#first person

Need more first person narration in my life. That’s the good shit!

The Inspector: Explore a Dreamlike Adventure ALT The Inspector is a first-person dreamlike adventure game aiming to bring its surreal journey to Steam Deck and Linux via Windows. Thanks to the ongoing creativity of developer Edoardo Ventisette and Lappi Soft, the project continues to grow. Due to make its way onto Steam . The Inspector just got a new Moods Trailer, and it hits that rare indie sweet spot where beauty feels a little dangerous. This is not just another surreal walking trip through strange rooms. It looks like a quiet dive into someone’s mind, where every object might be the thing that pulls them back to life. I like games that trust the player to feel something before they explain everything. The Inspector seems to be leaning hard into that space. It is a first-person dreamlike adventure about entering the subconscious of coma patients and searching for memories strong enough to wake them up. That idea alone already has me paying attention . Since this is not about blasting through enemies or chasing bigger numbers. This is about wandering through a mind that is barely holding itself together, looking for the pieces that still matter. A New Trailer With a Different Pulse The new Moods Trailer from Lappi Soft and Edoardo Ventisette shows off the updated visual direction, and yeah, the shift is clear. The Inspector now has a stronger identity. It feels more confident. More moody. More like its own strange rhythm. The trailer focuses on distinct atmospheres and environments, each one shaped around emotion and psychology . That matters because in a title like this, mood is not background decoration. Mood is the whole point. A room can feel calm and still make you nervous. A hallway can look beautiful and still feel wrong. A simple object can carry more weight than a boss fight. That is where The Inspector seems to be finding its voice. Memories Are the Way Out The most interesting part is how the gameplay connects its dream world to the act of waking someone up. We now know the key to escape: you need to find a series of significant memories. These are not random collectables tossed around to pad out playtime. They are moments so deeply into the character’s mind that they still exist inside the parallel world of deep sleep. Often, those memories take the form of objects. That is such a strong setup for exploration. You are not just searching since the map has corners. You are searching due to something small that might matter. A personal item. A strange detail. A thing that looks ordinary until the game gives it emotional weight. As someone who has spent years playing PC games that reward curiosity, that kind of design speaks to me. It turns exploration into a quiet investigation. Not just “what is over there?” but “why is this here?” The Inspector : Moods Trailer Built for Players Who Want Feeling Over Friction The Inspector is a narrative-focused experience for players who care more about deep emotion than pure challenge. That does not mean it has no gameplay bite. It means the challenge is probably going to live in attention, interpretation, and discovery. The new trailer also makes it clear that the different moods are not only visual themes. Each atmosphere is tying into gameplay mechanics and systems . The team plans to explain those systems later in a dedicated Full Features Trailer. That is smart. For now, the Moods Trailer sells the feeling. Later, we get the nuts and bolts. And honestly, I am fine with that. Some titles need to prove themselves through systems right away. Others need to get under your skin first. The Inspector looks like the second kind. Why Linux and Steam Deck Players Should Follow This One There is no release date yet, so we are still in the waiting room. But The Inspector is coming to Steam for Linux and Steam Deck via Windows. While we don’t plan to have a Linux Build, the game is due to be playable through Steam Proton. Clearly, the developers aren’t planning a native Linux build, but the game is due to be playable through Steam Proton. They’re also working on Steam Deck compatibility, though it’s not confirmed yet whether the game will be rated Steam Deck Verified or Playable. Since The Inspector is built in Unity, Proton support has a strong chance of working well, but final compatibility will depend on testing closer to release. For Linux players, that last bit is worth noting. It means this may not be a native Linux release, at least based on what has been shared so far, but Steam Deck support through Windows compatibility is on the radar. For Tux players, this is the part to watch as we get closer to launch. Indie narrative adventures can be fantastic on Deck when they are tuned well. Short sessions. Headphones on. Lights low. Let the atmosphere do the work. The Inspector already feels like that kind of release. Good Luck, Inspector What I like most here is that The Inspector does not seem desperate to shout. It looks quiet, strange, and personal. The kind of first-person dreamlike adventure that pulls you in with a soft voice, then leaves you thinking about one object, one room, or one memory long after you close it. Lappi Soft and Edoardo Ventisette are building a surreal first-person dreamlike adventure with a strong emotional core, a non-linear story, and a stylized world that rewards players who actually look around. No release date has been announced yet for Steam . So be sure to Wishlist it .

A Cop in Need (A Season for Falling Apart) Information Genre : Slice of life, crime, angst Word Count : 2,956 Point of View : First Person Prompt : Mental Shutdown > Alt 1. Gunshot Set : A Season for Falling Apart ( Maylancholy 2026 / @may-lancholy ) I stifled a yawn as I walked down the street, dreaming about crawling under the cool sheets of my bed and drifting off for the next day or so. I had just finished up a contract that had taken me far longer than it should have and I was feeling drained - both mentally and physically. It was time for a nice, long vacation. A gunshot rang out through the quiet night, making me pause. I glanced around the street, finding it completely deserted - everyone was tucked away in their homes out of the cold. I closed my eyes. ‘Just ignore it. It’s probably some gang shit. It’s none of your business.’ It was true. My targets were far more dangerous than just local gangsters fighting over turf or getting butthurt because someone looked at them wrong. It was none of my business and yet… ‘I’m starting to think I’m just too nosy for my own good.’ With a sigh, I headed in the direction of the shot, hearing two more as I went. As I rounded the corner, someone bumped hard into me. He was dressed in all black, hood pulled low to cover his face. He tried to run but I kneed him hard in the gut, grabbing his arm as he leaned over in pain. The gun fell from his hand and I slammed him down next to it. “Bitch -” “Shut up.” I ordered, grabbing the back of his head before slamming it hard against the ground. His body stilled. I picked up the gun, turning it over to inspect it in the low light of the streetlamp nearby. I hummed. ‘Not a bad piece. Can probably sell this down in the market for a pretty penny.’ I removed the bullet from the chamber before pulling out the clip, removing all of the bullets before re-adding the clip. I then put the gun into the waistband of my jeans as I stood. Time to see what this loser was shooting at. When I turned the corner, I cursed. Lying in the middle of the street by his car was a cop and he wasn’t moving. ‘Fuck. Dealing with lowlife scum is one thing, but getting tangled up with cops? My life is hard enough as is.’ But I couldn’t just leave him there, either. I groaned, hating myself for what I was about to do. I hurried over, kneeling down beside him. Blood had pooled under him on the asphalt but I couldn’t see where he had been hit. “Oi, you alive?” I called out, waiting for a response. When I got none, I took him by the shoulder and rolled him onto his back. A groan passed his lips, head swaying to the side. “Good, let’s keep it that way, yeah?” I tugged at the buttons of his navy blue uniform shirt, tugging it open. The white undershirt he wore was soaked red around his left side and, when I pulled it up, I found the bullet hole. I slid my hand to his back and cursed. No exit wound, which meant the bullet was still inside him. I pulled off my jacket, bunching it up before pressing it against his wound. He groaned again, eyes fluttering open. They were a pale blue, nearly teal in color, and they were unfocused. Sweat covered his face and his olive skin was pretty pale. “Who…” his voice cracked. “Don’t talk, idiot. We need to -” “Freeze!” My head shot up, finding another officer standing at the end of the street, his gun aimed right at me. Where was this prick five minutes ago? If I would have known he was nearby, I wouldn’t have bothered stopping to help. “You might wanna call -” “Shut up!” he snapped. I quickly realized that his hands were trembling. ‘So, he’s either never shot anyone before or he’s never seen someone get shot before. Great.’ “Let’s just calm down, okay?” “I said shut up! Get the fuck away from my brother!” ‘They’re family, too? This just keeps getting better and better…’ I held my hands up in surrender, slowly rising to my feet. “Let’s not be hasty, yeah? I was just trying to -” “To what?” he demanded, his voice quivering. “It wasn’t enough to shoot him, you had to rob him, too?!” “I didn’t shoot him.” “You have the gun!” He motioned with his own gun and I glanced down, cursing. “Listen, man -” “No, you listen! You filthy animals think you can do whatever you want without consequence! You run around hurting anyone that gets in your way and you don’t give a fuck who you hurt! My brother…” he choked on his words. “My brother is a good man that gave you assholes more chances than you will ever deserve! And now he… he’s…” “He’s alive,” I supplied, glancing down at the man. “Though he probably won’t be for much longer if you don’t call someone.” “Alive?” He lowered the gun a bit, eyes wide. “For now,” I commented. “He’s kinda bleeding out so you might wanna -” Anger flashed through his eyes as he lifted the gun. Bang ! The bullet pierced my shoulder, making me hiss in pain and grab at my shoulder. “What the fuck is wrong with you?!” The sound of a siren rang out through the silent night, red and blue lights flashing brightly against the brick buildings on either side of the street. Two cop cars and an ambulance arrived on scene. I held back a groan as the cops swarmed me, barking orders at me. I closed my eyes, holding up my arms despite the pain in my shoulder. The gun was yanked from my waist before my hands were forced behind my back, handcuffs being put on far tighter than they needed to be. They didn’t hold back and handled me quite roughly as they all but threw me into the back of a cop car. The cops in this city left a lot to be desired, but one thing they had in excess was loyalty. If someone fucked with their own, they fucked with the entire department. As far as they knew, I was a cop shooter and they would treat me as such. I leaned my head back against the seat with a sigh. ‘This is going to be a long ass night. And all because I couldn’t just ignore it and go about my business.’ “Why did you shoot him?” I sent the female detective a deadpan look. “How many times I gotta say I didn’t shoot the guy, huh?” “You were standing over him covered in his blood,” she pointed out. “You were caught with the gun that shot him on your person.” “I already told you, I attacked the guy that shot ‘em and took the gun.” “And what would possess you to do a thing like that, hm?” I couldn’t exactly tell her that I planned to sell it on the black market, could I? “Should I have left the gun with the bad guy that shot a cop? Sounds like the worst option of the two.” “Right.” She clearly didn’t believe me. “Listen, if you just tell me the truth, things will go a lot smoother for you.” I threw my head back with a sigh. My shoulder was still throbbing like a bitch, dried blood caking my shirt. It had been a clean shot and the bullet had gone straight through, so I had the pleasure of feeling blood dripping down my chest and my back. It was a lovely feeling. When I first arrived, I had asked them to do something about my injury. Hell, I even offered to do it myself if they’d just give me some thread and a needle, but they refused. I was the attempted cop murderer, after all. I’m pretty sure they’d be happy if I just bled out in the chair right here and now. Unfortunately for them, my body is a bit tougher than the average human being. It may be hurting like a bitch, but it had stopped bleeding an hour ago. As long as I don’t move too much, it should stay that way. “Did he catch you breaking into a home?” I said nothing because I had already said my peace. It was obvious she had no intention of believing me. “Giving me the silent treatment will not help your case!” “Can you just throw me in a cell, already?” I sent him a blank look. “I’m tired of hearing you yap.” Anger flashed across her face, lips parting. Her words died when the door creaked open and another detective entered. He leaned down whispering into her ear. She nodded. “Thank you for letting me know.” Her brown eyes then fell on me. “Well, you’ve escaped a murder charge, it seems.” I sat up a bit. Last I heard, the man was being rushed into surgery to try and save his life. “He survived?” She sent me a disgusted look. “You’re a good actress, I’ll give you that. I almost believed you were relieved. Almost .” She then stood up, gathering the manilla folder. As she opened the door, she paused to send me a smug look. “This city looks after its officers. You’ll most likely get a life sentence or, who knows, maybe even lethal injection.” I scoffed. “Your intimidation techniques need work, lady.” The smug look fell, replaced by sheer anger and annoyance. When she left the room, she made sure to slam the door like an angry teenager. The silence in this room was maddening - the kind that makes your ears ring and makes you feel like you’re losing your mind. They didn’t even give me a damn phone call, man. Twenty minutes passed before the door opened again. Two cops approached me, standing on either side of me while one undid the cuffs keeping me tied to the table. They didn’t even tell me to stand, they just grabbed my arms and yanked me up. I held back a wince, not wanting to give them the satisfaction. After cuffing my hands behind my back, they practically dragged me down the hall toward the holding cells. Normally, they would lock someone inside before removing their cuffs. For me, they didn’t even bother undoing them, sending me smirks of satisfaction. The cuffs were tight, digging into my wrists. It was also putting pressure on my shoulder, making it hurt every time I moved. I could feel fresh blood beginning to ooze from the wound. The cracked out looking woman at the other end of the cell looked at me with wide eyes. Her hair was sticking up in all directions, skin covered in dirt. She looked like a fucking witch. “What’d ya do?” I ignored her, trying to get comfortable on the stone bench. After shifting a few times, I ended up sitting sideways with my uninjured shoulder leaning against the wall. I rested my head against it, too, the cool stone feeling good against my aching head. “They really hate you, don’t they?” She cackled. “I can heal yer wound if ya want. For a price, o’ course.” “Hard pass.” She clicked her tongue. “Ain’t got no money, huh? S’alright. I’ll pray for ya.” “Oh goodie…” I muttered, closing my eyes. The clinking of keys woke me from my sleep. Well, sleep isn’t the right word. It was more the state of being between asleep and awake. I assumed it was just another criminal being brought in so I ignored it, trying to re-enter that state of rest. “Miss Sayers?” I was too tired to sigh so I just turned my head, glancing at the male detective now standing in the cell. Two cops stood outside the door, though they refused to look at me. “Are you able to stand?” With a grunt, I pulled myself to my feet. He stepped closer and, to my surprise, he undid my cuffs. My arms were stiff, my wrists red and raw. He frowned at me. “My name is Detective Rayaz. I’ll be taking you to the hospital to get your shoulder taken care of.” I didn’t fully believe him, though I didn’t have much choice in the matter. I expected him to cuff me again but he didn’t. He led me down the hall into the main office where dozens of cops were milling about. Most of them refused to look at me, some looked at me then quickly looked away or they just frowned at me. ‘What in the world is going on now?’ He led me out of the station and to his black vehicle. I wasn’t sure if it was his undercover car or his personal one. Instead of opening the back door, he opened the passenger seat. Normally, I would have hesitated but I was starting to feel weak so I just went with it, settling down on the leather seat. I angled myself toward the door so I didn’t get blood on the seat. He climbed into the driver’s seat, starting the car before pulling away from the curb. At first, the only sound in the car was the soft hum of the A/C. A few minutes passed before he spoke up, his voice soft. “Are you okay?” “Peachy,” I muttered, leaning my head against the cool glass. “There will be an internal investigation. Guilty or not, they should have dealt with your wounds first.” He gripped the steering wheel tighter, shaking his head. “ Holding you for nearly twenty four hours with an open bullet wound… what the fuck were they thinking? ” I said nothing because I didn’t have the energy to waste my breath. My eyes grew heavy and I struggled to keep them open. Finally, I stopped fighting it and let my eyes slide closed. I woke to the annoying sound of beeping. My eyes were heavy as they fluttered open and it took me a moment to figure out where the fuck I was. ‘Is this a hospital room? I hate hospitals.’ I grunted, pushing myself up. My shoulder was wrapped with white bandages, an I.V stuck into my arm. The beeping was the heart rate monitor. ‘I’m not cuffed to the bed. I should just run while I can.’ Before I could give it any real thought, the door opened. It was a cop I didn’t recognize, though he looked vaguely familiar. “You’re awake,” he said in surprise, pausing in the doorway. “Unfortunately.” I laid back down with a sigh. At least whatever they were pumping into my I.V had taken most of the pain away. Now it was just a dull throb that I noticed whenever I moved. “Come to take me back to jail, have you?” He shook his head, stepping farther into the room. “You don’t recognize me?” I turned my head to look at him better, squinting. It wasn’t until our eyes met that realization washed over me. I quickly sat up, eyes wide. “You’re alive.” He chuckled softly as he settled down into the chair beside the bed. “I am, thanks to you.” I scoffed. “Because of me? Nah. That psycho brother of yours was right behind me, you woulda been fine if I kept on going.” “You’re wrong. It’s because you put pressure on my wounds and slowed the blood flow. It might not seem like much, but the doctors said it helped.” “Whatever you say.” A moment of silence fell over us, broken by the squeak of his chair as he shifted. He seemed a bit nervous. “I’m sorry…” “For?” “My brother shot you,” he frowned. “And everyone treated you like human trash… is it true they didn’t seek help for your wound?” I shrugged my uninjured shoulder. “They believed I killed a cop. Or tried to, at least. I’m surprised they didn’t put me down there and then.” I paused, offering him a tired grin. “Well, that brother of yours had the balls to try, though he’s a shit aim. If you’re gonna kill someone, always aim for the heart. Or the head.” The man sighed, shaking his head. “I’m surprised you’re able to joke about such things. Most people would be livid over such treatment when they’re innocent.” “Yeah, well, I’m not most people. I’m used to getting the short end of the stick, so to speak. It’s the world I’ve lived in my whole life.” “Not anymore.” He reached forward, hesitating for a moment before his hand found mine. It was warm and oddly comforting as he gave it a squeeze. “I’ve explained everything to my superiors. There’s an investigation currently ongoing.” “You’d sell out your brother like that?” I looked at him in surprise. “I was hardly conscious when you were shot. I told them so.” He looked down as if ashamed. “But if you want to tell them he did it or if you’ve already told them, I don’t blame you. I… won’t be angry at you. He was acting out of love for me but he should know better. An officer shoots as a last resort, not out of vengeance.” I turned my gaze to the ceiling, humming softly. “It was pretty dark. Hard to say who shot me, really. You cops all look the same…” From the corner of my eye, I saw his head snap toward me and the grip on my hand tightened. “You…” he breathed out, seeming to struggle to find the right words. “I… thank you. I owe you so much.” “I think I can live with a cop being in my debt,” I grinned at him, making him laugh. “I can live with that, too.”

I had a dream where I was trying to run but couldn’t but I could run on all fours like a werewolf (the type from the Sims 3) which was real useful for running from a werebear. But it was real hard to make sure all the door-like fence gates in an area was closed especially with someone trying to talk to me. Then the werebear got in through the front (I entered from the back and only closed the back) and I tried hiding around a corner but the wear bear saw me through the cracks of the fence wall and also the random person looking at me from plain sight probably helped. So the werebear found be and went up to me then nothing happened and idk what happened next

HEAVEN. STAGES Stage 0: A Warm Welcome Stage 1: Your Journey Unfolding Stage 2: Nyctophobia Stage 3: Something Beneath Stage 4: Nothing is Coming Stage 5: The Hypersphere Stage 6: Thin Stage 7: Reach for the Summit Stage 8: This Uphill Ascent .. Stage 0: A Warm Welcome. ..you wake up… you remember you thought you were dying, you look around, a bright blue sky, and nice… purple grass..? Birds are singing…. a little robotically, almost like a starling mimicking noises.. and the flowers are blooming, although they look weird, like you’ve never seen them before… It’s a nostalgic feeling. There’s a hill in front of you, calling you, tempting you to climb it.. and once you do, try to not fall down. Stage 1: Your Journey Unfolding. You began to climb, the slope requires some strength, but it’s bearable, the terrain looks like some green lighting.. you look back and cant see the grass and the trees anymore, this is where it starts, as you climb, over on the distances, you can see some people climbing with you.. you know them, right? Those people were pretty close to you, you look up into the horizon, they seem to be unfolding the path for you to climb, how nice of them. You seem to be hearing a voice, it sounds.. oddly human? But as you look around, there’s no one speaking… “Enjoy the climb. I will accompany you, your soul deserves this moment of peace.” Stage 2: Nyctophobia. Suddenly, the sun, a sun, seems to set, and the light is gone, the slope feels steeper, but still manageable, every mishap makes your heart beat heavier for a second, the lack of light is terrifying, you have to feel your way through that, it feels unmanageable… And you hear that same voice again “..The unknown is scary, but you’ve had to face it head on multiple times in the past, so why not do it now? Have no fear. I will notice your bravery. Reach for the purple sunrise.” you feel yourself climbing on your own, and there’s a light in the distance, it really is purple. You can see your own reflection in the distance, do not give up. Stage 3: Something Beneath. After a long and scary climb, you finally reach the purple sunrise, the slope is a bright purple, and the purple sun seems to already be behind you, statically, the slope feels even steeper, like a 40° incline, you have to rely on your grip strength and objects along the way ..the voice returns “Dont rush it, after all, ascending all the time could destroy you, although, just waiting all the time could destroy you too, you have to find a good inbetween, just keep pushing, i believe in you, truly.” What could that mean..? Well, I guess it makes sense..; you look down at the slope, you see your reflection, then… earth? You look a little closer, and you see a white padded corridor, it startles you, you lose your grip, but get your act together.. What was that? Why was it so terrifying..? You’re glad you aren’t there, you get your act together and keep moving, being constantly reminded of what could have been. Just be happy you’re not down there. Stage 4: Nothing is coming. Suddenly, within the blink of an eye, the structuring becomes white, and thick fog shows up, only allowing you to see what’s directly in front or behind you, not a big deal.. you keep on moving, you pause… and you hear someone else, or, something, climbing behind you, but you can’t rush, you can’t see what’s in front of you or what’s behind you.. you hear the voice, again, why does this voice persist? “There is nothing coming. There is nothing to be scared of. You should always remain calm, and keep doing what is working. Continue the climb. I can assure you, nothing is coming” Is this intentional..? You wonder, the ‘something’ you heard climbing behind you seems to be going faster, but the voice told you to- remain calm… And the fog makes it so you can’t run, your anxiety builds up. You’re really tempted to make a run for it, but again, you can’t, the fog is too thick, you have to remain as calm as possible. After all, you can’t rush everything, even if it feels like you should. Stage 5: The Hypersphere. the fog dissipates, and the slope feels steeper, and there’s some progressively appearing and disappearing objects along the way? They look weird, a little incomprehensible even, like you’re moving along an extra spatial dimension, but your mind can’t visualize that extensively, you keep on climbing, keeping in mind the weird movement.. sometimes you feel like you just saw someone on the distance, but they disappeared before you can process it… and the voice returns: “The incomprehensible is weird to see.. right? Like seeing advanced math in an early grade, but eventually you get to understand and maybe feel it, that’s how it’s always been. So.. Just keep on climbing, I believe in you. Like how they believed in you as well.” Then suddenly.. someone holds your hand, you look at them, they’re a person you trusted.. even though you cant seem to figure out what their face looks like.. Why are they here..? In a moment, they’re gone, disappeared like a lot of things in this stage, their presence seemed to motivate you, you truly feel like you got this. Really. Stage 6: Thin. In the blink of an eye, the slope gets slightly steeper, and gets.. reduced to a single, straight, and thin cracked line, a faint blue glow emanating from the void beneath. You feel like you have to climb really carefully. You’ve got this far, you can’t fall now, you keep on going, heart pounding, and then… you slip. And in a moment, it feels like you got through all that for nothing. What was this even for.. and where eve- your thoughts are cut off. You feel someone grab your wrist.. you look up at them, they look back, you can’t figure out what their face looks like, yet you recognize it, you knew this person for a long time… who though..? And how did they get here..? You’re just.. glad they are here. They lift you up back into the now thin slope, and climb behind you… the voice returns.. you still wonder who even is speaking… “You’ve met many nice people… made many friends, and perhaps got a partner, they always cared. Even if sometimes it didn’t feel like it, don’t be scared to climb now. Not when you got this far” ..you keep climbing, you’re making many mishaps, and you keep getting lifted back up… you truly feel around people you trust, the bridge becomes wider, you feel as if you’re almost there… just keep holding on. Stage 7: Reach for The Summit. Suddenly, the flooring transitions to resemble that of the beginning of the climb..? Its neon green.. did you go back..? The slope feels steeper, so no..? You wonder what is happening.. the voice comes back… “This is the end. Your last challenge. The final stretch, in a way, you got this far, so just hang in there a little more, and reach for the summit.” ..you keep going, climbing the neon green field.. until suddenly, the lights go out, but you know what that is, you’ve been through the darkness, you’re not afraid of it anymore. The purple sunrise in the distance calls for you again, and once you reach it, looking through the slope, you see a… red field with white cubes floating around..? That’s different, and you’re glad you aren’t there.. again, you keep on climbing.. some thick fog forms around, and you feel like something’s following you again. This is riddled with callbacks huh..? You keep going, fully determined, the fog goes away, and the objects you need to hold on to climb keep progressively appearing and disappearing.. again, but you’ve seen all that. The climb continues, harder than ever, but you can’t stop now. Not after getting that far. The floor thins out, the bridge returns, you keep on carefully treading it.. falling and getting picked back up.. this is euphoric… The bridge widens up again.. and you find yourself in a dark-ish red field… wasn’t it meant to be over..? The voice returns, one more time. “You are almost there now. You’re experiencing apotheosis. You are perfectly calibrated for this, you just need to get through this one. Last. Thing.” The climbing resumes, and you find yourself in front of a gap you can’t quite jump through.. there’s a wall tempting you to hold it, and once you do.. it starts.. building up energy? You hold on to it, and it.. launches you to the other side, this is it.. just keep on launching yourself.. you find more gaps, and jump over them… you feel powerful.. you’re met with a.. gap.. which you cant see the other side.. this feels like the end, you grab the last wall, hoping for the best. You feel yourself breathing and your heart thumping. You remember your whole life in a matter of seconds.. on the silence that is this mountain… and then.. the wall It launches you full speed ahead.. it feels… like nothing you ever felt before… like a true conclusion. and then… Stage 8: This Uphill Ascent. you crash.. at a black tinted place, with gray dots neatly put into the floor, and rainbow streams of light in the distance, in front of you stands… nothing else. You wait for something to happen, you reflect for a second, and then… you hear the voice for one more time. “I must congratulate you for coming this far, this climb was very important for the both of us. But more so for you… so how did it feel like..? Was it refreshing? Was it a challenge? Was it perhaps not a good experience? Well, the point is, you’ve succeeded. You climbed all of it, the red field, and the bridge, the hyperplane and the fog, what lies under, and the unknown, the start, and the prologue. You’ve learnt how to climb by adapting, and I am impressed, now. I’m sure it must’ve been physically or mentally exhausting, so I will give you this break, and once you’re ready, you may leave and go to new beginnings, and if you’re wondering who I am, I am the creator of this place and the realms below. Neatly arranging everything for everyone that comes by. As for a name, you may call me ‘the first one.’ you may leave through the light whenever you’re ready. Thank you for joining me in this experience.” a light shines in the distance, and once you go in. This will truly be over… …the end… Ps. make sure to meet the angel sometime! - the first one. Uhrm, thanks for getting this far i guess, this took forever to write, and im glad i finished actually doing it. I give you 1 bragging rights if you figure out what this is based off of and the references

I open a book I’ve been meaning to read and excited to read for a while. I’ve seen people raving over it. And what do I see? First person, THIS IS THE AWESOMEST AND IT JUST GOT AWESOMER.

Careful Who You Trust (A Season for Falling Apart) Information Genre : Angst, family, crime Word Count : 2,578 Point of View : First Person Prompt : Stabbed In The Back Set : A Season for Falling Apart ( Maylancholy 2026 / @may-lancholy ) “Woah, this place is huge,” I breathed out as I leaned forward to see better out the windshield. “Yeah, for real,” said Ray from the driver’s seat. “You said this was a house, not a mansion!” “That’s what I was told,” I replied with a frown. “Are you sure this is the right address?” “Google seems to think so.” The car slowed as we approached a large, wrought iron gate. A small guard house sat to the left of the road and, when we got close, a man appeared in the doorway. He was tall, dressed in a guard uniform with sunglasses covering his eyes. He reached up to the radio clipped to his shoulder, saying something into it. Ray stopped the car, offering the man a nervous smile. “Good morning, sir.” The man leaned down so he could see both of us and, for a moment, he said nothing. “Names?” “Ray Bracken.” “Jae Winchester.” “We’ve been expecting you, Miss Winchester. Welcome home.” The man straightened his back, returning to the guard house. There was a loud buzzing followed by the squeaking of the gates as they slowly swung open. Ray and I exchanged a look. “Guess the address was right, after all.” I sat back in my seat as the car started forward. “I guess so…” “Are you not excited?” He glanced at me, quirking a brow. “I think I’m more nervous than anything. Plus… I guess I feel like I don’t deserve this.” He hummed, fingers tapping the steering wheel. “You never knew your dad, right?” “That’s right. Never even met the man so I don’t understand why he would leave his house to me…” “Does he have any other kids?” “No idea. I know nothing about the guy.” He shrugged. “Best not to question a good thing.” “I guess so.” He pulled the car to a stop in front of the large double doors. A man dressed in a butler’s uniform was waiting by the door, one arm behind his back and the other over his middle. His face was full of wrinkles, his hair neat and silver. I pulled myself out of the car, offering him an awkward smile. “Welcome home, Miss Winchester.” He bowed at the waist. “I am Mark Michaelson, the head butler here.” “Oh, um…” I returned the bow awkwardly. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jae.” “Please follow me.” He bowed again, then turned to Ray. “Someone will collect your bags in a moment, sir.” “Oh, uh, okay.” He looked at the open trunk, hesitating for just a moment before following us into the house. The entryway was huge, the ceiling towering above us. A crystal chandelier hung in the center, shimmering with expensive looking jewels. A grand staircase sat at the back of the room, branching off on either side to the second floor. Two lines of people stood on either side of the staircase, dressed like maids and butlers. They all smiled at me, bowed, then chorused, “Welcome home, master!” My mouth fell open. How does one even respond to such a thing? Mark turned to me. “You must be tired. I hear it was a long drive from where you were previously living.” I could only nod. I was, indeed, quite tired. I hadn’t slept much since I heard the news and the car ride was nearly twenty four hours. I drove the first half and he drove the other half. Even then, I couldn’t bring myself to sleep. I had too many thoughts bouncing around my brain like kids on a Halloween sugar high. “I will show you to your room.” Mark motioned for me to follow him up the stairs. I could feel the other staff staring at me as I passed them, their eyes following me. I kept my head down, focusing on the red carpet that covered the steps. When we reached the landing, Ray moved closer to me, his voice a whisper. “These people are creepy .” I glanced over my shoulder, seeing them still watching. “Yeah, for real.” “Are you sure it’s safe here?” A frown tugged at my lips. “How am I supposed to know that?” “Well… on the bright side, if we’re brutally murdered here, someone will probably make a horror movie about it.” He grinned, folding his hands behind his head. “We’ll be famous!” I didn’t reply, choosing instead to send him a deadpan look. “This is your room, master,” said Mark as he held his arm out toward a set of double doors. “You really don’t have to call me that,” I told him awkwardly. “Jae is fine!” He frowned, the wrinkles on his face becoming more prominent. He seemed troubled by this. “Or, um, if you feel more comfortable, master is fine, too…” He visibly relaxed, offering me a nod. “Very well.” He then turned to Ray. “Follow me, please.” Ray sent me a look, miming himself stabbing a knife into his stomach. I shook my head, heading into my new room. It was larger than my entire apartment! On the right was a mini library, several tall shelves filled with books. There was a bay window in the center of the wall and I could picture myself sitting there for hours with a good book. In the center was a huge, four poster bed. The sheets were red silk and there were several fluffy looking pillows against the headboard. Sheer silk curtains hung from the posts, half covering the bed. On the left was a walk-in closet, a large wooden desk and two comfortable looking couches in a dark blue color. There was also my own personal bathroom. I threw myself onto the bed, a sigh of content passing my lips. The mattress was so soft that it felt like I was laying on a cloud and the sheets were ice cold. My eyes slid closed as my body completely relaxed. A knock on the door woke me from my slumber and I slowly lifted my head, yawning loudly. “Forgive me for bothering you, master, but dinner is ready.” I glanced at the door where Mark stood, wiping the sleep from my eyes. With the door open, the smell of the food came wafting in, tickling my nose and making my stomach growl. “Be right there,” I said through another yawn. He nodded then left. I freshened up in the bathroom before heading downstairs. The dining room featured a really long table and a fireplace. Ray was sitting at the head of the table closest to the door, drinking a glass of what I assumed was alcohol of some sort. When he saw me, he raised the glass with a grin. “Have a good nap?” I sat down beside him, grabbing a breadstick from the basket. “Brother, I haven’t slept that good in… ever!” Something flickered through his eyes but it was gone too quickly for me to be able to name it. “That’s good!” The kitchen door opened and out walked a handful of servants, each carrying a tray of food or pushing a metal cart with food. It was a literal feast and, by the time we finished, I felt like an uncle at Thanksgiving, eating so much that I nearly had to loosen my pants. “That was… amazing,” I stated, patting my stomach. “I’m stuffed!” “Yeah, it was basically a buffet!” He pulled himself to his feet. “I think I need a walk after that. Wanna explore with me?” “Sure.” I stood up, stretching my arms above my head. For a while, we just walked around, exploring every room we came across. Every now and then, we’d run into a staff member but, for the most part, the manor was deserted and quiet. As the sun began to set, we found ourselves in the back garden where a giant hedge maze sat. I glanced up at the sky. It was dark, the stars hidden behind dark gray clouds. I frowned at Ray who was already standing by the entrance to the maze. “Maybe that’s not such a good idea.” “Oh come on,” he pouted. “It’ll be fun!” “You know I couldn’t find my way out of a paper bag.” “True, but this isn’t a paper bag,” he teased. “Besides, you just gotta always go left! Or was it right…?” That did little to boost my confidence but I caved, following him into the prison of leaves. He decided that left was the proper direction, so we always turned left whenever the option was presented to us. It led us into several dead ends and, as time passed by, I was beginning to believe we were lost. Thunder was rumbling overhead now, the wind picking up, though it was mostly blocked by the walls of hedge. “Maybe we should head back,” I suggested, glancing toward the sky. “I think it’s about to -” Before I could finish my sentence, the sky opened up, pouring cold sheets of rain on our heads. I cried out in surprise. “This way!” Ray grabbed my hand, tugging me this way and that through the maze. “Where are we going?” I called out over the sound of the pouring rain. When we turned the corner, a large gazebo came into view. “There!” He exclaimed and we picked up our speed. Once under the cover of the structure, we took a minute to catch our breath. “How’d you know this was here?” I wondered. He seemed startled by the question and it took a moment before he answered. “Oh, uh, I saw the top of it sticking out over the maze before we entered. Plus, every hedge maze has one!” I frowned, wondering why he was lying to me. I didn’t want to confront him about it, though, I’m sure he has his reasons. Instead I turned to lean on the railing, watching the rain fall from the sky. The gazebo was surrounded by flowers of all types and colors, their stems bending as the rain pelted them. It was a peaceful and beautiful sight. I blinked, confused as pain suddenly sprung from my back. It steadily grew worse and I winced, reaching for my shoulder. I turned quickly, seeing Ray standing close. Only… he wasn’t my best friend anymore. His expression was cold, eyes dark and full of malice. Gone was the playful demeanor he often had with me. In his hand was a knife, blood dripping from the blade. My once cold clothes were growing warm at my back. “Did you just… stab me?” I managed out, reaching for the railing for support. I was beginning to feel light headed, pain flooding my system. “Why would you…?” He scoffed, taking a step closer. “Did you really think I was your friend? Don’t be stupid.” “I don't… understand…” “Of course you don’t. You never were very smart, were you? Well, let me break it down for you, then. You,” he pointed the knife at me. “And me,” he then pointed it at himself. “Are half-siblings. Two of many, actually. Father never could resist the call of a beautiful lady.” “I…” my mind was swimming with questions and it was getting harder to focus. My knees were beginning to shake. “They were much easier to get rid of, honestly. Always out partying and living dangerously. No one questioned their little… accidents . But you,” he shook his head, taking another step toward me. I tried to back away but my legs gave out beneath me and I fell to my ass, wincing as it made contact with the hard wood. “You’re just so… boring . You rarely leave your house. You have no friends and no fun. I had to force my way into your life and pretend to be your friend. It was agonizing.” It’s true. I had always found it strange that he had been so insistent on hanging out with me even when I showed no interest but I had been lonely so I just kind of accepted it. I thought I had finally found a true friend, someone that would accept me for who I am. Tears stung at my eyes. I fought them back, blinking rapidly. “Why?” was all I could manage and I hated how my voice cracked. Ray scoffed and a look of annoyance flashed across his face. “Because that old bastard kicked me out and refused to name me his heir. If I got rid of the competition, though, everything he owns would default to me - his only living child.” He held out his arms, a smug look on his face. “Competition?” I echoed in disbelief. “They were human beings! They were… were your siblings!” Realization hit me and I was unable to hold back the tears any longer. “ My siblings…” Siblings that I would never get to meet or have a relationship with. He rolled his eyes. “Trust me, I did the world a favor. They were all losers.” “The only… loser is… you,” I ground out through gritted teeth, leaning back against the railing. My vision was getting blurry. He threw his head back and laughed. “Oh, my dear little sister, you wound me! But not as badly as I’m going to wound you.” His eyes met mine, glinting with malice as he approached me. ‘Is this really how my story is going to end…?’ Through blurry eyes, I watched him raise the knife. “Please…” I begged softly. “I’ll see you in hell,” he promised with a grin. BANG! His eyes widened, knife falling from his hand and clattering to the floor. A circle of blood was beginning to form at his shoulder, steadily increasing in size. His hand shook as he reached for the wound, stumbling backward. “You’re the only one going to hell, I’m afraid.” Mark appeared from the hedge maze, gun raised and trained on the younger male. “You truly have fallen far, Redonia.” “Don’t call me that!” He growled angrily, his grip on the wound tightening. “True, you do not deserve the name your father gave you.” He shook his head. “My lord suspected the deaths of his children were no accident, but none of us would have thought you capable of such an act of cruelty.” “You were always underestimating me,“ he snapped. “All of you were!” “You may have gotten older, but you certainly have not gotten wiser. It is truly a shame that it has come to this. I am only glad that my lord is not alive to witness such a betrayal.” “Stop your blabbering old man. You won’t kill me! You can’t -” BANG! The bullet hit Ray in the center of his forehead, right between the eyes. For a couple of seconds, he stood still, blood dripping down his face. He swayed, then dropped to the ground, his body unmoving. Mark hurried over, kneeling beside me. I tried to move away from him but I didn’t have the strength. His expression softened. “I mean you no harm, master. I failed to protect his other children, I will not fail you, too.” His arms slid beneath my body before he lifted me up, carrying me back into the maze. My eyes drooped, head falling against his shoulder. Despite everything, I had this strange feeling that told me I could trust him. Though my track record for trust is hardly a shining example. Not like I had much choice right now. I couldn’t hold my eyes open any longer and darkness claimed me.

These Idiots… (A Season for Falling Apart) Information Genre : Sci-fi, friendship, comedy Word Count : 2,796 Point of View : First Person Prompt : Doomed From The Start > Alt 9. Electric Shock Set : A Season for Falling Apart ( Maylancholy 2026 / @may-lancholy ) I was jolted awake when I was thrown from my cot onto the hard metal floor below, a groan passing my lips. My eyes fluttered open, taking a moment to focus on my surroundings. I was in my room, sprawled out on the floor staring at the ceiling. What had woken me? I was tempted to just go back to sleep, but something was nagging at me. I may not be good at a lot of things, but my instincts are usually on point. With a sigh, I pulled myself up so I could stuff my feet into my boots. My bedroom door slid open and I stepped out into the hallway, boots clanking on the metal floor. It was suspiciously quiet. Was everyone asleep? I checked my watch. It was only half past eleven at night and the crew tended to be nocturnal like me. The only reason I had still been asleep is because I just got back from a weeklong mission where I didn’t get to sleep much. I turned the corner into the living room. It was a mess, as usual - empty cans scattered across the table, various food wrappers and articles of clothing thrown haphazardly on nearly every surface. I needed Lucas to hurry back from his mission because he would have this place spotless in minutes. As I reached the opposite side of the room, I heard hushed whispers coming from down the hall. I followed the sound, careful not to make too much noise. The door to the cockpit was opened just a crack, allowing me to hear those on the other side. “What are we going to do ?” cried Coco. She was the navigator - a four foot six woman with brunette hair and eyes to match. “Calm the hell down!” snapped Grant. He was the freeloader that did nothing but cause me problems - a six foot tall skinny guy with blonde hair and brown eyes. “Captain will not be pleased. Not be pleased at all,” murmured Cairo. He was in charge of keeping an eye on our supplies to make sure we didn’t run out - a five foot tall young man with blue hair and green eyes. “She doesn’t have to know! Right?” questioned Jax. He was our resident thief, able to pick any lock in the galaxy - a five foot eight guy with blonde hair and blue eyes. “Of course she doesn’t have to know!” Grant snapped again, his voice annoyed. “We can fix this before she wakes up and she’ll be none the wiser.” “That is not wise plan. Not wise plan at all,” murmured Cairo. “Oh gods, what do we do?” groaned Coco, fear in her voice. “The captain is gonna kill us! We’re toast! Space trash just waiting to be ejected!” Jax groaned. “Of all the times for Malacai to be away on a mission.” I quirked a brow at that. Malacai is our mechanic and expert on pretty much anything made of metal. Why do they need him?” “This is fine ,” replied Grant, seeming to try and convince himself more than the others. “We’ll just go wake up Kai. I’m sure he can solve this mess.” “Kai is just the pilot, though,” replied Jax. “He may know how to fly this ship like a pro, but he doesn’t know anything about fixing it.” “How do you know that?” “Uh, hello? Did you forget that we are childhood friends? We grew up together on Asat-9. He is the least mechanically abled person on this ship. Honestly, it’s a miracle that he’s such a good pilot.” “Then… we’ll contact Malacai!” “Impossible. Impossible indeed,” said Cairo. “No service on Edenth-6. No service at all.” “You guys are sure quick to shoot down my ideas, but I don’t see you offering up any of your own!” snapped Grant. I had had enough so I slowly slid the door open. “I have a suggestion. Why not tell the captain what stupid thing you’ve done this time?” “What a dumbass idea -” Grant’s words died in his throat when he turned around to face me, annoyed expression melting to one of fear. “C-Captain, good evening!” The other three stood at attention, bodies rigid and expressions grim. I crossed my arms over my chest, quirking a brow at the group. “Would one of you care to explain why the ship is idling in the middle of space instead of heading for the Calsinth warp gate? Or have you forgotten that we have a deadline for the cargo we are delivering?” I took a step closer to him. “W-We didn’t forget -” “Or did you forget that we will be docked 1,200 marks for every hour that we’re late?” Another step. “H-How could I possibly forget -” “Then explain ,” I demanded, stopping in front of him and slightly enjoying how he was sweating under the pressure. He liked to act all big and tough, but he was quite weak and tended to fold like tissue paper in water. “It was her fault!” Grant cried, pointing an accusing finger at Coco whose eyes went wide. “She’s the navigator! She navigated us right to a mine field!” “Mines?” I echoed, leaning to the side to peer out the front windshield. “I don’t see any mines.” “We managed to get through…” replied Jax hesitantly. “Without Kai?” “Well, you see…” Jax rubbed the back of his neck. “I-It was a freak mine storm,” Coco explained, nervously wringing her hands. “I’m sorry, Captain! I didn’t see it in time to course correct, we were heading straight to it and there was no time to get Kai so Grant -!” The male in question slapped a hand over her mouth, looking nervous. Dread settled over me like an unwelcome blanket on a hot summer day. “You three dipshits let Grant fly my fucking ship?” The three winced at my tone. “We tried to stop him. Tried, we did,” commented Cairo with a frown, his blue skin seeming to glow under the low light of the stars outside. “He is very stubborn. Stubborn, indeed.” I reached over, pressing the light switch by the door. Nothing happened. “And just what kind of mines were these, exactly?” “E-Electric mines, captain…” replied Coco softly. I pinched the bridge of my nose, exhaling slowly to temper my desire to throw all three of these idiots off my ship. “Jax, go wake Kai immediately.” “Yes, ma’am!” He saluted, clearly happy to be allowed to leave as he nearly ran from the cockpit. “Coco, get to monitoring the weather feed. If there’s so much as a chance of another storm, you tell me immediately.” “Y-Yes, captain!” She turned around, taking the seat on the left side as she began to type away on the monitor in front of her. “Cairo, are you able to assess the damage?” “Assess I can. Assess, indeed.” He nodded a couple of times before leaving the room. “ Grant ,” I growled, eyes narrowed at the blonde. “Whatever damage you’ve caused to my ship will be coming out of your cut until I’ve been paid in full. With interest .” He winced but offered no complaint. “You’re also going to help me fix it.” His eyes widened, mouth opening and closing as he tried to find the words needed to weasel himself out of this situation. I turned on my heel, heading back into the living room. Cairo had his hand on the wall, eyes closed as his body glowed a faint teal color. Every few seconds, he would nod to himself. I waited, resisting the urge to tap my foot or tell him to hurry the fuck up. He was a slow creature, living at his own pace - everyone else be damned. Finally, he opened his eyes and removed his hand. “Mines are stuck to ship. Stuck, indeed. They feed off power bank like hungry Grant. Hungry Grant, indeed.” “Why me?!” he cried indignantly. I sent him a blank look. “Because you’re a fucking greedy pig. Now suit up, we’re going out.” He groaned loudly, stomping his foot against the ground like a child that got told no when asking for a new toy. I ignored him, heading toward the loading bay where the oxomasks were kept. These handy dandy devices allowed us to breathe while out in open space, but the oxygen store was limited. I grabbed my blue one, pressing it over my mouth and nose before securing the wide straps behind my head. I kicked my boots off before switching to the mag boots which would allow me to walk along the ship without floating away. Grant was muttering under his breath as he did the same thing, though he chose to wear his orange jumpsuit over his current clothes because it made him feel safer . His words, not mine. I approached the loading bay back door, pressing the panel on the wall to open it up. “Will you stop dragging your feet and come on? The longer you take, the longer we will be out there.” Clicking his tongue, he moved a bit faster, meeting me in the small room. I closed the door behind us, tugging the heavy metal handle over to securely lock the door. “Ready?” I asked as I reached up to press the button on the side of the mask, activating it. I then leaned down to do the same to the boots. “No.” I waited for him to activate his own equipment before I entered the code into the keypad by the door. With a creak and a hiss, the loading bay door started to open, sliding outward to create a small walkway - usually it connected with whatever docking bay we had entered but today it just met empty space. I started forward, grunting under the weight of the heavy ass boots. They stuck hard to the metal and I had to use a lot of force just to pick my feet up. I climbed onto the side of the ship, slowly making my way toward the top. I could hear Grant behind me, groaning with every step. Maybe I should have left him behind because he was already getting on my nerves. “ Captain, can you hear me? ” Kai’s deep voice came over the communication channel. “Yes, I hear you. Glad to finally have someone around with a brain.” “ Rude !” Jax yelled in the background, voice barely audible. “ Cairo says you’re almost there, captain. They are located at the rear on the opposite side of the bay. ” “Copy that.” I continued on my way, already feeling exhausted from the heavy weight of the boots. As I approached, I could see sparks of electricity flying up into the air. “Captain, are you sure about this?” whined Grant. “We have to get rid of ‘em or we’ll be stuck here. Not only will we lose our commission, we’ll be fined a bunch of marks, too.” He threw his head back, whining again. I finally made it to the other side of the ship, cursing under my breath. Three large mines had embedded into the hull, each one sparking dangerously as they sapped the ship’s energy. At this rate, they were going to completely fry the engine. I reached into my pocket, pulling out a set of thick rubber gloves. I slipped my hands into them, taking a deep breath before I got closer to the first mine. The static made my hair stand on end and made goosebumps appear on my arms. I reached down, grabbing one of the spikes that made up the mines. I gave it a hard yank but it didn’t budge, making me click my tongue. Repositioning myself, I planted my feet on either side of the mine before trying again. I grabbed it firmly, yanking with everything I had. It slid out so quickly that I fell backwards. “Captain!” Grant hurried over, reaching out his hand to me. I took it with a grunt of thanks, righting myself so I could get the second mine. This one was the largest of the three. “You’re gonna have to help with this one.” “But you’re so strong and brave and -” I sent him a deadpan look and he sighed. “Fine.” He moved closer until he was right beside me, planting his feet firmly. He was already wearing the rubber gloves so I didn’t need to wait on him before grabbing one of the spikes. He grabbed the same one and, together, we pulled as hard as we could. It wasn’t budging. “Stupid thing!” He muttered, carefully lifting his boot before slamming it hard against the mine. Sparks started to shoot up from it and it started to pulse rapidly as if it were about to explode. “Shit!” I resisted the urge to call him an idiot as he started to pull again. The urgency of the situation gave us strength and we were able to dislodge it, tossing it out into space. Seconds later, the thing exploded, making the ship shift its position. The third and final mine was the smallest one and I made the mistake of assuming it would be the easiest. It was glowing red by the time I reached it, the color pulsing in and out. Had it been activated by the explosion of the previous one? If so, that wasn’t good. I had to get rid of it quickly. Without hesitation, I grabbed hold of the largest spike only for my body to tense up as electricity shot through my body. It felt like all of the energy had been drained from my body, vision going blurry and head swimming. I could hear someone screaming my name but it was muffled and I couldn’t tell if it was Grant or someone else. I felt something slam into my body, forcing my hands from the mine. My body fell limp, suspended only by the boots sticking to the side of the ship. I felt hands on my shoulders, shaking me violently. My fingers twitched, head feeling like it was splitting in two. “Captain! Captain! Are you okay? Speak to me! Captain! Cap -!” I punched Grant in the gut because I couldn’t quite form words yet and he was making my headache worse. He doubled over, clutching his stomach, his voice strained. “Yeah, she’s fine…” “ What happened? ” I recognized Kai’s deep voice, calming and grounding. “ Are you okay, captain? ” I exhaled, closing my eyes as I tried to collect myself. My muscles were still twitching and contracting of their own accord. I managed to croak out a soft, “Fine.” “ Grant, did you get all three mines? ” “We did.” At his reply, I slowly lifted my head. Sure enough, the mine was gone, leaving behind a charred indent where it had been just moments ago. Had it come free when Grant tackled me? “ Get the captain back into the ship. We need to ensure she’s okay. ” “On it.” Grant wrapped his arm around my own before reaching down to deactivate my mag boots. He held me tightly as my body started to float, slowly dragging me back toward the loading bay. My body was sore and I felt exhausted. All I wanted to do was to crawl back into my bed and go back to sleep. I closed my eyes for a moment and, next thing I know, my body is slamming into the cold metal floor of the loading bay. I groaned, using what little energy I had left to glare at Grant. He offered a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his neck. “I forgot about the gravity…” ‘Idiot. How do you forget about gravity.’ Arms slid beneath me, carefully lifting me up off the ground. “I’ve got you, captain.” I looked up, meeting the calm teal eyes of Kai, his onyx hair falling over his forehead. I sighed in relief, leaning my head against his shoulder and closing my eyes once more. The lights of the ship flickered on and off a few times before staying on, the engines roaring to life. “You did it,” Kai whispered softly. “Someone had to,” I muttered. Why had the last mine shocked me, though? I lifted my trembling hands, noticing a tiny cut in the left glove. It must have been cut when we removed the second mine and I hadn’t even noticed it. I clicked my tongue, closing my eyes again. “ Annoying .” “I’ll see to it that they are properly punished for this,” said Kai as he gently set me down on my bed. “Get some rest and leave everything to me.” “Thank you, Kai.” A gentle smile came to his lips as he leaned down to press a kiss to my forehead. “You’re very welcome, my precious captain.”

Drunk Woodcutter Brings Slapstick Physics to Gaming ALT Drunk Woodcutter brings chaotic first-person physics-based woodsplitting sim game to Steam Deck and Linux via Windows. Developer ElSchorscho keeps bringing fresh ideas to life. Which is working to make its way onto Steam this year. Drunk Woodcutter turns the simple joy of splitting firewood into pure slapstick chaos. This physics-based woodsplitting sim mixes heavy axe swings, risky drinking, wild upgrades, and also a rubber chicken, with a Steam launch planned for Q4 2026. Drunk Woodcutter Keeps Chopping Simple Solo indie developer ElSchorscho has released a new gameplay trailer for Drunk Woodcutter . It offers a quick look at the game’s core loop. You swing an axe, split logs, and sell the wood. That cash buys tougher wood, stronger axes, better skills, and questionable drinks. The idea feels simple at first. Then alcohol, missed swings, and absurd weapons enter the picture. Each swing uses physics and real momentum. There is only one button, but every hit can land differently. A clean strike may split the log. A bad one may send the axe somewhere far less pleasant . The gameplay does not punish failure with lost runs. There are no timers or reset systems. Players can work through the upgrade tree at their own pace. The Drunk Woodcutter chopping is relaxing with just enough danger to keep things lively. Drinking Makes Every Swing Riskier Alcohol is not just a visual joke. It has a real role in the game. Drinking gives the woodcutter a temporary boost in chopping power. That can help when an early axe struggles against harder logs. Push it too far, though, and the woodcutter passes out. This creates a silly risk and reward system in Drunk Woodcutter . Another drink may help break the next log. It may also end with the character asleep beside a pile of untouched wood. Upgrades add even more chaos. Players can improve their axes, drinks, payouts, and skills. One skill is called “Iron Liver,” which fits the mood perfectly. The trailer also shows the jump from a rusty starter axe to the powerful Lightning Axe. Yet the final weapon may be even stranger. It is a rubber chicken. Drunk Woodcutter Gameplay Trailer Real Firewood Inspired the Physics ElSchorscho splits firewood outside the game too. That real experience shaped the feel of each hit. “I split my own firewood in real life, and I love how every impact feels and sounds a little different,” said ElSchorscho. “I wanted to bring that physical satisfaction into a game, then push it into gloriously absurd territory.” That mix is the heart of Drunk Woodcutter . The logs should feel heavy. The swings should feel physical. The sound of a clean split should feel rewarding. Then the gameplay piles jokes on top of that solid base. It is not trying to become a deep forestry simulator. It is due to be a short experience that lasts around one to three hours. There are no prestige mechanics or forced resets. You start weak, earn money, and grow stronger. Eventually, common sense leaves the cabin. Steam Deck Support for Drunk Woodcutter Linux players should pay close attention to the platform details. Drunk Woodcutter is coming to Windows and Mac. Steam Deck support is also planned through Proton. …had great success running a Windows build on Steam Deck via Proton and will pursue official Steam Deck verification on release. Since Unity 6 is being used for development, a native Linux version is possible. However, ElSchorscho does not use Linux and is developing the game alone, which makes proper testing difficult. Since the title already runs well through WebGL, a native Linux build is not off the table. For now, though, it is not a priority. That distinction matters. Proton support does not mean the game will not have a native build. The developer has not shared Steam Deck performance targets, frame rates, graphics options, or system requirements. Steam Deck verification is the plan though. Still, planned Proton support gives Linux players a clear reason to follow the project. A short physics title could be a great fit for portable play, especially during a late-night session. Actual performance remains unknown until testing begins. A Free Prototype Found an Audience Drunk Woodcutter did not begin as a full Steam release. An original free prototype appeared on itch.io. Russian YouTuber Crystal later covered it. Crystal’s channel has more than 1.7 million subscribers. Now ElSchorscho is expanding that early idea into a commercial release. The full version will also include a streamer-friendly soundtrack. It uses original recordings of public domain folk songs. Monetized videos and livestreams are fully allowed. That should remove a common headache for creators. No one wants a chopping stream interrupted by a music claim. A Steam demo is also due to arrive later in 2026. No exact demo date has been announced. Due to Arrive in Q4 2026 Drunk Woodcutter physics-based woodsplitting sim is due to launch on Steam in Q4 2026. It is coming to Windows, Mac, and Steam Deck through Proton. Its biggest strength may be its focus.

Lies & Deceit (A Season for Falling Apart) Information Genre : Angst, family Word Count : 1,353 Point of View : First Person Prompt : Manipulation Set : A Season for Falling Apart ( Maylancholy 2026 / @may-lancholy ) When I heard the front door opening and closing, I hurried down the stairs to greet my step-mother. She looked annoyed, as usual, and was slightly swaying where she stood. Her cheeks were tinted red, no doubt from the alcohol she had consumed. “Welcome home,” I greeted her, forcing a smile. “How was the party?” She sent me a glare. “Stop speaking so loudly!” I had been speaking softly, though… “I’m sorry.” “You should be.” She huffed, tossing her keys onto the table by the door before she made her way into the kitchen. I followed, keeping a bit of distance between us. I stopped in the doorway, watching her as she grabbed a glass from the cabinet, filling half with sweet tea and half with alcohol. She downed half the glass in one go before sending me an annoyed look. “What do you want, huh? I’m not giving you any money.” “No, I…” I shifted awkwardly, lowering my gaze. “Was dad there? At the party, I mean.” “Of course he was. It was his party. Surely you can’t be that dumb.” I tried not to wince at her insult. I really should be used to them by now. “Did he… ask anything about me?” “Oh, honey.” She set the glass down before approaching me, cupping my cheek. “Of course he didn’t. I don’t know why you keep pining for his attention when he doesn’t love you at all. He left you here with me, after all.” Her words stung like a dozen hornets, bringing tears to my eyes. I knew it was true, yet it still hurt to hear them. “Like it or not, kid, I’m all you got in this world. Your mom didn’t want you. Your dad got tired of you. I’m the only one that loves you.” She slapped my cheek lightly. “Now get your ass upstairs before I abandon you, too.” I nodded, turning on my heel and darting up the stairs, trying to control my tears. All I wanted was my father’s attention and love, yet he hated me for some reason. I’ve spent so many nights trying to figure out what I did or said to upset him. I’ve sent him so many letters asking what I did wrong, yet he hasn’t responded to a single one. I threw myself onto my bed, muffling my sobs with my pillow. I sat on the steps, watching my step-mother as she put her arms through her large, fluffy jacket. She was humming a tune as she picked up her keys and threw the purse strap over her shoulder. “Um… can I… go with you?” She paused in the doorway, half-turning to look at me with narrowed eyes. “This is a party for adults .” “I’m 21,” I muttered with a frown. “I just want to see my dad.” “You truly are a pathetic girl, aren’t you?” She sighed, sending me a pitying look. “I’ve already told you, he doesn’t want to see you.” “How do you know that?” “He told me so. When he left us. Because of you .” I winced, lowering my gaze. “Now no more of your nonsense, girl. You’re going to make me late!” With a sweep of her short blonde hair, she left the house. For several moments, I just sat there trying to compose myself. I was suddenly filled with a sense of determination that I hadn’t felt in years. I jumped up from the steps, grabbing my jacket before hurrying out of the house. I knew where she was going because I had overheard her on the phone yesterday talking about it. It was a twenty minute walk from the house and, by the time I finally arrived, I was huffing and puffing. ‘Man, I’m so out of shape,’ I scolded myself as I leaned against a tree, trying to catch my breath. My eyes fell on the two story house across the street. ‘ This is where the party is being held. That means my dad is inside!’ I was so overcome with nerves and excitement that I didn’t even realize at the time that there were only two cars in the driveway. I paused in front of the door, biting my lip. Should I knock? Should I just try the doorknob? I had never been to a party before but, from what I’ve seen on TV, there’s usually loud music playing. The house seemed pretty quiet. With a frown, I approached the window and peered inside. The curtains were closed yet I could see through the small crack between them. A man was sprawled out on the couch, a glass of wine in his hand. I had never seen him before. Had I gotten the address wrong? I was sure this is the address she said on the phone. I was about to turn away when someone appeared in the archway of the living room. It was my step-mother, a smirk on her lips and a bottle of wine in her hand. She made her way over to him, swinging her hips dramatically as she did so. When she sat on his lap and started kissing him, I quickly moved away from the window. I had so many questions and no answers. Frowning, I started to make my way back home, pulling my jacket tighter around my body. I had been so lost in thought that it took me a minute to realize I was home. As I climbed the steps, I considered just going to bed. I paused at the top, though, my eyes going to my step-mother’s bedroom. After debating with myself for a moment, I decided it was time for answers. I pushed open the door, scanning the room for her laptop. It was closed on her bed. I was afraid she’d notice if I sat on her bed and messed up the sheets so, instead, I picked up the laptop and sat on the tan carpet. There was a password but it took only a couple of tries to guess it - Tea&Whiskey12. The messaging app was up already and, when I clicked on it, I found several unread messages from my father. My hand trembled as I clicked on his picture. ‘How is she, Samara? Is she eating well?’ ‘Have you asked her recently if she wants to see me?’ ‘I want to see my daughter. Can’t you bring her to the next meeting?’ ‘Let me talk to her, at least.’ My eyes widened. My dad… wants to see me? But my step-mother said… A new message came through. ‘Don’t ignore me, Samara.’ To my surprise, she responded. ‘will u plz stop being so desperate? its not a good look, darling.’ Then another. ‘i only told u, ur kid hates u, said she never wants to c u again give up & move on’ “That’s not true!” I cried out as he typed his reply. ‘She is my daughter. I will never give up or move on.’ Tears gathered in my eyes and, before I could think about my decision, I was typing a message to him. ‘Dad! I’m here and I want to see you, please! I miss you so much!’ She responded quickly and I could feel her anger. ‘u bitch, get off my laptop!’ Father replied, ‘Rae? Is that you? Call me 924-681-4xxx.’ Before I could read the last three digits, the conversation was deleted. I tried to open a new one, but she changed the password to her account, forcing all devices to log out. “No…” I whispered, tears flowing down my cheeks. I knew she was probably on her way home so I did the only thing I could think of - I ran. I ran out of the house with no real destination in mind. I just knew I had to get away before she got home. All this time, she’s been lying to me about my father. She’s been lying to my father about me. Why? What did she gain from all this? I had no idea and, honestly, I didn’t care. I wouldn’t play her game any longer.

The Norm I’m stuck in a dream. I finally realized when the rocks embedded in my skin didn’t so much as tingle. I wish it was adrenaline but no, this absence of pain was something entirely different. A sensation that I have only felt when sleeping. But the dream should have ended right when the car had appeared. The driver that had hit me didn’t even have the decency to glance back. They’d simply swerved, letting their car bump me out of the way like a misplaced traffic cone, and continued on their merry way. My waist had bent at an aggressive angle as I fell, fast as a stone right onto the asphalt with only bare arms shielding my face and upper body. I rolled across the road before landing on my back with a breathless thud. There was one blessing at least, the only noticeable mark on my face was a scratch on one cheek where my fingers hadn’t quite covered. I felt none of it of course, so I sat there dragging my fingers along my body, searching for anything that felt out of place or damaged. The pain was absent but it wasn’t the only thing. I wanted to cry, or scream or anything. Instead I just sat, staring hard at my shredded forearms. For two long weeks I haven’t felt anything at all. The familiar ball of dread in my stomach never appearing even in The Cafe when I had wanted nothing more than to run as fast as possible and never look back. I looked back at the building now. The reason I had ran away continued his leisurely walk towards me. His face impassive at the scene I’d just survived. The chase had started out slow, I’d carefully risen from my seat at the cafe and stumbled backwards out of the shop onto the sidewalk. He matched each step I took. The only time I took my eyes off of him was when I heard the car approach. And by then it was too late. I stare at his feet when he finally reaches me. “Well, that went about as horribly as it possibly could have.” I don’t respond. He reaches out a hand and helps me to my feet before finishing his statement with a smile, “are you ready to listen now?”

Elzypon on Steam

opinion on first person in published books (excluding fan content) I prefer it I avoid it I’ll read it either way See Results I’m trying to figure out the best way to write my first original draft, and I’m thinking it might be easier to write in first person due to the fact that the MC is alone for majority (if not all) of the first part. That said, I want to hear from other people about their reading preferences, so please reblog for a larger sample size!

I think so much fanfiction is written in third-person that now, whenever I read a fic that’s in first -person, it feels weird . Example: Third-person writing: ‘Lily turned her head to stare at the sign.’ and/or 'they/she/he turned their/her/his head to stare at the sign.’ and First person writing: 'I turned my head to stare at the sign.’ like, reading so much third-person writing makes first-person writing feel almost like second-person writing, even though it isn’t. And, just to be pedantic: Second-person writing: 'you turned your head to stare at the sign.’

A Dangerous Relief (A Season for Falling Apart) Information Genre : Angst Word Count : 588 Point of View : First Person Prompt : Self-Harm Set : A Season for Falling Apart ( Maylancholy 2026 / @may-lancholy ) “You have nine days to get out or I’ll have the cops remove you.” I stared at the cherry blonde standing before me, my brain trying to process what she just said. “W-Wait a minute… can’t you just give me a bit more time? M-My check didn’t come this month because -” “I really don’t care,” she replied cheerfully, a smile on her face. “You didn’t pay.you gotta go. Nine days!” She then turned on her heel and headed down the stairs. I closed the front door, leaning back against it, suddenly feeling very weak. I’ve only been here for a year and the post office hasn’t been delivering my mail. Because of that, I never got the paperwork from the government asking me to update my disability information. When they didn’t get it, they cut my money which meant I couldn’t pay rent. I got it taken care of pretty quickly, yet they were taking their time to submit the paperwork and reinstate my payments. How in the fuck am I meant to find a new place to live, pack and move everything with no money and no car in nine fucking days ? It felt like the world was closing in around me. Tears stung at my eyes as the heavy weight of anxiety tried to push me down. I was barely hanging on as I stumbled to my bedroom, using the wall for support. My hands trembled as I picked up the razor. I sat on the end of the bed and, for a moment, I stared at the metal. I felt like a boiling pot on the stove, the lid shaking from the force of the liquid inside, threatening to explode. I pressed the razor to my skin, pressing down as I slid it to the side. Blood rushed to the surface, my skin stinging. After doing this a few times, creating a mismatched pattern across my skin, I started to feel better. It was as if someone turned the burner down and removed the lid, allowing the steam to escape. Some of the tension that had been building inside me slipped through each cut. I fell back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. I tried to clear my mind, to focus only on the stinging in my arm or the blood sliding down my skin. I felt numb. Scared. Overwhelmed. I had no fucking idea what I was going to do or how I was going to do it. I turned my head, clenching my fist as my eyes raked over each cut. I know cutting is bad and it’s not a great way to cope with stress, but it’s better than doing drugs or, you know, losing my fucking mind during a mental breakdown. My cat, Leo, jumped up onto the bed, meowing softly as he looked at me. With my uninjured arm, I reached over to run my hand across his shiny black fur. “It’ll be alright,” I told him through my tears, my voice cracking. “I’ll figure it out, I promise.” I didn’t believe it for a second but, as long as he did, that was enough. He reached his paw out, brushing my cheek as if trying to wipe away my tears. It only made me cry harder and I sat up, pulling him into my arms, careful not to get any blood on his fur. I sobbed into his neck, tears sticking to his fur. “It’s you and me against the world, buddy. Just you and me…”

ly have unlocked new first person neos for lyzelf. so ly can distinguish saying we/us for others vs lyzelf. ly like lyr new pronouns, they fit lyz as the spiral, it’s lyrz now. all the lies. ly lyz lyr lyrz lyzelf (i me my mine myself) hello, ly are Kayne, lyr favorite color is purple, it’s a part of lyz. ly likes to talk about lyzelf. This color is lyrz.

See, I don’t mind reading normal books in first person because it’s a character we don’t know yet and we can see into their brain. But with fanfic? Third person is the way to go. Especially for a show (which most fanfic is based on). But if the original source material is a book in first person, I would say it’s acceptable.

I for one like first person perspective because I envision it like the main character sitting across from me and recounting the story to me themselves

Just a Stubborn Fool (A Season for Falling Apart) Information Genre : Family, angst, death, medieval Word Count : 2,249 Point of View : First Person Prompt : Forced to Watch Set : A Season for Falling Apart ( Maylancholy 2026 / @may-lancholy ) “Will you hurry up?” scowled my aunt as she stuffed her feet into old, moth-eaten shoes. “We’re going to be late for the execution!” “I don’t want to go…” I frowned, not moving from my spot at the kitchen table. “I’m tired of watching people die.” “We’ve talked about this, girl,” she sighed, hand on her hip with an exasperated look on her face. “We have to.” “But why ? Why must we be forced to watch the light leave someone’s eyes? Why must we have to see heads be cut clean from bodies? To see necks squeezed so tightly that they turn blue?” She ran a hand through her mess of light brown hair. Although it was pulled back with ribbon, it was so wavy and frizzy that it looked like a rat’s nest. “Because the king has declared it so. If anyone skips an execution, they can be arrested. Is that what you want? To be thrown in jail?” “It’s better than watching people be murdered!” “You say that now only because you’ve never been before. Trust me, you’ll wish you were dead if you land yourself in jail.” She grabbed me by the arm, forcing me to my feet. “Now, let’s go .” My frown deepened as she dragged me out into the chilly afternoon. The entire village was making their way to the execution grounds. Most looked unhappy or uncomfortable, but I didn’t miss the few odd ones that seemed excited. ‘How can anyone be excited to watch someone die?’ I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Most of these people aren’t even bad people. The king’s rule is super strict so people have been arrested for really stupid things such as Jenkins who was arrested for looking at a guard wrong or Betsy who was arrested for picking flowers at night or even Carl who was arrested for passing one of the guard’s dogs without offering it food… They are really ridiculous rules that, if broken, can land you in jail and, depending on the king’s mood, can get you sentenced to death. The king is very moody. One day he will act with kindness and seem to truly care about the people. The next day he will care only for himself and erupt into fits of rage that usually ends with someone’s death. ‘The children of the village act more mature and with more humanity than he does.’ I shook my head, arms folded over my chest. The execution grounds were set in the center of the village - it was a large wooden platform that sat a little taller than us. A small cage sat to the left, inside which was the elderly Mary. She looked terrified and confused. I found it hard to believe that she was capable of doing anything wrong. She was a sweet old woman that always kept to herself but, if someone asked her for help, she wouldn’t hesitate to do so. She didn’t have much, yet she was willing to offer the shirt off her back if someone asked. “Auntie,” I called out to get her attention, leaning closer so she could hear me over the crowd. “What has Miss Mary done wrong?” She looked around anxiously, lowering her voice to a hiss. “Hush now, girl, before you get us in trouble.” “Are we not even allowed to know?” My brow furrowed. “That hardly seems fair.” “Life isn’t fair, now be quiet .” She sent me a warning look as we reached the execution grounds. Most of the villagers had arrived already, though most chose to hang back and not get too close. If I had to guess, I’d say that’s because the crowd tends to get splashed with blood when they decide to do beheadings. Seeing the executioner there with his giant axe led me to believe that was what was in store for Mary. For such a kind old woman to go out in such a violent manner… it just didn’t sit right with me. One of the king’s guard, a man named Obius, stepped up to the edge of the platform, scanning the crowd. As one of the higher ups, he didn’t wear a steel helmet as the other guards did. Once he was satisfied that the entirety of the small village had assembled, he lifted up the parchment in his hands, unfurling it. “Mary Bernsten of Koawala Village has been deemed unworthy by the king himself and shall be sentenced to death by decapitation on this Friday, the 28th of Windfall.” He announced loudly to the crowd. Two guards grabbed Mary roughly from the cage, practically dragging her by her arms to the center of the platform. Her pale blue eyes were filled with fear and confusion. “What did I do wrong?” she questioned in a croaky voice. “Please tell me, sirs!” “This is wrong,” I muttered, hands balling into fists at my side. “This is life,” auntie muttered back, her brow furrowed. “Do you not remember last winter when you fell ill?” I questioned her. “No one was willing to help you except for Mary. She saved your life.” “Of course I bloody remember,” she snapped back. “How many times must I tell you, hm? There are things you can do and things you can’t do. Saving Mary is a can’t do.” “That’s bullshit.” “Watch your language,” she hissed, sending a nervous look to the guards closest to us. Mary was forced to her knees and her cheek forced against a stool, neck exposed to the sky. She was begging for her life, tears streaming down her wrinkled cheeks. The men held her down as the executioner approached, lifting the giant axe above his head. “Stop!” Everyone froze, the air turning so thick, I was sure it could be cut with a knife. Auntie was staring at me wide-eyed, as were most of the villagers. A couple gave me dirty looks for interrupting their entertainment for the week. Obius stared me down, brown eyes calculating and cold. “You dare interrupt a public execution?” “F-Forgive her,” auntie stammered from beside me, sweat beading at her temple. “She is but a child, ignorant of how the world works.” “A child?” he repeated, scanning me up and down. “She does not look like a child to me. Tell me, girl, how many winters are you?” “Twenty.” “Not a child at all, then, and if she is ignorant of how the world works…” he paused, eyes sliding over to her. I could feel her tense beside me. “Is it not the fault of who raised her?” Auntie stammered again, trying to find the right words but they didn’t seem to be coming to her. “I am not ignorant of the ways,” I spoke up, sending him a defiant look. “I merely question them.” The crowd stirred, everyone taking a few steps back away from me. “Oh, do you now?” His eyebrow rose, eyes shimmering with something I couldn’t quite name. “Then perhaps you’d like to come up here and voice those questions. Perhaps we can find you the answers you seek.” Auntie gripped my arm tightly with both hands, sending me a pleading look. “Do not be foolish, girl. Do not throw your life away so recklessly.” “Have you ever tried talking to them?” I questioned her, shaking my head. “They may be willing to listen if they know we are unhappy.” “You are a goddamn fool, just like your mother!” she hissed when I pulled my arm free. I held my head up high as I climbed the wooden steps, stopping beside the tall man. He held out his arm toward the crowd. “Please, girl, tell us what weighs so heavily on your mind.” I looked out over the crowd, seeing the fear in their eyes, the terror in their expressions. I took a deep breath. “Why must so many people be sentenced to death? Why must we be forced to witness such bloodshed or meet the same fate? Surely the king cares about his people, does he not? We are not happy. We are afraid!” “I see. And does anyone else feel the same way as this girl does?” Obius rose his brow again, scanning the crowd. I didn’t expect everyone to come forward and support me, but I thought at least a few people would do so. I’ve heard them complain many times about the king and his silly rules, about the crazy amount of executions and how we are forced to endure them each week. So why, then, do they not come forward and voice that now? “Tell me, girl. Who raised you?” Obius inquired. “My auntie.” “No mother or father?” “I know not who my father is, sir, and my mother…” Was killed by your guards when I was just a baby , I wanted to say, but I thought that would not be wise. “She is dead.” “Now it all makes sense. A village whelp raised by a village of whelps.” He sighed deeply, brushing the tan hair from his face before his eyes met aunties. “I assume you are the woman responsible for this girl?” Auntie hesitated, clutching her red robe tightly between her hands. “I-I am, sir…” “I must say, you have done a piss poor job at it.” “That’s not true!” I snapped angrily, eyes narrowed at him. “She has raised me well, always making sure I have clothes on my back and food in my belly. She protects me and teaches me. She may not be my mother, but she is the best auntie a person could ask for.” Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked up at me. “You stupid, foolish girl…” “I see,” said Obius, his steel-covered hand resting on my shoulder. “You must really love her, then.” “I do, sir.” A twisted smile came to his lips, eyes glinting with mania. “Then it’s a shame you’ve just sealed her fate.” “I’m sorry?” My brow furrowed, confusion filling me. “I don’t understand.” Auntie’s eyes widened and she quickly turned on her heel, darting down the dirt path as she held the bottom of her robe up. A guard quickly grabbed her, one hand clutching at her hair while the other clutched her arm. He dragged her up the steps toward us. “What are you doing?” I demanded, taking a step toward them. “She has done no wrong!” “Oh, but I’m afraid she has. You see, she failed to raise a compliant, useful child to serve the king. She failed you and the king. For that, she must be punished.” “No!” I lunged for the guard holding her but Obius grabbed me, his arms tight around my body, my arms pinned to my sides. I wiggled and kicked my legs, trying to free myself but it was useless - he was far too strong. “Let her go!” Tears streamed down auntie’s face as she was shoved to her knees. Mary was kicked out of the way, her body landing in a heap beside the stool with a cry of pain. Auntie replaced her, her head being forced down onto the stool. “Tell me, girl,” Obius whispered into my ear, sending a chill down my spine. “Do you know the law of equivalent exchange?” I ignored him, fighting with every ounce of strength I possessed. “In order to obtain something, something of equal value must be sacrificed. You want Mary to live, don’t you? Well, this is the price.” Auntie’s eyes met mine, teary and fearful. “No, please!” I begged, tears stinging at my eyes. “Take me instead! I’m the one that spoke up! I’m the one that didn’t listen! It should be me, not her!” Obius chuckled. “Oh, but it wouldn’t be as fun that way, now would it?” The executioner lifted his axe up high and I turned my head, unable to watch. Cries tore from my throat, vision blurred by my tears. He gripped my chin with his hand, forcing my head forward again. “No, you will watch this and you will learn the hard way what happens to those who speak out against the king.” “Please…” I begged desperately. The axe came down, cleaving her head from her body. Blood spurted everywhere and I jumped when it landed on my face. Her head rolled across the wood, stopping at my feet. I tried to look away but he was still gripping my chin, forcing me to look at her. Her mouth was open as if to ask why I hadn’t kept my mouth shut. And her eyes, those beautiful hazel eyes, were staring right into mine, still filled with tears. He finally released me and I fell to my knees, sobbing violently as I tried to erase the image of her lifeless body from my mind. “Surely I don’t need to remind you all,” started Obius, his voice loud so all could hear him. “What happens to those who question us. To those who defy us. Let this foolish girl be your answer.” And then he turned, patting me on the shoulder. “Don’t cry, girl, you saved the old hag, at least.” I listened to his footsteps fade as he descended the steps, the guards and executioner close behind. Mary slowly crawled over to me, putting her arms around me. I buried my face in her chest so I didn’t see the scene before me. That day, something inside me broke. Something that could never be fixed. And it was all my fault.