Writing Prompt

An army of ten thousand different creatures stood behind her. Dragons, gnomes, unicorns, and many different beasts. You may be wondering why she was leading an army of monsters and magic. She was trying to save the world of Spirana, from a beast much larger than a dragon. Her name was Ashley, she was dragging a sword that radiated fire. A boy with liquid hair was beside her with a determined look.

“Ashley hit right. NO YOUR OTHER RIGHT!” a coach behind her shouted at her. Aquarius fake stabbed her through the chest. “Got you,” he laughed a little. “I can’t tell my lefts from my rights,” they both burst into laughter. Then they heard a scrapping sound. A girl with brown hair that covered her almost pure black skin, walked in with a glowing red sword. “Ashley,” she said quietly. “What’s up Anna?” “You have been chosen… too fight the gianticoda,” she said even quieter.

Now on the meadow of despair, they headed towards the forest of fears, where the gianticoda lived. Anna was right behind them, now bearing cat features and a more serious face.

“Anna you can’t!” Ashley was about to cry. “I have too become the prophet, then I can protect you and all your descendants.” She grabbed her arms and hugged her. “I love you,” Anna said quietly. “I love you too,” she could see Aquarius flinching a bit when she said that.

Once they reached the forest of despair she told everyone to stay here. She went in alone. At first she couldn’t see it but soon she was being strangled by the creature. She cut through the body with her sword. The creature screamed in anger and its head shot like a bullet towards her. It didn’t hit her. Standing in its way was Aquarius. She sliced the snakes head off and ran to him in tears. “If I die I want you to know something,” he choked out. “I love you.” “I do too.” She kissed him.

If I’d said no. If I’d just said no….

“So, do you go to school around here?” He pried.

“No,” I lie, pulling my jacket over my chest.

He was chipper. “You must go to school. You’re so young. You’re probably very mature for your age.”

I’d heard that phrase before. The last man to tell me I was mature for my age was more than twice my age and wanted me for inappropriate things.

**“Yeah, I go to school. Homeschool” I prolong my dishonesty. **

If only I’d told him my dad was tracking my location.

“So what are you doing out here?”

“Waiting for my…boyfriend”

“That’s a shame. I’d like to make you happy.”

—————

Author’s Note: so I’m cutting this story off. Rough morning.

• = Flashback.

It was dark. My mind fogy with the constant rocking of whatever vessel I was within. I tried to feel around and move my body to learn about my space. I tried my arms first. I pulled and twitched, hardly feeling my own movements. 'Have they drugged me,' I thought to myself.

In a panic, I twist and move my whole body. I could hardly feel anything though, I knew I was moving. 'Shit,' I gasp in my head. 'What did they give me,' I quickly think, grasping at my thoughts and trying my best to remember. My head aches as if someone is stabbing it. I have to focus on my breathing to even think of remembering.

"Good day to you, Lady," the cunning and, handsome prince says. A smirk made its way up to his face. I bow quickly not wanting to stay in his presence. "I greet the Crown Prince of the Empire," I say monotonously, keeping my head down until the Crown Prince mentions with his hand to return to my original position.

"I hear you finally joined the ranks of my brother's guard," his eyes run along my body, observing the way my knight uniform fits my body.
"Yes, Your Highness." "Oh, how I would wish you would have thought to apply for my guard," he pauses smirking. "You do know that the people here call him, the villain and me, the hero," he states. His light, crystal blue bored into my muddy brown ones.

Thankfully being born into a world full of magic and not having a single drop to spare in my body, saved me. "You don't allow those that don't know magic into your guard, Your Highness," I respond. "I'm sure I could bend the rules for someone like you," he says, his eyes roaming my body now in a suggestive manner. I fight the look of disgust as it threatens to spill across my face. I wanted to retort something back. At least defend the man who chose me to protect him.

The second prince was far from perfect but, he was no villain. I knew that better than anyone not being blind by the Crown Prince's charms and deception. I vowed when I was knighted that I, Phrynia to protect Raynard, the second prince with my life, and I will. The reason the second prince had such a reputation was from the Crown Prince's lies. Oh, the Crown Prince Saruman was so full of lies.

The sound of trumpets interrupted my thoughts. The trumpets meant that the King would be making an announcement and that the Crown Prince and the second prince must gather at their rightful spots. Thankful for the timing I breathe out to calm myself. 'Careful Phrynia,' I speak in my head.

"It seems I must excuse myself," the Crown Prince says. "It seems so," I say in return with a bow. "You best to train your swimming."

The Crown Prince disappears into the crowd. At those words, I feel a chill run up my spine. 'Something not right' I search the crowd, and my eyes fall on a man in black leather hanging around the back of the crowd. I feel a chill up my spine once more. The man clad in dark leather pulls something long and thin from the inside of his garments. A needle, pointed at the Sencond prince Raynard. without thinking my body lunges, and I tackle him. 'If only I could have gotten my official sword' I grumble in my head.

I dodge the blows with ease until I trip on the carpeting falling the man uses that to his advantage. He thrusts the needle into my arm, right below my shoulder. My vision goes black. I fight to keep my mind conscious but, it's no use. The only thing I can hear is Prince Raynard shouting orders.

I gasp. "That Crown Prince bastard," I let out, my voice raspy and weak. It hurt. My whole head hurt and oh, how it spun. I whimper as I let out whatever was in my stomach. I noticed I was in a new room, one that did not rock. My vision goes black once again.

I spent several days in and out of consciousness. At times I could hear voices but, it seemed to be the wind that blew on this horrid place. I thought I was about to die of hunger before a man opened some sort of door behind me he set a tray down at my side. The smell of the food made me salivate on myself. The man left. I lunged at the tray stuffing whatever was on it, into my mouth. I eat my fill then some not wanting a crum to go to waste.

An hour or so later I heard a familiar sound, the whistle the archers in Prince Raynard use to communicate to the foot soldiers. I let my yells fill the space I was in. "I'm here! I'm in here." I call out like a wild animal. The door behind me comes crashing down with Prince Raynard at the opening. "My Prince," I croak out "Thank you for coming to my rescue." "Don't speak," he says, his voice gruff. His dark eyes look at mine. "Do you know who did this to you?"

I don't say a word for I can't stop staring at the slash that sits on the left side of his face. I reach out to touch it he winces in response. "I failed to keep you safe," Is all I could say as my head went dark once more.

Prince Raynard watches as his guard's eyes close. He lets out a breath picking her up something catches his eye. On the ground written in blood was: Crown Prince Saruman.

Anger floods through the second prince's body. That cursed brother of his always taking away what was his. The second prince handed Phrynia to the healers and he went to his horse. He rode through the night and hard to the castle where the Crown Prince stays.

Willing to do anything, everything in his power for his sweet revenge.

“Ms. Banta. I am here to ask you about father’s murder.” “Murder?” I ask. “Yes. The department believes that your father was murdered.” I stare at her. Mom isn’t looking at me. “Why do you think that?”

~6 YEARS AGO~ “Why do you think that?” Dad would ask when I was about 11 years old. “Well, if you take away the bear then you only have the elephant!” I said expecting him to agree. “But you still have the tiger. And the giraffe.” I slumped in disappointment. “I’ll never get it!” “But if you take away the giraffe then what are you left with?” “But the giraffe is behind the elephant!” “Then we’ll have to take away the elephant too.” Then it made sense.

~PRESENT DAY~ “Because he had a drug induced stroke in the middle of the road. Then he was hit by a car. And the driver fled. All point to foul play.” I nod along. “And do you think I have something to do with it? You think I murdered the only person that made me feel loved? Yeah, I definitely did it.” “Jennifer…” mom says in a serous voice. The officer looks taken aback. “I wasn’t going to accuse you of anything. But we would like you to come down to the station for questioning.” I glance at mom. She rises to her feet. “She isn’t allowed to. And since she is a minor, and I’m her legal guardian, she is not allowed to go with you.” “Of course, we need permission from you and her stepfather. But you are welcome to come with her.” I step forward. “I would like to know what happened to dad. Please mom.” Mom sighs in frustration. “Fine. But I will sit in on the questions.” She finally says. “Thank you ma’am.” The officer says. I ride with mom to the station.

~4 YEARS AGO~ “Jennifer! Do you have anything to say for yourself?!” Dad shouted. It was the only time I had ever seen him truly angry. Mom was just staring at him with concern. “Tim… I am sure it was an accident.” “But it wasn’t. Was it Jennifer?” He asked with an eyebrow raised. I had TPed the principal’s house. I was at the police station getting yelled at. The principal wasn’t even mad. She was thought it was the funniest thing ever. But dad didn’t. I didn’t even get a suspension! That was the only time I was grounded for 7 months. I didn’t feel bad though. The principal had told a teacher to give me an F. That affected my whole grade. And the principal thought it was reasonable pay back.

~PRESENT DAY~ At the station, mom followed my every step. The officer took me to a dim room with a chair and a couch. She sat on the couch beside me, leaving mom to sit in the chair. “We are going to do a cognitive interview. I need you to close your eyes. Think back to that morning he died.” I follow her instructions. As my eyes close I think to that day.

(For this part, go read pt.1)

“And then what happened? You and your father got home?” “My mom helped me with homework then that evening me and my dad went jogging again.” Mom’s face is strained. “That’s enough.” She says. “What?” I ask, louder than I should have. The officer glances at the door. The chief and a Naval officer are standing behind it. “Mrs. Charleston and her daughter.” The chief says. The Naval officer nods. “Mrs. Charleston, your late husband was an undercover officer who was investigating your new husband Bob. And you.” Mom’s mouth drops open. THE END

“Bright boy that’s what my teachers always called me. When I graduated high school Principal Miller made a point of shaking my parents’ hands. Miller said I was a bright boy and really going places. I’ve always been a go getter, a visionary.

“At Mountain State when my frat brothers were doing keggers and chasing skanks, I launched a carpet cleaning business my sophomore year. I was never young. I never played. I worked to provide for my family.

“Okay, so my business had a rocky second quarter. There were some unexpected expenses. Maybe I reallocated some funds from the fraternity coffers to my personal account. But that fraternity advisor was completely out of pocket.

“In front of everyone, Rick confronted me about missing deposits. Dead in his eye, I calmly explained he was mistaken and perhaps he was untutored in basic accounting. I walked away from Delta Kau house and Mountain State that night. A temporary shortfall doesn’t make me a criminal. I will not be insulted. Rick tried to embarrass me in front of everyone.”

“Mr. Landis can we focus on the present?how did you get here in prison awaiting trial for fraud? Was this a Ponzi scheme from the beginning?” Reporter Rebecca Stein asked.

The reporter drummed her fingers trying to figure out a way to staunch the crook’s soliloquy. State prisons were seventh rings of hell. Federal prisons were more like rundown YMCAs. Morgan Federal Prison was puke yellow cinder blocks and desperation. David seemed above and apart from his surroundings. Rebecca rolled her neck as David nattered on. David banged his fist hard against the plexiglass. Rebecca jumped back.

“Sorry, miss, there was no scam. Never was!7Misunderstandings of course some pretty standard creative bookkeeping yes. The economy bought me down. With a little time I will right Wide Awake Coffee. I can make us profitable like that,” David said snapping.

Rebecca looked through her notes. Millions of dollars were missing, employees made jobless, pensioners left penniless scrawled across her pages of legal pads.

Landis convinced investors to buy worthless stocks for what was hyped as the next Starbucks. But there were no contracts with coffee growers. There were no property deals in new markets. All of the investors’ money went on shopping sprees for David and his family.

Landis’ promises were as hollow his empty as his abandoned storefronts that dotted the Northwest. She stared at the mastermind behind so much damage.

“A bright boy, I’ve always been ahead of the curve. After I left college I worked hospitality. I was successful but I needed to be an entrepreneur. My coworkers sabotaged me. I was never a kid. Instead I sold lemonade and mowed lawns. So of course I bought a few toys, a few cars, a nice house for the wife and kids. That’s to be expected,” David said.

“Naturally, everyone wants to let off steam. Tell me your success story. What was your dream for Wake Up Coffee?” Rebecca asked.

The high school reunion is today. God I’ve been dreading it. I’m only going because one of my old friends will be there. And then I’m out. Alright time to leave.

Well I’m here. At my old high school. And I’m already dreading it. I just want to leave. But I do want to talk to Tom.

I walk in and I see Tom right away, without looking at anyone else who’s here I walk up to him. He was married but they just got divorced. What a shame. He asks “Is Olivia seeing anyone?” I look at him curiously. He knows we used to go out, right? “Why?” He jokingly asks “Why, do you still have feelings for her?” I think about it for a second “I’m not sure, I haven’t seen her yet.” Tom grins as if he already knew. He points behind him and says “I’ll see you later?” I look behind me and Olivia is talking to someone I’m not sure who it apparently I’m supposed to go and talk to her according to Tom. I walk over to her just as whoever she was talking to turns around and leaves. She then turns around to face me the second I’m about to tap her shoulder.

Olivia. My ex. We broke up the beginning of senior year and got back together toward the end. That was so embarrassing. That whole speech I gave her. But hey, it worked.

Flashback of when they got back together

“No offense but you wrong.” She looked at me as if she didn’t believe me. “Wrong about what?” I look at her because I know it’s obvious. “Your wrong about us being in different paths. We’re not on different paths, because your my path. And your always gonna be my path.” She looks at me as though she’s sad. “Marcus stop, we can’t. . .” I cut her off, I don’t need her ruining this for me. “and I know there’s a million reasons why we shouldn’t be together, but I’m tired of them. I’m tired of every single one of them. And well, I gotta make a choice, and I choose you” I can’t believe I just said all that. I’m just glad no else is around. I mean I actually do feel this way, I just hope she knows. I mean I love her and she knows that now if she didn’t before. I can only hope and pray that she still loves me as well. She kissed me, and then we got back together. I guess it worked! “I love you” She tells me, no way, I’m the luckiest man on the earth! “I love you too.” I didn’t realize it would be as easy as that. -

Flashback ends

“H-How are you?” I stutter. God why can’t I even talk to her? “I’ve been better.” She says. I look at her feeling a little sad for her. “Why, is something bothering you?” She smiles at me. What could she possibly be smiling about? “Yeah but it’s nothing you can fix.” I feel a little disappointed, I just wanted to help. “Oh ok” There’s an awkward pause and then I decide to bring up what’s were both thinking about “Have you been seeing anyone since uh you know?” She looks up at me from the floor. “No, I haven’t been able to.” Wait what, she hasn’t been able to? What’s that supposed to mean? “What do you mean you aren’t able to?” I ask her “I just can’t bring myself to see anyone else. That’s all.” Huh. That’s weird, does that mean she wants to keep seeing me? “You know, you seem lonely. If you feel lonely you could be lonely with me?” She looks at me surprised. Now I know I messed up. “What? Lonely with you?” Oh god. I shrug my shoulders trying to play it cool “Yeah, unless I’m wrong and your not lonely at all.” There now she can say no without feeling bad. “No I-I am a bit lonely.” She says “Uh what about you? Have you been seeing anyone else?” Thank god she’s changing the subject “No I haven’t either. I’m not sure I can.” “Oh” That’s all she says. “Do you remember the time we jumped off that bridge together because Tom dared us to?” She says this with a smile on her face. I smile too “Yeah, I do. I remember thinking that was the best day of my life.” She looks at me as if she’s confused “Why?” “That was the day that’s you agreed to be my girlfriend.” Her smile gets the tiniest bit bigger, I’m glad that made her happy. “So, would you want to have dinner sometime?” Her eyes widen. God I knew that was stupid I should’ve never even asked. “Uh y-yeah. I’m free uh tonight actually, if that works for you.” I’m surprised she said yes! Yeah, tonight works, we could go out right after the reunion, if you want.” She smiles “Or, we could just go now!” She grabs my hand and runs out of the gym dragging my behind her. “You wanna take a tour of not only our high school but memory lane?” She asks putting her hand out. “Of course, My lady.” We spent just about all night remembering all the good times we had. We ended the night with dinner and then I drove her home. She gave me her new number at dinner. I’m gonna text her and ask her out again as soon as I get home. I just hope she says yes. If so this could be the continuation of a relationship that has been off for 6 years!

Staring at these pictures on the wall The ones where time stood in place Where we were happy. But that was a long time ago

The memories we had were so vivid it was my escape when I worried about you being so far away,I loved when we were together

But you shattered things I didn’t realize how blind I was you used to say you love me and that was the biggest lie next to I’ll be back

I had to let you go to “grow up” it took months to forget the memories we had And it took even longer to feel numb towards you

Even though the memories faded I can still see your smile and your laughter echos in my mind.

It hurts not seeing you everyday but it’s probably for the best the last time you showed yourself at Our sisters wedding I thought you were a stranger at first glance And when we hugged my head was finally at peace and yet your not the person I once knew. I get a glimpse of you every time I get a Whiff of a cigarette smell.

I wish I could help you but you don’t want me too I still love you but I’ll never get so close like we were. We can’t hurt each other not physically of course but let’s just say Your more of a stranger then a sister I once knew the memories are fading and you are too

What I remember Is time in September When you lived And gived With your entire self Not considering wealth But what it was worth For us on this Earth But now you live apart No more restarts With your plans And your forgiving fans But no longer for us Love is a must

(Set during the ballroom scene in More Than Blood. This perspective occurs right before Spade’s first POV which hasn’t been released yet.) ——— Queen Nerva observed the gala with such pride and warmth. All her children were doing a splendid effort in socializing like they were taught.

“We did well,” King Redfal surprised his wife who was so focused on her children, she had not noticed another presence. “Yes. Yes we did.”

“Do you remember that time many moons ago when we brought Spade home? The first time our family was all together?” Redfal asked, though he knew the answer well. It was her favorite moment to look back on.

OoOoO

“When is Mommy going to get here?” A ten year old Cove pulling at Louisa’s arm, her excitement evident.

“They should be here very soon, my dear,” Louisa answered. Queen Nerva could hear the bustling liveliness of her children before she even walked through the door.

“You ready, Nerva?” She turned to her husband and nodded. “They’ll love him,” she said, cradling their son.

King Redfal leaned down and kissed Spade’s forehead and then pressed one to her cheek as well. “They already do, my queen.”

When the doors opened, she was swarmed by her lovely children. She could tell they were excited but impatient. They were trying so hard to not show their impatience, and it was adorable.

They all hugged their parents first, but practically waited in line to watch their newest sibling.

“Mommy, he’s so small,” a four year old Amerie gushed as she looked down on at her baby brother from her father’s arms.

“How old is he?” An eight year old Kent questioned, having several baby books laid out, ready to read to him.

The queen situated herself on the long couch as her family sat down either next to her or in front of her on the ground. “He is just about 3 months old. I bet he would love a story in a bit,” Redfal suggested, ruffling Kent’s hair.

“Can we play with Spade?” A five year old Hale asked, her gaze studying the baby, trying to figure out if he is capable of some sort of movement. A nine year old Della brushed Spade’s cheeks, and she marveled at the softness of his skin. “He’s just a baby, Hale,” Della teased, running her hand through her short hair. Once the strands fell from her fingers, the Queen saw a look flash across her daughter’s face.

“It’ll grow, Della,” she brought Della towards her and kissed the top of her head. Della beamed up at her mother. “Then I’ll have long, pretty hair like you and Cove!”

“Yes you will, sweetheart,” Redfal added with a comforting hand in her shoulder.

“Mommy, Daddy, may I hold him?” Cove inquired, poised and polite as always.

“You may. Can you be still for me?” Her oldest child eagerly nodded. Her arms already held out for her brother.

Nerva gently positioned Spade in Cove’s grasp. Once she was sure she was supporting his head, Queen took a step back and just took it in. This was her family. Her beautiful family.

Her husband joined her in basking in the feeling of family. “Our family is complete now.” “Yes it is.”

OoOoO

“I never knew I could be so happy until that moment,” Nerva confessed. Having dealt with a world of sickness and leading the kingdoms at a young age, she didn’t know that level of peace until then.

“But here we are, still as jovial as ever.” He landed a quick kiss on her lips before looking around as if they would get caught.

“Do you think anyone saw?” He asked in a hushed tone. She laughed and shoved him playfully. His humor had not changed since the day that she met him. She lived him for it.

“My dear, I think everyone saw. Fortunately, we are the rulers,” she said lovingly.

As her gaze returned to her the gala happening around her, her children’s tutor approached.

“Queen Nerva, may I have a word with you about one of the Royal heirs?” Mr. Nevyle requested.

Redfal excused himself when he spotted a lord he needed to speak with.

“That is my favorite topic to talk about. Which one?”

“Prince Spade. He surpasses my expectations for someone of his years. I would suggest that he be incorporated in this discussion.”

“I love hearing such glowing remarks, Mr. Nevyle. They make me very proud.”

“I am only giving the review that he deserves.” She smiled at the way he spoke. Even when he was her tutor, he was like this. “They look after each other. I am just so lucky.”

“I would say so, my queen. Would it be an adequate time to bring Prince Spade into the conversation?”

She nodded. As she heard Mr. Nevyle call for Spade, she watched her family, feeling like when she did so many years ago.

Her beautiful family.

My stomach won’t stop rumbling and gurgling. I haven’t been this hungry in a long time, maybe never. Laying on this bench in the middle of the night looking up at the stars has me wondering how I got here. How did I get here, in this place, this hungry, lost and alone? All I wanted was to help others and I only had good intentions, right? At least I thought I did. Jenny only wanted me to help her with a quick delivery for a new client and then we would go to the movies. That new monster flick is out and we were both excited to see how ridiculous the special effects would be. Her phone pinged for the address and we were off to pick up the package and quickly take it to the destination. No more than 15 minutes, that’s all it should’ve taken, that was three days ago. Now my best friend is missing, my pockets are empty, and my insides are eating themselves. Where did it go wrong? Why did I have to be so curious? I opened the package and in turn, ruined everything. My crazy impulsive actions! When will I ever learn?