I stand in my knight armor, its silver metal gleaming against the moon’s light.

My sword weighs down my side; my nerves shake.

“Tomorrow, knights,” King Tiberius shouts. “You will fight against our enemies and restore our kingdom to its former glory!”

Some knights cheer, many stay silent in fear.

“We have chosen you from you homes, men and women both, to fight for our kingdom!” King Tiberius ...

Look, I didn't ask to be picked. None of us did.

But when Yuri, Daughter of Zeus, and one of the most gruff, bold, and tough girls on camp picks you to be on her Capture the Flag team, it's hard to say no.

So, here I am; running for my dear life as flaming arrows shoot past my head.

I clutched the blue flag tightly in my hand, my chest heaving as I run. My legs felt like they were about to fall...

Look, Dad chose to make me a journal. I can’t help that. He put stories in here for me, but I don’t mind sharing them with you… I guess. I just need you to not be a jerk about it. And don’t ever take my journal again!!!

I’m seeing now how much like Fledge and Buzzy we are. You are the cautious bird, always looking out for yourself. I’m the reckless bird. I know it’s true. Buzzy, haha, I mean Char...

Three sets of footsteps echoed against the chipped tile floor of Pensly Junior High, moving much faster than the hall monitor would allow. The trio navigated the maze of hallways with the ease of seasoned students, passing the cafeteria and gymnasium in a blur before arriving at their destination: Principal Poggins' office, widely considered the dullest place in the entire school.

Julia, the tall...

Hale is on her way to her assigned place.

Hiding out in Gallia isn’t what she would like to do. It’s what she is supposed to do according to the escape plan. As Princess of Allaver, she should follow orders.

Out of all her siblings, Hale is probably the most aware of how wrong this plan could go. How are six royal siblings going to actually all make it to different locations in different direc...

Keepers, chosen to aid the ones of high status and rank, to serve their every whim. I am one of them, but who I serve is rather….

“Ugh! Why can’t I seem to get this concoction right!” My Keep whines, banging his fists on his table in child-like anger.

I stand by his side, not too close of course, for I might offend him, and watch as this happens. It seems he’s trying to make some kind of potion....

He picked the straw the short straw look. I didn’t ask to be picked. None of us did

That’s why the straw is the most democratic way of picking somebody

So I have to go out there and act us bait for the zombies

Yes, they said yes. Run leave them to the trap and then we can shoot them and then you’ll save us all.

You’ve got short straw you have choice it’s democratic...

“Spaceport Ares West, Controller Bilbao Kurtis, come in unregistered vehicle, report. You are approaching restricted commercial airspace, report.”

Dead air.

“Yo, Mar, I got some weirdness near strip 9A. Check this out. My scanner is picking up five airships small like just hovering. I don’t see the call numbers or any identifiers.”

Chief Space Traffic Controller Margo Delasantos leaned over Kur...

"Look, I didn't ask to be picked. None of us did." Sarah's nostrils were flaring, her usually pale cheeks painted bright red.

"I know." Anmer's voice quivered as he spoke. He understood what she meant. None of them had chosen to be a part of this battle.

"I won't do it. I refuse to be a pawn in the hands of an angry god."

This angered Ammer. An angry god? The Creator was anything...

Not me

You see

It’s a lie

Let fly

They won

It’s done

Game over

Lost in clover

Go back

We lack

They speak

We are weak...