just by yourself. Don’t hesitate to go if you ever get to go on one. It was the best thing ever and I would definitely go on one again. Don’t be scared of going on one. It isn’t that scary at all, in fact it was amazing. You get to see and do all these amazing opportunities. The staff is so nice and they kept the cruise very clean and not dirty at all. The food was also delicious. I think I would like to try more things than I did but it was still so fun. One thing that I didn’t like was that I couldn’t use my phone because there was no internet. The only thing you could do on your phone was text, call, and take pictures.  I am also so grateful that I got to go and love my mom. She surprised me and I had so much fun.

My mom has always tried to do more experiences than presents. The reason she does this is because memories are more important than things. She has taken my sister on trips like this but she likes more sports than I do so she got to go to the sweet 16 in Seattle for her 14th birthday in 2023 as well and got to meet Monika Czinano. She also has been taking us on Christmas breaks for our presents since 2017. It has always been different places except we went to Daytona beach twice. We went to Galveston Texas which we had to leave a day early and drove from Galveston to Des Moines because our flight was cancelled because of an ice storm and my mom didn’t want to be stuck in Texas. We have also been to St. Pete Beach. We also went to Hilton Head Beach which is where I got to hold alligators. When we were in St. Pete  we walked 2 miles down the beach from a restaurant to our hotel. In Daytona we got to see manatees and I got to hold a jellyfish. At night we would also walk along the beach and we saw little and big jelly fish along the water that were washed up on the beach. We would also look for shells and my sister and I would give them to friends, teachers, and family members. We would drive on the beach in Daytona. We also saw a lot of peers and they were cool. 

Overall I would recommend going on a cruise with family and friends or just by yourself. Don’t hesitate to go if you ever get to go on one. It was the best thing ever and I would definitely go on one again. Don’t be scared of going on one. It isn’t that scary at all, in fact it was amazing. You get to see and do all these amazing opportunities. The staff is so nice and they kept the cruise very clean and not dirty at all. The food was also delicious. I think I would like to try more things than I did but it was still so fun. One thing that I didn’t like was that I couldn’t use my phone because there was no internet. The only thing you could do on your phone was text, call, and take pictures.  I am also so grateful that I got to go and love my mom. She surprised me and I had so much fun. Thank you mom for all you do. I love you so so much. 

Out of the Shadows, And Into the Light

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“Stacy, we’re going to be late for the party!!” I yelled. We were getting ready to go to Jaden’s party. Everyone was talking about it for weeks upon end!! We were so excited to go. We just went shopping for new dresses and outfits just for this!!

We were just about to Jordan’s house when a strange light in the distance appeared in the sky. Like a huge fireball, with a strange object falling from the sky.

 “What was that??” Stacy yelled, “I Don’t know?? But That gave me the willys!!”

We drove over there to see what it was. As we got closer, we saw a bunch of people running like they were running for their lives. Stacy told me that we should turn around, but I was curious!!

The tension overwhelmed the vehicle. 

“Hey!! I hear something. Do you hear that?” I said

 “Ya, I hear that too, like people yelling for us to turn around, and hide!!” Stacy said 

“But wait,” I said, I turned down this gravel road and saw these strange creatures falling from the sky. That’s when the thought came to my mind that they were aliens. But I didn’t really think they existed. We turned around and drove down to the police station. The streets were filled with crowds of people and those strange creatures. They looked like ginormous spiders, but with 6 legs and their faces seemed to crack open into 3 worm-like faces with rows and rows of blade-like razor sharp teeth. 

“These creatures must have come from the enormous explosion.” Stacy cried. 

“Y, y..ya, I, I guess you’re right.” I said. 

“Cristal,” she said, “are you ok?”

 “Ya, Ya, I, I, I’m fine.” I said 

“We have to get out of here, we’re not going to make to the police station.” said Stacy 

“I know, but there is no other place to go!!” I said

All of a shudden, there was a loud thump from above our vehicle. “There’s one on our car!! One of the creatures scraped and scratched our vehicle and broke our windshield. I put the car in reverse and ran into a light pole. The creature slid down the car and sliced Stacy across the left side of her face with its large knife-like claws. Stacy screamed. I put the car in drive and luckily we were moving!! I quickly pressed the brakes and flung the creature off the car. As soon as it flung off, I ran it over with the car, and kept on driving down the gravel road to my home. RRRRRRRRRRRR Pat, Pat!!

“No!! Come on, Come on. We’re almost home!! Why break down now??!!” I yelled

“Wait here!!” I yelled “Stay right there!!”

 “What?” Stacy asked 

“I’m not staying here all by myself!!” 

“I know, but you’re hurt. I don’t want you to get hurt even more!!”

“What if another one of those creatures comes?? They would hurt me even more!!” 

Stacy gave me a frightened face that I’ve only seen her make once before after she got the news that our parents got in a car wreck and didn’t make it. I knew I couldn’t leave her there, and I most certainly wouldn’t want her to go through that all over again if something were to happen to me too.

 Come on, run as fast as you can to the house!! I yelled!!

 Stacy swung her hands up, and I pulled her out of the car .

 We ran as fast as we could, but then randomly Stacy fell to her knees and stopped moving. The cut on her face oozed this yellow hue and she all of a sudden she screamed and cried. She wouldn’t talk to me, but I knew something was wrong and we needed to move. The soft movement of the wing blowing the weeds through the field dramatically ceased as a roaring crash breaks the silence. There was one of those creatures again. They followed us.

 “I hear it!!” Stacy exclaimed “The closer they are, the more clear it gets.”

 We ran as far as we could thinking we could out run it, but we couldn’t.

 “Stop!!” I yelled, “don’t move” 

We kept hearing the noises, but nothing was chasing us any more. Stacy cried, and the creature heard her and started chasing us. I held her mouth as it stood right in front of us. It stood there as if it couldn’t hear us. A truck on the other side of the field went flying by, and caught the alien’s attention.That’s when we decided to make a run for it, but Stacy couldn’ t move. She acted as if she were paralyzed for a second. Then she got up like she’s never walked before. I didn’t have time to think, so I placed her on my back and ran. Every little noise I made caught the alien’s attention, but since the truck was much louder, it didn’t come after us.

 We ran as far as we could and made it home. 

The house was quiet, and eerie. Usually there would be loud music playing, or someone yelling at the other team on the tv. There might be someone making dinner, or taking a shower, or  wrestling each other to see whose better, or practicing for a big  ballet recital. There was always some sort of noise in our house. Even at night, Stacy always has the tv on for noise. But there was nothing. The house was empty. Not a peep. No one playing loud music or someone yelling at the other team on the tv, there was no one making dinner, or taking a shower, no one was wrestling, or practicing ballet. Nothing. Noone was there not even my parents. Was I expecting them? I don’t know. Was this all a dream. Would I just wake up and climb into my parent’s arms. Would they hug me like they used to, and would I hear their soft whispers telling me they love me?? 

 I cried but Stacy held her cold deadlike hand over my mouth. 

“Shrrrrrrrr.” She whispered as she pointed out the window. That creature was back. It climbed the side of our house, and onto the roof. I took Stacy to the bathroom, and we went into the closet. That is where we hid from the creature. We heard it crash through the window upstairs. The creature seemed to be crashing, and knocking things over to make us jump. Stacy fell into my arms as if there was nothing left in her. She was sick, and I really needed to get her to the hospital to get her some help.

“I felt her pulse just to make sure she was alive. What?” I thought to myself, I looked down at her and there was this strange look on her face. She looked at me as if she were saying I’m ok, don’t worry about me, but I was worried about her.

I grabbed Stacy and wrists and looked at her and I told her that “I  was going to get her some help, and that I loved her. She smiled at me silently and cried in pain. That’s when the alien-like creature crashed through the door of the bathroom. I really started to freak out. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t leave here without getting caught. The shadows of the creature seemed to creep under the slight crack below the door frame. Something must have happened that caught its attention and it turned around and went outside. 

I cracked open the door just enough to see if anything was there. Luckily there wasn’t, so I slipped out the door leaving Stacy behind, and I grabbed a first aid kit out of the bathroom cabinet. As soon as I grabbed it, the toothpaste fell out of the cabinet. I swung my arm and somehow I caught it in between my pinky and ring finger. I gently sat the toothpaste back and I tiptoed back to grab Stacy. I pulled her out of the bathroom and into my bedroom, where there was a walk-in closet with locks on the doors(as if that was going to do anything). I laid Stacy down and we stayed as quiet as we could.

  Later on that night, we both tried to stay awake. I looked down at Stacy to see if she was asleep, but she was so sick that she couldn’t even really talk much. We both eventually fell asleep, but I got spooked or something and woke up. I looked at Stacy, who was squeezing my arm as tight as she could. She was so weak and her eyes looked around desperately. I tried to scream but my throat felt like it was in my stomach. I knew it was only a matter of time before… It was too harsh to think of. I held Stacy tight and hugged her. That gash on the side of her face started to ooze again. Just like last time, that yellow gue oozed out of it. I grabbed the first aid kit, and poured peroxide on her gash. As I poured it on her face, I covered her mouth with a sweater that was hanging up. She screamed in pain as I poured it. I rinsed it off with a bottle of water from my nightstand in my room. I covered it up with some gauze and tape, along with some pain reliever cream.

Just then, a loud bang came from the left!

“we’ve got to go!!” Stacy whispered. 

I told her that we can’t leave or they will get us both.

“It’s locked!!” I told her “Don’t worry!! 

  “What if they find us!! She whispered

  “They can’t find us if we don’t talk, or make any noises.”  

“Do you think they’re looking for us?”

“I don’t know, I don’t know what they are even here for.”

 All of a sudden one of the creatures busted into my room. It must have heard us talking. We couldn’t move, we were like frozen in our place. 2 figures came out from the shadows, and creeped over to the door. Stacy was shaking uncontrollably, so I held her tighter and tighter to comfort her. I knew that the moment they left I had to get her out of here.

I found my box of nail polish and threw it at the window to distract them. They went outside and as soon as they did, I picked up Stacy, grabbed my stuff and ran. Ran without thinking about making a noise, I had only one thing on my mind. And that was getting Stacy help. I knew we were being chased, but I still ran. My legs felt like jello but I pushed onward, and hid behind this car in the empty parking lot. I closed my eyes and wished this was all a dream. When I opened my eyes Stacy was laying in my arms. She looked around, She looked as if she couldn’t remember what happened. I looked at and at Stacy, then behind the car. I could see now 3 creatures flipping cars, and another crawling in from behind the others. I could see tears in Stacy’s eyes. I couldn’t believe how hard it must be for her. I mean, we both lost our parents, but she is only 14 years old. I mean, Ya, I am 18, but still. She is heartbroken. I scooted over closer to her and gave her a big hug. “Did you hear that? It’s getting louder!!” she cried 

A low humming noise came from behind the car. All of a sudden the car flipped on top of us. I leaped over top of Stacy. The sun roof window crashed on top of us, and somehow we made it in the car. The creatures piled up stacks high on top of the car, compressing all of the air out of the vehicle. The windows were breaking , glass flying everywhere. Every little move is a new pain. Stacy was unconscious and not moving. I held her tighter and tighter?

 I knew that only one of us could escape. Stacy sort of nudged and shook, then went cold. I knew she was gone. My eyes filled with tears as I hugged her one last time, wishing this were all a bad dream. An arm grabs Stacy by the leg. I grabbed a large shard of glass and cut the arm off of the creature. A loud screech from the creature, and all of the creatures piled on top of it.

I squeezed through the small hole of the car window, grabbed Stacy’s arm and dragged her out. I picked her up and ran towards the police station. I pulled at the doors, but they were locked and evacuated. Then all of a sudden out of the shadows, and into the light came one of those creatures. It crashed through the windows and came after me. I ran and hid behind a bush. I heard me and jumped into the bush. I ran but it grabbed me by the arm and its razor sharp claws sliced into my arm. I cried in agony and ran away. I saw a light in the distance. Hoping this wasn’t the end, I followed it. I started to see red lights along with other bright lights. I could faintly read the words “HOESTPITALE”  

AKA– “HOSPITAL” My vision was very blurry. As I dragged stacy, I crawled quietly through a meadow and got onto the cement were someone grabbed me and pulled me into a room and worked on me. I wouldn’t let go of stacy. 

I woke up in the recovering room. I was alive!! But how?? I guess the hospital realized what had happened, so they bordered the doors and windows, staying quiet. They saw what had happened and dragged us in. Stacy sadly died. They said that her face got infected. They also told me that the main reason was from the cut from one of the aliens claws. They inject poison into you when touched. My cut on my arm was very deep. They injected cleanser into my arm, along with anti-fungal, muscle relaxer, and anti-poison. Hoping they didn’t have to amputate the arm, they kept injecting me with new things. 

Today I live with a nasty black and purple scar, with bumps all over it on my arm. I am now 20 years old, and am getting married in April. But even though my life seems to be going better, I will never forget the day I lost my sister because of the aliens.