Silver Bullet (ONC 2021)

Silver Bullet (ONC 2021)

224 33 6

ONC Prompt 60: Rumors of a mysterious dark force under the earth have spread around the city. You are sent to investigate.Boston is in dire straits: a mysterious illness is sweeping through the citizens, striking seemingly at random. The afflicted lash out with preternatural strength as their minds degenerate into animalistic instincts. The lucky ones die as their hearts give out. The unlucky ones are warped and feral forever, a rabid menace to everyone around them.That's the story in the news, anyways. Idessa Elswythdottir, witch and werewolf, knows better: the so called 'illness' is in fact a curse, one created by her twin brother, Keegan. Knowing its origin is a far cry, however, from reversing the spell itself. Only Keegan himself can break the spell once cast--and her brother is nowhere to be found.It's up to Idessa to find her errant sibling and break the spell before he wreaks more havoc on the city. Joined by a witch, a psychic, a siren, and a pair of demigods, she must scour the city inch by inch for any clue to his location. If she should fail, the supernatural forces of Boston will rise to destroy the evidence of magic, regardless of the loss of life. Or worse, the mortals might remember that they have an infamous tradition of witch hunting.…

A Werewolf Ate My Homework (and other tales from Cedarville)

A Werewolf Ate My Homework (and other tales from Cedarville)

119 16 3

There are some who believe that magic is gone from this world; or rather, that it never existed in the first place, being nothing but superstitions of fearful apes attempting to impose their will on an uncaring universe.This is, of course, incorrect. The first bit, not the stuff about humans being fearful apes.In contrast, there are some who believe that magic, like the nebulous divinity of pantheism, is an all-pervading force unifying the cosmos, and what we in our limits call mundanity is in fact a sliver of Eternity itself.This is also incorrect. Furthermore, it is hippie nonsense, or at least a symptom of watching too much Star Wars.There is a third view, however: that magic is still here and never really left, preferring instead to conceal, to relocate, to feign normalcy. Witchcraft still stirs up trouble, the fae still lurk in green glades far from asphalt encroachment, and if you turn around quick enough you might spot the border between this world and the Other Place.This is, for the most part, incorrect. The Other Place has its own rules, its own power struggles, and generally regards the mundane world with disdain. However, it is most completely incorrect in Cedarville, MA, where the worst criminals, spies, and dissidents from the Other Place hide from retribution under an uneasy truce. In Cedarville, magic does not hide. It is not separate, or subtle.And most of all, it does not play by the rules.(Or: Joe was feeling chaotic and dumped a bunch of AG tributes in a small town AU)…

Author Games: Tempest

Author Games: Tempest

5,447 187 49

It was supposed to be fun. A cruise into the Caribbean. A way to get some much needed sun and relaxation. And, in fairness, it was. The ship was exactly as promised, and the luxuries were nothing to shake a stick at. It was exactly the way you imagined.Of course, that was before the storm. And the shipwreck that forced you to swim to the shore of a foreboding island that seems devoid of human contact, save for the other survivors. The wildlife is hostile to you, the water unsafe, the plants toxic. It seems like the entire island hates the presence of intruders--and there's something dark deep in the heart of the jungle.Fun nothing. This vacation might not be something you survive.…

A Koan

A Koan

58 7 1

A short story written for my Fiction Writing class.…

Author Games: The Earth Unwary

Author Games: The Earth Unwary

3,974 287 48

Seven years after the dissolution of Project Phoenix, a new assembly of heroes has come into the world's focus: SHADR, the Society of Heroes for Aid, Defense, and Research. Their five directors have made the safety of humanity their byword; beneath their careful oversight metahumans are trained and given the opportunity to defend the world from any threat which might face it. For seven years the peace has lasted. But no longer.An alignment of stars and planets heralds the return of an ancient threat to humanity, one whose weaknesses have been forgotten in the fog of ages. It is up to SHADR to stave off the greatest threat humanity has ever known, but it and its heroes have never faced a menace of such scale. Will they find themselves up to the task? Or will Earth's finest heroes meet their match when it matters most?The third installment of the Hero You Deserve series, The Earth Unwary offers new challenge, new danger, but the same fun and adventure as before.Cover credits: @annie1loves1you…

Author Games: One-Shot, One Kill

Author Games: One-Shot, One Kill

4,343 402 51

Come one, come all, authors of Wattpad! Here your short story skills will go head to head against some of the most talented authors across the site, testing your mettle in six rounds of one-shots. Is your creativity up to the task of vanquishing your opponent each round? Or will you fall into inglorious defeat?Only time- and your will to succeed- will tell.…

Danse Macabre [Wattpad Team Up Challenge]

Danse Macabre [Wattpad Team Up Challenge]

43 12 1

Reading this? Be sure to check out similar stories across Wattpad (but especially CAKersey, MagmaKepner, and HannahFare)…

Author Games: Empty Night

Author Games: Empty Night

6,887 403 77

Human or Other?Politics among the various supernatural denizens of Chicago is a messy affair at best; between attending to intra-faction power plays, territorial squabbles, and (most importantly) concealing their very existence from the humans upon whom they feed. On a good day, the state of affairs is volatile. This, of course, is not a good day.~*~Truth or lie?When Dragon Prince Dorian is found murdered in his bed, the resulting uproar sets every supernatural faction at each other's throats. To stave off all-out war, a panel of 20 top investigators must tear through the city's darkest secrets in order to find the true culprit. Failure will lead to death. An incorrect accusation will lead to far, far worse- at least for the one accusing. ~*~Success or failure?War is on the horizon. The clues are in your hands. Can you put them together in time?War or peace? Light or dark?You decide.Cover credit goes to @MagmaKepner…

Author Games: The Absent Empress

Author Games: The Absent Empress

9,028 653 77

A year has gone by since Miguel Santos died leading the Sentries, and Sakura Sato has her work cut out for her. As the new host for the demon and angel who gave Miguel his superhuman might, she's now the World's Mightiest Hero- whether she likes it or not. If there's one thing she's learned from her time in the Sentries, however, it's that she's not ready to do it alone. After all, an Empress without her subjects is just a person, and Sakura's always been more. Mere weeks after her team is completed, however, an unnerving pattern emerges in the criminal activity Sakura has sworn to oppose. Following the trail to its source may lead her to a darkness she had thought long since dead, destroyed by her first actions as a hero. The lead is almost certainly dangerous, but what's the use of otherworldly superhuman might if she can never take a risk? Join Sakura as one of the heroes in Project Phoenix, rising from the shambles of teams in the past to continue The Good Fight with all the joys and sorrows it entails. Featuring guest host RappyTheDinsoaur, this sequel to Author Games: The Hero You Deserve will bring all the adventure of the former with a fiery new flavor.…

The Power and the Glory

The Power and the Glory

335 49 4

For nearly a century the Sentries have been humanity's safeguard against the various insanities and abominations too great to be handled by the ordinary humans. Their superhuman might is the stuff of legends; with the immortal Blacklight at their head, their mere name is enough to send criminals cowering for cover. That's the official story, anyway. Irene Santos isn't sure she buys it, but the specific details have never really been her concern-- until now. When an explosion overseas leaves her bereft of any relatives, she is shocked to discover that her great-grandfather is still alive, well, and running an elite squad of superheroes in his spare time. Nonetheless, it's up to her and her new-found ancestor to adjust in a matter of days. It's never been more dangerous to be the descendant of a superhuman, particularly when a mysterious force begins to pick off the Sentries one by one. As her new world begins to crumble, friends, family, and all, Irene must face three difficult questions: What could snuff out superhumanly powerful warriors? Does she have what it takes to help? Does she even have what it takes to survive?…

Author Games: Path of the Guildpact

Author Games: Path of the Guildpact

10,756 924 78

On the city-world of Ravnica, things are often beautiful but rarely quiet. Magic pervades every aspect of life; a wide variety of beings walk the crowded streets, and countless wonders and horrors alike are hidden from all but the canniest denizens. For over ten thousand years the power in Ravnica has been divided among the ten magical guilds; they act as the controlling bodies for different aspects of life. Their conduct, however, is regulated by the Guildpact, a single individual with control of the magical document codifying each guild's domain of influence. The Guildpact is responsible for maintaining balance, and they are at least in theory totally neutral to ensure their judgements are based solely on the Pact proper. "In theory" is, of course, the operative phrase. When Guildpact Jace dies prematurely under "mysterious circumstances," the ten guilds are eager to put forward their own candidates for the next keeper of the balance. These candidates would totally, definitely not be biased towards their guild of origin in any way. Fortunately, to get the approval of the other guilds, each candidate must prove themselves to be exactly that. And earning approval in the eyes of Ravnica's mightiest may just mean sacrificing all they hold dear. Don't miss out on Wattpad's first Games based on Magic: The Gathering! When magic and political intrigue come together, a single choice may be the difference between glory and doom.…

Author Games: The River of Night

Author Games: The River of Night

6,650 881 77

In Ancient Egypt, the day begins normally. Ra, the mighty god of the sun, rises in the east at dawn, rides his boat across the sky, and descends into the Underworld at dusk. All is well and good. The next day at dawn, he does not emerge again. As one might guess, this is somewhat problematic. Of course, the sun is necessary to prevent small annoyances like "freezing to death" and "eventual, inescapable starvation-" but only the fortunate will survive to die in the dark. Ra's might cowed demons and sustained the other gods; without him, monsters that feared the light of the day will walk free. Eventually, the entire Egyptian pantheon will be helpless stop them. An epic task falls to twenty-four champions from all across Egypt: to venture into the Underworld, following Ra's path down the River of Night. If the sun god has been captured or detained, rescue him. If an enemy stands in their way, kill him or die trying. The odds are stacked against them, but the consequences of failure are far, far worse than death. After all, if they're too slow, there may not be a sun left to save...…

Author Games: The City of Gold

Author Games: The City of Gold

10,280 1,060 81

Even for witches and wizards, sometimes there's no substitute for good old-fashioned research.It seemed like the perfect opportunity for any student of Magical History or Ancient Runes- a research expedition to the Yucatán Peninsula with famed archaeologist and witch Gloria Itza. Over the course of six weeks, one could explore the lush rainforest, delve into the darkest ruins with an expert by their side, and look for clues to the disappeared alchemist's capital known only as El Dorado. Students from magical schools from across the globe itched to escape their tiresome studies and have an adventure.The trouble is, El Dorado has stayed hidden for hundreds of years, ever since the disappearance of the Mayan empire. As plans slowly deteriorate and the ancient magic of the Maya begins to affect students, two facts become clear:It is entirely possible that El Dorado does not want to be found. And to protect its treasure, no magic is too dark.Featuring the first ever collaboration between TheCatKing and returning host RappyTheDinosaur, this is one HP Games you don't want to miss. We promise that by the end, you'll long for nice, relaxing Triwizard Tournament. There, at least the worst thing you face is death...…

Author Games: Brave New World

Author Games: Brave New World

15,220 1,042 82

By 2150, Earth is in decline- but humanity can always look to the stars.The Ark is the first ship of its kind: a craft that will carry a select group of 100 colonists from Earth to Danu, a planet unstained by human growth. There, they will establish a colony capable of continuing the legacy of Earth. Humanity will endure even if they cannot reverse the damage to their home planet. It was a splendid, painstakingly crafted endeavor, designed for maximum security- but no plan is perfect, particularly on an alien world. Even if the colonists can remain united, there exist countless trials and dangers along the way. Things can fall apart, especially if the planet and its inhabitants decide to fight back...…

Author Games: The Measure of a Mage

Author Games: The Measure of a Mage

9,684 934 84

The continent of Halyin has never been a quiet place. With four irate nations jostling for power and bristling with magical might, only the threat of an ancient treaty can keep the balance and prevent all-out war. The terms of the treaty outline a trial by combat, to which each nation must submit six budding magi in a time of tension. To the victor go the spoils- and to their nation the authority to resolve the situation.The system had worked well for the millennia since its creation. For the most part, crisis were averted for fear of sacrificing the young to a deadly contest. Enforced by the four Guardians sworn to neutrality, the ritual has gone unused for over a century. Until now.When a monstrous weapon of war escaped from a sorcerous lab and began terrorizing the countryside, it was all too easy for the nations to blame each other and prepare for battle. Six candidate magi were chosen from the magical academies in each country. Now, all twenty-four shall be tested in body, mind, wizardry, and heart, against each other and the magical might of the Guardians.The times are dark. Only in hours like these can one truly take the measure of a mage.…

Author Games: The Hero You Deserve

Author Games: The Hero You Deserve

10,240 755 85

Blacklight, America's resident superhero, is going crazy. Perhaps it was being mistaken for a teenager for the thousandth time (at 126 years old.) It could have been the two supernatural beings living inside his head who hate him, each other, and people in general. He might just be tired of the ordinary trials and indignities of The Good Fight, such as being arrested, insulted in eighteen different languages, and pelted with fruit by an ungrateful monkey. Whatever the motive, after more than a century of guarding humankind, acting as a beacon of hope, and battling the forces of evil, he's had enough. He's done his part, and plans to enjoy a semi-peaceful retirement for the rest of his very long life. Still, the world needs a hero, and Blacklight would prefer if the apocalypse didn't happen while he relaxes by the beach. It's up to him to pull a ragtag group of heroes together into a fighting force that Fears No Evil. If he's lucky, some of them may even live.…

Author Games: Saga of the Tree

Author Games: Saga of the Tree

7,176 451 87

The World Tree is sick.The world of Aimsir is dying.While the humans of Aimsir panic, ignore the problem, or blame each other, the magical races have decided to take matters into their own hands. They're a part of the world too, and they have a chance to not only avert the apocalypse but also access World Tree, healing and changing it for the better. Or at least, what they think is better.Are you one of the races sworn to Good, dedicated to healing the Tree and changing it to make life flourish for all? Or are you part of the races dedicated to Evil, ready to shift the balance of Aimsir in your own benefit? Could you be part of Neutrality, commanded to heal the Tree and leave the world as is?Will your oaths even matter when the power to change the world is at your command?Find the Tree. Save the world.The saga is yours.Do you have what it takes?…

Author Games: Ragnarok

Author Games: Ragnarok

8,870 369 84

Come one, come all, to my very first Author Games! This is a Games inspired by Neil Gaiman's "American Gods." When the last gods from around the world come together after receiving a mysterious offer of almighty power, they learn of a chance become, for just an instant, all-powerful. What they soon learn, however, is that the power comes at a high cost: the death of their competitors. However, those who enter are willing to risk everything for the off chance of victory- even if it means risking eternal life.Cower in fear, whether you be mortal stock or divine blood. When the Fates come together to create a clash of gods, no one is safe.…