In any superhero movie, there are always those civilians who make the dumbest choices available. Whether that be running toward danger, being mean, or just generally being useless, the world would be a lot easier to save if civilians had a rulebook to keep them out of danger in extreme circumstances.The only problem is, what would happen to the writer of such a rulebook?…
"Sam Strongarms emerges from the walls of her nation more alone than she has ever felt. As she faces the sprawling mass of soldiers, a sea of reds and yellows, she suddenly realizes that the army could easily decide to fight dirty and unleash a slew of arrows on her. Then, her sacrifice really would be in vain.But unlike the wild Opians who are equally as strong, the Dixians always fight fair. So fair, that when reds and yellows part to reveal Redthorn glimmering in grey armor striding toward Sam, Sam wishes they had been cheap shots after all. Then at least her death would have been quick."The might of the Dixians is only rivaled by that of the nomadic Opians. So when the peaceful Publicaens face them in battle, they know they will lose. Their only hope is Sam Strongarms, their legendary fighter who has tricked her way into the title.This is the story of what happens to the nations that lose. Of the people who try their best to live in peace, only for history to be written by those who conquer them. What happens to those people after they lose? Why won't the Great Goddesses favor them instead of the winners? And who is to blame when everything goes wrong?WARNING: This book contains swearing, violence, and themes of abuse.…
Helen is anything but certain that she will be picked to bond with the magical creatures that humanity is entrusted to protect. She is an orphan that has no hope for her small life besides the fact that no one cares anymore what she decides to do. The best she can hope for is to become a Provider and live out the rest of her boring life alone.Freya is a Nexus, one guaranteed to bond with a magical creature, but disappoints her rich and prosperous family by being chosen by a weak, wind unicorn. They force her to learn the ways of the Provider, the only place they believe her skills will be useful, completely disregarding her pleas to become a Warrior instead.One rich, one poor.One with limitless possibilities, one with none. Both escape the destiny put upon them.Both pave the way for generations to come.UPDATES TWICE PER WEEK UNTIL COMPLETED.…
"Well, there's word of a tournament. A tournament where each family can enlist a child, and a variety are chosen to compete."Interesting, but she's still beating around the bush. "Really, what type of tournament?" I ask, feigning interest."A tournament to test one's skills. A tournament whose prize is the ability to freeze time."My eyes widen in surprise. People had gotten close to slowing time to a stop, but no one had ever managed to succeed. The possibilities of such an ability would be endless.I imagine the thrill of stopping time and having the power to keep myself out of harm's way. I wouldn't be the Runt anymore, I would be the King. With such power, I could get rid of wealthy, corrupt families and bullies on the streets.It feels like all the happiness flies out of me in a second as I find the catch: There's no way my mother would choose me. And, if Tom got the power, my life would look more like hell than ever. "So, why are you telling me this?" I ask bitterly.My mother sighs dramatically. "Unfortunately, only people born with no powers can attend. So, you are this family's only possible contender." Hope-- that devil-- comes sliding out of the shadows, reaching for my heart. "So, I've decided to put you in the raffle." Before I can stop it, Hope has seized my limbs, begging me to leap with joy. I contain myself. Hardly. Enough to notice the greed that flashes in my mother's eyes before she waves me off. Hope's death is as painful as the joy of its presence: Even if I win the tournament, the prize won't be mine to take.---In Jack's world, people have the ability to speed up and slow time. Thanks to his lack of both powers, his life has been hell. When a chance to take charge of his life to win a prize beyond imagination arrives, he takes it. But will he win the tournament? And if he does, who will stop his family from taking the prize?WARNING: This story contains themes of abuse, language, and self-harm.…